Randoms

- I hope I am never telling the future generations how I waited in line overnight for an iPhone, etc. Although I'd like to have one.

- Food of the week - Diamond Almonds, Smokehouse Flavor. Imagine the company PR/marketing thinking 'we need to make these nuts taste like beef jerkey'. Should be good after a long night of drinking.

- Went home and putted/chipped for a few hours today. So nice, although my legs got tired, and my feet got sunburnt (Reefs). I as startled that I tried putting with the Boccieri Heavy Putter, and had great success, which means either my short game is in the $hitter, or it has greatly improved over the last two months of putting in my guest room, and I can be successful with any putter (I am opting for the former).

- Saw a threesome make the turn. Two guys and a girl who had played at UNC were playing from the men's tees for money. She had turned in 36 and the guys had swings that would score in the low 90s. I am shocked I didn't see them walking up I95 on my way home. Why would they play for money when it was so obvious there were going to get crushed? But it kind of makes me want to get a game once my knee improves.

Californication

Days like today in DC, when it is balls hot, for some reason remind me of the summer of 1999, prior to my last year in college, when I stayed in Charlottesville for the summer. The majority of my friends also decided it would be a good summer of a few classes and a good hangout, which resulted in a powder keg of fun & debauchery.

I took one class each session, it was a 1230, and often had to have a friend crawl through the sliding door on our deck to wake me up, on his lunch break. I wore my saddle FJs 80% of the time in class, to be picked up @ 145 and head straight for Birdwood. Dinner was wagered for The Italian Villa or Taco Bell, followed by a shower (first of the day) @ 9 and a night out at Coupes. If we deviated from the standard plan and threw in a little off-speed, it would consist of a few Mad Dogs, corn whiskey, or a few games of gin before heading out. the RHCP seemed to be ever-present, and the summer dissolved when a good buddy who had graduated left mysteriously to start work in DC. We were perplexed.

Man, it was good times.

NOLA

Had a fantastic time over the past weekend in NOLA for a wedding. Was able to catch up with a number of friends I had not seen in a while, and was able to do the touristy stuff I usually skip to play golf.

I spent a decent amount of time at Harrah's, which I would rate a C+. Dealers are friendlier than you find in AC (not a glowing endorsment), but are extremely sloppy/inexperienced. Cases in point:

1.) Dealers are easily rattled. Probably the friendliest dealer I had all weekend tried to pull my A-9 versus her Q-Q, and didn't pull my 6-7 versus 17 on the next hand. Additionally, I had to stop another dealer from pulling a blackjack from another person at the table.

2.) Very inconsistent dealer behavior. Many of the dealers rolled with the humor at the tables, but had one real clown insist on no cursing. WTF? I must have missed the church pews when I grabbed the Jack Daniels on the rocks and had someone blowing Kool smoke in my face.

3.) Overly friendly. The 'I'm really pulling for you' wince when I pull a face on 12, with an added, 'just one too high' doesn't make you my friend, especially after you pull the routine every time it happens.

But, as stated, great overall weekend. Second trip to NOLA in the last three months, both were fantastic.

20 June Stuff

- I was intrigued to see Bloomberg opted to become an Independent. Recently I was wishing he would run for President over the existing Republican candidates. I am very fond of his history and work as a politician.

- Leaving for a wedding in NOLA tomorrow. Should be great times.

- Musically, been listening all over the place lately. A lot of Reckless Kelly, a lot of Dig - circa 1993. Like the few tracks I've heard from Icky Thump by the White Stripes, may need to pick up for the plane ride to NOLA.

Ramblings and Questions

Ate dinner last night in Atlantic City. Arrived at the Tropicana 45 minutes before the reservation. At that point, is it worthwhile to run to the tables for 35 minutes (on a Friday night at 9:15pm) and jockey for a few quick games, or just say the heck with it? In a shock to myself I opted for relaxing before dinner. Blame it on the five hour drive that should have taken three (DC traffic).

Listening to the radio made me ponder bands I can't stand that other people love. Jumping to mind:

3. Beatles
1B. Police
1A. Eagles

Golf should prove to be interesting. Does Angel Cabrera have the mettle for the weekend? Read a good article in Golf on Cabrera before the year started, and his decision to primarily play the American tour (where has he been)? Is there another golfer as highly ranked in the world that we know so little about? He has the mystery of Jumbo Ozaki late 1980s. I know nothing about his game, but would guess he plays a slinging draw, and fights the hook.

Still riding the Toms wagon, but the US Open posse has been decimated.

US Open Picks

I feel strongly TW wins, but my next three picks:

3. David Toms
2. Sean O'Hair
1. Henrik Stenson

The French Open

Being a fan of sports, took the time to watch most of the French Open final, and Nadal smoke Federer. I am guessing Nadal no longer returns Sergio Garcia's phone calls. RN doesn't help his street cred by having Pau Gasol in his entourage. SG now officially has no Spanish following. I think Spain would accept a citzenship trade offer of Barry Bonds, with Carl Everett thrown in.

Had a great weekend being in the wedding of one of my best friends in DC. Going to be a long Sunday of recovery, but between tennis, golf, basketball, I should be able to keep myself placated.

Need to devote some attention to preparing for the US Open. Oakmont is my favorite course in the US, it is unfortunate I won't be able to attend. Will post my favorites either tonight or tomorrow. Is it time for another breakthrough (Adam Scott)? For some reason the name Sean O'Hair is sticking in my head. '94 at Oakmont was the first major where I picked the winner. I remember playing golf during the weekend mornings just outside of Pittsburgh, where my family is from, and watching the golf in the afternoon. US Open week in 1994 was scortching. Hard to believe it was 13 years ago.

Randoms

1.) Fcuk Crate and Barrel. An order I placed on 2 June is scheduled to arrive 13 June. Shipping was 20% of the item cost, and it will take 11 days. Where in their 10K will they post the profits they make from shipping?

2.) It really irks me when I am watching a network television show that ends in a manner such as, "Stay tuned for scenes from next week's Office/Studio 60" and comes back to the 11:00 news. What is the point? Is it worth having your viewership be PO'ed to watch the extra five commercials?

3.) I didn't realize Bob Barker was a vegetarian. John O'Hurley would be the best BB replacement (or Crispin Glover), although I think they should end TPIR.

Creepy

For some reason The Ultimate Game strikes me as creepy. It seems very Trading Places-esque.

Would like to see Sean O'Hair win the Memorial.

Quick Thoughts - 2 June 2007

1.) If Lowes ever wants to compete with Home Depot in the category of ease-of-use, they need to revamp their entire website. Try searching for outdoor chairs on each site.

2.) At 23-32, I am pretty proud of what the Washington Nationals are patching together this season. Beset by injuries and an Expos-esque lineup, the team comes to play every night. I'm far from sold on Manny Acta, but am impressed with the club, and excited for the new stadium next year (I won't comment of the corresponding traffic).

3.) Today is my one month anniversary of ACL surgery. Improvement has been steady, as I now get around with one crutch (or none, for short distances), can straighten fairly well and bend over 90'. What makes me grit my teeth is the girl at my PT sessions (no older than 16) who had surgery a week before me and is running circles around my progress. What gives?

4.) I am itching to play golf. Heck, I am itching to putt and hit half wedges. At this point I'd be pleased to watch groups tee off, propped up in a golf cart.

5.) Props to James Driscoll for finding his game. Impressive T2 at last week's Melwood Invitational, and in the hunt heading into the weekend on the Nationwide Tour.

6.) There isn't much you can say about a great article. The NY Times piece on Kerry Wood is great.

The Ultimate Warrior

Best Ultimate Warrior Clip Ever

ZJ or GO

Watching highlights of the 2006 US Open lead me to thinking as to who will win their 2nd major first, Geoff Ogilvy or Zach Johnson. Although their games are decidedly different, their successes and attitudes are strikingly similar.

Watching the 2006 Open, a few things stood out:
1.) Mickelson's swing off the tee changes dramatically between the US Open and 2007 Players. He barely gets the club to parallel, and used to be completely free swinging.
2.) GO gets deserved credit for the chip in on 17 and the par-save on 18, but the shot that most impressed me was the chip from the fairway on 18. He fully releases the club and exhibits no tension on the last hole of a major. Impressive.
3.) The deputy/police officer behind Mickelson after his 2nd shot on the 18th is reminiscent of the scene when Jack Ruby was shot (in so many ways).

Back to the debate of who wins another major first, I've got to go GO. He's got more talent than anyone who doesn't carry the initials TW. Couple his talent and his ability to make other players wilt negate the breaks he received in the 2006 Open, which led to the belief his win was a fluke. They both are good guys, and good for golf.

Is Netflix worth it?

With the dearth of quality summer tv, over the last week I've found myself watching the following movies:

Rock Star
Zoolander

I need other options. Is Netflix worth the cost? Any suggestions on how to maximize the benefits of Netflix? Normally I am not a "movie guy" (I don't watch more than 10 a year, and last saw Old School and Wedding Crashers in the theatre). I watch HBO for Entourage.

NBA, etc.

The first two picks for the NBA draft were awarded to Portland and Seattle. My waning interest in the NBA has officially waned, as I am not staying up until midnight to watch the two play. I really miss the days of youth, when the NBA playoffs essentially coincided with the end of the school year. Once conference finals rolled around, grades were essentially decided, so you were able to watch the great Pistons/Bulls series of the 1990s.

Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey won The Big Break 7. Sadly, it is one of the few shows I follow with any conviction. The Golf Channel normally will replay in the 5-7pm slot, so it is easy to catch up. Recently he's played in the Wachovia and last week's Nationwide event (taking the lead to Sunday), so maybe he'll break through and give the show some credibility.

Friday Lay Ups

Great article by BSG describing the atrophy of the code of honor in the NBA (i.e. the increase in flopping), among other things. His writing has vastly improved over the last 5 years.

Guess who?
Jaco Van Zyl
Matt Hendrix
Chip Deason
Sonny Skinner

1.) 1980s cover band
2.) Professors at Germanna Community College
3.) Pit crew for Greg Biffle

Answer? None of the above! They are golfers in the AT&T Classic at Sugerloaf. On a side note, John Daly is scheduled to appear in Fredericksburg on May 21 at a clinic. After a WD for JD, I put the chances of his appearance at 20%.

Sour Grapes

Or 'Why Sergio Garcia won't win a Major'. I picked this up on cnnsi:

Sergio's drop questioned by playing partner

Sergio Garcia's 66 tied for the low round of the day, but it wasn't enough to catch Phil Mickelson. Garcia finished strong (he shot 67 Saturday) to finish second, one of his best finishes since last year's Ryder Cup and his win at the Booz Allen Classic in 2005.

"I felt comfortable all week with my swing," Garcia said. "I felt like I was in a good rhythm."

A bit of confusion arose when Garcia took relief from a drainage area on the 2nd hole. His playing partner, Cliff Kresge, and Kresge's caddie questioned the drop.

"I've never tried to do anything wrong on a golf course," Garcia said. "If I would have felt at any time that I wasn't taking full relief, I would have called for a ruling and do whatever was right. But I felt like I did and that's all there is to it."

Garcia said it affected his play on the 2nd and 3rd holes and may have even cost him a stroke.

"They were calling me a cheater on that. You never like that. I've never cheated in my whole life. I'd rather shoot 85 than shoot 65 cheating."

He said he finally relaxed toward the 4th or 5th hole. "It probably cost me at least one (stroke). It's fine, but you never know. Maybe I would have not finished the way I finished."

SG is apt to blame failure on anyone but himself, even after his (arguably) best finish since the 1999 PGA or 2000 Mercedes. He's too busy looking for excuses, rather than trying to win tournaments. He receives no sympathy from me. Also, his Maximus spectacle on 17th after making two was ridiculous.

Ugly, Bad, Good

Ugly - Is there a more pompous or moronic golfer than Rory Sabbatini? I still shake my head at his tantrum at the 2005 BAH Classic where he was annoyed with Ben Crane's slow play and played ahead of his pairing. After yesterday's one good round at the TPC, he shoots his mouth and called Tiger beatable. His bravado comes on the heels of being smoked by Tiger at last week's Wachovia. Here's to a 79 today.

Bad - The Players' on NBC means another Johnny Miller weekend. I consider JM to be an egocentric clown. I can't remember the tournament (it was recent) where Adam Scott was teeing on a par 3, and hesitated while switching clubs. JM said something to the effect of, "it is disappointing AS cannot commit to a club and a shot near the end of the tournament". Dottie Pepper was following the group, and chimed in, "the wind is currently gusting, which will be a factor in the shot, hence the indecision". Essentially, more information was a mild rebuke of Miller. JM couldn't let it pass, and after the shot came up 10 yards short, he tersely stated, "seems like his wait was club decision based, as he was still 1/2 club short." He couldn't give credit to DP, but had to stroke his own ego. I don't think I was ever happier that watching the Shell Wide World of Golf @ Olympic where he shot 82 and lost to Niclaus by 8 shots.

Good - My favorite golf comment ever was during the final rounnd of the 1986 Masters, when Jack Nicklaus was on the 16th tee and Tom Weiskopf was asked what was going through Jack's mind. TW responded to the effect, "if I knew, I would have won this tournament at some point." The comment was amazingly candid, humorous, and mildly self-depricating.

Snacks

While I am recovering, and my only strenuous activity is PT, I've been trying to limit my post-dinner snacks, which is the past ran the gamut from cookies to popcorn. Currently I am a fan of Sabra Roasted Red Pepper hummus, with Athenos pita chips. Also eating a fair amount of dried berry mixes (strawberry, blueberry, crasins, etc.). What snacks are your go-to?

On the Mend

I am happy to report that I am writing from bed, currently in day 4 of recovery from ACL reconstruction.

Arrived at the surgery center on Wednesday at 630, and was taken into pre-op @ 7. Was extremely anxious, which, when combined with the low temperature of the room, led to shivering. Thankfully, everyone I encountered was fantastic. Absolutely wonderful. I can't overstress that fact. Great pre-op nurses, Dr.s responsible for anesthesia, and my surgeon, Dr. Thal, who was the man. Taken to the OR, @ 845, and was under for the entire surgery soon thereafter. While I was expecting 2-3 hours of surgery, I had my ACL replaced and meniscus repaired in 55 minutes. Unbelieveable. After post op juice and graham crackers, I was in a wheelchair headed home by 12. Amazing.

Recovery has been good, albeit a mix of soreness and pain. First PT on Friday, where the greatest apprehension came from the stiff leg leading to cracking/snapping sounds during movement.

So far, I've remained very optimistic, and am trying to do more each day than the last. With the meniscus repair, I can't put full weight on the leg/knee for three weeks, but am pushing for as much flexibility as possible, without undue stress on the knee. As always, any advice is appreciated. Consider myself blessed to come into the quality of people who were associated with my surgery. Every one of the 8+ people were outstanding, and the fact they do it daily is amazing. The experience was an A+.

Seattle & Stuff

I just returned from a business trip to Seattle. Very cool city, with the most gorgeous views I have ever seen. Anywhere on 1st - 6th ST has a fantastic view of the bay/harbour. Had no idea of the hilliness of the city. Had work on the other side of the water, so both took the ferry and made the drive, both were good. Bainbridge, on the other side of the bay, is a gorgeous small town. Very entrepreneurial spirit to the city, and enjoyed walking around, Pike's Market (good fresh doughnuts) and taking the Underground tour. I would defintely return, A- city (also little rain). Score could go either way, depending on the weather and casino I didn't have the opportunity to visit.

Flights were so-so, what gripes me is how airlines are now gouging on food for extra money. On a flight from SEA - WAS, no food was gratis, and the offerings were a breakfast quiche or a snack fack (consisting of freebies from various vendors) for $5. I purchased the SP, and it was a hodgepodge of crackers, applesauce, toffee, pita chips, and tuna. WTF? Also, shame on Alaska Air for a 'woe is me' article at the front of the magazine bemoaning how they have had to strip out their food service due to rising costs and competition. Guess what, that is the market you are in, get over it. God forbid you use good food as a differentiator, rather than an extra expense.

Less than a week from ACL surgery. Very anxious, not looking forward to rehab, but want to get it over with.