Yep, mom's off to San Diego for her latest vacation. But that comes with great news, she's going to return to work on March 1 after 18 months on disability leave. So this will be her last trip for a little while. the big difference between her trip in December and this one is Hogan stayed home this time. And he's already miserable without her. I do the best I can, but dogs tend to attach to one person more than anyone else. And that one person is just not me.
Now this is one rare weekend where I have nothing planned except work on Saturday night and Ecclesia on Sunday night. So let's look a little farther ahead to the next couple of months. February is known for a few things. Known as one of the coldest months of the year. Known for Valentine's Day. Yippee. And for me it will likely be remembered for seeing two shows: Ring of Honor and Kenny Rogers in concert in Aurora.
I got a new haircut today. Since I was old enough to grow a goatee, I've gone with the straight back look. Well I went to a Vietnamese guy in downtown St. Charles who has only been open for 9 months or so. This guy, Vince, knows his stuff and he is developing a rabid following in shirt order. He talked to me about the shape of my head, what look would work, what products would suit me, how to maintain a look, all this kind of stuff.
After some initial cutting which gave me a high bouffon like Kim Jong Il of North Korea, I finished up with a part on my left side, and combed over along with some mousse and a lot of blowdrying. It's so different that all I can say is I like it, but I have to get used to it. The only thing I'm not too sure of is I may have to blowdry it for several weeks. Man, the way I'm breaking down my hair, am I turning metrosexual or something here???
Back to covering more games here at the Daily Herald. Drop me a line sometime.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
How does the world manage to put up with me?
The answer to that is..... I really don't know. I blew up again over a senseless stupid thing in front of my friends on Sunday night. It was brutal. I'm enbarrassed. And God knows that's another wonderful memory they have of me now. There's my piece on that. Moving on...
Sorry, but I think it's too late for me to get into 24. Not because it's a bad show, it's just 5 years since it began and I really don't have the time or the inclination to catch up on 5 seasons of episodes.
The Knicks play Miami and they're without Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal. What do the Knicks do? They lead 3-2 early and allow Miami to score 27 straight points. 27 straight! That is terrible coaching by Isiah Thomas, plain and simple. Maybe the Rangers were out there in basketball uniforms tonight, I don't know.
Let's get more personal. I should be happy considering I got hired full time by CEC. So I'll have a salary, loads of benefits, a health club membership. But it feels very empty. Growing pains are a part of any new experience, especially in jobs. But I still don't feel right there. Today was a really brutal day. I hate to say I'm doing something for the money, but that's really the truth. After working temp and hourly jobs for three years, I need something more substantial. Oh, and tomorrow morning I have a meeting with my boss and the division boss. That's a comforting thought to sleep on tonight...
Sorry, but I think it's too late for me to get into 24. Not because it's a bad show, it's just 5 years since it began and I really don't have the time or the inclination to catch up on 5 seasons of episodes.
The Knicks play Miami and they're without Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal. What do the Knicks do? They lead 3-2 early and allow Miami to score 27 straight points. 27 straight! That is terrible coaching by Isiah Thomas, plain and simple. Maybe the Rangers were out there in basketball uniforms tonight, I don't know.
Let's get more personal. I should be happy considering I got hired full time by CEC. So I'll have a salary, loads of benefits, a health club membership. But it feels very empty. Growing pains are a part of any new experience, especially in jobs. But I still don't feel right there. Today was a really brutal day. I hate to say I'm doing something for the money, but that's really the truth. After working temp and hourly jobs for three years, I need something more substantial. Oh, and tomorrow morning I have a meeting with my boss and the division boss. That's a comforting thought to sleep on tonight...
Thursday, January 18, 2007
What does this say about me? & Bam Bam
On Wednesday, I wrote about the price of gasoline and how hybrid and electric cars are probably going to become more and more commonplace. I immediately went over to the Honda website and checked out their Civic Hybrid and started building my own with the various colors and options just to see what it would look like and how much it would cost. Just 24,000 dollars! I guess that's not too bad for a new one. Hopefully I won't be in the market to purchase a car for a little while.
But after he retired a few years ago, his life got really rough. A rough divorce, missing child support payments, a failed attempt at owning a restaurant, credit problems, escaping to Florida, and just last year, a brutal motorcycle crash that nearly killed him and his girlfriend. But on the other hand, in the summer of 2000, he saved two children by getting them out of a burning house. I guess it was in the ring where he did best.
I'd like to take some space to remember Scott "Bam Bam Bigelow", one of the best wrestlers of the last 20 years. You may remember him for wrestling football legend Lawrence Taylor at WrestleMania 11 in Hartford back in 1995. Bam Bam was between 350 and 420 pounds but he was so agile. He was doing backflips off the ropes before they became commonplace. He was from New Jersey, like me. I remember seeing him for the first time on TV. I was 6 years old and got a little scared because I had no idea what was wrong with his head. And with the fire, he looked like a beast. I guess that's why his moniker was "The Beast From the East." And did I mention that classic head? Yes, those are flame tattoos.
But after he retired a few years ago, his life got really rough. A rough divorce, missing child support payments, a failed attempt at owning a restaurant, credit problems, escaping to Florida, and just last year, a brutal motorcycle crash that nearly killed him and his girlfriend. But on the other hand, in the summer of 2000, he saved two children by getting them out of a burning house. I guess it was in the ring where he did best. So thanks for the memories, Scott. In the ring, you did well. You were truly ahead of your time. Hopefully you will get the praise and respect you should have had more of. RIP.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
It may soon be time to switch cars
This is from CNN.com
"U.S. auto executives are bracing for gas prices to more than double over the next decade and for sharply higher U.S. fuel economy standards - a step the industry has long resisted, according to an academic survey released Tuesday. Gas prices will average slightly more than $4 a gallon by 2015 and just over $5 a gallon by 2020, according to the survey conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute."
Four dollars?! I think this has a lot to do with Americans loving the SUV's and mini-vans. They use up gas so quickly that the demand for gasoline goes more and more up. And for large families, it makes sense to have one. But now I think we will soon realize that we'll need to make some concessions. Electric cars and hybrid cars will continue to increase in their availability. And who knows, perhaps one day, gasoline powered cars will be as old-fashioned as cassette players are now.
"U.S. auto executives are bracing for gas prices to more than double over the next decade and for sharply higher U.S. fuel economy standards - a step the industry has long resisted, according to an academic survey released Tuesday. Gas prices will average slightly more than $4 a gallon by 2015 and just over $5 a gallon by 2020, according to the survey conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute."
Four dollars?! I think this has a lot to do with Americans loving the SUV's and mini-vans. They use up gas so quickly that the demand for gasoline goes more and more up. And for large families, it makes sense to have one. But now I think we will soon realize that we'll need to make some concessions. Electric cars and hybrid cars will continue to increase in their availability. And who knows, perhaps one day, gasoline powered cars will be as old-fashioned as cassette players are now.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
A "sort of" day off, thanks to MLK and a few opinions
Well, I have to work Monday through Friday. But the schools we work with were all off on Monday. Evidently CEC, does not care to observe Martin Luther King's birthday. Usually what happens is the school send us information late in the day that we process the next morning. But because of the holiday, I am out of stuff and I've been here for less than 3 hours. So a few things on my working, yet bored, mind.
1) Snow is great when you don't have to drive through it.
2) Trader Joe's Orange flavored chicken (the kind you would get at Panda Express) is great, especially with some hot sauce sprinkled on top.
3) You know those little red chili peppers that are used in Kung Pao dishes? Make sure you have plenty of bread or milk when you eat one. I had a Kung Pao shrimp with rice stir-fry last night and it had a lot of those chilies in it. I think I burned 50 tastebuds right off my tongue.
4) After being gone for almost 2 weeks, Mom wants to go to San Diego for a week before she finally goes back to work. She won't be able to vacation for a year so she's doing what she can. The problem is she won't take Hogan this time like she did when she went to Florida. I love being with him, but he's just so much happier with Mom. Besides, I work 10 hours a day, it's hard for me to give him the time he wants, needs, and deserves. We'll see what happens.
5) This has me annoyed. At work, the group of SBI processors (15-20 of us) that I'm in apparently had a great year in terms of wiping out our debt and allocating money where it should be. That's the easy way to put it. So the VP of Finance of CEC wants to take us out for lunch. That's the good news. The bad news? We're going to Jersey's in Hoffman Estates, a pizza/bar and grill type place. I went there once. It was sad. We got a pizza with sausage and some veggies on it. Now we knew this would like be a Chicago thin crust pizza, which I've said a lot of negative things about before. But the flavor of this one was brutal. It was a little overcooked, the meat had no flavor, the crust was forgettable, the sauce was just tomatoes, little seasoning, there was nothing to savor.
And the best part? We asked them to cut the pizza like a pie or a deep dish, you know 8 slices. The server (and I'm not blaming her at all) comes back and said the kitchen staff won't do it. They don't have the capability. How can you have the ability to cut a pizza in little dinky squares, but no slices. The blade still covers the same amount of space. So looking to Thursday, at least it's free.
6) I'm moving on. Quite Frankly with Stephen A Smith has been cancelled from ESPN2 due to low ratings. I knew it wouldn't last. SAS is aggravating to some, and I understand that. There are sometimes I am really mad at him, particularly when he extols Mr. Overrated, Tom Brady. But at least he's honest and has no fear. He'll still be on ESPN radio in New York so I'll have to settle for that from now on. And remember, it's his house, but you welcome any time.
7) Wildfire has the most amazing carrot cake I have ever had. The cakes is round, warm, and soft, and the frosting tastes like the icing you would get on a gourmet cinnamon roll.
8) I'm ready for the weather to warm up so I can play some disc golf again!
9) It would be awesome if the Presidential election came down to Obama vs. Giuliani.
10) Now here's what I want to get into. A student who attended Columbine High School when the infamous school shootings happened in 1999 has made a video game called Super Columbine Massacre RPG. It was going to be debuted at an upcoming video game festival in Utah, but recently got pulled due to sensitivity issues. Here's what happens in this internet-based game. Players take the place of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 13 people and themselves. The tagline, if you can believe this, is "How many people they kill is ultimately up to you." Now I'm quoting this from wikipedia about how the game works.
"After the bombs fail to explode as planned, Harris and Klebold decide to go into the school and murder as many people as they can. The player is armed with a Tec-9, two shotguns, a carbine rifle, and many other bombs and weapons: the same weapons the shooters had at the school in the actual event. Their "enemies" are only named as stereotypes or occupations, such as "Preppy girl", "Janitor", "Math teacher", and "Jock", among others.
The player decides whether or not to kill, while making his way from the school cafeteria to the library. Eventually, after the police arrive, Harris and Klebold commit suicide. The actual grisly security photographs of the shooters' bodies are shown, followed by a montage of crime scene and newspaper photographs; finally, family photographs of Klebold and Harris from early childhood to high school are shown.
The game begins its second part at this point, with the player taking control of Klebold alone, as he finds himself in hell. Unlike the first half of the game, this segment departs from historical accounts, as the player makes his way through Hell while combating demons and monsters from the computer game "Doom." After reuniting with Harris, the two joyfully proclaim their excitement at the prospect of living out their favorite video game.
The game's creator, Danny Ledonne, said 'I had the same kinds of issues in high school that the two shooters did and I just dealt with it differently, fortunately.' "
Oh I see. So this guy is fighting emotional issues and being bullied and his response is to turn a tragedy, a massacre, of young adults, and their supposed descent to hell, into a game? And don't tell me about freedom of speech. I know he can do what he wants to in his own time. That's his life, he can live it how he wants to.
But who in their right mind would play a game where you can step into the shoes of two teens who murdered over a dozen of their classmates, wounded 24 more (many more would have died if the bombs they planted in the cafeteria had exploded), and then killed themselves? Then see them battle demons from another video game in the setting of hell? Who would do that? Well, the game has been out for a year now and has been downloaded roughly 40,000 times. Apparently, the youth of American has too much time on his hands. And it's not a video game thing with me, I play them a few times a week (though it's mostly golf and football). But I'm very uneasy reading about someone turning this event into a game that's supposed to be all innocent and fun. Move on, yes. You have to move on. But tell me how making a game like this supposed to give you peace of mind. I'd like to know.
And I'm sure the Columbine movie will be getting released in the next few years...
1) Snow is great when you don't have to drive through it.
2) Trader Joe's Orange flavored chicken (the kind you would get at Panda Express) is great, especially with some hot sauce sprinkled on top.
3) You know those little red chili peppers that are used in Kung Pao dishes? Make sure you have plenty of bread or milk when you eat one. I had a Kung Pao shrimp with rice stir-fry last night and it had a lot of those chilies in it. I think I burned 50 tastebuds right off my tongue.
4) After being gone for almost 2 weeks, Mom wants to go to San Diego for a week before she finally goes back to work. She won't be able to vacation for a year so she's doing what she can. The problem is she won't take Hogan this time like she did when she went to Florida. I love being with him, but he's just so much happier with Mom. Besides, I work 10 hours a day, it's hard for me to give him the time he wants, needs, and deserves. We'll see what happens.
5) This has me annoyed. At work, the group of SBI processors (15-20 of us) that I'm in apparently had a great year in terms of wiping out our debt and allocating money where it should be. That's the easy way to put it. So the VP of Finance of CEC wants to take us out for lunch. That's the good news. The bad news? We're going to Jersey's in Hoffman Estates, a pizza/bar and grill type place. I went there once. It was sad. We got a pizza with sausage and some veggies on it. Now we knew this would like be a Chicago thin crust pizza, which I've said a lot of negative things about before. But the flavor of this one was brutal. It was a little overcooked, the meat had no flavor, the crust was forgettable, the sauce was just tomatoes, little seasoning, there was nothing to savor.
And the best part? We asked them to cut the pizza like a pie or a deep dish, you know 8 slices. The server (and I'm not blaming her at all) comes back and said the kitchen staff won't do it. They don't have the capability. How can you have the ability to cut a pizza in little dinky squares, but no slices. The blade still covers the same amount of space. So looking to Thursday, at least it's free.
6) I'm moving on. Quite Frankly with Stephen A Smith has been cancelled from ESPN2 due to low ratings. I knew it wouldn't last. SAS is aggravating to some, and I understand that. There are sometimes I am really mad at him, particularly when he extols Mr. Overrated, Tom Brady. But at least he's honest and has no fear. He'll still be on ESPN radio in New York so I'll have to settle for that from now on. And remember, it's his house, but you welcome any time.
7) Wildfire has the most amazing carrot cake I have ever had. The cakes is round, warm, and soft, and the frosting tastes like the icing you would get on a gourmet cinnamon roll.
8) I'm ready for the weather to warm up so I can play some disc golf again!
9) It would be awesome if the Presidential election came down to Obama vs. Giuliani.
10) Now here's what I want to get into. A student who attended Columbine High School when the infamous school shootings happened in 1999 has made a video game called Super Columbine Massacre RPG. It was going to be debuted at an upcoming video game festival in Utah, but recently got pulled due to sensitivity issues. Here's what happens in this internet-based game. Players take the place of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, who killed 13 people and themselves. The tagline, if you can believe this, is "How many people they kill is ultimately up to you." Now I'm quoting this from wikipedia about how the game works.
"After the bombs fail to explode as planned, Harris and Klebold decide to go into the school and murder as many people as they can. The player is armed with a Tec-9, two shotguns, a carbine rifle, and many other bombs and weapons: the same weapons the shooters had at the school in the actual event. Their "enemies" are only named as stereotypes or occupations, such as "Preppy girl", "Janitor", "Math teacher", and "Jock", among others.
The player decides whether or not to kill, while making his way from the school cafeteria to the library. Eventually, after the police arrive, Harris and Klebold commit suicide. The actual grisly security photographs of the shooters' bodies are shown, followed by a montage of crime scene and newspaper photographs; finally, family photographs of Klebold and Harris from early childhood to high school are shown.
The game begins its second part at this point, with the player taking control of Klebold alone, as he finds himself in hell. Unlike the first half of the game, this segment departs from historical accounts, as the player makes his way through Hell while combating demons and monsters from the computer game "Doom." After reuniting with Harris, the two joyfully proclaim their excitement at the prospect of living out their favorite video game.
The game's creator, Danny Ledonne, said 'I had the same kinds of issues in high school that the two shooters did and I just dealt with it differently, fortunately.' "
Oh I see. So this guy is fighting emotional issues and being bullied and his response is to turn a tragedy, a massacre, of young adults, and their supposed descent to hell, into a game? And don't tell me about freedom of speech. I know he can do what he wants to in his own time. That's his life, he can live it how he wants to.
But who in their right mind would play a game where you can step into the shoes of two teens who murdered over a dozen of their classmates, wounded 24 more (many more would have died if the bombs they planted in the cafeteria had exploded), and then killed themselves? Then see them battle demons from another video game in the setting of hell? Who would do that? Well, the game has been out for a year now and has been downloaded roughly 40,000 times. Apparently, the youth of American has too much time on his hands. And it's not a video game thing with me, I play them a few times a week (though it's mostly golf and football). But I'm very uneasy reading about someone turning this event into a game that's supposed to be all innocent and fun. Move on, yes. You have to move on. But tell me how making a game like this supposed to give you peace of mind. I'd like to know.
And I'm sure the Columbine movie will be getting released in the next few years...
Monday, January 15, 2007
I wish I was diffferent.
I really wish I was not this sick, wacked out, twisted, anal sports fan that I am. Because I really think my life would be a lot less aggravating otherwise.
Bears win in OT, Pats beat the Chargers. I'm not surprised, but I am disgusted.
I'm not in the mood to deal with the Bears, Seattle is not that good. I will say, go Saints! But I have a lot to say about Sunday afternoon's joke of a game.
If Asante Samuel was playing for the Jets in that game, he would have been called three times for pass interference. The last one actually turned the game around because SD would have had a first down at midfield with a little over three minutes left. Instead they had to punt. I have never seen a team get more breaks and big calls from the officials in my life since the Chicago Bulls of the 1990's.
This was the best team in football this year, San Diego. And I knew the game was over on the first Patriot drive. 3rd and 10 on their own 20 I think. Mr. Overrated throws a pass, it gets tipped three times, and the ball flied up in the air and it starts to drop. One of the Charger players is right underneath, all alone, ready to catch the ball on the NE 30, putting the Chargers in scoring range. Instead it slips out of his hands and New England gets to punt. You could have shut your TV off right there. Then I'm driving to Ecclesia, San Diego is driving, Michael Turner runs for a first down on a 4th and 1. Next play, Rivers throws a pass to Antonio Gates (the best TE in football), catches it, and gets stripped on the line, and New England recovers it. I know it was called back as an incomplete pass, but the feel was obvious. I knew midway through the second quarter, San Diego would lose.
And you can bet your soul, New England and Chicago are making the Super Bowl. I would bet everything I own on that happening. In a season where the Jets stepped up, everything could be ruined by watch my two least favorite sports cities play for a Super Bowl. In the context of football, it could not be any worse.
The same damn brick hits me in the head every year in one sport or another. Whether it's the Rangers missing the playoffs 8 years in a row, the Devils winning 3 Stanley Cups, the Knicks never winnning the title they should have and being reduced to a joke, the Braves' run of division titles, the Mets choking against St. Louis, the Giants embarrassing themselves, the Jets blowing playoff opportunities, it's always the same. It never changes.
So if I could come back in another life, which I don't think is something that happens, but who knows, if I could come back and live over again, I would do a few things different. I want to be a man of the arts. I'd want to be a guy that goes to the theater. I want to go to the Met, not root for the Mets, but go to the Met. I want Picasso, not Pennington. I want William Shakespeare, not Willie Randolph. I want Liszt, not Lundqvist.
So I pray to God, relieve this agony. I have enough aggravation in my life already. Why am I the insane, intense, crazy, battered NY sports fan that I am? Oh the pain....
Bears win in OT, Pats beat the Chargers. I'm not surprised, but I am disgusted.
I'm not in the mood to deal with the Bears, Seattle is not that good. I will say, go Saints! But I have a lot to say about Sunday afternoon's joke of a game.
If Asante Samuel was playing for the Jets in that game, he would have been called three times for pass interference. The last one actually turned the game around because SD would have had a first down at midfield with a little over three minutes left. Instead they had to punt. I have never seen a team get more breaks and big calls from the officials in my life since the Chicago Bulls of the 1990's.
This was the best team in football this year, San Diego. And I knew the game was over on the first Patriot drive. 3rd and 10 on their own 20 I think. Mr. Overrated throws a pass, it gets tipped three times, and the ball flied up in the air and it starts to drop. One of the Charger players is right underneath, all alone, ready to catch the ball on the NE 30, putting the Chargers in scoring range. Instead it slips out of his hands and New England gets to punt. You could have shut your TV off right there. Then I'm driving to Ecclesia, San Diego is driving, Michael Turner runs for a first down on a 4th and 1. Next play, Rivers throws a pass to Antonio Gates (the best TE in football), catches it, and gets stripped on the line, and New England recovers it. I know it was called back as an incomplete pass, but the feel was obvious. I knew midway through the second quarter, San Diego would lose.
And you can bet your soul, New England and Chicago are making the Super Bowl. I would bet everything I own on that happening. In a season where the Jets stepped up, everything could be ruined by watch my two least favorite sports cities play for a Super Bowl. In the context of football, it could not be any worse.
The same damn brick hits me in the head every year in one sport or another. Whether it's the Rangers missing the playoffs 8 years in a row, the Devils winning 3 Stanley Cups, the Knicks never winnning the title they should have and being reduced to a joke, the Braves' run of division titles, the Mets choking against St. Louis, the Giants embarrassing themselves, the Jets blowing playoff opportunities, it's always the same. It never changes.
So if I could come back in another life, which I don't think is something that happens, but who knows, if I could come back and live over again, I would do a few things different. I want to be a man of the arts. I'd want to be a guy that goes to the theater. I want to go to the Met, not root for the Mets, but go to the Met. I want Picasso, not Pennington. I want William Shakespeare, not Willie Randolph. I want Liszt, not Lundqvist.
So I pray to God, relieve this agony. I have enough aggravation in my life already. Why am I the insane, intense, crazy, battered NY sports fan that I am? Oh the pain....
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday's article
Wheaton Academy 69, Walther Lutheran 61
One of the keys to success for any team is to play consistently well from start to finish. That proved to be the difference for the Wheaton Academy boys basketball team.
After seven minutes of play, the Warriors had raced off to a 17-4 lead against Walther Lutheran and stayed on top the rest of the way. The Warriors won the game and remained undefeated in three Private School League games.
“We just lacked intensity in the beginning,” said Broncos coach Bob Koehne. “When you have to dig out of a 13-point deficit early, it’s tough to do against a good team.”
The Warriors, traditionally known for outside shooting, frequently converted from close range. They scored 27 of their 35 first-half points from short to mid-range and from the foul line.
“We’re trying to discipline our offense,” said Wheaton Academy coach Paul Ferguson. “When we started running it through, we got buckets inside.”
The Broncos made a number of runs in the second half. Led by point guard Jeremy James’ speed and quickness as well as 6-foot-7 senior center Fred Rose, Walther got as close as 47-44 late in the third quarter.
The resilient Warriors (7-7) kept responding with big scores.
The Broncos got within 54-50 with 3:30 left. But Joel Malmquist converted a layup, and following a Rose free throw, Ben Euler swished a 3-pointer. Walther inbounded the ball, promptly turned it over, and Tim Rusthoven’s layup extended the Warriors’ lead to 59-51.
Ferguson was pleased with his team’s early energy as well as his bench, especially the big men.
“Paul Werkema, Jared Cochrum and Mike Lindstedt were key for us because they battled Rose and really made him work for things,” Ferguson said.
Euler scored a game-high 23 and Malmquist scored 10 of his 21 points in the third quarter. Matt Jones grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 8 points.
The Warriors, winners of four straight, compete today in the Wheaton Shootout against Wheaton North. Ferguson said the little things will go a long way in deciding that game.
“We have to box out, take care of the ball, make the extra pass, and we have to be the scrappier team,” Ferguson said.
James finished with 19 points for the Broncos (6-7, 2-2) and Rose grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 16 points.
One of the keys to success for any team is to play consistently well from start to finish. That proved to be the difference for the Wheaton Academy boys basketball team.
After seven minutes of play, the Warriors had raced off to a 17-4 lead against Walther Lutheran and stayed on top the rest of the way. The Warriors won the game and remained undefeated in three Private School League games.
“We just lacked intensity in the beginning,” said Broncos coach Bob Koehne. “When you have to dig out of a 13-point deficit early, it’s tough to do against a good team.”
The Warriors, traditionally known for outside shooting, frequently converted from close range. They scored 27 of their 35 first-half points from short to mid-range and from the foul line.
“We’re trying to discipline our offense,” said Wheaton Academy coach Paul Ferguson. “When we started running it through, we got buckets inside.”
The Broncos made a number of runs in the second half. Led by point guard Jeremy James’ speed and quickness as well as 6-foot-7 senior center Fred Rose, Walther got as close as 47-44 late in the third quarter.
The resilient Warriors (7-7) kept responding with big scores.
The Broncos got within 54-50 with 3:30 left. But Joel Malmquist converted a layup, and following a Rose free throw, Ben Euler swished a 3-pointer. Walther inbounded the ball, promptly turned it over, and Tim Rusthoven’s layup extended the Warriors’ lead to 59-51.
Ferguson was pleased with his team’s early energy as well as his bench, especially the big men.
“Paul Werkema, Jared Cochrum and Mike Lindstedt were key for us because they battled Rose and really made him work for things,” Ferguson said.
Euler scored a game-high 23 and Malmquist scored 10 of his 21 points in the third quarter. Matt Jones grabbed 10 rebounds and scored 8 points.
The Warriors, winners of four straight, compete today in the Wheaton Shootout against Wheaton North. Ferguson said the little things will go a long way in deciding that game.
“We have to box out, take care of the ball, make the extra pass, and we have to be the scrappier team,” Ferguson said.
James finished with 19 points for the Broncos (6-7, 2-2) and Rose grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 16 points.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Three years? Three years?
Omar Minaya has said many times you can't have enough pitchers. Well, that is now half of a sentence. The other half is "that throw under 85 miles per hour and don't strike batters out."
The Mets are on the verge of signing 33 year old lefty pitcher Scott Schoeneweis to a three year major league deal. Now SS is a decent pitcher. He can spot start or be a swing man out of the bullpen, like Darren Oliver was for us last year. But three guaranteed years? Unless the annual salary is around 500,000 dollars, I really don't like this. Oliver was 50 times better last year than I ever dreamed he would be. That was catching lightning in a bottle. I can't see it happening again. And if we're giving out 3 guaranteed years to SS, why couldn't we match Baltimore's offer to Chad Bradford, who was so good for the Mets last year? Answer that for me, Omar.
So as I've said before, Mike Pelfrey must step up. Phillip Humber must step up. Jason Vargas must step up. John Maine must step up. Oliver Perez has damn sure got to step up. There are so many question marks with this Mets pitching staff right now. And looking at Florida's incredible youth, Philly adding Freddy Garcia to go with Utley, Howard, Hamels, and Myers, the Braves still being themselves, I don't know what to think right now. Right now, as great as the 2006 Mets regular season was, that kind of dominance is not about to happen again this year. Not with such a questionable pitching staff.
But as I learned the hard way last year, homefield means nothing in the baseball playoffs. All you have to do is qualify. Last year, the magic came together very well. Let's see what happens in 11 weeks.
The Mets are on the verge of signing 33 year old lefty pitcher Scott Schoeneweis to a three year major league deal. Now SS is a decent pitcher. He can spot start or be a swing man out of the bullpen, like Darren Oliver was for us last year. But three guaranteed years? Unless the annual salary is around 500,000 dollars, I really don't like this. Oliver was 50 times better last year than I ever dreamed he would be. That was catching lightning in a bottle. I can't see it happening again. And if we're giving out 3 guaranteed years to SS, why couldn't we match Baltimore's offer to Chad Bradford, who was so good for the Mets last year? Answer that for me, Omar.
So as I've said before, Mike Pelfrey must step up. Phillip Humber must step up. Jason Vargas must step up. John Maine must step up. Oliver Perez has damn sure got to step up. There are so many question marks with this Mets pitching staff right now. And looking at Florida's incredible youth, Philly adding Freddy Garcia to go with Utley, Howard, Hamels, and Myers, the Braves still being themselves, I don't know what to think right now. Right now, as great as the 2006 Mets regular season was, that kind of dominance is not about to happen again this year. Not with such a questionable pitching staff.
But as I learned the hard way last year, homefield means nothing in the baseball playoffs. All you have to do is qualify. Last year, the magic came together very well. Let's see what happens in 11 weeks.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Solitude is over
I had the house to myself for the last 12 days. Mom took Hogan and they drove to Florida.
Got a holiday party tomorrow night for the Daily Herald at Gino's East. I hope they spring for some deep dish pizzas this year. Unlike with the thicker crust pizzas, literally every Chicago thin crust pizza really tastes the same. Little dinky square pieces with the toppings buried underneath the cheese. You pick up a piece, take a bite, and you have no idea what it is. It's like a bad surprise party. If I had to pick my Gino's East pizza, it would be the supreme (peppers, mushrooms, onions, and I'd choose the sausage over pepperoni) and, as an extra kick, add garlic. Of course, I'd have to make sure I wouldn't be near any other human beings for the rest of that week...
Rangers-Islanders tonight. That would be hockey. Big game.
Speaking of which, I have a grammar question here. The New Jersey Devils are getting a new arena in downtown Newark soon. Prudential is going to get the naming rights and the building will be called the Prudential Center. CEO Arthur Ryan said he doesn't mind if the arena is referred to as "The Rock," after the company's symbol of the Rock of Gibraltar. Here's his quote.
"We're going to put 'Prudential Center' up there. I suspect someone before long will be calling it 'The Rock,' and that's fine with us," he said after a news conference Monday. "That's been our icon for over 100 years and we're not uncomfortable with that."
Why does he have to say "not uncomfortable"? Doesn't it seem odd that he uses the word uncomfortable in this situation? Especially considering he works in insurance! It makes me feel... well, not comfortable. Hey Arthur, I took speech in college. How about saying "We're fine with that."
I've been alone for days at a time on numerous occasions, but two solid weeks was unprecedented. It was amazing how quiet everything suddenly became. I didn't hear Hogan's excited panting ringing in my ear, which has been standard since I was 11 years old and enduring elementary school. Didn't have to make coffee for mom in the morning, the evening news was never on (thankfully), did a lot of laundry, had to cook everything myself, which I don't mind all that much. I really did work most of the time anyway, so it's not like I was lazy. Then again, when I wasn't working, I mostly watched Get Smart and Ring of Honor DVD's, and played video games.
Got a holiday party tomorrow night for the Daily Herald at Gino's East. I hope they spring for some deep dish pizzas this year. Unlike with the thicker crust pizzas, literally every Chicago thin crust pizza really tastes the same. Little dinky square pieces with the toppings buried underneath the cheese. You pick up a piece, take a bite, and you have no idea what it is. It's like a bad surprise party. If I had to pick my Gino's East pizza, it would be the supreme (peppers, mushrooms, onions, and I'd choose the sausage over pepperoni) and, as an extra kick, add garlic. Of course, I'd have to make sure I wouldn't be near any other human beings for the rest of that week...
Rangers-Islanders tonight. That would be hockey. Big game.
Speaking of which, I have a grammar question here. The New Jersey Devils are getting a new arena in downtown Newark soon. Prudential is going to get the naming rights and the building will be called the Prudential Center. CEO Arthur Ryan said he doesn't mind if the arena is referred to as "The Rock," after the company's symbol of the Rock of Gibraltar. Here's his quote.
"We're going to put 'Prudential Center' up there. I suspect someone before long will be calling it 'The Rock,' and that's fine with us," he said after a news conference Monday. "That's been our icon for over 100 years and we're not uncomfortable with that."
Why does he have to say "not uncomfortable"? Doesn't it seem odd that he uses the word uncomfortable in this situation? Especially considering he works in insurance! It makes me feel... well, not comfortable. Hey Arthur, I took speech in college. How about saying "We're fine with that."
Friday, January 05, 2007
Playoff time
Well, Sunday will be one of the most interesting days in sports that I can remember in a lot of years. Both the Jets and Giants play playoff games. Neither is favored to win by any stretch of the imagination. And honestly, I'm not expecting either side to win.
Here's what I think about the one that matters to me, the Jets-Patriots. Now it's no secret I despise the Patriots and everyone associated with that team. Their coach Bill Belichick resigned after one day, ONE SINGLE DAY, of being the Jets coach to take the New England job, took the entire coaching staff and won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. And of course, Mr. Hollywood Tom Brady.
Now with Eric Mangini, Belichick's longtime assistant leading the Jets, the rivalry has picked up. There are no distinct games in the 40-year history that these two teams have been playing each other. This will be the first.
To win, the Jets have to pressure Brady and more than that, limit the running game. Limit Corey Dillon, limit Laurence Maroney. On offense, the Pats are missing two safeties, so attack the middle of the field. I think tight end Chris Baker will be a target for Chad Pennington, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, mind you. Both theses tams play patiently and wait for the other team to make a mistake and then they pounce. So it comes down to who play smarter football. Who can make the big play? Who can avoid the big penalty? Who can make the big tackle? When two teams know each other as well as these two do, a lot of little things will make the difference.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 17
As for the Giants and Eagles, well, I'll only be able to see the first half anyway, since I'll be at Ecclesia. But the Eagles are as hot a team as there is right now. Jeff Garcia looks like Joe Montana right now, the o-line is the best in the league, and they limit running games. They limit running games. And with Tiki Barber being about all the Giants have going for them on offense right now, that does not bode well for Big Blue. Brian Dawkins gave them havoc last time. Can the Giants keep him from having that type of impact this week? I don't know.
Here's the question of the game. It's this simple. How will Eli Manning perform. I'm not calling him a bust, although he has not lived anywhere near the expectations that were placed on him when the Giants traded two number one picks, and two later round picks to take him from San Diego. But his play has been erratic. He completes less than half his passes and his bad throws look like baseball knuckleball pitches. How can he handle this Eagle defense? With the game in Philly, the Giants need to get off to a quick start Get the Philly crowd angry and get them booing. Don't fall behnd and be forced to pass more, which takes Tiki all but out of the game. Barber must touch the ball at least 25 times, in my estimation, for the Giants to have a legit shot of winning.
I don't know if I even want to see the Giants win because the franchose could be lulled into a false sense of hope that is non-existent right now. This is my second team and I didn't think they'd win the division, but I didn't think they would show so little effort, so little heart, and so little interest in playing over the last 8 weeks. But now that it's the playoffs, will a switch magically turn on for these guys? Will they play with some pride? And with some nerve? And with some toughness? TFor theur own sake, they'd better.
Prediction: Philadelphia 23, NY Giants 10
For the rest of the playoffs, outside of New York, I'll root for San Diego and New Orleans to make it to the Super Bowl.
Here's what I think about the one that matters to me, the Jets-Patriots. Now it's no secret I despise the Patriots and everyone associated with that team. Their coach Bill Belichick resigned after one day, ONE SINGLE DAY, of being the Jets coach to take the New England job, took the entire coaching staff and won 3 Super Bowls in 4 years. And of course, Mr. Hollywood Tom Brady.
Now with Eric Mangini, Belichick's longtime assistant leading the Jets, the rivalry has picked up. There are no distinct games in the 40-year history that these two teams have been playing each other. This will be the first.To win, the Jets have to pressure Brady and more than that, limit the running game. Limit Corey Dillon, limit Laurence Maroney. On offense, the Pats are missing two safeties, so attack the middle of the field. I think tight end Chris Baker will be a target for Chad Pennington, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, mind you. Both theses tams play patiently and wait for the other team to make a mistake and then they pounce. So it comes down to who play smarter football. Who can make the big play? Who can avoid the big penalty? Who can make the big tackle? When two teams know each other as well as these two do, a lot of little things will make the difference.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Jets 17
As for the Giants and Eagles, well, I'll only be able to see the first half anyway, since I'll be at Ecclesia. But the Eagles are as hot a team as there is right now. Jeff Garcia looks like Joe Montana right now, the o-line is the best in the league, and they limit running games. They limit running games. And with Tiki Barber being about all the Giants have going for them on offense right now, that does not bode well for Big Blue. Brian Dawkins gave them havoc last time. Can the Giants keep him from having that type of impact this week? I don't know.
Here's the question of the game. It's this simple. How will Eli Manning perform. I'm not calling him a bust, although he has not lived anywhere near the expectations that were placed on him when the Giants traded two number one picks, and two later round picks to take him from San Diego. But his play has been erratic. He completes less than half his passes and his bad throws look like baseball knuckleball pitches. How can he handle this Eagle defense? With the game in Philly, the Giants need to get off to a quick start Get the Philly crowd angry and get them booing. Don't fall behnd and be forced to pass more, which takes Tiki all but out of the game. Barber must touch the ball at least 25 times, in my estimation, for the Giants to have a legit shot of winning.
I don't know if I even want to see the Giants win because the franchose could be lulled into a false sense of hope that is non-existent right now. This is my second team and I didn't think they'd win the division, but I didn't think they would show so little effort, so little heart, and so little interest in playing over the last 8 weeks. But now that it's the playoffs, will a switch magically turn on for these guys? Will they play with some pride? And with some nerve? And with some toughness? TFor theur own sake, they'd better.
Prediction: Philadelphia 23, NY Giants 10
For the rest of the playoffs, outside of New York, I'll root for San Diego and New Orleans to make it to the Super Bowl.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
New Year's survey
2006 In The Beginning......Where did you bring in the New Year?
At home
Did you kiss anyone at midnight?
No
Did you make any resolutions?
No
2006 Your Love Life
Single/Taken?
Single
How many relationships did you have?
Zero
How many break ups?
Zero
2006 Friends and Enemies
Did you meet any new friends this year?
A lot, now that I think about it.
Did any of your friendships end?
Not that I can think of
Did you dislike anyone?
Hmm, no, but I wondered about a few people. Take that back, I hate the St. Louis Cardinals.
Did you get into any fights?
No
Did you make any new enemies?
No
Did you resolve any fights?
No
Who was your closest friend?
They know who they are. Don't want to embarrass anyone.
2006...The Holidays!
Did you have a Valentine?
Heck no.
Did you watch fireworks on the 4th of July?
No. I stayed in.
Did you dress up for Halloween?
I had clothes on FWIW.
What did you do for Thanksgiving?
Traveled to Wisconsin and ate at a buffet in a casino.
Did you make a list of gifts for the holidays?
No
Did you receive what you wanted?
Mostly. I was hoping for a new car stereo though.
Were you good this holiday season?
Yeah.
2006 Your BIRTHDAY
How old did you turn?
25
Did you have a cake?
No, but I ate a an oatmeal raisin pecan Carole's cookie. Way better than any cake.
What did you do for your birthday?
I don't really remember. Probably had a beer and kept quiet.
Did you have a party?
No
Did you get any presents?
Yes
2006 The Memories and Accomplishments!
Funniest Memory?
Probably the whole week I spent in Mississippi in June. That was a great group.
Best Accomplishment?
Same as above. Going to work with the Hurricane Katrina victims.
2006 All about YOU
Did you change at all this year?
I think so.
Was 2006 a good year?
So-so
Did 2006 bring any new insights?
I've got a good family. And it's all too easy to forget the good memories of when you were younger.
Do you think 2007 will top 2006?
I really think it will.
Do you have any goals for 2007?
Get a little more peace of mind and self-security.
At home
Did you kiss anyone at midnight?
No
Did you make any resolutions?
No
2006 Your Love Life
Single/Taken?
Single
How many relationships did you have?
Zero
How many break ups?
Zero
2006 Friends and Enemies
Did you meet any new friends this year?
A lot, now that I think about it.
Did any of your friendships end?
Not that I can think of
Did you dislike anyone?
Hmm, no, but I wondered about a few people. Take that back, I hate the St. Louis Cardinals.
Did you get into any fights?
No
Did you make any new enemies?
No
Did you resolve any fights?
No
Who was your closest friend?
They know who they are. Don't want to embarrass anyone.
2006...The Holidays!
Did you have a Valentine?
Heck no.
Did you watch fireworks on the 4th of July?
No. I stayed in.
Did you dress up for Halloween?
I had clothes on FWIW.
What did you do for Thanksgiving?
Traveled to Wisconsin and ate at a buffet in a casino.
Did you make a list of gifts for the holidays?
No
Did you receive what you wanted?
Mostly. I was hoping for a new car stereo though.
Were you good this holiday season?
Yeah.
2006 Your BIRTHDAY
How old did you turn?
25
Did you have a cake?
No, but I ate a an oatmeal raisin pecan Carole's cookie. Way better than any cake.
What did you do for your birthday?
I don't really remember. Probably had a beer and kept quiet.
Did you have a party?
No
Did you get any presents?
Yes
2006 The Memories and Accomplishments!
Funniest Memory?
Probably the whole week I spent in Mississippi in June. That was a great group.
Best Accomplishment?
Same as above. Going to work with the Hurricane Katrina victims.
2006 All about YOU
Did you change at all this year?
I think so.
Was 2006 a good year?
So-so
Did 2006 bring any new insights?
I've got a good family. And it's all too easy to forget the good memories of when you were younger.
Do you think 2007 will top 2006?
I really think it will.
Do you have any goals for 2007?
Get a little more peace of mind and self-security.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Movie reviews and other stuff as 2007 begins
Being an east coaster by nature, once 12 a.m. EASTERN hits, once the ball drops in Times Square, it's the new year. I will not wait behind like everyone else in the midwest.
"Rocky Balboa" was a good film in my opinion. It's a very polarized film in terms of reviews. Peoiple love it or hate it. I liked that I was engaged by the film and I wlaked out feeling at peace with the climax of the series. At the same times, there were certain parts of the stories I thought were overemphasized and certain characters deserved to be developed more. But the fight looked great, there were a lot of good, spiritual messages, and I felt I got my money's worth. Now considering it was a 3 dollar matinee, I don't know if that is saying much. Biggest flaw: Michael "Let's get ready to rumble!" Buffer did the ring announcing. Eeshh.....
I would heartily recommend "We Are Marshall." I was 11 years from being born when the plane crash happened that claimed the lives of the Marshall football team, coaches, and some prominent boosters. But this was awesome. I showed up in my Chad Pennington jersey, appropriate since he played college football at Marshall. But it was a great story and I think anyone should see it. If I had to be picky on a flaw, there were a lot of characters to tie together, but after a half hour I got a feel for it. Matthew McConaughey is just himself no matter what role he plays.
Gerald Ford and Saddam Hussein died two days apart. Weird.
Giants and Jets both make the playoffs! I'll have further analysis in the next few days.
Prayer is tougher than I realized. I came to that conclusion at Ecclesia tonight as Ted discussed the re-commitment are group needs to make to prayer. It takes effort, it's not just about making a decision to pray. You have to put some effort and planning into it to really make it worthwhile. I know God listens but I'm tired of throwing random prayers out like I'm flinging frisbees at a random target. I need to dedicate more time for prayer in terms of when I'll do it, how long I'll do it, how I'll do it, and what I'll do it for.
"Rocky Balboa" was a good film in my opinion. It's a very polarized film in terms of reviews. Peoiple love it or hate it. I liked that I was engaged by the film and I wlaked out feeling at peace with the climax of the series. At the same times, there were certain parts of the stories I thought were overemphasized and certain characters deserved to be developed more. But the fight looked great, there were a lot of good, spiritual messages, and I felt I got my money's worth. Now considering it was a 3 dollar matinee, I don't know if that is saying much. Biggest flaw: Michael "Let's get ready to rumble!" Buffer did the ring announcing. Eeshh.....
I would heartily recommend "We Are Marshall." I was 11 years from being born when the plane crash happened that claimed the lives of the Marshall football team, coaches, and some prominent boosters. But this was awesome. I showed up in my Chad Pennington jersey, appropriate since he played college football at Marshall. But it was a great story and I think anyone should see it. If I had to be picky on a flaw, there were a lot of characters to tie together, but after a half hour I got a feel for it. Matthew McConaughey is just himself no matter what role he plays.
Gerald Ford and Saddam Hussein died two days apart. Weird.
Giants and Jets both make the playoffs! I'll have further analysis in the next few days.
Prayer is tougher than I realized. I came to that conclusion at Ecclesia tonight as Ted discussed the re-commitment are group needs to make to prayer. It takes effort, it's not just about making a decision to pray. You have to put some effort and planning into it to really make it worthwhile. I know God listens but I'm tired of throwing random prayers out like I'm flinging frisbees at a random target. I need to dedicate more time for prayer in terms of when I'll do it, how long I'll do it, how I'll do it, and what I'll do it for.
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