Ah yes...with everything else that has changed over the last few months, it's nice to have good old sports. Fall = Football. Football! I can't say that it's exactly the same, because it's a little wrong when Sunday Night Football starts at 5:00. But still, ahh...the weekend rolls around and it's good old four downs, 100 yards, kickoffs, field goals and yelling at the refs.
The Steelers were on Sunday Evening Football this weekend which meant national TV, even out here in LaLa Land. Football in rotten weather, wind and rain swirling around. Just a little piece of home coming through the boob tube.
Watching the Steelers beat the Browns....ah, some things really do never change.
Just wait and see how happy I am when hockey season rolls around!
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Heartbeat? Check.
Now that my heart has restarted several times, I would just like to say that game three tonight was one fuck of a hockey game. I'm not just saying that because the Pens won--that was damn Stanley Cup Finals hockey right there. Everything hockey should be--fast, rough, exciting, intense. I almost wished my boys weren't playing in it, because I was almost too white-knuckled to really enjoy it! (Almost.)
I have to go restore my blood sugar now.
I have to go restore my blood sugar now.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Nerves of...um...Steel?
Twenty-three year old Marc-Andre Fleury tripped and fell while coming onto the ice before starting his first Stanley Cup Finals game. Poor kid! So go ahead, someone try to tell me that nerves had nothing to do with that 4-0 showing. Their captain can't even buy a beer yet!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Find Someone Else to Gamble With
A note to all my Michigan friends:
No, I cannot afford to make bets with all of you for the Cup. You forget that I seem to be a Michigander magnet--there are a lot of you! I realize that could end up being a pretty good windfall for me, but I could also end up completely broke.
The only wager I am placing is with GJ, and it's the same bet we have for everything: one beer. I would make a special exception for this momentous event and say two beers, but at arena prices that's pretty steep...
Go Pens!!
No, I cannot afford to make bets with all of you for the Cup. You forget that I seem to be a Michigander magnet--there are a lot of you! I realize that could end up being a pretty good windfall for me, but I could also end up completely broke.
The only wager I am placing is with GJ, and it's the same bet we have for everything: one beer. I would make a special exception for this momentous event and say two beers, but at arena prices that's pretty steep...
Go Pens!!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
It's Hasn't All Been Texting and Crying and Hummus
My last few postings have been kinda glum, because whenever I let myself slow down these days (read: have enough breathing room that I can do things like blog) that's how my mind goes. So I'll now point out a bunch of stuff lately that has been great. Some of them are small moments, some bigger.
- Gorgeous weather. As much as I like winter, the renewal of spring is always amazing.
- Upon learning that LT and I are likely headed different directions, a half-drunk friend getting very wide-eyed, putting his arms around both of us, and exclaiming, very slowly, "But....what's gonna....happen?"
- GO PENS!!
- During the tail end of the gauntlet which I haven't been able to blog about yet, my trip to Chicago was an absolute blast. I loved it.
- Being included on the season video for my Cincy buddies even though I'm not technically on their team.
- Tearing the leg of my jeans open while climbing a seven-foot tall fence.
- Pierogies at the Harris Grill.
- GO PENS!!
- Going to see Chris Pureka and Nicole Reynolds, I was reminded that music is the most amazingly direct path into my soul, and how much I love live performance. I could never imagine a world without music.
- Encountering someone who embodies all the coolest things in the universe: a Canadian, hockey-enthused, tattooed, gender-bending, socially conscious, violin-playing musician. It's true, the bass players are always the coolest ones. ALWAYS.
- The woman who adopted a very sweet, quiet, 10-year-old cat. It made my heart smile to see someone willing to give poor old Dottie a peaceful couch to sleep on.
- Softball!!
- Coffeeeeeeee
- The excitement - even if it is bittersweet - of planning the coming next phase in my life.
- Reconnecting with and remembering to get the support of old good friends - MT, GJ, MG, MD, thank you all so much - and discovering the support of good new ones.
- GO PENS!!
- Sitting on my couch with the sliding door open and fresh air coming in, with Tiki curled up on my lap and Whiskey curled up next to me.
- Planning my next TATTOO!!
- Did I mention GO PENS?!
- Gorgeous weather. As much as I like winter, the renewal of spring is always amazing.
- Upon learning that LT and I are likely headed different directions, a half-drunk friend getting very wide-eyed, putting his arms around both of us, and exclaiming, very slowly, "But....what's gonna....happen?"
- GO PENS!!
- During the tail end of the gauntlet which I haven't been able to blog about yet, my trip to Chicago was an absolute blast. I loved it.
- Being included on the season video for my Cincy buddies even though I'm not technically on their team.
- Tearing the leg of my jeans open while climbing a seven-foot tall fence.
- Pierogies at the Harris Grill.
- GO PENS!!
- Going to see Chris Pureka and Nicole Reynolds, I was reminded that music is the most amazingly direct path into my soul, and how much I love live performance. I could never imagine a world without music.
- Encountering someone who embodies all the coolest things in the universe: a Canadian, hockey-enthused, tattooed, gender-bending, socially conscious, violin-playing musician. It's true, the bass players are always the coolest ones. ALWAYS.
- The woman who adopted a very sweet, quiet, 10-year-old cat. It made my heart smile to see someone willing to give poor old Dottie a peaceful couch to sleep on.
- Softball!!
- Coffeeeeeeee
- The excitement - even if it is bittersweet - of planning the coming next phase in my life.
- Reconnecting with and remembering to get the support of old good friends - MT, GJ, MG, MD, thank you all so much - and discovering the support of good new ones.
- GO PENS!!
- Sitting on my couch with the sliding door open and fresh air coming in, with Tiki curled up on my lap and Whiskey curled up next to me.
- Planning my next TATTOO!!
- Did I mention GO PENS?!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
It's a Great Day for Hockey
Tonight I went to the last home game of the Pens' regular season. Since I don't know what's going on next year, I can't afford playoff tickets this year, and they're building the new arena, I realized it might be the last game I ever see at Mellon Arena (Civic Arena, thank you very much).
If it ends up being the last one I see there, it will have been a fitting farewell. The boys beat the Flyers 4-2, with a sick goal by Crosby to put it away, reaching back with his stick and deflecting a shot that was going behind him through his legs into the net. I got all the classic fittings of a home Pens game - the ages-old "Are you ready?" penguin picture to start the game, human bowling, some good fights, good goals and good saves, TC the vendor, the skinny high-pitched vendor who sells cotton candy at Pens games and beer and peanuts at Pirate games, 17,000 people booing Carey Fraser (Pittsburgh's 2nd favorite ref behind Mick McGough), and the Pens clinched the Atlantic Division title. Thanks to MT for sharing it with me! (Thank goodness it wasn't a Devils game.)
I really can't ask for a better ending than to close out my last game chanting, "Go home, Flyers!" So if it was my last game at the arena, it was a good one.
If it ends up being the last one I see there, it will have been a fitting farewell. The boys beat the Flyers 4-2, with a sick goal by Crosby to put it away, reaching back with his stick and deflecting a shot that was going behind him through his legs into the net. I got all the classic fittings of a home Pens game - the ages-old "Are you ready?" penguin picture to start the game, human bowling, some good fights, good goals and good saves, TC the vendor, the skinny high-pitched vendor who sells cotton candy at Pens games and beer and peanuts at Pirate games, 17,000 people booing Carey Fraser (Pittsburgh's 2nd favorite ref behind Mick McGough), and the Pens clinched the Atlantic Division title. Thanks to MT for sharing it with me! (Thank goodness it wasn't a Devils game.)
I really can't ask for a better ending than to close out my last game chanting, "Go home, Flyers!" So if it was my last game at the arena, it was a good one.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Weekend Gauntlet 2: Nats
This weekend was a trip to Philly for the USA Hockey Women's National Tournament. Well, that's what it was supposed to be, and it ended up being the tournament, a return to Pittsburgh for about a half hour, then a trip to Washington, DC to catch the end of LT's frisbee tournament.
First the hockey - we played well and it was a fun time, unfortunately that didn't translate to great success in the tournament standings. We finished 0-3, but honestly made a better showing than that record indicates (at least, I think so!). By far the highlight of the weekend for me was playing against my old team from New Jersey. I saw my old coach and a number of old teammates, and we had a great game. My old friends got the best of us 1-0, and it was one of the most fun games I've played in a long time.
When we didn't advance to the quarterfinals, instead of staying overnight Saturday we headed home after playing our last game. Got back to Pittsburgh at around 9 on Saturday night, transferred my stuff from the car I was in to my car, picked up a friend of LT's and mine, and hit the road again on a last-minute-whim decision to head to DC. Got to DC at around 1:30 am, slept for a good 4 1/2 hours, then at 6 am bright and early headed out to the fields for the second day of an ultimate tournament. Spent a good 6 or 7 chilly hours shivering in a polo field and cheering on LT and her team, then hit the road for home again. Thankfully our friend knew how to drive stick, so I had the luxury of spending most of the ride home sound asleep in the back seat. Zzzzzz....
All in all, great fun even if half of it didn't go as originally intended, and I rediscovered the fun that can take place when you decide on a whim to drive somewhere in the middle of the night. Just make sure you have time to nap later!
Oh, and I realized that I've gotten to the point where if a drive is under 4 hours, I barely even count it as a trip. I might as well just be going down the street.
Coming Next Weekend: The Dinah Shore in Palm Springs
First the hockey - we played well and it was a fun time, unfortunately that didn't translate to great success in the tournament standings. We finished 0-3, but honestly made a better showing than that record indicates (at least, I think so!). By far the highlight of the weekend for me was playing against my old team from New Jersey. I saw my old coach and a number of old teammates, and we had a great game. My old friends got the best of us 1-0, and it was one of the most fun games I've played in a long time.
When we didn't advance to the quarterfinals, instead of staying overnight Saturday we headed home after playing our last game. Got back to Pittsburgh at around 9 on Saturday night, transferred my stuff from the car I was in to my car, picked up a friend of LT's and mine, and hit the road again on a last-minute-whim decision to head to DC. Got to DC at around 1:30 am, slept for a good 4 1/2 hours, then at 6 am bright and early headed out to the fields for the second day of an ultimate tournament. Spent a good 6 or 7 chilly hours shivering in a polo field and cheering on LT and her team, then hit the road for home again. Thankfully our friend knew how to drive stick, so I had the luxury of spending most of the ride home sound asleep in the back seat. Zzzzzz....
All in all, great fun even if half of it didn't go as originally intended, and I rediscovered the fun that can take place when you decide on a whim to drive somewhere in the middle of the night. Just make sure you have time to nap later!
Oh, and I realized that I've gotten to the point where if a drive is under 4 hours, I barely even count it as a trip. I might as well just be going down the street.
Coming Next Weekend: The Dinah Shore in Palm Springs
Monday, March 24, 2008
Weekend Gauntlet 1: Go Wings!
The way things are looking, seems I'll be out of town every weekend from this past one until May (and 7 of the 9 weekends in all of March and April). Whew! So, this past weekend was first up in my astounding run of busy-ness: a Red Wings game in Columbus, and then National Raisin Gravy Day. (Some people call the latter "Easter", but it's really National Raisin Gravy Day.)
I met my Cincy buds in Columbus to see the Wings take on the Blue Jackets. Given that the arena was half full of Wings fans, the Columbus folk were kind of cranky. The fact that the Wings won 4-1 didn't help. But, although there was some verbal sparring (some good-natured, some not). After the game we hit up a local gay bar in Columbus' arena district--after a very lame start, it eventually got good; I was happy to see a huge variety of gender expression...much greater than I typically see here in Pittsburgh on a usual night out.
And, National Raisin Gravy Day was yummy. Got to see 4 out of 5 of The Kids, and as usual got my ass kicked by the second oldest...when did he become twice as big as me? Ah well, the fun is in the fighting, not in the winning. (And it's a good thing that's the case...)
Some thoughts....
- On the way to Columbus I passed a car with the license plate SUFR4JC. Creeped me out.
- After your parents have lived in the same house for 25 years, it's weird to realize that before leaving to go visit, you need to double-check the directions.
- Yes, LT cooks more than I do, but it's all pasta, and she needs to set the timer to know how long to boil it! (pbpbthththth...) Besides, I own the aebleskiver pan!
- I'm either going to have to figure out a way to be home enough in the evening to do laundry during the week, or...well...um, there really is no alternative.
And in other news, I'm getting my ass whooped with my NCAA tournament bracket, but at least I'm doing better than Tiki and Whiskey. GJ isn't getting much of a run for her money this year though. And, my car passed 100,000 miles! (Roughly 96,000 of them with a mooshed front bumper.) Good ol' Lancer...
Coming Next Weekend: USA Hockey Women's National Tournament
I met my Cincy buds in Columbus to see the Wings take on the Blue Jackets. Given that the arena was half full of Wings fans, the Columbus folk were kind of cranky. The fact that the Wings won 4-1 didn't help. But, although there was some verbal sparring (some good-natured, some not). After the game we hit up a local gay bar in Columbus' arena district--after a very lame start, it eventually got good; I was happy to see a huge variety of gender expression...much greater than I typically see here in Pittsburgh on a usual night out.
And, National Raisin Gravy Day was yummy. Got to see 4 out of 5 of The Kids, and as usual got my ass kicked by the second oldest...when did he become twice as big as me? Ah well, the fun is in the fighting, not in the winning. (And it's a good thing that's the case...)
Some thoughts....
- On the way to Columbus I passed a car with the license plate SUFR4JC. Creeped me out.
- After your parents have lived in the same house for 25 years, it's weird to realize that before leaving to go visit, you need to double-check the directions.
- Yes, LT cooks more than I do, but it's all pasta, and she needs to set the timer to know how long to boil it! (pbpbthththth...) Besides, I own the aebleskiver pan!
- I'm either going to have to figure out a way to be home enough in the evening to do laundry during the week, or...well...um, there really is no alternative.
And in other news, I'm getting my ass whooped with my NCAA tournament bracket, but at least I'm doing better than Tiki and Whiskey. GJ isn't getting much of a run for her money this year though. And, my car passed 100,000 miles! (Roughly 96,000 of them with a mooshed front bumper.) Good ol' Lancer...
Coming Next Weekend: USA Hockey Women's National Tournament
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Down to the Business of Winter
OK, holidays are over, so now it's time to get serious about this winter thing. Most people don't like winter after the holidays--they like the nice pretty snow for their picturesque holiday scene, but after that they just want spring. For my money, January and February are the best time to REALLY enjoy it! No more nagging feelings hanging over your head that you're supposed to be planning something, buying something, wrapping something, wondering if your life is full enough, complete enough, etc. And let's face it--here in Pittsburgh winter usually doesn't really get serious until January anyhow.
It's that time of year to feel free to take some extra time to enjoy this stuff. My weekend morning walk for coffee was absolutely brilliant. Crisp and clear, the world was quiet and snowy, the cold air sharpened my senses, woke me up, and was thoroughly invigorating. Later today I fully intend to pull on my winter hiking boots and take a jaunt through Frick. And boy...am I itching to be on a mountain right now. (Grrr...haven't gone boarding in 2 years.)
Speaking of which, let's not forget about winter sports! Hockey is in full swing (3rd row seats to the Pens game later today!) and NFL playoffs are gearing up (go Stillers!), and across the pond, the real football national leagues are charging right along (yeah, that's right Americans...those "pansy soccer players" do their thing year 'round, especially in the winter when we're at home crying).
It can be hard because this point of winter can be so tough for many people. It seems like it's always dark. It's cold. The snow gets all dirty and black by the side of the road. A lot of people have a really tough time with SAD, plugging through the winter months. So it's even more important to take extra steps to enjoy it. Yeah, it's dark when I go to work and dark when I leave...but it's not dark in the middle of the day when I sneak out for a quick walk. Pile on those extra layers...I'm not ashamed to have nothing but my glasses poking out between the beanie and turtle fur. I feel so pumped up after embracing the elements and biking to work than after shivering in my car on the drive there.
Besides...all the winter hating in the world won't make it go away, so I might as well make the best of it.
It's that time of year to feel free to take some extra time to enjoy this stuff. My weekend morning walk for coffee was absolutely brilliant. Crisp and clear, the world was quiet and snowy, the cold air sharpened my senses, woke me up, and was thoroughly invigorating. Later today I fully intend to pull on my winter hiking boots and take a jaunt through Frick. And boy...am I itching to be on a mountain right now. (Grrr...haven't gone boarding in 2 years.)
Speaking of which, let's not forget about winter sports! Hockey is in full swing (3rd row seats to the Pens game later today!) and NFL playoffs are gearing up (go Stillers!), and across the pond, the real football national leagues are charging right along (yeah, that's right Americans...those "pansy soccer players" do their thing year 'round, especially in the winter when we're at home crying).
It can be hard because this point of winter can be so tough for many people. It seems like it's always dark. It's cold. The snow gets all dirty and black by the side of the road. A lot of people have a really tough time with SAD, plugging through the winter months. So it's even more important to take extra steps to enjoy it. Yeah, it's dark when I go to work and dark when I leave...but it's not dark in the middle of the day when I sneak out for a quick walk. Pile on those extra layers...I'm not ashamed to have nothing but my glasses poking out between the beanie and turtle fur. I feel so pumped up after embracing the elements and biking to work than after shivering in my car on the drive there.
Besides...all the winter hating in the world won't make it go away, so I might as well make the best of it.
Friday, December 14, 2007
My Complete Reaction to the MLB Mitchell Report
1) Duh.
2) Sadly, I think this is getting more coverage than when the 9/11 Commission released its final report.
3) Duh.
4) The Pirates only had two people linked to steroids during their time with the team. So now we have yet another reason why they never win.
5) Duh.
2) Sadly, I think this is getting more coverage than when the 9/11 Commission released its final report.
3) Duh.
4) The Pirates only had two people linked to steroids during their time with the team. So now we have yet another reason why they never win.
5) Duh.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Memos
With a nod to MT for this fun blog post format.
To: Anthony Smith
RE: Guarantee
Perhaps it is unwise to taunt the most talented quarterback/receiver combination in the NFL. Just a thought for next time, unless of course you were trying to challenge Ben to beat Brady's 400 yard, 4-touchdown performance.
To: Mark Recchi
RE: We still luv ya
Good luck in Atlanta! You should know that is MD's secondary team, so she's happy to see you there. The Burgh still loves the Wreckin' Ball, unfortunately there just wasn't a home for you on the ice.
To: Ray Shero
RE: Class
As with John LeClaire, you showed crap tons of class in handling Recchi. There are very few businesses that would be willing to take a several hundred thousand dollar budget hit just to try to see an employee be happy and have a chance. Way to not be Anthony Smith.
To: Christmas Lights
RE: Yay!
Twinkle, twinkle. Christmas lights rock.
To: Anthony Smith
RE: Guarantee
Perhaps it is unwise to taunt the most talented quarterback/receiver combination in the NFL. Just a thought for next time, unless of course you were trying to challenge Ben to beat Brady's 400 yard, 4-touchdown performance.
To: Mark Recchi
RE: We still luv ya
Good luck in Atlanta! You should know that is MD's secondary team, so she's happy to see you there. The Burgh still loves the Wreckin' Ball, unfortunately there just wasn't a home for you on the ice.
To: Ray Shero
RE: Class
As with John LeClaire, you showed crap tons of class in handling Recchi. There are very few businesses that would be willing to take a several hundred thousand dollar budget hit just to try to see an employee be happy and have a chance. Way to not be Anthony Smith.
To: Christmas Lights
RE: Yay!
Twinkle, twinkle. Christmas lights rock.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Catsup
Oh, where to begin.
- Strep throat and more sleep than I ever thought possible
- New glasses
- Unexpected trip to DC
- Bizarre office movements at work
- LT and I hit one month
- 162 (86th percentile) on the LSAT
- MG passed the bar (YAY!!)
- Can't think of a Halloween costume
- Two of MT's foster kits got adopted (bittersweet YAY!!)
- Addiction to Overheard in Pittsburgh
- Visit from some Cincy buds for a Pens game
- Central Pittsburgh season started with a 4-2 win
- Can't think of a Halloween costume.
Oh, and this article makes me want to write headlines.
- Strep throat and more sleep than I ever thought possible
- New glasses
- Unexpected trip to DC
- Bizarre office movements at work
- LT and I hit one month
- 162 (86th percentile) on the LSAT
- MG passed the bar (YAY!!)
- Can't think of a Halloween costume
- Two of MT's foster kits got adopted (bittersweet YAY!!)
- Addiction to Overheard in Pittsburgh
- Visit from some Cincy buds for a Pens game
- Central Pittsburgh season started with a 4-2 win
- Can't think of a Halloween costume.
Oh, and this article makes me want to write headlines.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Winter Winter Winter
Today, I woke up and it was 39 degrees outside. And in about 20 seconds, I'm leaving to go watch the Pens training camp practice down in Southpointe.
This is me clapping excitedly.
WOOO!!!!
This is me clapping excitedly.
WOOO!!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Sports Sports and Sports!
It is official sports week here, so much going on it's awesome.
The Women's World Cup started up. Am I the only one who's jaw dropped upon seeing that the US Women's team TIED their first game? The world has been put on it's ear. But, that's why they play the game, eh? And I am very happy to see that ESPN is covering the tournament. One word: EXPOSURE. The NHL could stand to learn that word.
Speaking of the NHL, it's presale time! Picked up tickets to five Pens games on the season ticket holder waiting list presale. Made the investment of buying extra tickets, because I figure it shouldn't be hard to round up friends or sell tickets that I don't round friends up for. I just need to remember to close my eyes before opening my credit card statement. Two big highlights: Pens vs. Devils and Pens vs. Capitals! Also, a bunch of my Cincy buds and I got tickets to a Detroit/Columbus game in Columbus. Fun!
Pardon me for a moment while I do my "Yay Hockey Season Is Coming" Dance.
And last but not least (well, maybe least), the Pirates seem to have selected a new President, Frank Coonelly, currently MLB's chief labor counsel. I won't pretend to know whether it's a good choice or not. A lot of people seem irritated in that he's played a large role in the setup of the current MLB financial structure so they believe that he will not bring any outside-the-box thinking to the team. However, my challenge to that is we don't necessarily need thinking outside of the MLB box, but outside of the Pirate box. I'm willing to see how it goes. One thing that does give me pause is that they also seem to have candidates lined up for the GM job already. I thought the whole point was to allow the new Pres to hire the new GM...so are they in the process of handcuffing the new Pres before he's even officially hired? Not so good if that's the case.
The Women's World Cup started up. Am I the only one who's jaw dropped upon seeing that the US Women's team TIED their first game? The world has been put on it's ear. But, that's why they play the game, eh? And I am very happy to see that ESPN is covering the tournament. One word: EXPOSURE. The NHL could stand to learn that word.
Speaking of the NHL, it's presale time! Picked up tickets to five Pens games on the season ticket holder waiting list presale. Made the investment of buying extra tickets, because I figure it shouldn't be hard to round up friends or sell tickets that I don't round friends up for. I just need to remember to close my eyes before opening my credit card statement. Two big highlights: Pens vs. Devils and Pens vs. Capitals! Also, a bunch of my Cincy buds and I got tickets to a Detroit/Columbus game in Columbus. Fun!
Pardon me for a moment while I do my "Yay Hockey Season Is Coming" Dance.
And last but not least (well, maybe least), the Pirates seem to have selected a new President, Frank Coonelly, currently MLB's chief labor counsel. I won't pretend to know whether it's a good choice or not. A lot of people seem irritated in that he's played a large role in the setup of the current MLB financial structure so they believe that he will not bring any outside-the-box thinking to the team. However, my challenge to that is we don't necessarily need thinking outside of the MLB box, but outside of the Pirate box. I'm willing to see how it goes. One thing that does give me pause is that they also seem to have candidates lined up for the GM job already. I thought the whole point was to allow the new Pres to hire the new GM...so are they in the process of handcuffing the new Pres before he's even officially hired? Not so good if that's the case.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Not Even Matt Kata Could Save Him
So long, Dave Littlefield. I never take pleasure in someone losing their job. But as a Pirate fan, I am allowed to be happy that someone who has misguided the team for so long has been removed from the equation. Of course, when he came on board we had all the same pleasure of seeing his predecessor Cam Bonifay depart, and all sorts of hope for him. Seven losing seasons and a 442-581 record later, that hope has been long gone.
But, eternal optimist that I am, with a new principal owner who talks a good game about not putting up with the current state of affairs, and the search for a new CEO who everyone speculates will have to be a baseball guy, I hope this time around will be different...better... Could it really be worse? Well, I guess it could be empirically worse, but when it comes down to it a losing season is a losing season (to the 15th degree).
But, eternal optimist that I am, with a new principal owner who talks a good game about not putting up with the current state of affairs, and the search for a new CEO who everyone speculates will have to be a baseball guy, I hope this time around will be different...better... Could it really be worse? Well, I guess it could be empirically worse, but when it comes down to it a losing season is a losing season (to the 15th degree).
Sunday, August 12, 2007
My Weekend in Review
Wow...yeah, that weekend ended up being just as zany as I figured it would!
In case you couldn't tell, I was a little busy. A hockey tournament at the Southpointe rink down in Canonsburg happened to coincide with my softball playoffs, which would make things hectic enough as it is, but in addition to that my Cincinnati friends rolled into town for the tournament so there was visiting, partying and all around good fun to be had.
First, the hockey--fun fun fun! I skated with some ladies from my Ice Maidens class, and everyone had a great time. We've had scrimmages here and there with the class, but these were the ladies' first "real" hockey games. We lost all three games, but my little fledgling hockey players did me proud and then some. I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to be a part of something like this program; it is so great seeing these women learn so much and have so much fun, and know that I helped make that happen.
Second, the softball--again, fun fun fun! Although, the two games I played in we lost, and the one I missed due to hockey we won. So...hopefully they won't decide I'm a jinx and will still take me back next year. They let me come eat at Gullifty's afterwards, so I'm hopeful. Softball season has definitely been one of the highlights of the summer; I'm so happy I decided to do it. Many thanks to G for talking me into it, and my Ducks teammates for a great season.
Lastly, the partying. Do I need to say fun fun fun? OK. Fun fun fun! Mad dash back down south to join G and the Stars for dinner...missed the salad but really the crab legs were the important part. Let's see...what else...well, there was a crab claw that someone tried to turn into a nipple clip, a multi-car chinese fire drill, watching a bunch of people from Ohio unravel the mystery that is the "beer distributor", your standard hotel drinking mischief, some LCR dice game gambling, and let us not forget the game of strip poker. If you hear any rumors about my rear end needing a tan, it's a vicious, vicious lie. (Actually, I didn't lose to that extent--my butt made a brief unscheduled appearance during the short removal. Chalk it up to the perils of wearing baggy clothes.)
Oh! And the extra special fun, I got to play with my car on Friday!! Engine flush, oil change and new front brake pads. I haven't had anywhere available to work on it so it's been several years since I've gotten to tinker. I missed it horribly. The only bummer, at one point I took my glasses off and put them on the roof of the car. Yeah, they're gone now. Yay for insurance.
So, now I have to do that laundry, because I have no clean boxers. Clean boxers are important.
In case you couldn't tell, I was a little busy. A hockey tournament at the Southpointe rink down in Canonsburg happened to coincide with my softball playoffs, which would make things hectic enough as it is, but in addition to that my Cincinnati friends rolled into town for the tournament so there was visiting, partying and all around good fun to be had.
First, the hockey--fun fun fun! I skated with some ladies from my Ice Maidens class, and everyone had a great time. We've had scrimmages here and there with the class, but these were the ladies' first "real" hockey games. We lost all three games, but my little fledgling hockey players did me proud and then some. I still can't believe I'm lucky enough to be a part of something like this program; it is so great seeing these women learn so much and have so much fun, and know that I helped make that happen.
Second, the softball--again, fun fun fun! Although, the two games I played in we lost, and the one I missed due to hockey we won. So...hopefully they won't decide I'm a jinx and will still take me back next year. They let me come eat at Gullifty's afterwards, so I'm hopeful. Softball season has definitely been one of the highlights of the summer; I'm so happy I decided to do it. Many thanks to G for talking me into it, and my Ducks teammates for a great season.
Lastly, the partying. Do I need to say fun fun fun? OK. Fun fun fun! Mad dash back down south to join G and the Stars for dinner...missed the salad but really the crab legs were the important part. Let's see...what else...well, there was a crab claw that someone tried to turn into a nipple clip, a multi-car chinese fire drill, watching a bunch of people from Ohio unravel the mystery that is the "beer distributor", your standard hotel drinking mischief, some LCR dice game gambling, and let us not forget the game of strip poker. If you hear any rumors about my rear end needing a tan, it's a vicious, vicious lie. (Actually, I didn't lose to that extent--my butt made a brief unscheduled appearance during the short removal. Chalk it up to the perils of wearing baggy clothes.)
Oh! And the extra special fun, I got to play with my car on Friday!! Engine flush, oil change and new front brake pads. I haven't had anywhere available to work on it so it's been several years since I've gotten to tinker. I missed it horribly. The only bummer, at one point I took my glasses off and put them on the roof of the car. Yeah, they're gone now. Yay for insurance.
So, now I have to do that laundry, because I have no clean boxers. Clean boxers are important.
Friday, August 10, 2007
My Weekend in Preview
In this order:
Hockey
Sleep
Hockey
Softball
Party
Sleep
Hockey
Softball
Laundry
And somewhere in there I'll need to eat.
WOO!!
Hockey
Sleep
Hockey
Softball
Party
Sleep
Hockey
Softball
Laundry
And somewhere in there I'll need to eat.
WOO!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
My Poor Buccos
Dejan Kovacevic passed along the following video...if you're a Pirate fan, you won't know whether to laugh or cry. If you're not a Pirate fan, just laugh. But the next time you come across one of the Bucco faithful, remember it and be kind.
Yes, the last time the Bucs had a winning season, Christopher Reeve was still walking; apartheid was still in place in South Africa, and 23 current teams in the four major sports leagues either did not exist or existed in a different incarnation, 10 in the NHL alone. But, I won't spoil it all for you--see for yourself!
And that's just what they were able to fit into the length of the song. Let's see...what else has happened since my boys last won? David Beckham made his first start in the English Premier League; Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 states; the Branch Davidian complex in Waco was sieged and burned; the US Marines entered Somalia; Arthur Ashe, River Phoenix and Richard Nixon died; the Brady Bill became law; the following movies were released: Schindler's List, Philadelphia, The Lion King, The Crying Game; the following shows all began and ended their original runs: Absolutely Fabulous (began and ended twice), The X-Files, Beavis and Butthead, the Power Rangers, and NYPD Blue; the Chunnel opened between England and France....
Oh, I could go on.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
FOOTY!!
It's far too late for this summer, but great news that the Riverhounds will be playing again next year! Even better news, although a location hasn't been finalized they are going to be moving to a new location closer to the city. Good for fans, who don't have to trek all the way down to Washington, and good for the players, who hopefully won't have to play on a FREAKING BASEBALL FIELD. (Even having seen games there, I still can't make that work in my head.)
If the new ownership group is smart, they will seriously consider landing a home field within the city, as the Pittsburgh Passion did. I didn't go to any Passion games when they played at outlying areas such as Ambridge or Belle Vernon, but I can't imagine that moving to the South Side has done anything but help their visibility and attendance. I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't go to games when they played in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, and in related news, we're down to 10 days for Beckham's planned on-field debut in a match vs. Chelsea. I do hope he proves to be as much of a boon for MLS as folks claim he'll be. However, as a lifelong hockey fan I know the battles that fringe sports face in the US.
If the new ownership group is smart, they will seriously consider landing a home field within the city, as the Pittsburgh Passion did. I didn't go to any Passion games when they played at outlying areas such as Ambridge or Belle Vernon, but I can't imagine that moving to the South Side has done anything but help their visibility and attendance. I'm sure I'm not the only one who didn't go to games when they played in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, and in related news, we're down to 10 days for Beckham's planned on-field debut in a match vs. Chelsea. I do hope he proves to be as much of a boon for MLS as folks claim he'll be. However, as a lifelong hockey fan I know the battles that fringe sports face in the US.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Hey thanks, Kev
Bob Smizik had a very thoughtful column in the PG today, it was a good reminder that few things are black and white and few people really are the devil incarnate. The Nuttings still might prove to be the devil incarnate, but Kevin McClatchy, not so much.
Granted, I'm somewhat easy to sway with appeals to sports sentimentality, as one of the few who refuse to boo Jagr when he comes to town. Sorry, but you have to take the sum total of a guy, not just the last two years when he was a whiny crybaby.
Barry Bonds, on the other hand, has never been anything but a prick. Which is really why everyone hates him, not the steroids. Sure we ridicule other guys like McGwire and Giambi, but we don't hate them. Bonds = Prick = Hate.
Granted, I'm somewhat easy to sway with appeals to sports sentimentality, as one of the few who refuse to boo Jagr when he comes to town. Sorry, but you have to take the sum total of a guy, not just the last two years when he was a whiny crybaby.
Barry Bonds, on the other hand, has never been anything but a prick. Which is really why everyone hates him, not the steroids. Sure we ridicule other guys like McGwire and Giambi, but we don't hate them. Bonds = Prick = Hate.
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