Monday TV

Outside of sports, I'm normally not a big TV guy, but have grown increasingly impressed with the hybrid Monday lineup. CBS has created two humorous sitcoms in 'How I Met Your Mother' and 'The Class', which may fare well, as there is no great competition from 8-9PM. I've also become a fan of 'Studio 60' (10-11PM NBC), which is starting to hit a stride, in light of the enormous cast, which would (assumedly) drag down the show. It may take a few weeks for the development of more concrete and far-reaching plot lines, but the first few episodes have me hooked. I suggest watching this week's show on nbc.com (full episode), which I found to be the best of the bunch.

Good Read

Wanted to bring quick notice to today's WP atricle (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/20/AR2006102000446.html) on Garry Trudeau, and his recent dealings with the War in Iraq in Doonesbury. Fantastic read.

It bothers me, as we approach elections, with a War in Iraq and other events of great seriousness occuring, that our notice of these events is blocked by political jockeying and the ad nauseum display of election advertisements. Granted, the 15 and 30 second snippets are easier to inject into standard tv viewing habits than an in-depth piece on current events, but reminders of what is really happening would be both sobering, and a refreshing reminder of what is really going on. At what point did we abandon the Weekly Reader for the 'Where's the Beef' ad?

Salty

Please tell me I am the only idiot stupid enough to participate in a FFB league run by Fanball(slogan: were run by acutal retards!).

Case in point, I lost this weeks game by 0.05 points.

Context - I am adamantly opposed to leagues that have partial points.

- Between Monday night and Tuesday morning my team inexplicably lost 0.10 points (great coding, idiots)

- More accurately, I actually lost on a Jake Plummer kneel down that cost me -1 yd rushing (-.10) on Sunday night.

Awesome. Eff Fanball, 20-0 halftime leads, and the Bears D.

Too Much, Too Soon

I am concerned by both the lack of effort underway to entrench the new Nationals team/stadium in SE DC, and the number of overzealous investors/prospectors looking to make a quick buck on the revitalization.

Coupled with the Lerner family reputation (chronicled in this week's WP) for hard-line negotiation tactics and letter-of-the-law execution creates a recipe for failure.

What the Lerner's don't grasp is the soft side of the issue. It isn't prudent to publicly state the Nationals purchase was viewed as a moneymaking venture, which rings caustic in the ears of DC residents and Board members who struggled mightily to make baseball in DC a reality. I hate to clue you in, but building an office complex in the area isn't an act of good faith, insofar as investment to add to your already overflowing coffers. What isn't mentioned is the Lerner building is in the direct sightline from the stadium to the Capitol, was fought by DC Councilman Jack Evans, and only allowed to be constructed when your ownership was revealed. Cutting corners from Day 1 may make sense, from a fiscal perspective, but doesn't create the 'friendly customer experience' that will result in repeat customers, or what we call fans.

Also, the entire dynamic of the SE revitalization is set to implode. A scan of the area today reveals one of three things, tenements barricaded for future demolition, construction, or completed office buildings, at most three years old. What is missing? Residences, commerce, parks, any discernible nightlife after 5pm. In essence, everything. Which isn't to say what I mentioned missing isn't coming, but it will arrive at the same time as the stadium. The Lerners are already fighting tooth and nail for above ground (cheaper and less sightly) parking, which would delete planned residences in walking distance of the stadium.

Stadiums and teams succeed in areas where they don't immediately appear, but are an extension of the already existent community. Pac Bell works because the area was already established, and the ballpark serves its intention, as an enhancement. The architectural snore-fests that are being built are homogenous, lacking grandeur, and fitting of housing government facilities. Fine for today, but dated in 10 years, and atrocious in 20.

As quickly as the investors arrived to cash in on the development, they'll be inclined to leave when the revenue stream slows to a trickle. Why? Because they are investors, and have no ties to the area, the team, or DC heritage.

The sound you hear is the teetering of SE, and we haven't even begun.

Best College Football Play of the Year

Speechless

Parental Control

Had a very enjoyable weekend, puctuated with Redskins and UVA wins (did Haley's comet orbit, too?).

Friday night we 'entertained' friends who were visiting. I've come to realize 'entertain' is the adult-version of 'get shitfaced'. It brings a wry smile to my face when I watch a show on HDTV and a couple lauds a large living room for being perfect for 'entertaining', meaning beerpong is soon to follow.

Got wrapped up in MTV's Parental Control. Show is highly addictive. I was audibly rooting for a whore to be booted by her boyfriend, to the tune of "if she sticks around, I'll have wasted the last half-hour of my life, and that poor mother!". Also heard date behavior described as "ho-ish activity", and saw fathers getting to act creepy and check out the goods for their sons.

USA! USA! USA!

Tough day 1 for the Good Guys at the Ryder Cup, with Tiger/Furyk going 1-1 (why has no one mentioned they are #1 & #2 in the world?), and the Mickelson face making another appearance. As much as I want the US to win, I don't know where the US is going to come up with 11.5 points for the win. But...

I've put kryptonite in Sergio Garcia's golf bag, by taking him in the morning match. If an RRD wager can't bring the shanks out in anyone's bag, I don't know what can.

I'm Back Bitches

Spent an extended weekend and the beach, for some much needed R&R. A few thoughts...

I get a kick out of how my phone automatically populates words based on my initial letters. At what point did 'can' become canoli, or 'but' become butthole?

If I ever complain about DC traffic again, may I be flashed back to being in a Myrtle Beach supermarket behind three people trying to use the self check-out aisle.

Myrtle Beach is the only area where the only sodas not sold out in the vending machine are diet.

Left my gas guzzling SUV at home, and borrowed my sister's car for the @ 1000 mile trip. Toyota Corolla = nice ride. Filling the tank twice, for @ $23 each time, brought a smile to my face. Easily saved me over $100. The disparity between mileage/ tank size was very eye-opening.

UVA, what can I say? Dark times. LOTS of room on the bandwagon. Truthfully, many true fans saw this coming. No serviceable QB, poor RBs = @10 points of offense per game, which isn't cutting it (especially at home). I've never been a total Groh supporter (I like it to GW, at times have approved of his decisions, but would characterize as 'inept' from 30,000 feet) as he has not developed a QB, ever (Shaub was all Bill Musgrave).

I don't know why VA fans expect more than 7 wins a year, we have no precedent for success. But unlike 95% of UVA fans, I have no problem stomaching a 4/5 win season. We've got talent signed for next year, and have a young team, sometimes you must take it on the chin. If we continue to spiral down, and our commitments (verbal) go elsewhere, I'll lose my $hit.

The Forgottens

Music that has fallen between the cracks through the passage of time:

- Old school Aerosmith. Unbelieveable rock. It is crazy to hear how Steven Tyler's voice has evolved from milk to asphalt over the years (for the better).

- Poison's Flesh & Bood. Great album from start to finish, unlike OUASA or NBAGT, which contain a few homeruns, but more garbage.

- The Black Crowes. Southern Harmony and Musical Companion. What started it all. A number of us find it promising Chris Robinson and Kate Hudson broke up, and band members have been fleeing to save their sobriety. Should lead to great music.

Weekend Wrap Up

I hate to launch into the week on a sore note, after a fantastic weekend that included multiple good dinners, the NFL, and Government Mule in Brooklyn, but the Week One NFL Wrap Up by Peter King is a joke.

In the past sports writers were writers, those who sought information, not human interest and angling their stories to attract readership. The current era of writers, primarily internet writers, hold connecting with the reader in a higher regard than reporting the event, to the detriment of the story and the profession. No one is worse than Peter King. His latest stream-of-consciousness works harder to portray him as a buddy to all NFL coaches/players than a provider of insight. Both Joey Porter/cigar and Sean Payton/Jerome Bettis are pandering bits of tripe I hear in my head uttered in the voice of Eddie Haskell. By focusing on his VIP status with NFL personnel, he strikes out on his players/goats of the week (Charlie Batch over Pennington or Vick?). His "reporting" has sunken to being a 3,000 word puff piece. I find it aggravating/offensive he rips on airline security, on the anniversary of 9/11. The fact any airline employee treats him with respect is hard to believe, if I was an airline attendant and his reservation appeared, I'd have no problem losing it in the shuffle, his suitcases would be stockpiling in Malaysia.

Again, fantastic weekend, made up for the congestion I have been experiencing for days. The summer is over!

Houses/Bobby Flay

Quick thoughts...

...watching House Hunters and other HGTV shows and driving around the massive amounts of growth in DC, the houses/condos/apartments that have all sprung up in the same style are going to appear extremely dated in 5-10 years. The oversized bathrooms/bathtubs, earth tone colors in the living and bedrooms. the siding & brick facades are going to be America's new Epcot in 2015. I'd like to buy stock in the home remodeling business, there are SO MANY of these pre-designed, pre-fabricated houses in DC, no one is going to want an outdated style in 5 years. The worst component is going to be the oversided brushed-steel appliances, which are going to scream 2005.

...I know there are many Bobby Flay fans who peruse the site, but have you ever watched 'Throwdown'? He is the biggest primadonna prick! Always sniping at his assistants, acting like a real ass at the events of his competitors. Miserable personality, I can't stand the guy.

Please Shoot Me

Yesterday played a round of golf (on a Wednesday) that took 6:10. The 2nd longest round of my life. The longest was 6:30, and the course had 19 holes. Add 1:30 of steady rain and couple the fact an unnamed playing partner drained a Shemp birdie from 30 feet on a par-3 (we pay out for 2s) we had to hang around for him to collect. I wanted to kick the ball out of the path of the hole when it was 8 foot away and apparent it was going in (I was putting for 4 from 15 feet).

Hit 13 greens, shot 78. Made nothing longer than three feet all day, and wasn't missing cross country putts for birdie. Missed 8 from inside 15 feet.

It was the most miserable golf round of my life.

It really is miserable how 18 holes in DC involves a whole day. Up at 6, on the road by 6:45, tee off at 8:30, finished at 2:30, reception 4:15, (tentatively) home 5:30. Full effing day.

On a different note, why does every bum in DC ask me for $0.85? Is that what bum studies/surveys have determined to be the acceptable amount for which to panhandle? Is that the amount that gives said bum the most amount of time to harass a person fishing for the change?

Am I the only one with faith in the US for the Ryder Cup? Nothing would make me happier than an 0-4 week for Sergio, he'd me more petulant than a Roddick post-match interview.

Labor Day

Good LDW, very relaxing. DC weather was soggy, but a nice break from the norm.

Enjoyed watching FSU/Miami last night, always a good game, with two teams that seem to be a step faster than the rest of college football at the beginning of September. Never been a fan of the 'Canes, so no complaints with two straight FSU wins.

Seeing the aggressiveness and youth of the FSU defense, they look like title contenders for 2007/8, possibly this year (although currently 10:1 is somewhat overrated, should be @ 20:1). The majority of the guys they had flying around the field are newcomers. Geno Hayes - RS F, Michael Ray Garvin - RS F, Myron Rolle, TF. On the offensive side, Antone Smith (RB) - RS F. Weatherford has a year at the helm under his belt, and the highly talented Lorenzo Booker can deliver six on most plays, with a decent blocking package. The FSU defense is nasty, I don't see them being overly challenged, and can get away with a ball-control offense.

A few questions to ponder...

1.) Is this really cool or pretty shitty? I am leaning in the direction of shitty.

2.) If you had to be a chick, would you choose to be a chick a.) with a busted grill and sick body or b.) a great face and marginal body, that could never be improved through exercise, etc.? I am truly stumped.

On Saturday I was channel surfing after a 6:20 round of golf (@ 1:00) and came across amazing television, which I have seen 5-6 times, but am always drawn in...Biography of Andre the Giant. I recommend Tivo'ing. The talk of his appetitte for food/drink (over 100 beers in a night without catching a buzz) is amazing. Add family interviews and stories of hyperbole in thick French accents, amazing television. No need to thank me.

FFB Draft #2

Office draft, had pick #2 (of 12).

Starting Players
Rank		Usage		Player						Fantasy Points
All	Pos	Own	Start	Pos	Player	Team	Opp	Inj	Bye	Avg	Total	Last
-	-	93%	36%	QB	Jake Plummer	DEN	@STL		4	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	99%	74%	RB	LaDainian Tomlinson	SD	@OAK		3	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	98%	54%	RB	Warrick Dunn	ATL	@CAR		5	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	44%	13%	RB	Reggie Bush(r)	NO	@CLE		7	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	99%	76%	WR	Larry Fitzgerald	ARI	SF		9	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	99%	76%	WR	Torry Holt	STL	DEN		7	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	97%	51%	WR	Donald Driver	GB	CHI		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	85%	51%	TE	Jason Witten	DAL	@JAC		3	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	91%	52%	PK	Mike Vanderjagt	DAL	@JAC		3	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	50%	17%	Def	Dolphins, Team Defense	MIA	@PIT		8	0.0	0.0	0.0

Bench Players
Rank		Usage		Player						Fantasy Points
All	Pos	Own	Start	Pos	Player	Team	Opp	Inj	Bye	Avg	Total	Last
-	-	27%	1%	QB	Jon Kitna	DET	SEA		8	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	40%	1%	RB	Laurence Maroney(r)	NE	BUF		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	63%	11%	WR	Matt Jones	JAC	DAL		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	59%	5%	WR	Michael Clayton	TB	BAL		4	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	68%	29%	TE	Dallas Clark	IND	@NYG		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	40%	13%	Def	Bills, Team Defense	BUF	@NE		8	0.0	0.0	0.0

For your pleasure, Leland's team:

Rank		Usage		Player						Fantasy Points
All	Pos	Own	Start	Pos	Player	Team	Opp	Inj	Bye	Avg	Total	Last
-	-	81%	31%	QB	Kurt Warner	ARI	SF		9	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	43%	6%	QB	Chris Simms	TB	BAL		4	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	98%	63%	RB	Carnell Williams	TB	BAL		4	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	99%	67%	RB	Clinton Portis	WAS	MIN		8	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	92%	42%	RB	De'Shaun Foster	CAR	ATL		9	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	90%	25%	RB	Fred Taylor	JAC	DAL		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	76%	20%	WR	Terrell Owens	DAL	@JAC		3	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	98%	60%	WR	Reggie Wayne	IND	@NYG		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	73%	12%	WR	Nate Burleson	SEA	@DET		5	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	89%	28%	WR	Muhsin Muhammad	CHI	@GB		7	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	58%	11%	WR	Brandon Lloyd	WAS	MIN		8	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	46%	12%	TE	Ben Troupe	TEN	NYJ		7	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	65%	29%	PK	David Akers	PHI	@HOU		9	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	10%	2%	PK	Stephen Gostkowski(r)	NE	BUF		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	56%	25%	Def	Patriots, Team Defense	NE	BUF		6	0.0	0.0	0.0
-	-	21%	5%	Def	Jets, Team Defense	NYJ	@TEN		9	0.0	0.0	0.0

Open Kimono - 2006 Draft

Last night was my Fantasy Football draft. I'm in a great league, 13 outstanding guys (and one dickhead who goes by RRD), we've been doing it for three years, no one has left the league, which this year meant:

- 11 of the 14 in actual attendance
- two made the trip from NYC
- seven had today (Friday) off, after the draft
- two took of yesterday to prepare (serious much?)

The great thing about a 14 person league is every team has at least one obvious weakness, and the point of a fantasy draft is to talk shit and ridicule, which goes on non-stop from the 7th round until the end, as every pick thereafter essentially sucks. Last night's good rips included:

"Alge Crumpler is the 3rd option in Atlanta's offense, behind Roddy White and the ground."
"Jerramy Stevens has been downgraded from doubtful to dead"
...general laughing at the team named 'Baby's Arm' in the middle of the 11th round, which I blame on alcohol after the fact.
...ripping ever person who chose a kicker earlier than the 15th round, drafted two TEs, or two DEFs.

I am screwed, as I really like how my team shaped up. I think my weakness is obvious, but I can't complain about the outcome. I avoided a number of miserable potentyial platoon situations (Texas, Denver RB) and good decent quality in the late rounds (White/Givens)

I'm Balls Deep

Have at it.

Ryder Cup 2006

US Captain Tom Lehman has chosen Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank as the 11th and 12th additions to the US Ryder Cup squad.

Truthfully, the choices are solid, not great, and will be met with mixed emotions, but allow for numerous subplots.

The picks don't really drive at greater team chemistry (Pavin, Funk), and don't try to capture the best players (Love III, easily open for debate).

What comes to mind when viewing the picks? Consistency, putting, boring (in the sense of watching the Champion's Tour, not golf-ball trajectory)

I don't necessarily see boring golfers as being a terrible thing. The Love IIIs of the world could easily have their cages rattled at the K Club by a raucous crowd and exuberant opponents, which won't be the case with SC/SV. Additionally, the picks are your "normal guy" kind of pros (much in the same fashion as Lehman) and will go a long way to bridge the gap in the team between the superstars and the rookies. If I were Brett Wetterich, I would be at greater ease in the Ryder Cup if paired with Scott Verplank over Love/Couples.

European captain Woosnam has sworn to negate the supposed US length factor, which is balanced by the picks. I give CAPT Lehman a B+ for the choices.

Thursday

Been messing around with my Pandora profiles and have come across some good bands, in the mold of DBT, Slobberbone, Black Crowes that I recommend:

Lucero - Raspy vocals, upbeat, very pseudo-hillbilly
Magnolia Electric Co. - Melodic, pensive, thought-provoking sound

Billy Mayfair is -6 thru 12 at the PGA, how cool is that?

Impressive

This is the first I heard of Billy Mayfair having cancer. Seems pretty remarkable he would be back on the course so quickly. BM seems to be a great guy, always affable and good for a quote, so I am glad to see something as serious as testicular cancer doesn't sideline him for too long. I hope he has a good week at the PGA.

The story provides a bit too much information, however, in my opinion.

Not too Smart

Just keep this tucked in your back pocket for when George Allen stages another campaign, be it for Senator, or higher.

The guy is a loser, much like other the Virginia Republicans (Jerry Kilgore, I'm looking in your direction) and only makes me happy my latest votes have gone with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.