Thoughts

Just an FYI.

There is a "best before" date on containers of peanuts.

(I wish I had known that prior to 3/2/05. Maybe that explains how I've been feeling over the past few days.)

I really look forward to seeing the maturity of freshman guard Kyle Lowry and sophomore forward Will Sheridan. These two players have already far exceeded my expectations and done so in such a short time. It is hard to say where this year's team would have been without these two. The heart, the drive, the never-give-up attitude, young players seemed to be the spark behind this sweet 16 appearance.

I do not mean to downplay the fab four recruiting class of three years ago. It is great to see Randy Foye, Allan Ray, Curtis Sumpter and Jason Fraser finally get some respect. Things had not gone to plan for the now juniors and with the final, senior season left it should prove fun to watch.

We can always play the "what if" scenario surrounding Curtis' torn ACL against Florida. Maybe things would have turned out differently against North Carolina. But maybe they would not have.

No offense to Marcus "Big Dog" Austin and Chris Charles, but I do not feel as though we lose much from this team to graduation. The only thing I would see is missing some bench relief for our post play. I have not seen any recruiting notes, however, so I cannot fully assess the damage.

For now, all we can do is say how absolutely proud we are of this team and look forward to next season. Best of luck and wishes of the quickest recovery possible to Curtis.

Go Cats!

This was the first time seeing Mamma Mia! I had heard such great things as amongst many other things, it is my dad's favorite show. Having seen it now at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, I will tell you that I did like it, but it is not my favorite. I would love to see it again, however.

I am familiar with most of the songs, but can not claim to be an ABBA fan. If you are unfamiliar, many songs by the band ABBA were chosen and a story was written around them. There is a story, but for this musical it is secondary to the singing and choreography. The songs were fun, the singing was fantastic, and the dancing was enjoyable to watch. It was those things that you go see Mamma Mia! for, not the story around which those things are wrapped.

I thought casting for the show was questionable for rolls of Donna (the mother) and her three male suitors. Those were the only four parts that bothered me; Donna most of all. But I will say one thing, she could sing.

I had heard that based upon the love for ABBA, many women older than I could be expected to rock out and dance in the aisles. This did not happen at the show I attended which came as a huge disappointment. I think that would have added tremendously to the experience and only served to make me like it more.

Maybe next time...

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Gallagher's Steakhouse is located in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

A steakhouse that was highly praised on a few occasions to my boss; we were set to have dinner there Monday night. Seating was quick once the table was ready for our reservation. Staff was nice for the most part.

They recommend their dry aged new york strip and their filet. I asked if she would talk me out of the king cut prime rib. After looking at the menu online before heading to the restaurant, I was excited for the prime rib. It is not an item offered everywhere and I try to get it when the option exists. Unless, of course, she was going to suggest something else. She said she would not talk me out of it, and I ordered it thusly.

I had a terrible piece of meat. It was riddled with fat that the waitress tried to tell me was "marbling". Excuse me, I am one of the few steak eaters who actually enjoys the true marbling. This was not the good stuff. She told me I had to get to the center of the steak to find the good part. I had cut all the way through to the center and was still unhappy. I suggested that either I had a very dull steak knife or my steak was a bad cut. She said they did have very dull knives at the restaurant. Yeah, I bet they do. Why would you want sharp steak knives at a steakhouse?

She came back after a few minutes and offered me a small cut of something else if I wanted it but I was too disgusted with my current meal to want any more.

The other entrée ordered was the cowboy cut bone-in ribeye (what I should have gotten) and that was said to be good. Not the best, but nothing to complain about.

We had an order of beer-battered onion rings that were very good though they only gave you four on a plate. Their calamari was average and they give you a half a loaf of a sesame bread that was probably the highlight of the meal for me.

As long as I have the choice, I will not go back to Gallagher's.

It is with great remorse that today I come to you to say that my goal to never imbibe green beer is now unattainable. In a fit of poor judgment last night after our league basketball game we got a drink as a team. When asked if I would like my Labatt Blue to come to me green, I said "Sure". I am sure there are some Canadians rolling over in their graves at my actions.

Understand that it was my apparent misconception that led to my aversion to the "St. Patty's Day" ale. I had always figured that they simply had some vat of cheap beer that had been colored green. When given the option to take a beer that I hand selected and dye it in festive fashion the whole idea does not seem as disgusting. Disgusting overall? Yes. As disgusting as before? No.

I will simply chalk this up as an experience that I can say I have had. It is not one I need to repeat.

While we were at the Villanova v. St. Johns basketball game last Saturday afternoon we witnessed a pretty interesting event. Apparently St. Johns has a pretty good program for students who attend the games. Although I am unsure of the criteria on which the competition is judged or who does the actual judging, but Saturday they chose their "fan of the year". The young man who was selected happened to have pom-poms on his knees, a crazy shiny red wig, an upper body covered in red paint and an easy-to-tear-off shirt. One might assume he dressed like this frequently when in attendance at Madison Square Garden for Red Storm home games.

His prize you ask? What could entice a group full of basketball fans to do crazy stuff in an attempt to cheer their team to victory? Offer to pay for school. This kid won a semester of free tuition.

One full semester paid for. I believe St. Johns is not a state school; one semester of tuition is a huge prize. Sure I expected to see more fans donning crazy get ups for the game based on the reward, but perhaps they did not know what the prize was. Either way I think it is a great way to get a rowdy group of students to support the team.

Do other schools do this? Do other schools do anything similar? I would be curious to know.

As already chronicled in my post of frustration with the Newark Airport, I had a hard time getting to New Jersey. Despite one 1 hour delay on my return trip, it was the fun that I had that made it hard for me to get home.

I can't necessarily say that my trip to New Jersey was less fun than my trip to D.C. the week before; I don't think that's fair. It is fair to say that it was just a different trip. It is not an apples to apples comparison. They were both fun in their own right. New Jersey was a chance for me to go out to the bar and hang out with college buddies like we use to...when we were in college.

I think my hosts (Doug, Rich, Niles) were surprised when I said I was up to going to NYC Friday night after my long afternoon at the airport, but I was ready to go. They, however, decided they didn't want to go, so we went out down the street in Jersey City instead. They picked the bar, I was just along for the ride.

I asked, "Will there be any girls at this bar?" No, we all know I would not talk to them, but at least let me ogle them from afar.
"I think we saw one there once." You might think this a sarcastic comment, understand that it was a serious one.

The night was spent with hurricanes in hand. [sarcasm]This isn't odd is it? If I had desire to open a New Orleans style bar, what better place than Jersey City? Talk about the perfect marriage between bar and location.[/sarcasm]

At least we were able to return back to the apartment to find some delicious chocolate cake. Well, I hear it was delicious. Rich was the only one who had any Friday night. He did leave a nice note for Katie thanking her for making it though. What a considerate young man.

Scottie came up for the weekend and he left with Rich and Katie and Niles early Saturday morning to head to Hoboken for a day of "St. Patrick's day celebration" (see also: drinking). I stayed in bed...nay, in couch and rested up for the day. Doug's mom and Matt met us at the apartment around 12:30 before we headed into the city. 2pm was tip off between our beloved Villanova Wildcats and the other guys.

I believe the bar we went to post game was called Mustang Harry's. This was the highlight of the trip for me as I was able to hang out with friends and their families. It was great to be able to spend time with Doug's mom and Matt's family. I used to go with Matt's family to their beach house in Deleware for Easter weekend and spend a few days with them. It was like old times as we yelled at each other and told embarrassing stories. Oh, and I know what you're thinking. Call it selective amnesia, I can't remember a single one...

Saturday night in Hoboken was arguably the most overrated bar night since the invention of either St. Patrick's Day or celebrations. Turns out the ones who were really celebrating were the bar owners as they all but one set a $10 cover charge (the odd man out charging $20). After running around to find a place to go we settled on a hole in the wall place that at least had enough room for all of us. I was excited that Andrew and Katie came and joined us at the bar (and even brought Harley). We then hung out, made friends and had a good time.

Doug, Rich, Niles, Scottie and I all went to lunch on Sunday before I left town. I am not sure if a meal at Chili's could ever be more fun.

(Any stories I may or may not have left out are for your own good...or just my c.y.a.)

Can this please go away now? I am so disgusted by and sick of all of these steroids stories. I am tired of turning on ESPN's SportsCenter which has turned into SteroidsCenter. Clips of press conferences and interviews with players that don't matter.

"What is it like being a teammate of a guy who may have taken steroids?"

Come on. Do you really think you're going to get a juicy response? Is one of these guys, who knows he is going to be shown nationally, going to say something like, "Good god he is a monster. He has terrible fits of rage, especially when we are in the gym. I am often afraid for my life"?

Every player, every former player, even celebrities are asked what their thoughts are on allegations of performance enhancing drugs.

"Did you ever use them?"
"Did you ever see any teammates use them?"
"Did you ever hear about any teammates using them?"
"Do these pants make my butt look big?"
"Should any records obtained by the accused be taken away?"
"Should those records have an * after them in the books?"
"What is the average air speed velocity of a laden swallow?"

WHO CARES?!?!

This is an issue for Major League Baseball to deal with. Let them deal with it. They will make their investigations, they will take action in any case where they find violation of league rules. We'll find out about it then. None of us are going to be surprised.

Does Congress really need to get involved? Would the House of Representatives not have something more important on their docket than sending subpoenas to players? How is this an issue of National importance to the point where the Government needs to intervene?

Let's not forget the idiot who went and wrote a book about it. I understand you probably are on the brink of Chapter 7. You probably thought your career would last forever. And why shouldn't it? Your stats were easily mediocre at best. On the off chance any current and/or former players still talked to him, I hope they disown him. What an awful thing to do by lobbing accusations around the league. Stay out of it!

Again, let Commissioner Bud Selig and his boys take care of it. Attempting to watch sports highlights now is like watching in the summer when no leagues are in play except baseball. You know that college basketball is raging on right now? Can I see more than 2 seconds of a game please? They are showing scores with no footage for top 25 games, is that because they are devoting too much time to this substance abuse garbage?

It is a serious problem, I know. Steroids are serious. I am also serious when I say, "Take it off the air!"

I hate the media.

*UPDATE*

This poll from ESPN.com blows my mind.

What an annoying experience.

Friday:

I was flying out of Detroit on Northwest Airlines Friday afternoon...well I was scheduled to do so at least. I had a 4:57pm flight which, though a 64 minute flight, was scheduled to land at 6:45. This would have given me time to get picked up from the airport and have dinner with my friends before going out.

Delayed.

Our new estimated departure time was 5:40pm. Not too bad. They sited heavy air traffic into Newark for the delay. Heavy traffic? Into an airport? Isn't that what they do? Aren't flight schedules made months in advance?

Cancelled.

The 5:40 delay was just a tease. The agent at our gate politely comes over the PA and tells us that our flight was cancelled and that we may talk to any agent other than her for help with flight arrangements; she had to get another flight out of our gate. We were now on our own to fend for a few remaining spots on a 7:10pm flight. As people run to any available agent at nearby gates I call the 1-800 number and reserve myself a seat on the 7:10 to Newark.

Delayed.

7:30. They are now talking about "conditions" in Newark. Everyone picks up their respective cellular telephones and attempts to confirm the weather report. Conditions? There were no conditions in Newark.

Delayed.

7:55. Now they say those conditions have been defined as "wind".

At this point comes the only quasi-bright moment. It is announced that they are bumping the departure time back to 7:30. As we board at 7:00 they tell us that the flight crew actually wants to leave early. I didn't know they had the authority to do that. Turns out they don't. We get on the plane and push away from the gate. And sit. We then, apparently, decide it would be a good idea to get a jump start on the flight by driving to Cleveland. I had no idea that Detroit Metro Airport had a runway that far away. We taxied for a very long time before we stopped. The pilot turned off the engines and came on the intercom. He told us something to the effect of, "they weren't really sure where they were going to fit us in on the flight plans and now it looks as though we're going to be able to take off at about...."

Delayed.

"8:25." We finally got off the ground and landed safely at 9:35pm.

Sunday:

I had a 6:05pm flight Sunday from Newark back to Detroit. Boarding should start somewhere between 5:35-5:45...that is when the plane is actually there. I do not fault Northwest Airlines.

Delayed.

The plane on which we would be riding back to Detroit was in Newark, well over Newark. They were not granted permission to land so we had to wait. This delay only cost me 1 hour...

Yes, this was my trip to Washington D.C., but we technically stayed in Chevy Chase. Chevy Chase/Bethesda/Washington D.C.? Doesn't matter to me one way or the other where we were though, this weekend was too good to worry about details.

Pat was able to take time off from work last weekend and pick me up at the airport in Baltimore (better flight times than either D.C. airport). We then drove down to Justin's apartment for the excitement to begin.

After seeing his place we grabbed a bite to eat (and a warm Mexican beer) at Chipotle. Stuffed with "gourmet" burritos we trekked, I believe, to the Adams Morgan area of D.C. for a house party at Justin's friends' place. Luckily we made it in time to part take in the keg of Yuengling prior to the 2 Natural Light kegs. Yes, it is safe to say that I miss being able to keep Yuengling in my fridge.

Pat and I had no clue who any of the people were at this party, surprised? No, neither were we. But as Justin is a social butterfly we let him roam the party while we took up strategic position working the kegs. Apparently parties in D.C. are like frat parties all over again. No, no, I am not complaining. Working the kegs afforded us the options to a) not stand awkwardly against a wall in the party b) be closest to the beer c) meet people d) talk to every girl in attendance. Good times were had by most at the party. I can't in good faith say that Justin had the best time considering he got beat at beer pong by a pair of 8th graders; what're ya gonna do?

When each of the three kegs was sufficiently empty we headed for a brisk night time stroll to the closest (?) bar to this house; 15 minutes later we walk into this drinking hole. I thought I was going to love this bar from the minute I walked in as I overheard a girl say to some guy (boyfriend?), "No, I did not sleep with him!" (mistake #1). Sure I should have walked away, but that would not make for a fun post now would it? No, so I say, "Wow, what an awkward time to join this conversation" as I walk past. She sarcastically says that maybe I should stop and listen to the rest of the talk then (mistake #2). So I did stop, turn and face them both and wait for the conversation to continue. Alas, it did not and she and I exchanged a few brief angry words with each other and she left. Then the usual bar events ensued: Pat wanted tequila and we got shot down by many, many women.

Tastee Diner stop the first was the following morning/afternoon for our breakfast. Afterwards we just killed some time back at Justin's before our 5:15 dinner reservation at The Capital Grille. Dinner was fantastic. I could not have imagined a better meal. Great food, great company, great stories, cheap wine, cute waitress.

More time back at Justin's waiting for a few more people to come over (Mark and his gf and Mapes). Then it was time for bar golf. This was my first experience with the phenomenon known as bar golf. It was explained to me as a glorified pub crawl, which it was but then much more besides. We were handed score cards with specific drinks we needed to have at each bar or "hole" on the bar golf course. Of course we made trip the second to the Tastee Diner on the way home. But all I want to know is what diner doesn't have mozzarella sticks?!?! Anyway, good times.

Maybe too good of times, though because before we went to bed at nearly 6am Justin asked me what time the Villanova v. Georgetown game was the next day. I confused it with the Villanova v. St. Johns game I am going to this weekend and told him 2pm. At 11:48 am my cell phone rings and Doug tells me they are all walking into the MCI center. Where are we?

"Umm, we're still at Justin's."
"You guys leaving soon?"
"Umm, yeah. Of course."
"You do know it's a noon game, right?"
"Umm, yeah. Maybe. Well, no."
"Hurry."

So we may or may not have missed the entire first half. But the second half was cool, and it was nice to see a Villanova victory in person.

Dinner before I had to be back at the airport between two good friends back at their place. Justin and I used to hit up the Chicken Friend Chicken at the Rock Bottom Brewery all the time back at school.

Yes I left out a lot, but it was long enough without the missing pieces.

It was a great weekend of reliving old times and setting the precedent for the new ones. It was just a great weekend, period. I can't wait to do it again...

Pretty cool milestone that today we surpassed 30,000 posts on the forum. Since August 31st, 2003 at 8:04pm we have had some members come and some go. We currently have 47 members registered, though that is an inaccurate picture of how many active members we have.

The forum used to have double the activity, but no use in living in the past. Today we average nearly 55 posts per day. I still have a lot of fun with this project, so thank you to all of you who post/read/keep it alive.

Here's hopin' for a bright future!

Yes indeed. I slept on my couch last night. It was not that I fell asleep during the movie I watched. I got up, turned the lights off, brushed my teeth and made the conscious decision to sleep on the couch.

The question remains as to why I slept on the couch. I was so comfortable as I lay there watching my movie, maybe it just seemed comfortable enough for the night.

This was not the first time I have slept on my couch instead of in my bed. It will most likely not be the last time that I sleep on my couch and not in my bed. To its credit, the couch is very comfortable.

Part of me also thinks maybe since I have been on the road so much recently that sleeping on my couch last night was an attempt to rekindle that "new homeowner" feeling.

It is not as if I have forgotten that I live there. The feeling I have recently is just that it is simply the place I go to sleep. I have not taken any time to really do much there of late (especially not clean). Even last night I went to my parents' house for dinner and then hung out with them until nearly 9pm when I finally made the trek back to my place. Got home, watched a movie and slept on my couch.

I think what I need to do is take some time and actually clean the place. Straighten up and take some pride in the way the place looks. Maybe then it will feel like home again. If not, maybe I'll just sleep on my couch again...