Question of the Day

Would it be weird to purchase a chair for my office and neglect the standard issue offering?

Laughingstock

UVA football is atrocious. Without delving into details, I hold the coaching staff fully accountable, as we have talented athletes who are trapped in the first year implementation of a spread offence, which is being sabotaged/watered-down by Groh. Also (one last rant), how do you come out in the spread against W&M, instead of running it down their throat to a 14+ point lead, before implementing the spread? We compleletely negated out athletic superiority.

If/when/once Groh is fired, the popular replacement is Mike London (Richmond). Personally, I want no part of any coach from the Al Groh lineage. My choices to replace Al Groh:

1. Chris Peterson -Boise State - Would he leave a perennial top 15 team for a rebuilding assignment?
2. Troy Calhoun - Air Force - Former service academy coaches are favorably viewed at UVA
3. Paul Johnson/Tom O'Brien - GT/NCSU - We should ahve hired PJ two years ago, I knew he'd be successful @ GT, who are scary good this year. 0% chance either leaves for UVA.
4. Chris Beatty - WVU - It is only a matter of time before he gets a HC gig.

I don't want:
1. Phil Fulmer - Does not fit the UVA xcoaching persona, lauded by the same contingent who wanted Bobby Knight to replace Dave Leitao
2. Any assistant coach from USC
3. Terry Bowden

Strasburg and the Nats

That may be the only time I combine those words. With just over a day left, I'm disappointed the Nats haven't signed Strasburg, although they've offered them a 'record deal'. I'd split my blame 70/30% between the Nats and Boras.

Should the Nats not sign Strasburg, it will be the second consecutive year they do not sign their first round draft pick. By drafting SS #1, they knew he'd command a record deal which would surpass an incremental increase from the current record of $10.5m/yr. The corresponding positives (ticket & jersey sales, conversation) would outweigh the looming negatives if he gets off the hook.

Boras could care less if he blows up baseball to fatten his pockets. He's malicious.

Back in Action

After a very important layoff.

Not overly enthusiastic about the PGA Championship. Essentially out of the running for my golf pools, and I'm not inspired by Hazelbeem. The course is long, I get it.

I was miffed when I attempted to download the PGA iPhone application, and it was $1.99? No other major charges for their application (even the Masters, which provides coverage not on TV), but the PGA is trying to cash in? If you have 10,000 people purchase the application, you've made @$6,000. Additionally, their online tracker is miserable.

Pick(s)? - Don't really care, but we picked Dustin Johnson in our pool.

The Open - 2009

7:00 AM the Thursday of the Open competes with Christmas morning. There is no better way to start a day. Too bad the coverage on TBS is like a toaster dropped on one's foot, initial pain, ultimately numbing to resigned acceptance. Ernie Johnson is terrible.

Our (belated) picks.

2. Camilo Villegas
1. Graeme McDowell

Halfway There

"THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2006

Rub My Face In It Later

Lucas Glover is going to be one hell of a professional golfer. I think he wins at least two Majors by the end of the decade."

Congratulations to LG, a first-time Major Championship winner at Bethpage. Please drop the arrogant/sulking act when you are playing poorly (dragging the driver behind your body as you walk off the tee), one Curtis Strange a lifetime is enough.

U.S Open - 2009

You'd expect Bethpage Black, stretched to 7400 yards, to require length off the tee to be competitive. However, 2002 results deliver a different portrayal, as shorter hitters (with the exception of TW) fared extremely well (Maggert, Hoch, Mayfair had top ten finishes). Length will play a factor in 2009, but on account of the rainy weeks leading up to the event. If Bethpage receives rain, expect much of the same.

I remember leaving work in 2002 to watch the Friday round, which consisted of Sergio Garcia regripping for 65% of the telecast I was working a job I hated and had lunch by myself at Chili's. Easily the most miserable lunch of my life.

Aside from the presumptive favorite, TW, other potential winners.

2. Graeme McDowell - A European always makes a run (Nick Dougherty). People are focused on McIlroy, Stenson, etc., but McDowell is playing well and poised for a competitive Major.

1. Dustin Johnson - I'll be wagering on Johnson. He's the five tool golfer (drives with length, drives with accuracy, excellent irons, good short game, good putter) and has the confidence to match.

Also, golfers who won't win.

2. Angel Cabrera - Playing with Tiger Thursday/Friday is a tough draw. TW ain't Kenny Perry.

1. Paul Casey - He's overcome ill-spoken comments from his past, but New York residents have a long memory.



Also, congratulations to Cameron Yancey for qualifying. He's a product of the VSGA and played at UVA, and was a frequent competitor during my junior golf 'career'. I wasn't aware he was still playing.

Common Sense Addendum

To continue my crotchety rant, on the $20 CakeLove gift certificate, the expiration date was 'Jun 10', which required a follow-up call to ensure they meant June 2010, and I didn't have a gift certificate that expired five days after purchase. Why would you even include an expiration date?

I called Macy's to order a curio (yep) and they essentially don't sell the model we chose. While on their website, the wait for delivery is at least 90 days. They have a display model at our local mall, but they won't sell it to you. Great idea to have a display of something you can't buy.

I look for Jim Furyk to win at The Memorial, and I'm exstatic Virginia baseball is still alive in the Super Regionals (@ Old Miss).

Common Sense

Where has it gone? Two examples...

Last night we ordered a birthday cake from CakeLove, and when we went to pick it up, they hadn't made it. Awesome. In lieu, they scrambled to slap a birthday message on a different cake, which had most likely been in the display for days (it tasted like it) and give us a $20 gift certificate on a $50 cake. Thanks for the $10 cake (we didn''t order) and 'enticement' to come back to your miserable store. When did refunds become verboten.

Today at the golf course (after being annoyed when the cart vermin approached the car to take my clubs, don't ever a.)approach b.)touch my clubs) I was short on balls and picked out a sleeve of Titleist Pro V1s.

Guy working register: "If you like the Titleist, you should really buy a sleeve of Nike (whatever). They even come with two additional balls free."

So...

1.) Did I ask for a golf ball suggestion?
2.) Are you insinuating I'm a bad golfer, and a sleeve won't cut it for 18?
3.) I've played Titleist for 20+ years, you see me rifling through the sleeves, avoiding the Snack Shoppe 7s, for a sleeve of 3s, so I appear to be open to the hard sell on the Nikes?

Anyone know how to avoid the 'cart vermin' who spitshine your clubs after a round? I'm going to start wrapping 3-5 of my clubs with toilet paper coming up 18.

Producing v. Consuming

I've been overly marred in internet consuming, time to produce.

Was able to get in two rounds of golf over the weekend. I'm really enjoying the game with new fitted irons. I highly recommend anyone who takes an interest in the game do the same. I can't believe it took me 20 years to get fitted. New I need to get fitted for woods. I'm tiring of my 907, and actually swung the Cleveland Launcher well. We'll see.

With a nod to myofficialthoughts.blogspot.com, some Memorial Day fantasticism.

These Napkins are Really Thin

I really enjoy shoestring fries.

The Masters - Friday

My team, which hanging in the peloton, fell victim to a peloton crash, and will be nursing their wounds over the weekend, not in Augusta.

The Masters - Draft

Through early in the afternoon, my team is still riding in the peloton, with five under par, grouped between -4 and -1 (O' Hair, MA Jimenez, Ogilvy, Karlsson, Cink) and three hanging tough (O. Wilson, J. Rose, Pat Perez).

The Masters - Thursday

- I cannot wait to see the highlights of Larry Mize's round.

- Course appears to be perfect, which means the weather is cooperating, low/no winds, course is soft/receptive.

- TW does not look comfortable. He's backing away from many shots, and appears to have an upright stance, which conflicts with a one-plane swing.

- I enjoy watching the game of Jeev Milkha Singh. He maximizes his potential from tee to green, but is an amazing putter.

- Good for Chad Campbell running it by on 18. Never up...

- Thursday means little in respect to The Masters outcome. In addition to being a beautiful course, Augusta National is the most malleable course, over the course of four days. I expect conditions to firm as the week continues, which is not coincidental. The only impediment to molding the course is percipitation.

- I ordered personalized stationery yesterday, with the purpose of starting my letter writing campaign for Practice Round tickets.

The Masters 2009 - Picks

I hate to admit, but I ain't riding the Paul Casey train. Its too full.

Dark Horse - Pat Perez (4)
Middling - Nick Watney (2), Sean O'Hair (3)
Favorites - Stewart Cink (1)

The Masters

Tomorrow, what an amazing day. Opening day at The Masters. I really enjoyed watching today's Par 3 Contest. The cynical RRD would mutter how they have overdone the 'bring your kid to a Major' Day, but you see how genuinely happy the pros are with their families and can't help but smile. Nothing related to The Masters puts me in a bad mood, not Greg and Chrissy, nothing. Great components of Wednesday's masterpiece:

- Watching the Big Three (Nicklaus, Player, Palmer)
- Jack grinding over putts
- Faldo holing a 30 footer, which went 15 feet in each direction
- The Masters Draft
- Watching with glee as the person who drafted the Par 3 winner laments
- Needling the guy who picks a golfer not playing (David Toms earnings at the Shreveport four ball don't count)

Tomorrow cannot arrive soon enough.

There is a place in the world for 60 Minutes

Andy Rooney, and what else? I was moved by the heartfelt story of The Soloist. Beyond the story of Mr. Ayres and Mr. Lopez, 60 Minutes took a quarter hour to tell a story, beyond standard reports (all breadth, no depth). From exposition to conclusion, the relationship of the two men drew me in, an example of quality reporting. I eased into my couch and simply watched, laptop, magazines, books (2), and phones at bay. A small mention of the affiliated book and movie, the story centered on the journey of Mr. Ayers, and didn't sensationalize or predict an outcome. It painted in plain and clear detail, and was refreshing and though-provking, simply excellent.

Refusal and Redemption

Refusal: To follow the Wizzzzzards until they completely revamp the team. I watched in disgust Sunday as they eked out a win over Sacramento, an inch away from blowing an eight point lead with 1:20 to play. Lifeless, listless, hopeless. If you are going to play so poorly, bring in Sean Singletary, Roy Hibbert, and Jeff Green (maybe Mutumbo?) to please the locals. Or lure Rod Strikland out of retirement (hot dogs 1/2 off).

Redemption: Leitao out at UVA. I've never paid so scant attention to a UVA basketball season, which has tempered my excitement for the NCAAs. I blame him for the lost season. His recruiting is marginal, he cannot develop players, deploys an inconsistent rotation, and has no gameplan. Strike four. The names being floated as replacements I rank as follows:

1. Tubby
2. Miller (Xavier again?)
3. Capel (Blake Griffin makes anyone look good)
4. Mike Montgomery, Rick Barnes, Mark Few (all mentioned in prior UVA searches)
5. Terry Holland
56. Jeff Jones
9532. Pete Gillen

Since when?

Looking at the alternates for the Puerto Rican Open presented by Banco Popular, I'd be hard pressed to tell you if the tournament was occurring in 2009 or 1993.

Alternates
Freeman, Robin
Hulbert, Mike
Clearwater, Keith
Schulz, Ted
Peoples, David
Ogrin, David
Clark II, Michael
Henke, Nolan
Dodds, Trevor
Tryba, Ted

Please...

...tell me someone else is watching the Johnnie Walker. Danny Lee is the truth.

Daytona 2009

Pick for the day? Tony Stewart gets his.

Dark horse: Elliott Sadler

If I could choose the winner? Jeff Burton, from South Boston VA.

The Night Before Daytona

T’was the night before Daytona, and all in the condo;

Gents were passing out, save B, enjoying a hand-O.

The jean shorts were folded in duffels with care;

With the hopes a mulleted throng soon would appear.

K was nestled, all snug on a couch,

Dreaming of Natty Light, flowing down his mouth.

And G in a beater, and I with a snooze,

Barely awake, too much Tucher, o’ perfect booze.

Then at daybreak, the audible sputter,

A babbling brook? No, G’s busted muffler.

Up 95 N the Accord it did creep,

While I clutched a pillow, in an attempt to sleep.

The pace of our sojourn was nothing but slow;

Fingers crossed, at such speeds, the engine wouldn’t blow.

When, what to my bloodshot eyes should appear,

A glorious oval and buckets of beer!

Many ounces later, in efforts so slick,

We begged and bartered, to procure a tick’.

Once in the speedway of world-renown fame,

Jorts, moustaches, and tattoos of fierce flame.

Now Stewart, now Harvick, now Burton and Gordon,

On Johnson, on Sadler, you Chevy and Ford ones.

To the starting line, and avoid the wall,

After ‘Start your engines’ and the green flag does fall.

Down corners at speeds at which one must fly,

But not the clutch of my Schlitz can you pry.

Around the track, the engines they flew,

As the overweight broad, on the bleachers did spew.

The boozing, the cheering, never a bore,

Gordon in 5th gear, foot to the floor.

Many drinks on the brain, the thinking not sound,

Machines in motion, track-whipping around.

The throng to their feet, to lean and bend,

Signaling the race was drawing to end.

The finish line, checkers unfurled from a sack,

But no, a wreck totaled the pack!

Extended race, the crowd was merry!

More laps to spin, bank, and parry.

As before, Gordon left the flow,

Winner, gold medal, best in show.

Apt taker of spoils, a winner crown wreath,

Brought few smiles among grins missing teeth.

An amazing event, we returned to the ride.

To speed, a reverse trip’ed 95.

On splinter’d bleachers, where porking was stealth,

We’d learned a lesson of enormous wealth.

Four winks of the eye, and bumps of the fist,

Realizing the grandeur we’d many times missed.

A sport for hicks, we’d often smirked,

Was pure enjoyment, their holy work.

Back at the condo, a reddened nose,

From howling winds, a body part froze.

In the hot tub we sank, among quieted rubes,

Eyes reddened, grins bared, from pulling tubes.

We heard them exclaim, eyes gaping with wonder;

“WHOOOEEEE!, You look just like Dale Jr.!”

UVA Recruiting Nickels

- Overall, I am impressed by the UVA class. Morgan Moses, Oday Aboushi (and Kyle Long) on the OL is a tantalizing prospect.
- I like what Tim Smith brings to the table.
- I expect Dominique Wallace to end up being All-ACC...as a linebacker.
- Shocked we had no attrition beyond Tyree Watkins (and who cares about Duke...err, wait)
- Why do we sign our best classes after 5-7 seasons?
- Jameel Sewell will be on the UVA staff within 5 years.
- We need a QB in 2010, I'm not optimistic on Phil Sims, but I like selling the spread.
- Al Groh can develop talent, Dave Leitao should be his apprentice.
- Ole Miss signed 37 recruits?!?

SE DC

In the past I've written about the uninspiring architecture in SE DC. It is unfortunate when buildings are nicknamed 'The Tetris Building', 'The Block Building', 'The 'I can't believe people are still paying 380 for a one-bedroom' Building'.

What the area needs is an iconic building, which takes advantage of light, shape, color, and texture, as a neighborhood landmark. Instead, every building further commoditizes its neighbors in its uniformity and blatant attempt to squeeze every penny out of the space. Each new building gorges on real estate, supersized and maxed out, where neighbors in adjacent buildings could pass a cup of sugar across the space (not a good thing).

I keep my fingers crossed for a building which exercises humility and constraint, and shrinks from the sidewalks to grow irregularly, abnormally, and strikingly, in a show of architectural ingenuity.

Quick Dice for Friday

- Underrated song of the moment - Easily, RHCP (Califonication). One Hot Minute is also a vastly underrated album. Also, Porch Song by WP.

- Need new adverbs to go with 'underrated', vastly/highly are probably used 98% of the time.

- Talking garbage about VJ after a poor performance at the Mercedes is an acceptable (and highly probable) consolation prize. I'd don't think a lobotomy could make me like his game.

- When a golfer is said to 'manufacture good swings' it means he hides his swing flaws well, or has a terrible swing. Might as well say he makes a bad cut.

- Soon to finish reading Buried Lies by Peter Jacobson, I hope the book was poorly edited, or else he's a thinly veiled Curtis Strange.

Holidays and the Beach

During the holiday I had the opportunity to play a few rounds of golf in Myrtle Beach. I hold Myrtle, and its courses, in high regard, as I have been playing golf in the area for the better part of 20 years. With Golf Digest's Top 50 Myrtle Beach Courses in tow, I happily got in three rounds, in 80' weather, at the end of December.

Saturday - Ocean Ridge Plantation (Tiger's Eye) (3) - Tiger's Eye is part of the Ocean Ridge affiliation, now encompassing five courses. Tiger's Eye is a stern test of golf, with multiple risk/reward offerings on holes, and the ever impending threat of Carolina pines to snare a wayward parry. Ends on a difficult 5-par with water/waste right, and encroaching from behind the green. Greens were slow(ish) on account of thick/mature grass, allowed to grow to protect against the winter temperature shifts. Staff was courteous, laid-back, and friendly.

Sunday - Barefoot Resort (Love) (1) - Underwhelming, for a number of reasons. Much like an Atlantic City casino, I felt their entire intention was to take my money (ATM in clubhouse noted). The Barefoot ecosystem is quite interesting, and wholly caters to property owners, who gain memberships to all the courses. We played with Barefoot homeowners, who had their own (tricked-out) EZ Go, which was all too common, but, in my opinion, still unacceptable. Course situation catered to personal use of a golf cart, as the massive range, which serves all courses, is located .5 miles from the clubhouse, serving 3. At the clubhouse, there is no range or immediate putting green, simply a bottleneck from which tee times for all the courses are launched. Staff seemed more suited to be loading airplane luggage than performing golf-related tasks. Once our name was called, we were directed to the starter, and a small putting green with no actual holes, and given five minutes before the round.

The Love course was a combination of uninspiring holes, with a sprinkling of complete throwaway holes, especially the 3 pars (one of which was 145 from the tips). I equally blame DL III and whoever orchestrated the four course complex. When you build four courses, designed by four name designers, your end result is equal mediocrity, rather than catering to any of the competing interests. Space constrictions made many of the holes feel pinched, in some cases requiring a sparse ribbon of trees separating different courses. Additionally, the land on which the courses were built was flat/barren/sparse, so the only hazards entirely consist of water, which was the only option to be easily incorporated into the course design. The Love course lacks elevation change, and rarely required pre-shot contemplation, based on the potential for disaster. Many of the holes were straightforward, with simple green complexes and unimaginative bunkering. I couldn't imagine paying $90 to play the Love course, let alone the near $200 in-season rate.

Oh, and I didn't even mention the ubiquitous housing.

Monday - Myrtle Beach National (King's North) (20) - While the lowest ranked course on the list, easily my favorite, and the truest test of golf. Approaching the complex, the dated clubhouse (featuring a cafeteria line refreshment stand) was a minor deterrent to a championship course. We played the first five holes in a squalor, and loved every minute of it. Exacting shots required on risk/reward holes, interesting and imaginative green complexes require a variety of approach trajectories, and, lest I forget, 'The Gambler', the most welcomingly cheesy hole in golf. Course conditions were amazing (far better than Barefoot), and the greens rolled true, albeit a bit slow, in season, they could be the best in the Strand. It was a blast to play.

It was a highly enjoyable trip to Myrtle Beach, I can't wait to return.

Snow

In December? Too early. At the bank today, they closed at 3pm, instead of 5pm, on account of the weather. I wish I could work abbreviated bank hours.

How about them UVA Cavaliers? Great hire of Greg Brandon as OC (former HC at Bowling Green).

7-7

The Bengals are amazing! I can't believe they've lost a game this year. They are going to be tough in the playoffs.

Five people I don't want coaching the Redskins in 2009.

5. Vladimir Putin - Wouldn't grasp cap considerations.
4. Mike Groh - We should have seen the warning signs when he designed plays on Electric Football with the board upside down.
3. Tony Stewart - He's already bailed on Joe Gibbs once.
2. Hal Sutton - 'Be the right cover two, to-DAY!'
1. The Swedish Chef - Too existential, and no one would understand him, except maybe Portis.

Moron!

"Developer Wilbur Ray Todd Jr. bought the house for $450,000 shortly after Vick was indicted on federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. At an auction last December, Todd rejected a bid of $747,000, which is the assessed value of the property for tax purposes but less than the $1 million Todd wanted. The house was put on the market but remained unsold."

$297,000 wasn't enough of a profit? What a greedy knucklehead. I hope it never sells.

Likes I Used to Hate

Growing up, there were so many things (mostly brought on by my parents) I couldn't stand, but I've come around to enjoy.

1.) The Christmas Music Station - 97.1 in DC. Listening to Christmas music in the car drove me crazy, and queued eye-rolling and slumping in my seat. Today I can't get enough of the station. I even have my favorites, anything off the Beach Boys Christmas Album is auditory delight.

2.) Diet Soda - Or cola, as it was at the time. Used to be unable to stomach it, now it is all I drink. I'll even pick up a 2-Liter of Diet Rite on occasion.

3.) Yogurt- I used to not be able to stand the texture, now it is an enjoyable breakfast or snack. Granted, yogurt has come leaps and bounds since the 80s (better flavor, more variety)but the Elmer's Glue viscosity still remains.

Wil Collins and Q School

The PGA Qualifying school is a study in expectations and agony, and makes for understated (and under appreciated) television drama.

Wil Collins was attempting to make the tour for the seventh time, and was 0 for 6 reaching the Final Stage of Q School. He is getting married in the spring and, presumably, would pursue another occupation if he were to miss qualifying. After four marginal rounds he was even placed in the course rotation for guys just looking to earn tour status in 2009. However, after the subsequent 35 holes of he had improved his position to -19, on the number, to qualify for the PGA.

His 90th hole was the 2nd toughest on the Nicklaus Course, 460 yard par 4 with a water hazard hugging the right side of the fairway, through the green, and rough/mounding on the left. Needing a par to reach the PGA, Collins tentatively pulled his drive left, where it parried left off the mounds, to a blind shot to the green. He elected to lay up to @ 150 yards for his 3rd, and, into the sun, put his approach 20 feet under the hole. Needing a one-putt to secure his Card, is putt broke 14 inches to the right, and on its last rotation settled into the cup. Par. PGA. While his caddie was overcome with emotion, Wil smiled, handed him his putter, and walked off the green to sign his card. Why revel in the biggest golf shot of your life?

Few stories are written about PGA Qualifying School, and fewer still on guys who earn their tour card on the number. In 2009 Wil Collins will be walking the fairways of the PGA Tour, with my support.

Your 2009 Masters Champion

Won in a playoff over Robert Karlsson, Henrik Stenson. Is there a golfer on the planet playing better?

Why is it I think Stenson is about 6'5"? Probably for the same reason(s) I think Michael Turner is 6'4".

What did you have for breakfast?

You know, the usual.

Virginia v. Minnesota

Good effort, albeit in a loss, for UVA tonight. Despite the inability to quickly rotate on defense, I am cautiously optimistic. Granted, not this year, but for the next two. If I am Leitao, I start Landesberg (3), Zeglinski (1), Sene (5)(freshman), Farrakhan (2), and Scott (4) (sophomore). The lineup is going to be fluid throughout the season, with Baker and Jones getting major minutes, but I'd like to see Diane buried on the bench.

I love USC relinquishing a timeout to wear their red jerseys, and UCLA offering up one of their own for fairness. I'd like to see UCLA develop for a Neuheisel/Carrol rivalry, but good stuff.

Tough Two Week Stretch...

...for my beloved Redskins. They definitely need to win one of the two games, between today v. NYG and next weekend @ BAL. The BAL game is 8:15, and, having been to M&T Stadium, it will be like Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. The post apocalyptic scene will actually benefit DC on account of fans quick to turn on Flacco, or to out of their minds to even make it to the game.

Thank goodness for television, you couldn't entice me to attend the game with free tickets, parking, and a flame-thrower.

Regarding the Redskins schedule, my predictions swing on a weekly basis, which is unsettling, considering it is Week 13. Having 3 of the final 4 games on the road is unfortunate, but they play better on the road. A win today wouldn't have me thinking 11-5, like most would, but 10-6, which would be enough to put us over the hump. A loss won't bring the exaggerated doom predictions either. If we are 7-5 after today, I predict 9.5 - 6.5, which puts us on the bubble for the playoffs. Add to the equation a loss to Portis would be devastating, and we also need to keep Springs spry enough to play. Neither are practicing during the week, I put the chances @ 30% for both to occur over the next five weeks.

Wow, that was a frustrating paragraph to type.

GM and WS

Must reads:

General Motors

Michael Lewis on Wall Street

Respect

I've gained respect, over time, for Bernhard Langer. At 50+ he is competitive on both the Senior and regular Tours (T3 heading to Sunday on the Euro Tour USB Honk Kong Open, in a playoff at the Byron Nelson two years ago), was a great Ryder Cup Captain, and has overcome adversity throughout his career. I despised Langer in the mid-80's, and couldn't have been happier to see him lose the Ryder Cup at Kiawah. In retrospect, I was dealing from a 32 card deck, as Langer has endured well documented putting woes to maintain consistency and be a true ambassador to the game. I look forward to watching him tomorrow morning, safe in the knowledge win or lose, he is a gentleman of the game.

Two Masters titles is also pretty nice.

What I Like

Today I like -

The evolution of 'She Talks to Angels'. Now a lesson in brevity, every note & instrument in the song serves a purpose, yet leaves great leverage for the voice and deliver of Chris Robinson. Sublime.

UVa 107 - VMI 97. RPI helper? Mike Scott 28/18 (10 offensive), Sylven Landesberg 26/8/8 in his college debut. UVA favoring youth over resume/tenure, and hopefully starting 4 Fr/So as the season evolves (Ladesberg, Zeglinski, Scott, Jones).

Tuesday Nuggets

Listening to Cowherd on the commute to the office, and he makes a salient point how athletes take steroids not to win, but for the money (extended & exaggerated contracts). Until infractions receive fiscal penalties, athletes will continue to use steroids. I can't imagine the difficulty passing measure requiring the contracts of those found guilty of using steroids to be null & void. Rather, potential remove the year of largest value from the contract? Retract a % of the signing bonus? Or, write the penalty into the language of the contract before it is signed?

Need to get back into the Capitals. Lately, great sports team in DC is an anomaly, I need to enjoy.

PGA Tour 2009

The 2008 PGA Season concluded today, and I already cannot wait until 2009, for many reasons. Today's reason: some serious talent is matriculating from the Nationwide Tour. Quite a few recognizable golfers from their Amateur exploits.

Colt Knost
Casey Wittenburg
Peter Tomasulo
Spencer Levin
Ricky Barnes
Bryce Molder

My Official Thoughts

Another blog worth checking out.

Not Again!

Today's lunch discussion revolved around Halloween, how it should be assigned to the last Friday in October, not the 31st, and the worst Halloween offerings, in lieu of candy.

4. Apple(s) - I hope your house doesn't have windows.
3. Raisins - Why did I waste my time walking up your driveway?
2. Mott's Applesauce - I guess if I come back next year, you'll give me the spoon with which to eat it, it will still be 'fresh'.
1. Roll of pennies - You may want to wear rec. specs and overalls the next time you mow the lawn, to mitigate the copper shower you are going to receive.

C-QUEL

Less words, more stuff.

Nine Things at Once

I have come to the realization my attention span shrinks as I get older, especially at work. I will literally leave something mid-sentence to attend to another matter. What is scary is I do it sub-consciously, making it what I consider to be the norm.

Any suggestions on how I can alter my behavior to be less skittish, more analog, more relaxed? Completing this post in one shot was a start.

Whew

An exhausting weekend spent in Charlottesville for the PDT 135th Anniversary. Gorgeous weather, a UVA win, and a great round of golf at Spring Creek. I cannot remember playing a course with perfect conditions, but it was extremely close. Additionally, nice to see ZJ pick up a PGA Tour victory. A very gutsy golfer, won with a birdie on the last hole.

Ryder Cup Champions

I am extremely proud of Team USA. Great golf was played over the last three days. Boo Weekley's personality was infectious. Azinger couldn't have been a better captain, his decisions were prescient. Who should be captain in 2010? To steal a quote from Herm Edwards, 'you play to win the game', and PA should be awarded another two years at the helm. I was wowed by the game and tenacity of Anthony Kim and the quiet (unnoticed) courage by Ben Curtis and Chad Campbell. Curtis had an awful Friday, unbelievably played again on Saturday, and found his game Sunday, when it counted. BC and CC had to wait, and watch the matches transpire, before teeing off. CC realized he would need a rock-solid game to upset Harrington, and he held serve.

Congrats Team USA. Well done.

Ryder Cup

15-13 USA. Get it done.

Anthony Kim dropkicks Sergio back to Europe.

JB does a shot of JD on the first tee. Perry plays Friday in overalls.

Justin Leonard is the quiet assassin.

Stricker and Mahan strike gold as a team.

Cink leads team USA in points.

Sunday Perks

European Tour mornings. Keep your head up Rory McIlroy, you'll have many victories in your career.

After a short miss by McIlroy, the best quote of the professional golf year,

'You can't put an old head on young shoulders.'

Back on the Horse

Picks for this week's BMW...for some reason I am feeling youth, and maybe someone making a push for the Tour Championship.

Anthony Kim
Camilo Villegas
Aaron Baddeley

Ryder Cup Captain's Picks

In increasing order of excellence:

Hunter Mahan - Trashed the RC, although he's never played. European bulletin board material. C-

Chad Campbell - Isn't Valhalla long and undulated? Why choose a player with a low ball fight? Does Valhalla get windy? Does he get along with any other Tour players? C

Steve Stricker - Swing holds up under pressure. Does he have the length for Valhalla? B

JB Holmes - Game is suited to match play and Valhalla. I envision him bombing it by Euros all day. B+

Azinger's picks - Lukewarm picks, but very little to work with. Glad he passed on Verplank and Austin. Overall - B.

Had I been picking? Stricker, O'Hair (solid all around game), Zach Johnson (pairs well with a longer/erratic hitter, aka Mickelson/Holmes), Holmes.

Badabing!

I just got off a call with my work service desk, located in India, and the technician punctuated the call with a 'Badabing!'. I was impressed. I didn't realize The Sopranos reached around the world.

2008 UVA football is going to be an uphill climb.

Amazing how quickly the summer passed, but I look forward to some cooler mornings, and a few golf rounds in the 60s/70s. Played yesterday and it was close to 90', which was a difficult round to walk. I walked way too few rounds in 2008, need to hoof it more next year.

Olympics - US Women's All Around

The US women are getting hosed. I couldn't agree more with the Michael Wilbon sentiment that he doesn't follow subjective sports which are judged (gymanstics, figure skating). Smells like home cooking for China, the type normally reserved for UNC basketball.

Watching the women on the beam reminds me of Deiter (Mike Myers) from Sprockets.

Bittersweet / Olympics

The day after the PGA is always bittersweet, another eight months of winter before a Major.



Last night's 4x100 men's freestyle relay was A+ television. An unbelievable event and great start to the competition. Two days in and we've seen;

USA v. China
Phelps with two WR, both shattering the prior benchmark.

Wow.

Speaking of USA basketball, I've bought into their teamwork and excitement/engagement in the Olympics. A far cry from previous teams, who stayed at off-site hotels and only showed up for the tournament. Kobe and Kidd at beach volleyball would not have happened in the past.

For me to buy into Team USA, it means two things:

1.) I am endorsing/supporting the attitude Mike Krzyzewski has instilled in the team.
2.) I am letting the excitement and joy of Kobe/others override the thought the effort is entirely PR-driven, to establish a Chinese bulkhead.

Elsewhere, Padraig Harrington is Player of the Year. Tiger judges himself by Major wins, and the tally on the year was 2-1 with an equal winning percentage.

Again

2007 Open
2008 PGA

For every fist clench, snarl, and flippant post-round handshake he delivers, it is really enjoyable to watch Sergio Garcia lose to Padraig Harrington. Post round interview is more gracious than the norm, but he still is bemoaning the lie PH got on 18.

Harrington is such a good guy, a great win, a great PGA champion.

Post script: my picks were atrocious, I need a stint in the minors before the Mercedes rolls around. Nationwide and Skins Game picks coming soon!

Post post script: JB goes Art Monk!

Come On...

Will one of the 20somethings on the PGA Tour please sack up and put themselves in contention at a Major? Of the young guns at the top of the leaderboard halfway through Friday, the two with the best chance are Baddeley and Rose, with Casey as a dark horse.

PGA

My picks for the PGA, mixed up by picking a favorite (gold), a middling pick (silver), and a longshot (bronze). Please enjoy the Olympic theme.

Gold - Jim Furyk, Oakland Hills has tight fairways, overgrown rough, and diabolical greens. Check, check, check.

Silver - Angel Cabrera, the OH setup reminds me of 2007 Oakmont.

Bronze - Nick Dougherty

Olympics

Sally Jenkins of the WP has been spot on in her assessment(s) of the Olympics in Beijing.

Today she writes about the revocation of Joey Cheek's visa.

Write on, Sally.

The Washington Nationals

Aside from sports, does any other industry exist where the quality of the product can decrease, yet the price increases? After attending last night's game, I can safely assess the state of the Nats franchise as atrocious. The team has no talent, and doesn't attempt to overcome the talent deficit by playing fundamental baseball. On separate occasions mental breakdowns led to runs for the Phillies; breakdowns a 13 year old wouldn't make.

The 2B or P not covering 1st on a bunt to the right side of the infield.

The 1B calling for a throw from the C on a dribbled ball in foul territory.

The P getting out of the way of a popup, so it can be fielded by the 3B, with the result being an unnecessary collision.

There is no way I'll be paying for Nats tickets until I see an improved product on the field. The stadium 'perks' (i.e. 'the homage to drinking', with a massive bar behind CF) don't overcome the shortfalls.

Last night's game should lead to the firing of Manny Acta, I'd be shocked if it didn't.

The Death of 980

The British Open can't be summed up any better than Steve Czaban's synopsis. Sadly, I won't be able to hear the recap on the morning commute any longer, as SportsTalk 980 became ESPN980 today. Instead I got the worthless, self-aggrandizing diatribe of Mike & Mike. I don't know of one person who enjoys M&M. In addtion, Doc Walker was moved to 12-2 and paired with Kevin Sheehan (???). DC sports radio now sucks.

Enjoy the Ride

Really enjoying watching Greg Norman remain in contention at the British Open. Somewhat bittersweet to realize it (likely) will never happen again. I'm enjoying each hole like a chapter in a book, relishing each simply, for what it is.

Happy 60th, Dad

I just got off the phone with my Father, who, in the midst of a golf trip, was finishing his 36th hole of the day.

The perfect way to celebrate your 60th birthday.

Funny, I clearly remember the party for his 40th.

The 2008 Open

The most enjoyable tournament of the year. The non-Tiger low-key lead up to the tournament has been refreshing.

Picks:

Honorable Mention - Paul Casey (he's got a mid-60s round in him)
3 - Geoff Ogilvy
2 - Justin Leonard
1 - Lee Westwood

Don't Bother

Recently sampled the 'Southern Style' chicken sandwich at McDonalds. I would have guessed, in an effort to compete against Chik-Fil-A, they would create something which differed significantly from what CFA has nailed down. Sadly, they went for a replica, which falls woefully short. The chicken is neither plump or juicy, rather, it is a thin patty with as much crust as chicken. Missing is the CFA chicken 'shape irregularities', which hint the food came from a real animal. The McD version is uniform and bland, in addition to being over-fried. The biscuit is an attempted carbon copy of CFA, which does nothing to enhance the chicken.

I'm sticking to the old standby of bacon, egg, and cheese.

4th and more

Had a great weekend for the 4th, split between DC, Charlottesville, and the golf course. Finally saw the Black Crowes (in Charlottesville) and it exceeded expectations, 'Seeing Things' live is amazing.

One of my few thoughts regarding the NBA was Chicago was stupid to pass on Beasley, and after the first summer game I am 1-for-(exhibition)1.

AK at Congressional a good tune-up for Birkdale? May not be a bad thought.

SATURDAY, JULY 5, 2008
CHARLOTTESVILLE PAVILION

MOVE IT ON DOWN THE LINE
GOODBYE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION
HOTEL ILLNESS
THICK N THIN
WALK BELIEVER WALK
YOUNG MAN OLD MAN
THERE’S GOLD IN THEM HILLS
BOOMER’S STORY
SEEING THINGS
WELCOME TO THE GOODTIMES
QUINN THE ESKIMO
WISER TIME
JAM -> THORN ON MY PRIDE
WOUNDED BIRD
- encore -
SHE
THE NIGHT THEY DROVE OLE DIXIE DOWN

Randoms

- The Shaq freestyle (Kobe call out) makes me smile.

- Barry Melrose as the Tampa Bay Lightening coach? I would have guessed he'd be more likely to cameo in a Will Ferrell movie. I may pay (minimal) attention to hockey.

- Yes, I watch Nashville Star.

The 2008 US Open - Torrey Pines

- Love the opening 9 (back) from Justin Hicks, zero pars! Turns in 33.

- Good to see Owen Wilson has recovered from his suicide attempt, -2 thru 11.

- BIG fan of US Open in prime time. Something with meaning, rather than the 'Shootout at Sherwood'.

Little late for picks, but sources can verify I predicted Steve Stricker.

RIP Jim McKay and George Garrett

While Jim McKay hasn't broadcast sporting events recently, his passing is very sad, as his voice (along with a few others, notable Keith Jackson and Ken Venturi) was a voice I distinctly remember while watching sports growing up. Wide World of Sports was always an enjoyable break from morning sports and a late afternoon spent at the pool.

On a more personal note, the passing of George Garrett was especially sad. I had the pleasure of taking multiple Garrett classes at UVA, which were one day a week, and consisted of Mr. Garrett delivering an extended monologue about time spent with the likes of Martin Landau and other contemporaries. Class normally fell on a Wednesday afternoon, and we'd pick up large Cokes and split a fifth three ways to enjoy the class, which he absolutely loved. I made a few trips to his faculty office, and the case of Scotch next to his desk always brought a wry smile to my face. Easily my favorite (and one of the few remembered) professors at UVA, he will be missed.

Also - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/books/30garrett.html

Did the final 3 count?

The SV 3 at the buzzer in the Lakers game pushes the final score to 8 in a game with a 7.5 point spread.

Wow.

English Language Additions

Two additional words for the English language:

Divershit - n. - To excuse oneself from work to discreetly partake in an enjoyable activity (reading a newspaper article, playing a game on the phone, etc.).

Villainteer - n. - 1. The act of participating in an event/activity due to peer pressure. 2. Being forced to participate in an event/activity because for which you signed up in advance, forgot about, and had to be reminded.

$hit Cup 2008

Last weekend seven friends from college and I converged on Williamsburg for the playing of the 2008 $hit Cup. What is it? A match-play style format (five rounds) awarding a ca$h prize for the best overall match record (rotation of partners/opponents), and the $hit Cup for last. I strongly suggest Williamsburg for a golf trip, as we were able to play two courses at Kingsmill, two at the Golden Horseshoe, and Stonehouse on Sunday. Stayed a few miles from the courses and had easy access to Colonial Williamsburg for post-round festivities.

Scores? Friday 78 (w/front 9 35)-82
Saturday 83-87
Sunday 87, easily the worst putting round of my life

Overall match record 1-2-2, missing being a $hit Cup recipient by 1/2 point. Was able to gut our a Sunday half and propel my partner to the title (while avoiding the $C). Hard to believe of 10 matches, 4 were halved. Very close competition. Shoot me an email if anyone wants the complete spreadsheet, which is impressive.

Redskins

So, the Redskins just took 2WR and a TE (who can't wake up to an alarm)in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. Assuming all three make the team (later Reche Caldwell and Keen McCardell), three of the top six targets on offense are going to be rookies, who will be on the receiving end of passes from a QB coming off injury, behind a suspect OL. Meanwhile, a team thinning and aging at LB and OL does little to bolster the respective corps.

I have my fingers crossed for a 'Fun Bunch' type resurrection, but put the chances in 2008 at 10%. Isn't inserting three R on offense a signal of a franchise in the stages of rebuilding?

So...

...either I am an idiot, or the Caps / Flyers Game 7 is blacked out in DC.

Playoff hockey, catch the fever!

The 2008 Masters

I’ve been dying to write this post for years.

I (finally) had the opportunity attend The Masters. My father was able to procure teickets from a family friend and I was in attendance for the Thursday and Friday rounds. My thoughts and impressions of the event can be easily grouped.

The Course/Experience:

Having been following the Masters for @ 20 years to actually attend the event is a great experience. The course is amazing, but not for its jaw dropping beauty, but its jaw dropping elevation changes and subtle nuances. TV does not do justice to the elevation of the course; multiply what you see on TV by 2.5.

In regards to the course, a few of the subtle challenges:

2 – What a fantastic strategic 5 par. Requires a draw off the tee and a fade to hold the green and puts a greater premium on shot making than brute strength.

Amen Corner – We chose to walk to Amen Corner early on Friday, breakfast in hand, to survey the holes when there were few patrons around. Quite the sight. Went back both days to watch a few shots (many on 11/12) but found the solitary viewing to be more enjoyable.

13 – The landing area on 13 is amazingly miniscule. To get in a position to reach the green you must essentially launch a draw that lands blind.

15 – From 80 yards off the tee, the fairway appears wide and appealing, but once walking back to the tee, the subtle upslope impairs any view of the fairway, making the tee shot blind (and more difficult).

Players:

After walking the front nine early on Thursday, we walked to our seats on 16 to watch a few groups, have lunch, and return to walking. Upon reaching the green, the pin was not in its normal position, rather in the lower left collection area by the front of the trap. I told my Dad, “we may want to watch all the groups come through, as we could possibly see a hole-in-one”, Poulter was in the 3rd group, and it was an amazing experience.

Just as amazing, his playing partner, Mark O’Meara, went 2-2 on Thursday/Friday and wasn’t low score in his group (Poulter went 1-2). Kuehene played the hole in 8 (with a Friday shank, almost hitting the 15 grandstand, leading to a 5).

Heard ‘Fore please, Ben Crenshaw now teeing off.’ Gentle Ben proceeded to hit a 230 yard hook into the trees.

Paul Casey hits a long ball. Was in a pairing with Goosen and Scott and was easily out driving both. I was shocked he collapsed on Sunday.

Boo Weekley, after parring the 7th on Friday, threw in the biggest lipper imaginable.

Potpourri:

On Thursday, after power-walking to set up our chairs at 16, we settled on 3 to watch the tee shots and approach into the shallow green, pin tucked on the left. One of the earlier groups was Mark O’Meara, Ian Poulter, and Trip Kuehene. A couple approached us on the rope and started to ask about who had come through, the hole, etc. (normal to start conversations with bystanders @ the Masters). The guy was wearing a tee shirt and Capri black jeans, with a large goatee and bug-eye shades, not golf attire. After a few minutes of conversation it dawns on me he’s Hank Kuehene, following Trip, and joined by his girlfriend, Venus Williams. We talked a bit about his game and the need for improvement, and I wished her a quick recovery and luck in upcoming tournaments. Very gracious/nice couple.

To reference prior Poulter hole-in-one story, while celebrating, I look towards the green, and five seats over, high fiving with his buddies, the Ole’ Ball Coach, Steve Spurrier.

Watching shots into 11 on Thursday, found myself next to/conversing with a ‘true Southern gentleman’ in his early 70s. After a good approach I commented, ‘wow, he made that look easy.” His quip? (in Southern drawl) ‘Just as easy as counting your money.’

On Friday, found a great perch behind the 7 green patron seats with an unobstructed view of 7 and the tees @ 3 & 8. Asked the patron in the seat I was behind how the hole had been playing and got a quick recap from Bo Ryan, said patron.

Recap:

Attending the Masters was an A+. I really enjoyed viewing the holes before they received their daily play, and being able to watch the event in the future, and knowing how the holes align on the course (i.e. how from the 7 green you can watch groups tee off on 3 and 8).

Flashback / Dig

Listening to Pandora while doing work and heard 'Saint Stephen', which I probably haven't heard in 9 years. Really took me back to my college days.

Other songs transporting me back to Grounds:

Anything off Three Snakes and One Charm - Black Crowes (first week of first year)
Little Black backpack
Anything by the Pharcyde
Yellow Ledbetter

On a related note, I've often assailed 1990's music, which I would rate 'mediocre' but to this day one of my favorite albums is the self-titled Dig album. It is worth $5 if you've never heard.

HTS! HTS! HTS!

Tired

...and need to be put to rest:

People toting NCAA brackets in public. It is the equivalent of an adult bringing his mitt to a professional baseball game.

Amy Nelson as a reporter. Her Washington Nats piece is horrible.

Few Rattlers

A few things bouncing around in my head.

I had a great time at the NCAA games at the Verizon Center (Purdue, X, Duke, WVU). Got our tickets (great seats) through a WVU connection (someone from Stafford having a WVU connection, who knew?). great to see WVU fans wearing overalls to the game. It was disappointing we saw no upsets, but wouldn't be surprised if WVU beats Xavier. I need another 48 hours of Huggy Bear jokes. Really impressed by Purdue basketball, with an extremely young team. With a taste of the tournament in 2008 I expect big things next year. Before I heard Drew Lavender was on a bad wheel, I was perplexed how a 5'8" guard couldn't shoot. Funny/sad episode between sessions, watching adults binge drink at Clyde's. Many were perturbed the Verizon Center wasn't serving, but can you imagine being able to drink for 12 straight hours? The place would have resembled Thriller.

Recent musical rota - old Whiskeytown, The Rentals, the new Crowes.

I have no idea why (Glenn) Doc Walker is nicknamed Doc. I must get to the bottom of this.

Like Uncle Eddie said...

Bingo.

You're telling me the Belmont band doesn't know 'Thank God I'm a Country Boy'? It would have turned Verizon upside down.

Firstdibz.com

The site is self-explanatory. It is endorsed and supported by the NCAA (who takes a 17% commission on sales).

Just another avenue to make money...for the NCAA.

NCAA Brackets

Considering I've been completing NCAA brackets for twenty years, I figured I'd bestow some knowledge on the many variations of ways to complete. There is a huge difference between intent and commitment.

1.) Favorites bracket - Hearing 'chalk' annoys me to no end. The Favorites bracket avoids any true upsets, and predicts a boring Final 4.

2.) 'Satisfaction' bracket - The most widely known story in rock 'n roll is how Keith Richards found the opening chords to Satisfaction from a recorded session months earlier, when he was in a stupor and too slammed to initially remember. The Satisfaction bracket turns chaos into a symphony, with the favorites emerging from a first weekend with many upsets and triumphant lower seeds.

3.) Poison pill/Godzilla bracket - A bracket crafted of the finest porcelain, gorgeous, but once something unexpected happens (early loss of a team expected to dominate, misjudging the strength of a conference in the tournament) the firing sequence is immediately launched. Bridges collapse, buildings implode, Godzilla chases the population down city streets.

4.) Moonwalk bracket - When you know who you want in the Final Four, and work your way backwards through the bracket.

5.) Homer Simpson Meteor bracket - Loosely based on 'The Simpsons' episode, where Homer was the only resident of Springfield who correctly predicted an incoming satellite would burn up in the atmosphere and be harmless to the town, having a hunch that plays out to fruition, against the common sentiment. My last almost-HSMB was when a Salim Stoudamire led Arizona team lost to Deron William's Illinois team in the Great Eight, squandering ten points in 3 1/2 minutes. Like Homer, I was poked in the eye by the pebble/meteor.

6.) Beat UVA bracket - Going long on teams who have beaten UVA in the calendar year (Tennessee anyone?).

I strongly suggest completing brackets by following multiple disciplines.

NCAAs

Very excited for the NCAA games in Washington DC. Not overly enthused Duke is the 2, but Belmont, having made the tournament for three straight years, may make it interesting. I am looking forward to:

1. WVU v. Arizona
2. Watching Purdue play
3. Drew Lavender

4. Not being surprised when Georgetown loses to Davidson.

Great Move

I am appalled by the Clemson (Tommy Bowden) decision to give Ray Ray McElrathbey his walking papers. Further proving college football is a business, and not interested in advancing the academic prospects of student athletes.

I truly miss the days of George Welsh at Virginia. Admittedly, Groh has his shortcomings, namely ensuring proper academic support to his players, but his approach to coaching/player development far surpasses the Bowden antics.

#44

I could write for days on the respect I have for Sean Singletary; I am grateful for his contributions to the UVA basketball program and his general character.

Feb. 19th 2005, I remember sitting in a hotel room in West Palm Beach, screen door open to catch the breeze from the ocean and enjoy an escape from DC for President's Day weekend. UVA v. UMD, not expecting much, but was blown away by the competitiveness, aggressiveness, and overall demeanor of #44. He abused John Gilchrist with an array of moves and misdirections. Unfortunately, his efforts extended the game for 10 minutes, but couldn't produce the win.

A win on Senior Night over Maryland and surpassing 2000 points was deserving closure on a season which didn't meet UVA expectations. The team was plagued with countless frontcourt injuries. Lacking support, #44 drove recklessly to the hoop (innately) and found the floor more than he found the foul line. He's got a short memory, as it didn't stop him, or temper his game instincts.

Funny how my most vivid memories of #44 come in losses (2005 UMD, 2007 NCAA v. UT, and his subsequent collapse on the court). #44 is a competitor who will be missed at UVA, and a departing cause for celebration throughout the ACC.

Thank you #44.

Twice As Hard

Did a quick review of the top 100 songs of the 1990s. The Black Crowes are the ONLY good band to emerge from the decade. The only other band I consider 'good' is Alice in Chains, who crumbled with the unfortunate passing on Layne Staley. AIC may be the most underrated band of all time.

Still chewing on 'Warpaint', the new Crowes album. Some songs are great, but the band/album is hurt by their virtuoso live performances. Songs with potential to be amazing live are too tight or too flat on the album.

Found Twice as Hard on Youtube. So funny to watch their early stuff. What was Chris Robinson on?

Honestly,

In all Honesty, it was a real shame to hear of Patrick Swayze's battle with pancreatic cancer. Patrick played a part in two of my favorite twenty-so movies, Dalton in Road House and Bodhi in Point Break, additionally, he participated in my favorite SNL skit of all time.

On a related note, a rarely seen Chris Farley video .

Top 10 Songs of the 1980s

The list has been a long time coming. My Top 10 Songs of the 1980s. The order is fluid, hence no numbering:

Alone - Heart
Let's Go Crazy - Prince
Who Can It Be Now - Men at Work
Photograph - Def Leppard
Paradise City - Guns N' Roses
Panama - Van Halen
Nothin' But a Good Time - Poison
Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran
Livin' On a Prayer - Bon Jovi
The Power of Love - Huey Lewis

Honorable Mention:

Electric Avenue - Eddy Grant
Cruel Summer - Bananarama
The Warrior - Scandal
Hit Me with Your Best Shot - Pat Benetar

Under / Over

Underrated : Sebastian Bach, 'Comin' Under Fire' by Def Leppard, the Super Spinach burrito from Burrito Brothers.

Todays NY Times outlines the attacks the Republicans plan to wage against Obama during the election campaign. Obviously neither party will avoid stooping to scare tactics, but the fear and rhetoric of the Republicans is very disappointing. It is very easy to assail the change Obama constitutes, but if you review what he supports and what the Republicans are attacking, common sense renders many of his opinions/actions moot. He'd meet with Raul Castro? So what, what can come of a meeting. People are going to interpret any action/meeting from their own viewpoint, so as long as he can justify his actions, so be it. Licenses to illegals? Like they aren't driving anyway.

Would it be too difficult to move away from a platform of scare tactics, propaganda, and manipulation?

Happy Leap Day! Happy Leap Day Birthday to Cary Conklin, Antonio Sabato Jr., and Chucky Brown.

RIP - Myron Cope

Rest in peace Myron Cope. The passing of the iconic broadcaster brings back many fond memories of trips to Pittsburgh to see relatives over Christmas break, listening to Cope and the Steelers on the radio. Cope was pure and true Pittsburgh. His voice was a treat, and always good for a laugh and smile. Yoi and double yoi!

Odds and Ends

Stumbled across the Oklahoma State promotional video for their football stadium and facility upgrades. Yawn. As stadium upgrades have devolved into an arms race, I am surprised no school escapes from the well-beaten incremental path of bigger, louder, more expensive and creates a truly memorable experience. Instead of watching an MTV Cribs episode for the latest and greatest, it would be memorable to to anything considered different. Instead of solely focusing on sport and school, it would be interesting to incorporate non-linear aspects like nutrition, art/science, and non-traditional athletics. I'd love to see a facility with a wave pool/lazy river and a video conference room with regularly scheduled meetings with business leaders.

Walter Reed has hired Disney to improve its service interactions. I applaud their efforts, but they stop extremely short. How many employees are going to fall back on conference lessons-learned a day/week/year from now? They need to train, track, and provide feedback to create true value. The fly-in conference method is worthless.

Much Ado About Nothing

I was glad to read how the US Navy had no problem shooting down the dangerous satellite fuel tank orbiting earth. I could harp on the money wasted on the satellite, the firing exercise, and the PR efforts required to address shooting down the satellite, which are all legitimate, but a well-worn path. With the number of satellites and paraphernalia circling the earth thank goodness we don't come into contact with other life forms. I'd be embarrassed. Earth must look like a Mississippi front yard, cluttered with satellites and junk, much like a trailer encircled with rusted cars on cinder blocks and tattered weight benches.

Watched a recap of the Accenture Match Play. JB Holmes was shell shocked after his loss to TW, which was a fantastic match. Aside from his heroics, I don't see Tiger winning the event. I predict a Stenson repeat.

Top 5 - Black Crowes

I'm stoked for the new Black Crowes album, and summer tour. In honor, my top five studio tracks. I do not take into account any song performed live (which would produce an entirely different list).

5. Remedy
4. Sister Luck
3. Cursed Diamond
2. Hotel Illness
1. Twice as Hard

Two days...

Until Grace Potter at 930.

Multiple shows (check)
On both coasts (DC and SF) (check)
30+ (check)

I've reached 'creep' status.

Looking forward to weekend sports:

3. Don't call it the Nissan Northern Trust Open (I need a bounceback from the diminutive Canadian)

2. NBA All Star Game

1. Daytona 500 - Two words, Kurt Busch

The Casual Fan

Considering how UVA basketball (and athletics, in general) has been a complete letdown in 2008, I found myself deeply engaged in the Clemson/UNC game last night. Being a 'casual fan' of other ACC teams (essentially, close and competitive games) my small piece of knowledge, and the ability to root candidly and honestly, makes me extremely dangerous.

1.) I wanted UNC to win (60/40) because:
c. Clemson losing after having a 15 pt. 2nd half lead would be soul-crushing
b. 0-53 sounds has a greater stigma than 1-52
a. I didn't want UVA to encounter a poked hornets nest UNC squad on Tuesday, after a monumental loss to the Tigers

2.) I expressed minor (40/60) sentiment for Clemson because;
b. A win in Chapel Hill would have unleashed celebration hysterics worth watching (a moot point, as the game was quickly cut-away to get to Wizzz)
a. The referees were handing the game to UNC (+20 FT discrepancy)

99% of fans would claim it is weak to weigh allegiances during a game, but it is certainly a phenomena we've all experienced. Who hasn't. Fandom, in neutral games, shouldn't be a binary endeavor. No shame should come from weighing the options. If I'm stuck in traffic, I'll opt for an alternative route, sacrificing a scenic drive to expedite my commute.

Elsewhere:

1. Great golf at the AT&T. The escape from the bunker by Steve Lowery on 9 was (presumably) the best shot I'll see all year. It was eclipsed by Vijay Singh in the next pairing. Really enjoyed watching SL win the tournament, always good for a journeyman pro, but SL in contention = excitement.

2. PGA Tour wonks are quick to quip the Tour's elite (save Tiger) are failing to win tournaments in 2008, which is extremely near sighted. Credit should be given to the actual winners, which include a 31 by Tiger over the final 9 holes (Dubai), a -10 thru 15 hole stretch and birdie in the playoff by SL, and 350 yard drives and birdie-birdie finish by JB Holmes at the FBR. Great start to the 2008 season.

3. Missed a chance to see Obama speak at TC Williams HS down the street. Very disappointed.

TLs

Maybe it is because I am turning 30, but the whole aging thing culminated in a phone call/visit to the optometrist yesterday (Thursday). I had my initial visit last Friday (after a three year hiatus) when the prognosis was, essentially "how are you driving with your current prescription". Lo and behold, I ordered a new pair of glasses, and was to have my old pair refitted with new lenses. Ironed out the details, new glasses to arrive in February, new lenses for old glasses ASAP, and a quick switch-out.

The details I glossed over were that I chose transition lenses. Upside, great for outdoor activities (golf). Downside...uhhh every other idea imaginable. Not 10 seconds after having the new lenses, and having them UV'ed to dark, I looked like a complete Communist dictator. I literally shuddered on the way to the car, and it hasn't gotten better since.

TLs are crazy, as they were put into my old/normal glasses. They don't put TLs in sunglasses, so you don't walk around like your looking for a racquetball game 24/7. But honestly, if I fell for clear TLs in sunglasses, I'd be an aviator cap away from being the weirdo in 'A Christmas Story'.

You know what sucks about TLs? Unlike the original commercial (pulled off the air), the 'transition' isn't immediate, aka, I walk to the client site, go to a meeting, and, since I can't shake them clean (like an Etch a Sketch) I look like Elton 'effing John. It is tough to garner respect when my clients are wondering if Saturday Night's Alright for Fightin'. So, my abhorration for TLs has led to me negotiating SE DC without glasses. I'm guessing this happens to everyone under 60 with TLs, a class action suit in the making.

On the bright side, I can go as Joe Gibbs for Halloween 2008.

Holy Smokes.

DBT and the Perfect (Non) Strike

Last night during one of our bowling league matches I saw the perfect ball rolled, and it didn't result in a strike. Bowling is such an interesting sport. My scores for three games had a range of 103.

New DBT 'Brighter Than Creation's Dark' came out Tuesday and is amazing. I considered it an early birthday gift.

Does MTV test for steroids on the 'Real World/Road Rules Challenge'? I can say with a high level of confidence they don't, or it would deplete the available pool of contestants. Seriously, the show has massive participants, who rage at the slightest sip of alcohol. It is a Clemens'esque broken bat throw away from a Congressional hearing.

Big 3-0 hits on Sunday. I've never been one to self-promote/draw attention, but I am looking very forward to celebrating and my thirties.

Friday Shots

- What ever happened to the screwdriver? It is rapidly becoming extinct. I can't remember the last piece of furniture/cabinet I purchased that wasn't assembled with an allen wrench.

- How many times has George W. Bush made his bed in his life? Less than 5?

- That sound you heard was UVA athletics imploding. It wasn't too audible.

- Got a Cutter and Buck catalog in the mail yesterday. Holy $hit, they are still making the exact same line from 1994. I suggest ordering a copy, it is hilarious.

- Glad the brothers Zahn joined our PGA pool. I can't wait to see the response when he realizes Buckmir doesn't charge himself $100 for his admin duties, although he probably makes $500 a year riding the carry.

Obama Edwards Coalition

Although I rarely turn my attention to politics, I was both amused and annoyed by the WP recap of the Democratic New Hampshire debate . The campaign being run by Hillary is wholly robotic, and an analogy can be easily drawn to sports, where a favorite alters their game plan (increased attacks, more informal during stumping) based on the performance of an upstart. Her robotic nature led to baited repartee over universal health care and a required mandate for children's health care. Her continued rallying cry to review experience I render out of scope, because the Presidency requires skills surpassing any other elected position. Personally, I favor the Obama/Edwards emotive credibility, to augment their base of experience. Every candidate has experience, but not Presidential experience, so addressing experience is a non-factor.

Do I know today who I am voting for in November? No. I also realize no candidate (Democrat or Republican) will be the perfect ideological match, and will vote for a candidate who, while not supporting all of my personal beliefs, I consider to be the best choice for the office of Chief Executive. Campaigns and debates have the ability to highlight individual issues, individual records, when electing a President is a macro endeavor.

SHH

If I were to ask if you know the definition 'Southern Hemisphere Hangover', would you?

3 Dimes Down

Had training for work Monday - Wednesday. Unlike most company sponsored training, where neither the trainer(s) or trainees want to be involved, it was a Franklin Covey class, which I really enjoyed. The trainer had a great depth of knowledge and many practical examples. Or I was a fan because he looked like a cross between Tony Bourdain and Mike Cooley with a sense of humor.

Went to the restroom today and passed a guy coming out with coffee? Getting the jump on the 2nd trip? I try not to breathe in the bathroom, let alone bring an open beverage I plan on drinking. Idiot.

What a Miserable Decade

VH1 lists the 100 biggest songs on the 1990s.

1. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
2. U2 - One
3. Backstreet Boys - I Want It That Way
4. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
5. Madonna - Vogue
6. Sir Mix-A-Lot - Baby Got Back
7. Britney Spears - ...Baby One More Time
8. TLC - Waterfalls
9. R.E.M. - Losing My Religion
10. Sinéad O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
11. Pearl Jam - Jeremy
12. Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know
13. Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) - Nuthin' but a "G" Thang
14. Mariah Carey - Vision of Love
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge
16. MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This
17. Destiny's Child - Say My Name
18. Metallica - Enter Sandman
19. Beastie Boys - Sabotage
20. Hanson - MMMBop
21. Celine Dion - My Heart Will Go On
22. Beck - Loser
23. Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue - Whatta Man
24. House of Pain - Jump Around
25. Soundgarden - Black Hole Sun
26. Eminem - My Name Is
27. Counting Crows - Mr. Jones
28. Ricky Martin - Livin' la Vida Loca
29. Vanilla Ice - Ice Ice Baby
30. *NSYNC - Tearin' Up My Heart
31. Radiohead - Creep
32. BLACKstreet - No Diggity
33. Spice Girls - Wannabe
34. Third Eye Blind - Semi-Charmed Life
35. Oasis - Wonderwall
36. C+C Music Factory - Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)
37. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)
38. Christina Aguilera - Genie In A Bottle
39. Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
40 . Color Me Badd - I Wanna Sex You Up
41. Spin Doctors - Two Princes
42. Collective Soul - Shine
43. En Vogue - My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)
44. The Fugees - Killing Me Softly With His Song
45. Hootie & the Blowfish - Only Wanna Be With You
46. Shania Twain - You're Still the One
47. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations
48. Matchbox Twenty - 3 AM
49. Jewel - Who Will Save Your Soul
50. Alice in Chains - Man in the Box
51. Tupac (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman) - California Love
52. Sugar Ray - Fly
53. Naughty by Nature - O.P.P.
54. Joan Osborne - One of Us
55. Fiona Apple - Criminal
56. L.L. Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out
57. Jay-Z featuring Amil and Ja Rule - Can I Get A...
58. Sophie B. Hawkins - Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover
59. Weezer - Buddy Holly
60. Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison
61. Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do
62. Live - I Alone
63. The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy - Mo Money Mo Problems
64. The Presidents of the United States of America - Peaches
65. Digital Underground - The Humpty Dance
66. Edwin McCain - I'll Be
67. Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart
68. Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It
69. Korn - Freak on a Leash
70. Jamiroquai - Virtual Insanity
71. Arrested Development - Tennessee
72. Barenaked Ladies - One Week
73. Marcy Playground - Sex and Candy
74. Cher - Believe
75. Kris Kross - Jump
76. Blues Traveler - Run-Around
77. Ice Cube - It Was a Good Day
78. Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way
79. Meredith Brooks - Bitch
80. Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy
81. Paula Cole - I Don't Want to Wait
82. Geto Boys - Mind Playing Tricks on Me
83. The Breeders - Cannonball
84. Snow - Informer
85. Cypress Hill - Insane In The Brain
86 The Cranberries - Linger
87. Billy Ray Cyrus - Achy Breaky Heart
88. Duncan Sheik - Barely Breathing
89. Liz Phair - Never Said
90. New Radicals - You Get What You Give
91. Sarah McLachlan - Building a Mystery
92. Public Enemy - 911 Is A Joke
93. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories - Stay
94. Fastball - The Way
95. Montell Jordan - This is How We Do It
96. Nelson - (Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection
97. Prince & The New Power Generation - Gett Off
98. EMF - Unbelievable
99. Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
100. Gerardo - Rico Suave