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?