Zero Sum

Great WP article on human tendencies (blinders).

As Alexandria prepares for a tourism boost caused by the opening of the National Harbor, a mega-convention center, the DC Convention Center has seen a decrease in bookings since its opening, less than three years ago. If I were to guess, there was no coordination between the two projects, as they are competing for the same clientele, and are located less than 10 miles away. Each effort commodotizes the other, leading to diminished profit margins for the ventures. Impacts to the surrounding areas, in terms of tourism and increased traffic, is difficult to quantify, but the biggest hit will be taken by each of the convention centers.

Watched @ 10 minutes of 'Thank God You're Here' last night. What I missed in the commercials and promos leading up to the premiere was the fact the show was passing of C/D list comedians as funny. There is a reason they are C/D list. I don't think I've seen a worse show. The fact that it aired at 9 and 10 last night will leave Heather Graham's sitcom with the distinction of the only show being cancelled after one episode.

Good, Funny, Great

On a cold Monday in DC:

Check out Mr. Bento. A seemingly good product, but the first review is the icing on the cake.

Ms. Ari Gold = Ms. Frank the Tank

Jott

Please, Pretty Please?

The Masters is underway, and the leaderboard resembles the Buy.com Open. The Masters is a long tournament, and 54 holes is a long way to go.

It came to my attention that my company has Phil Mickelson as a sponsor, we recently changed our logo to red, and Mickelson is still wearing black. The reasoning: Mickelson does not like wearing red.

So let me get this straight...we pay Mickelson an exorbinant amount of money, and he refuses to wear our new logo? He should have to wear a clown nose if we ask nicely.

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

Master's Week certainly slipped in under the radar. The Florida repeat/Greg Oden hype has completely overshadowed the Masters, in what has been a quiet year regarding PGA Tour coverage (maybe I just haven't been paying attention).

Despite my late attention to the Masters, I couldn't be more ready and excited. A number of favorites are playing good golf. In the next day I'll post the 3-5 guys I expect to play well (who aren't TW).

Word of the Day

Proscribe

Not prescribe, proscribe.

NOLA 2007 Pt. I

Went down to NOLA last weekend for a great friend's bachelor party. A quick recap:

Landed @ 9pm Thursday night, after a quick drop-off of the luggage at a mini-mansion in the Garden District, took cabs to Fat Harry's to watch the end of the USC v. Tennessee game. My hunch on Tennessee blew up in my face, so I was left to hedge with THC for a few cups of vodka, which helped loosen the edge from the loss. A quick run to F&Ms led to a quick departure to Harras. Overall I was down, but give the place a B-, as friends were able to hang at the table and BS while not playing (not hovering, not minded at all) and gave us an opportunity to teach a buddy the basics (he is getting a hit/stay card for his birthday).

Friday - Golf went out the window when our AM tee time ran into our prior night. Found po' boys and Abitas down the street and hung out later at the pool. Chips were replaced with Pinto beans, which worked well enough to kill time until dinner, at Felix's downtown.

Great dinner, multiple doz. oysters and Crawfish Vonnie for dinner. I think we sped up the depletion of seafood by 3 years. Post dinner finally hit the Quarter for a quick hurricane at Pat O's before the party split. Proceeded to drink like prohibition was coming back on Monday at hole in the wall place until going home. Drank with my bud's boys from NOLA. Great crew, were more than willing to throw down and ignore my shenanigans. Got good reviews on my JR Reynolds slow/low five. Thanks for the pity.

Saturday - Grab card from prior night's bar, hit up a crawfish boil at the Racetrack, went back and got to dinner at Antoine's @ 8. Food was decent, especially the potato poppers. Was pretty done after dinner so called it an early night.

Great trip, hopefully I'll have the cobwebs out before returning for the wedding in a few months!

The Tuna Melt

Take a second and check out some of knewjack's tunes at TTM. I hadn't been to the site in a while but can't get over Luchini, that was such a first year staple. Hard to believe it was over ten years ago. Good to know I had (semi-decent) taste in music while in college.

Got some good exercise on my knee yesterday, 20 minutes on the elliptical. It is good to be able to do something. Also took a few practice swings in the yard, and was able to make a manageable swing. I am giving thought to buying a polo with a collar to my nipples, six buttons, dark pants and white golf shoes to fully embrace the Arnold Palmer imitation this weekend.

Columbus, Ohio

Aside from Virginia getting their heart ripped out on Sunday, my trip to Columbus for Rounds 1 & 2 of the NCAA tournament was very enjoyable. I've never met a city with nicer inhabitants, proved by the two hour bar conversation, post UVA's win over Albany, with two locals (OSU and Cincinnati grad) started on the almost completely random ?, 'so what is a Hoo'? Actually, it was prefaced by the two hours they spent trying to ask a decent looking Virginia fan, to no avail. As noted in that particular conversation, and with other OSU interactions, OSU fans were everywhere (outnumbered all fans at the games), were excited about their team, but pessimistic in their chances to reach Atlanta. They were also bemoaning the bad draw in Columbus, considering they had Kentucky, Cincinnati, and the UAB upset in 2005, I am partial to full agreement. As much as I want to side with OSU v. UT, I have great respect for a dangerous UT team. They played great both games in Columbus, and have the offensive firepower to beat OSU. I am certain they will win. As much as I don't care for Bruce Pearl's mannerisms during games, he was all class regarding Leitao, JR, and SS, but it's easy to be magnanimous after a W.

Had some great meals in Columbus (Betsy's, Katzingers, and an all-out bender at Jimmy V's that included numerous St. Patty's day jello shots). Everyone was just extremely pleasant, helpful, and willing to go the extra miles, from printing out my boarding pass at the front-desk of the hotel, to walking us through a map of the German village and where to grab drinks. High Street is a trendy/nice area.

Why not...

Our inputs are being captured on the >Sabre. See the BWI input.

Oh, and ask my next week how my torn ACL is going (golf: see you in 2008!).

Guys in Vegas, jeaous. Next year, phoenix from the ashes.

KL

While the majority of my attention has recently been paid to the NCAA tournament, I wanted to take a second and shake my head in disbelief at the ridiculous success of Kenny Loggins. KL is responsible for the music underlying the followinng greats:

Top Gun
Caddyshack
Footloose (also screenplay credit)

Additionally contributed to:
Summer Rental (vastly underrated)
Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Today I was astounded to learn he also wrote and performed The Masters theme! Insane!

NCAAs

I must be drunk with the optimism of a (barely deserving) 4 seed, but I see good things in Virginia's future for the weekend. Not to overlook Albany (I am looking in your direction EZ, for a counterpoint) but Tennessee is a streaky team, and the last time we had a good tournament run, our first weekend games were in Dayton (Columbus this year). There is a slight chance I could be going to the games.

Big fan of the Blue Ribbon yearbook, although I don't understand why someone would pay an extra $40 for overnight delivery versus pdf. That is a really expensive glossy coaster.

I haven't gotten into the details of the brackets, but teams I like are A&M, Wisconsin (I'm the only one), UCLA, and UNC. I don't like Ohio State, Kansas, Florida (UF losing would be good for America), Texas.

Outstanding Sean Singletary Article

Impressive

7,8,9,10

UVA will most likely be seeded 7-10 in the NCAAs, the proberbial lamb being led to slaughter in the 2nd round, against (my guesses) Georgetown (2), Memphis (2) or Ohio State (1). An 8/9 UVA/Kentucky game in Rd. 1 is not out of the question.

I don't know what was the worst feeling, while watching UVA piss away a 14pt 2nd half lead to NCSU (handily), watching Sidney (the valet) Lowe outcoaching Leitao, or UVA's offense consisting of Reynolds (1/13 at one point) and SS running off piss-poor screens, and watching our big men huddled around the free-throw line. Completely uninspired offense. I put the loss on the team, not Leitao. If UVA gets shipped out West in the NCAAs, it is going to be a tough win, regardless of the opponent.

1200

Why I may never eat out again.

I enjoy going out for dinner, and probably eat at restaurants to a greater extent than I probably should. I've often patted myself on the back for ordering the chicken dish and brocolli, and turned a blind-eye to the dousing of butter and fat it most likely received. Glad to come across the attached article, as I will now approach dinners out with a raised brow of skepticism (unless I'm hungery, or have had a few beers, or it is 3am and the neon lights of Taco Bell are beckoning, in which case all bets are off).

Worst Buy

Next time you purchase an item from Best Buy based on internet pricing, be sure to print out a hardcopy and take it to the store for validation .

What a load of garbage. The negative publicity will exponentially outweigh the potential gains.

GM "Quality"

At the beginning of January, I contacted Chevrolet about a replacement part I needed for my vehicle. My radio dials were chipping (@35K miles) looked terrible, and needed to be replaced. The part was ordered, and I was contacted to schedule a time to replace the part. I informed the dealership I wouldn't be able to schedule at the current time, and to follow up in a week, which they never did. I called today to schedule the appointment, and was disappointed to learn the part had been returned to the factory, as it had not been installed. In summation, to get the part installed, the following steps occured.

1.)Part ordered
2.)Part packaged in factory for shipping
3.)Part shipped
4.)Part returned
5.)Part restocked in factory
6.)Part reordered
7.)Part repackaged
8.)Part reshipped
9.)Part installed

A "process" that could have ended at four steps if a simple follow-up phone call was made! Combined with poor customer service and a part failing at 35K, whereas my last Chevy had no problems (to 80K) and you wonder why Toyota is kicking your ass?

Golf in DC

Per the Washington Post it appears a partnership has been forged between Tiger Woods, DC, and the PGA Tour.

The possibility of a top-notch PGA event, headlined by Tiger Woods, has yet to sink in. Staging the event at Congressional would be a pinnacle event. With the throng of people who come to DC for the 4th of July (subsequently to be enticed with the opportunity to watch TW)...wow. Let's not touch upon the fact it will be 105', muggy, with afternoon thundestorms.

The 2007 ACC Tournament - Reseeding

Figures the 2007 ACC Tournament (where Virginia is guaranteed to make it until Friday) is being played in non-partisan Tampa. How boring. I greatly enjoy the Greensboro tournaments, and the tournament feels out-of-sorts when it is not played on the familiar Greensboro court.

With ACC expansion proving nothing is sacred, the ACC Tournament should reseed after each round. Granted, there would be some scrambling, as higher seeds wouldn't be able to "scout" the Thursday games as dilligently, but wouldn't the uncertainty add to the excitement? It could be argued the locked seeding provides a greater opportunity for upsets (12 beating 4 is more likely than a reseeded 12 v. 1), but teams with higher seeds shouldn't be screwed by the outcome of an earlier upset and have to play a higher seed.

Accenture Match Play - Sunday morning

Morning match between Stenson and Ogilvy (perfect final match) is an excellent match, which does not means they are playing good golf. Excellent match means a number of swings of holes and momentum. I look forward to the afternoon outcome. I am guessing a 2and 1 win for Stenson (current 2up through 15).

The course they are playing is underwhelming. I will remember 0 of the holes. I could easily walk you through 7-9 holes at La Costa. What I don't like about the course:

- I can't stand the change of color between fairway, rough, and garbage. Too jarring.
- Having garbage puts a player at a great disadvantage, with small chance of recovery. La Costa could put a player behind a tree/grove, providing an opportunity for recovery. Chances while straddling a cactus with a scorpion crawing on your Foot-Joy? 0%
- It is tough to create memorable holes without trees/lakes...sequential layering of elements. Think of the most memorable holes in golf. You would describe them in an order (tee shot cutting across the Pacific, avoid trees on the right, potential reach in two, etc...). Not here
- The course is probably going to jack up its rates 200% on Monday (my guess is $265) and advertise it hosted the 2007 Match Play.

Accenture Match Play - Saturday morning

Geoff Ogilvy v. Paul Casey didn't live up to the hype, but it was an enjoyable match to watch. Those two possess the 1A and 1B best swings in golf, and are completely different. Ogilvy's long and loping, controlled power swing and Casey's semi-crouched, compact, effortless pass are both enjoyable to watch. I believe Ogilvy has more winning success (in the US, at least) as his swing is more reliable under pressure. Casey's swing looks prone to a quick follow through and wristy-hook, where a quick swing by Ogilvy would only result in a pulled shot. Ogilvy also has better touch on quick, undulating greens.

What is in common with the best looking swings in the game (Ogilvy, Casey, Adam Scott, Baddeley, Luke Donald)? No Americans. The current American with what I consider the best swing is CH III. Ryan Moore's swing is a trainwreck. Why don't any young American golfers have swings of merit?

Randoms

Congratulations to the Browns for winning the 3rd pick in the draft. Actually, the Buccaneers lost, and the Browns happened to win. Pretty standard.

Is there anyone more overworked than Pacman Jones's attorney? I hope he can accumulate comp time.

Moving the Accenture Match Play from La Costa to Arizona was a mistake. La Costa was gorgeous, the current course looks like the runner-up in the race to host 'Battle of the Bridges' in 2001.

Why I like NASCAR

In response to EZ's qustion, a quick summary of why I like NASCAR:

Trying to explain my fondness for NASCAR is like trying to explain why I tried to reach a green in two with a 240 yard carry over water, or why I opted for my 11th beer of the night at 3AM, it just fits. My prioritized team allegiances are:

1.) UVA basketball
2.) UVA football
3.) Nationals
4.) Orioles
5.) Redskins
6.) Wizards

You could essentially lop the Wizards off the list, if they were to make a Finals run, I'd be more bandwagon than supporter.My top five teams haven't provided much to support over the last 5-7 years, so I intersperse support with events such as NASCAR or PGA, for which I have similar viewing habits. In each case, there are guys I like and guys I don't, typically avoiding guys who are blessed with huge sponsorship deals and act entitled (TW, Dale Jr.). It makes for good viewing and the NASCAR standings (albeit alticlimatic after Daytona) spark some interest in the outcome of the season.

If you've never been to a race, I suggest going, they are enjoyable.

2007 Daytona 500

I miss not being there. I've got a feeling it is the day for Kevin Harvick, followed by Tony Stewart. Thank me later.

Tiny Houses

In today's New York Times, and I am definitely interested. I can't put my finger on why this is an attractive idea. Maybe it is my disdain for all the overpriced stainless steel and housing excess, but something with the tiny houses seems pretty cool.

I've got friends who have lived in smaller places (older houses) that were tiny, and it seemed to be pretty cool. Opting to read, as opposed to television, is a nice break from standard living. If I were to purchase a weeHouse I wouldn't have a clue where I would place it. Out west? Is there a market for weeHouse timeshares?

Thank Goodness

It wasn't too long ago the Wizards were the laughingstock of the NBA. The lynchpin of the debacle was Kwame Brown. Today'sWashington Post goes into great detail about the heart and motivation of Caron Butler, and it is apparent his contribution to the team is a departure from the laziness of Kwame and helped lead the team to success.

The Wizards are an enjoyable team to watch, for which winning plays a major part. The signing of Arenas and trade for Butler (offset with the loss of Larry Hughes) were great moves by Ernie Grunfeld, who has proven his worth as a fantastic GM. Basketball in DC used to be unwatchable; the success of the Wizz has breathed life into downtown DC as Chinatown has grown and thrived with their success.

Stupid

If one more of my friends puts this on his wedding registry I am going to seriously question who I used to get bombed with in college.

Wasting Time

Sites where I could waste days:

www.pandora.com - Duh.

www.beastiemixes.com - One of the few bands to open their library and embrace the evolving (and highly skilled) mix/mash culture

www.dcist.com - Good reading, many articles, updated frequently

UVA goes to Raleigh tonight hoping to escape with a road win. NC State is one of the few teams in the ACC which evokes no emotion. My only encounter with NCSU was indirect, when an old roommate's sister got us tickets in their section at the ACC Championship two years ago (Verizon Center). Their redneck following was a fun bunch, enjoying themselves in DC. Guess what? I mingled well.

UVA's 2007 fb schedule was released today. If they aren't bowling, I'll be steering the Groh-must-go bandwagon. Oct. 20 is circled. The last two contests in the Spark have been -10', and in the aftermath of a hurricane. I expect locusts.

2007 UVa Schedule
Sept. 1 at Wyoming
Sept. 8 DUKE
Sept. 15 at North Carolina
Sept. 22 GEORGIA TECH
Sept. 29 PITTSBURGH
Oct. 6 at Middle Tennessee State
Oct. 13 CONNECTICUT
Oct. 20 at Maryland
Oct. 27 at NC State
Nov. 3 WAKE FOREST
Nov. 10 at Miami
Nov. 17 BYE
Nov. 24 VIRGINIA TECH

Who really cares?

I find it extremely annoying that everything on pgatour.com is geared towards the FedEx Cup. You have to search to find the Money List ranking. Also, if you check the live scoring, the first choice is 'FC' that provides FedEx Cup standings, and projected FedEx Cup points for the week.

Did the PGA Tour shop the notion of the FedEx Cup to the fans, to see if they would really care? If I had to estimate, the % of fans geared for the format would hover @ 5%, but would spike precipitously if top-name players committed to tournaments late in the season (post-PGA) in an attempt to win the 'Cup'. Correct me if I am wrong, but I have yet to see one player commit to a more back-loaded schedule.

Couple the FedEx Cup with an altered schedule, and this season on tour is downright confusing. The new schedule stinks, an obvious pandering to sponsors and $$$ over quality golf. I am not a fan of the Players in May, essentially meaning the beginning of the "real season" is at the Masters in April, rather than the March Players. I can't even tell you when the Tour Championship is played (Spetember), resulting in an April-September period of real interest, rather than March-November. How is this a winning formula? I implore someone to educate me what the PGA is gaining through the new format/schedule, that doesn't line their coffers.

A 5% Band

My Morning Jacket is what I consider to be a 5% band. Their style is not the style of music I normally like, but for some reason I really dig them about two days out of the month, today being one of those days. If I were to buy the CD(s) I wouldn't know where to start, and would end up being distracted while driving by some awful-miserable song that I have yet to hear. I don't like the band enough to take a vested interest in their music, but 4-6 songs a month is adequate.

68' in DC on 15 January. I should be shooting 83 somewhere.

Iraqi Build-Up

The revised US Iraq strategy is risky, at best. It ties the success of the operation and eventual withdraw of US troops to added responsibilities assumed by the Iraqi government.

From a project management 101 perspective, once a project falls behind, bodies added to the project have a diminishing rate of return. When we already have 120K soldiers in Iraq, why is an extra 20K the "secret sauce" that will eventually lead to withdrawl? In addition, we are relying on a roommate who never pays the rent on time, and looks in the other direction when you come home for the last Miller Lite in the fridge, and it is inexplicably gone. Your attempts to rectify the situation with your roommate have only amounted to a few conversations during 'My Name is Earl' where you told him to handle his business and quit being such a joke. Is that a plan for withdrawl at the end of the year, or a situation where your roommate continues to do nothing but continue to eat your food, drink your beer, and be alarmed and flummoxed when you tell him you plan on moving out at the end of the year?

With no clear objectives, a risky partner, and having waged a war against a guerrila enemy, with whom the US has no idea of their true nature or motivation, things going "according to plan" and the troop buildup succeeding is slight. When have things gone "according to plan" in Iraq yet?

Post Holidays

Happy Post Christmas to all! Nothing beats a Christmas tree adorned with gifts wrapped with the 'creepy Santa face' wrapping paper. It is my favorite, I've got to start employing it at all times of the year. Around Christmas I always swear to dress as Uncle Eddie from Christmas Vacation next Halloween (white loafers, polyester pants, white sweater, dickie) but forget in the interim. It may have to be my NY resolution to remember.

Have been enjoying the holidays in DC with friends who are in town, always good times.

A Whoopin' is Comin'

UVA basketball put on a putrid performance at the Puerto Rico Invitational, finishing 7th in a tournament they were supposed to win, by beating a Div. II team (and were trailing in the 2nd half).

With Dave Leitao being an intense coach, I can only imagine the hell the team will catch once they return to Charlottesville. It has already been announced they have a practice scheduled for Christmas Day.

The punishment about to be imparted on UVA basketball made me fondly reminisce about the beat downs I took while playing sports. I remember a baseball game at Garfield when we were jacking off royally (the 3B ate a hotdog in the dugout during the 6th) and the coach was visibly steamed. The next day at practice we were instructed to wear our tennis shoes and meet in the gym. We were forced to take grounders off the gym floor without gloves. The pain from the pinch of a baseball and the gym floor is intense.

Later in the year, during fungo, the outfield was slacking off (I was RF) and the coach nutted a ball over the fence, instructing us to 'bring back the m*%&#$*^@)#$. Of couse it went into a creek behind the field, and led to us pushing in the LF as he attempted to retreive. Upon return of two dry outfielders and one who was soaked, coach cracked a smile...still human.

Things That Make Me Happy

As this is a blog, not a gripefest, I figured I'd list some things that currently make me happy (December 2006):

1.) Putting up my Christmas tree the first week in December

2.) Christmas music on the radio during the morning commute. Nothing beats White Christmas by Bing Crosby.

3.) Anchor Steam beer.

4.) A round of golf on December 10 (even if it ended up being an Art Monk).

5.) The MoMA online store.

Well done, CNNSI...

I sit incredulous at another CNNSI piece that has me shaking my head...

"Once Boris Diaw works himself into shape, he and Shawn Marion, along with the steadily improving Amaré Stoudemire (averaging 17 and 8 in just 27 minutes) have a chance to rank among the great frontcourts of all time."

Memo to Bird, Parish, McHale, your reign atop the mountain is about to end...not really. I follow the NBA as religiously as I follow college hockey, and I can still name 2-3 better frontcourts currently in the NBA.

CNNSI writers really have the life. In an effort to crank out 100 articles a day, they've fired all the editors and hired only writers. The aforementioned article sounds eerily similar to me, as a 5-year-old, claiming I had the 'coolest treehouse ever'.

Point/Counterpoint

Who wants to be an online columnist? Follow this simple recipe:

- Choose a one-sided issue that has drawn national attention

- Locate 3-5 unconnected facts that vaguely support the contrapositive

- Sprinkle the facts in an article against the overwhelming national view.

What a joke.


For the record, anything that is deemed a "state-of-the-art $13 million football training facility" means they went the extra mile to give each player their own personal hose to drink from during training camp, instead of poking holes spaced two feet apart in one hose. I remember going to see the Byrd Stadium renovation, and they were planning on raising $5M for weights.

I am lost...

I am putting it out to the masses, as I've wavered all week, and have turned my mind into the equivalent of the ball of lights Rusty has to untangle in 'Christmas Vacation'.

FFB QB - Favre (@SF) or Kitna (MIN)

Cutler is also an option (only because he is on the roster), but I think he's going to know what Merriman ate for breakfast 10 minutes into the game.

TSG 2006

I buy into tradition. Couple that with the Thanksgiving holiday and you realize why I enjoy The Skins game. I remember great matches in years past, that paired Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, and the like. Trevino's hole-in-one is one of my most prominent golf memories.

I flip to the 2006 version to find Tiger Woods replaced by...Stephen Ames? Was Greg Kraft not available? I am so sad to see TSG on life support. Granted, some would argue it has been the case for years, but the tackiness of TSG 2005 (Fred Funk) made for one of the best one-liners in golf when Tiger read Fred's put being 'two balls out'. A rare view into the personality of TW, or, rather TWinc (pronounced twink).

How can TSG be improved? Hmmm...I'd suggest grabbing a bunch of young guns, but the multimillionaire 20-somethings have huge bank accounts, haven't won squat, and have the personality of bookmarks. Don't get me started on how The Leadbetter Academy has ruined the personality of golf, cranking out rich robots at the expense of independent thought.

Honestly, I'd revive TSG by going back to what worked, Nicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Player. How many current PGA Pros could be considered ambassadors of the game? I'd take those 4 over 98% of current golfers. Devishly, as much as I love the guys, and what they have brought to golf, I'd love to see holes won with double-bogey (circa the Nicklaus/Miller Wide World of Golf at Olympic where Miller shot 82) and holes where players are laying up to the ladies tees to clear ravines on holes with long carries. But no more skirts on men, please.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I am the first person to buy into a new product/service/gadget, but inevitably there is a point where it becomes too popular, and I turn against the superior product. Case in point, this week at work I overheard a friend having a conversation concerning Pandora (www.pandora.com) as if it was just released. Each 'cool', 'excellent', or 'solid' (Ted Theodore Logan, anyone?) made me cringe, and ultimately soured my taste for the site. It has been around for almost a year (to my count) welcome to the recently moving bandwagon.

I love that the Broncos have a player named C. Mustard. Amazing football name, befitting of a fullback. Sounds fairly mercinary. Jay Cutler better beware of spending time in the Conservatory, lest C. Mustard takes a swing with the lead pipe.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! Mean of turkey breast with rosemary, mashed potatos, sausage stuffing (best kind), corn, oversized biscuits, carrots, iced tea. Double helping. A+. Easily my favorite meal of the year.

Flexeril and Skelactin

Last weekend was interesting. Saturday was a gorgeous 70' in DC (a rarity in November) and I was prepped for a round of golf. As I went to leave, I felt a slight twinge in my back, upon cognitive recognition, my back seized up as if a bayonette had plunged in my kidney. I fell into my bed and was unable to move; breathing was laborious. After nearly an hour I was able to roll over, while in extreme pain, and start to make sense of what was happening. In a forcible struggle I'd flutter an arm, then a leg, then the other arm, trying to regain my range of motion in iterations. After a few hours, I was able to make myself sit up, and some time later was staggering around the apartment.

Sunday was no better, I made it downstairs and lay prostrate on the floor, on a heating pad, in front of NFL games all afternoon. Monday was spent trying to make a Dr. appointment, finally able to be seen in the afternoon.

After lamenting to my Dr about the physical mugging I had been taking for the last two days, she attributed my pain to a severe muscle spasm, which are a 'regular occurence' as one ages. Damn. Now I've got to see if it reoccurs, which may require more serious meds than the F & S combo she prescribed. Weird how nothing of the sort had happened to be before, it was like a bolt of lightening, targeted right at my lower back.

Hopefully, the 4-iron to my back was a radom job, but damn if it didn't eff my weekend, and has left me struggling to work out the pain and teeter around my office/apartment.

Poison v. Motley Crue

My formative middle school years consisted of an intermal battle waged over who was the best band of the era, Poison or Motley Crue. I used to pour over Circus magazine, and was distraught when the pullout poster was Poison on one side, and the Crue on the other. I religiously flipped the poster every week, lest I give preference to one over the other.

Since then, I've probably been to more Poison shows by a ratio of 5:1, but if I had to choose one band over the other, all extracurricular aside (movies, debaucheration, etc.) the choice is obvious.

How can you side with a band who has a song named 'Cry Tough'?

I actually like the song, but what a miserable title. It could have been called 'The Streets', 'Cry Out', or 'Smoking Roadies after the Show'...anything but the chosen title. What a lame title. Makes me think they didn't write their own music (then who the hell came up with Unskinny Bob...another story for another time).

I can't take Poison seriously, and MC scared people. Advantage Crue.

Blogs and San Diego

Blogs I follow, mostly business related:

http://www.blog.guykawasaki.com

http://bobsutton.typepad.com/

http://thelongtail.com

http://dcist.com

http://jimcollins.com

Spent a couple of days in San Diego, barely missing the Zahns (damn). Stayed in the Mission Valley area, which afforded me nice long runs and a convienent Starbucks. As time was limited, I did a lot of driving around the city, and checked out both Old Towne and Downtown. Downtown was nice, but too clean, to the point of questioning how an area could get so clean. But it was definitely worth hanging out. While a lot of bars were franchised/chains, I suggest parking between 4th - 6th St. and walking to the Padres store at Petco, as everything is currently marked off. There is a door at the store that allows you to walk out to into the stadium. Afterwards, I suggest drinks at the pool bar of JSix, up the street, and dinner downstairs, or across the street at The Palm.

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.

The Next Tee

Looking forward to the PGA at Medinah next weekend (do you get the impression I am a fan of the majors?).

Watching old PGA highlights on The Golf Channel, I must pay homage to Raymond Floyd in his prime:

- His swing was unconventional, and successful
- Fantastic putting stroke, the absolute of normal
- Made the concept of chipping from the fringe popular

- The cap tip has become a part of my normal mannerisms

What I never picked up on is the Floyd 'hole out and walk to the next tee, leaving the ball in the hole for the caddie to retreive'. He would do it from both inside two feet (when he could have reached over and picked the ball out of the hole) and when others still had to putt!

What a fantastic move.

1,2,3,4

1.) I don't agree with RR's assessment that the Little League coach was self-absorbed. It was a split second decision, that really probably had no thought involved, that he now has to repeatedly justify in the face of criticism. How difficult would it be to have to explain why you picked the socks you wore to work in the morning, and the pat "I just did it because it is what I normally do." wouldn't cut it. If anything, he wasn't going through the mental adulation RR describes, although he may have been thinking about his kid, and the kids of his friends, on the team he selflessly volunteered to coach, when he could have been on the couch watching TV, with his kid whittling away at a Playstation. The extreme minority of egomaniac youth coaches has let us forget the overwhelming majority of outstanding youth coaches who volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts. Give this guy a break.

2.) As an FYI, in hot weather it is common practice for graphite shafts to strain and partially melt (I did not realize), so leaving your bag in the trunk isn't the best of ideas.

3.) I started listening to classical music on the morning drive to the office. It is extremely relaxing and I recommend. I am surprised by the number of pieces that I recognize (maybe 1 in 10). It proves how classical music floats on the borders of our everyday lives (in elevators, restaurants, etc.).

4.) There is a guy on our client site who is named Dusty Rhodes. I can't see his name on a Cc: list without snickering.

Time Flies

I remember I used to listen to '1999' and think how far off it is, and how things would be in the future. Crazy to think the song was written in the mid-1980s (85?), seemed so far away, but is now seven years past 1999.

Quality

For those who have neglected to buy a Drive By Truckers CD, their latest show at the 9:30 Club in DC is available on NPR .

Also giving me another chance to see if I can post links.

Gutsy

Jason Whitlock calls 'em as he sees 'em, which I respect. A LOT of predictions that take fortitude to put into print. I agree with 9, 8, 7, 6, 2.

Tagging

From the ages of 22 - now, I've rented a number of different residences, which has led to a number of drycleaners (often more than one per residence). Why do all drycleaners find it necessary to stamp/write/stencil/woodburn my name to the bottom of the inside? I could understand if you were tagging with some sort of low-rent RFID, but the fact my name is written multiple times on the same shirt is ridiculous. It really got out of hand when I found my name written in pen on a pocket in a pair of slacks. Isn't it the point to keep ink as far away from clothes as possible?

When I outgrow/wear out my shirts, do I really want to pass it to goodwill with my name inside?

I am really stoked for the British Open. I say winner is -14.

British Open

Picking the champion of the year for 2006 was been an enjoyable/maddening experience, as contesting the British Open at Hoylake will lead to many surprises and a field where (unlike Augusta, where course changes have shrunk the contenders) a lot of golfers can win. All I know of the course is my review of the card and review of the shaping of the holes.

The unfamiliarity with the course will lead to a scene similar to the 2003 Olympia Fields US Open, where Furyk eventually won the tournament. My picks:

Guys who just missed the cut: Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Zach Johnson, Jim Furyk.

Currently playing the best golf in the world: Johan Edfors

4. - Geoff Ogilvy - Why not? T7 at St. Andrews in 2005, nothing to lose. Who is going to be more relaxed, no pressure and little expectations.

3. Stuart Appleby - Success at Mercedes bodes well on long courses (3 par-5s on back) when the wind is up. He is due for a major.

2. Tim Clark - Potentially the most underrated golfer in the world.

1. Padraig Harrington - US Open meltdown nonwithstanding, game is in good shape, and due for a breakthrough.

British Open

I must have been napping when the ESPYs became a big deal, or as big of a deal an event with no drama, started solely so people have something to yap about occurred. Thanks, I'll pass.

Looking forward to the British Open, easily my favorite tournament to watch. BBC feed beats any ABC announcer, hands down. I always enjoy watching Euro Tournaments on weekend mornings, the Scottish Open being no exception. LL is a great course.

Being the Open is contested at Hoylake, a track few professionals are familiar with, means anything can happen, which makes for good tournament golf. My picks will be forthcoming.

Of Note...

A few things I have seen lately that I like:

- The interviews in Golf Digest. While the remainder of the magazine is a mixture of subscription cards and misshapen advertisements, the interviews are fantastic. Worth the price of the magazine. This months interview with Fuzzy Zoeller is fantastic.

- The Golf Channel replays of the rounds of a major the week following the event. Watching the event after knowing the outcome is a different beast, and give a perspective of the events that led to the finish. TGC also succeeds by editing down the coverage to a manageable level (2-3 hours) and inserting commentary from the winner, which was especially good with both Ogilvy and Sorenstam after their respective Open victorys.

- The compilation shows on CMT. I'll take 'The Top 20 Southern Rock Songs of All Time' over 'I Love the 70's 1974 Volume II' any night.

- 'Runaway' by Bon Jovi. Heard it in middle school, forgot about it. Now it's back. I didn't realize it was the first song off their first album, of the same title.

Canadian Mist

Our neighbors to the north are fired up over one gentleman's mistake.

As heinous as the crime may be, I gotta feel for the perpetrator. His bender became national news and he is the subject of interviews explaining how he got blacked out. Good luck finding a job on this continent. Somewhere the phone of the casting director for The Real World is ringing...

Fired Up

I confirmed and registered for my FY06 Fantasy Football league today (July 5)...and I was a week late, the 14th of 14 to sign up. It is a league I joined three years ago, invited by my neighbor in the apartment I lived at two moves ago. Besides talking bull and the live draft, my interaction with the rest of the guys is purely virtual. It is the best league ever, here's why:

- 14 of 14 guys return every year, given. Married/split/moved, doesn't matter.

- We are in the Rolls Royce Yahoo league, with all the bells and whistles.

- 14 teams in the league. No team has exceptional depth, and at least one position of weakness, which leads to late Sunday/early Monday scrambling to snag someone off the waiver wire or make a lopsided trade to shore up a glaring deficiency.

- 14 teams also mean stocking up on backup RBs, who become quality when someone goes down with injury....or in last years case, rotating 4 Cowboy running backs (Jones, Barber, Thomas, Herschel Walker).

- At least 5 teams with "Balls" in their team name (Balls Deep, Balls in Mouth...).

- Last year I missed the playoffs after being the 5th of 5 teams in a 5-5-1 tie (how does that happen)?

- No partial point BS. 98 yards on the ground = 9 points.

- Complete homerism draft strategy. I fully expect Jeff King to be picked, and I was complimented as a sage last year picking Alvin Pearman in the final round.

- I've been jotting random notes for the draft since May.

The Return to Birdwood

On Saturday I was back in Charlottesville for a wedding and played Birdwood, where I spend approximately 2.5 of my 4 college years. I hadn't played the course in @ two years, so I was playing to both put up a good round and notice the course improvements, since it has been purchased by UVA, along with the Boar's Head complex.

Following the six days of rain at the beginning of the week, the course was in fantastic shape, as good as I've seen it. Granted, it fit the pattern of being really nice for the beginning of the summer, and drying out in mid-July, so I am sure it is coming. It is weird to play a course you've played hundreds of times, but not in a while, and the same anxiety/trepidation from years past comes bubbling to the surface. The 2nd hole, a 520 yd. 5, is potentially reachable, but is bordered entirely on the left side by a lake, so I'll do anything possible to stay right, foregoing a chance at birdie, to work for a par, just to take the high number out of the equation.

All in all, a great round of golf, 82, but played 15 good holes, and three blow-up doubles (one off a bad drive OB, another from a missed flop from heather, the final double being on a 5 par, after blowing 3W from 270 way right, into the neighboring development, getting a miraculous kick to be in play, dumping my 3rd from 30 yards in the bunker, taking two to escape, and two putts). Had no birdies, and can easily attribure 5-6 strokes to a rusty short game, but an enjoyable round. Taking into account technology, I can hit the ball from the back tees to where I would hit from the regular tees while an undergrad. My game certainly hasn't gotten any better.

NBA Draft 2006

In case you missed it, as I almost did, the NBA draft is tomorrow. Boy I could care less about the NBA, and the draft pool gives me no reason for excitement.

- I could care less about the Europeans, they are all underdeveloped and soft.
- Potential lottery picks:
- Rudy Gay - proven loser
- Tyrus Thomas - Stromile Swift, anyone? If he was decent, wouldn't I have heard of him before the FF?
- Adam Morrison - Doesn't have NBA athleticism
- LAmarcus Aldridge - Not even the best player on an overrated team

This guy actually gets it right:http://nbadraft.net/prevenas068.asp

If I had choices, I'd go with Roy, a proven winner, who was amazing at the NCAA games in DC. Singlehandedly kept his team in the game against UConn and the refs.

I'd also (I loathe to say) pick Shelden Williams, who will be good for defense, 10pts, and 6 rebs from day 1.

Shannon Brown - Not a good fit for the Izzo system, will improve with increased offensive freedon, and once he finds a shot (Jason Richardson).

Guys I wouldn't draft in 1,000,000 years - Rondo, Boone, Farmar, Ager.

Booz Allen Classic

I'll concede the victory to Ben Curtis, whose only impediment to winning the tournament is missing his tee time, while being caught in traffic from the NFL Apparel store to Avenel. Not having prepared for an extension of the tournament until Monday, he may be forced to wear the pink Redskins polo, having exhausted the burgundy, black, and white.

Great article, good morning read:

Putt Putt Championships

Piece of Garbage

The swan song of the Kemper Open/FBR/BA Classic begins today at Avenel, before being discarded by the PGA in favor of higher purse events that will culminate in the FedEx (read: $$$$) Cup. It is a shame DC will be losing its tour event, after years of PGA support.

It would be nearsighted to wax poetic about the BA Classic. While it is unfortunate the PGA is leaving the DC area, no one plays the event anymore. It is embarassing, both for the tournament, and the defending champion, when Sergio Garcia opts out of the event. The same SG that is on the program, was in all the print ads, and is most likely sipping boat drinks this weekend, or filming a commercial for Michelob. I've always considered Sergio to be an uppity piece of trash; his skipping of the event the year after winning is no surprise.

While I could bash Sergio for days on his selfish act, I'd rather laud players who are playing, including Padraig Harrington (could have easily skipped after the Open) and Tom Kite, who is in the field at the ripe age of 56 and probably more well known for his cameo on the Simpsons than his US Open win in 1991.

US Open - Round 3

Just wanted to post a few comments while watching the Open.

- Mickelson is all over the course thru 3, he's got 75 written all over the round....or 68.

- I know Steve Stricker has fallen on hard times, but has he been wearing the same polo and khakis for the last five years? He's also kept the same swing.

- Between the overnight coverage of Mickelson, Stricker, Montgomerie, I can't believe how Furyk has flown under the radar, I like his chances. I am still not sleeping on Ogilvy.

- Great 68 yesterday turned in by DD. I read his interview in GD, and would really like to pull for the guy, but something just won't let me.

- Irony of all ironies, Tiger MC, Steve Jones is playing on the weekend.

US v. Italy is getting a bit chippy...bodes well for the US.

US Open 2006

I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.

Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.

A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.

B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.

2006 US Open

I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.

Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.

A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.

B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.

2006 US Open

I wait with baited breath to hear the curses, snarls, and yelps of the PGA professionals as they attempt to survive Winged Foot and the 2006 US Open. Personally, I love watching the US Open, 2nd only to the British in terms of favorite professional tournaments, not for the fact I like to see pros card rounds in the 80s, but winning the US Open should be the reward of four rounds of patience, consistent ball-striking, fortuitous advances, and good putting. No one can argue a US Open win isn't well deserved.

Picks: The 2006 US Open has many storylines, including Phil's recent major dominance (oxymoron?) and Tiger's return from his extended layoff. Personally, I can't argue with Tiger, my A1 pick. The courses on which he has won Opens (Pebble, Bethpage) set up much like Winged Foot, and the spring weather in the east has led to clumpy/dense rough that will be a beast to escape.

A2 - remember the storylines leading into Sunday of last year's Open at Pinehurst? The Goosen coronation? The Cinderella-dance of Gore? Who was exclueded? Michael Campbell, the eventual champion. The 2006 lead up seems eerily similar. Between his win and the 2006 Open, I don't think there has ever been a golfer I've more enjoyed learning about/understanding their mentality than M. Campbell. He combines patience/good-nature/early career foibles into a wonderfully balanced personality and a refreshing view on golf and success. He has the game (Top 10s at last year's British and PGA) to repeat.

B - Geoff Ogilvy. Best of the young players on tour. Hits it the length of Super Wal-Mart parking lots, great putting stroke, strenght to escape the rough. I worry if he has the patience for the Open, and could see him faltering after a stretch of high holes, and not recovering. If he doesn't run hot, he is a great pick, but a guy I see winning or shooting 77-78.

Thank God!

I mentioned in an earlier blog how I was looking forward to the new RHCP CDs. Having had the opportunity to listen for two weeks, they are still ear-melting good. An amazing combination of funk reminiscent of their early efforts, and the tight/powerful songs of late. I can't remember a double CD that is so amazing. There are no 'tweener songs. It is amazing A. Kiedis is 44 and the band still exhibits the enthusiasm of 20 years prior.

What makes the RHCP so good? If I had to venture a guess, it is that each member of the band is an excellent artist, and their combination does not detract from the musical influence of each. AK has a distinctive style/delivery, CS delivers an amazing beat, and Flea is well, Flea.

However, the reintroduction of John Frusciante takes 'em to a new level. He may be the best guitarist currently in the business. For anyone who objects, listen to 'Turn it Again'.

'I'm Kind of a Big Deal'

Gilbert Arenas and his weekend story from Miami I find laughable, in the fact that Gilbert's eccentricities would put him in such a ridiculous situation. I have a number of friends who would qualify as 'Zero Heroes'.

Great win on Monday by UVA lacrosse, NCAA Title. I had the opportunity to go to the game, it was amazing. I don't know if I will ever see a team as powerful and fluid as the UVA squad. Their fast breaks were deadly. Great season, congrats. UVA baseball hosts the Regional at Davenport this weekend.