Well everyone, we're getting close to the bug day. 2 weeks from day we will be leaving for China. It's getting exciting and a bit scary as we frantically try to get everything done. The boys are acting as pin cushions this week as we load them up with shots before the trip.
Been doing a lot of "lasts" before the move:
- Last golf round with Steve and Kermit; had that a couple of weeks ago. I was an idiot and left most of my rain gear in the car - of course, it poured for some of the front 9 and for the last 5 holes. Kermit sank a 15 footer in the pouring rain to beat me, 1 up, but I am protesting for two reasons:
a. I learned in great detail how Kermit worked on his friend's brakes on Saturday - and how that directly impacted his sex life; it impaired the use of his thumb - and I'll leave it at that.
b. Steve got this song stuck in my head for 4 holes on the back nine.
With those thoughts rolling through my head, it's no wonder why I sucked.
- Last trip to the casino with Don/Mike: We did that July 4th weekend; Don's comment was that he was disappointed that Derek's mom never showed up at the table.
A couple of firsts:
- First Skype call: You won't beleive it, but the first Skype call I successfully made was to Leland. I asked Leland if Wiz was on Skype - and Leland said that Wiz barely knows how to type, much less use 21st century technology.
- First Slingbox use: to watch the Golf Channel in my study before the British Open. Wow, it's refreshing to see a piece of technology that promises so much deliver on that promise! It was easy to set up - and the picture quality was great.
The test was to watch my living room TV in my computer room. That's a distance of, oh, 12,500 millimeters. Now the real life test will be to watch from a distance of 12,500 miles....
Jul 21, 2010
Jul 16, 2010
St. Andrews
I have a lot to blog about, but I thought this was timely.
Someone asked a British golf writer (his name is Michael Corcoran) what his thoughts are on St. Andrews. The candid, politically-incorrect response:
One thing no one likes to say but is so obviously true is that the Old Course is easy, too easy, unless there's gale force winds. ALL of the courses on the rota, save Carnoustie and Muirfield, are easy without wind, but in average weather--even with normal 20 mph winds for the setting--the Old Course, beloved as it is, is just a pitch and putt with deep bunkers and one hard hole. People get all caught up in the romance of it, and the town is the ultimate setting for the Open, but the course itself isn't even the best course in town. It was more mysterious and challenging before the big changes in equipment, but for modern players using modern gear, the course offers no more challenge than your local muni. Everyday players who get a chance to play it are blinded by their lifelong desire to play it, and for a hacker it's still a tough round. But a solid single-digit handicapper can easily go around there in the 70s even on the first try if there isn't major wind, and if they don't hyperventilate from all the romance. They'll never stop playing the Open there, but it's the least challenging venue used for any of the majors by far. It's like a Man o' War battling a nuclear aircraft carrier. The Man o' War has all the spooky legends and "hold fast" crap going for it, then gets sunk in five minutes by superior technology. It's true they all play the same course, even if the weather changes during the day, so it's still fair, but the Old is the only course in championship golf where a player can be several clicks off his game and not only compete, but perhaps even win. That's why this week is Tiger's best chance this year. Not because he's awesome or will overcome tremendous adversity etc., but because the Old, barring a hurricane, is easy. Like he likes his women.
Well - Mr. Corcoran - tell us how you really feel!
Someone asked a British golf writer (his name is Michael Corcoran) what his thoughts are on St. Andrews. The candid, politically-incorrect response:
One thing no one likes to say but is so obviously true is that the Old Course is easy, too easy, unless there's gale force winds. ALL of the courses on the rota, save Carnoustie and Muirfield, are easy without wind, but in average weather--even with normal 20 mph winds for the setting--the Old Course, beloved as it is, is just a pitch and putt with deep bunkers and one hard hole. People get all caught up in the romance of it, and the town is the ultimate setting for the Open, but the course itself isn't even the best course in town. It was more mysterious and challenging before the big changes in equipment, but for modern players using modern gear, the course offers no more challenge than your local muni. Everyday players who get a chance to play it are blinded by their lifelong desire to play it, and for a hacker it's still a tough round. But a solid single-digit handicapper can easily go around there in the 70s even on the first try if there isn't major wind, and if they don't hyperventilate from all the romance. They'll never stop playing the Open there, but it's the least challenging venue used for any of the majors by far. It's like a Man o' War battling a nuclear aircraft carrier. The Man o' War has all the spooky legends and "hold fast" crap going for it, then gets sunk in five minutes by superior technology. It's true they all play the same course, even if the weather changes during the day, so it's still fair, but the Old is the only course in championship golf where a player can be several clicks off his game and not only compete, but perhaps even win. That's why this week is Tiger's best chance this year. Not because he's awesome or will overcome tremendous adversity etc., but because the Old, barring a hurricane, is easy. Like he likes his women.
Well - Mr. Corcoran - tell us how you really feel!
Jul 8, 2010
The signing
Well, I'm sure most of you have heard the news by now. A big signing occured today that imapacts Cleveland sports....
yes! Bobby Engram signed as a free agent! He's the veteran 3rd WR that may be able to help Robiskie and Massaquoi grow and develop. Delhomme to Engram for 6!
Several things strike me as puzzling about the whole deal today...
1. LeBron makes such a big deal about this prime time special - and all the news this morning was a "leak" that he would sign with the Heat. How did he allow a leak to come out and upstage this show?
2. Jim Gray? Cmon....where is Craig Sager when you need him?
3. Match Game time! Fill in the blank. "The Miami Heat is _______'s team". If you said Dwyane Wade, you matched Nipset Russel, Charles Nelson Reilly, Vicki Lawrence, and Richard Dawson. Elaine Joyce said "Pat Riley", and Brett Sommers was drunk - she answered "Rony Seikaly".
Point is - it's not clear who the "alpha dog" is on this team. Is that really what LeBron wants?
4. Oh, he talked about challenge. "This presents the greatest challenge out there for me - going to Miami with Wade and Bosh to win".
Um, excuse me. Yes, you may be able to win with Wade and Bosh. But this is not a huge challenge.
It is now crystal clear that the toughest challenge in team sports for any athlete is to win a championship in the city of Cleveland. Many great athletes have tried in the past - and failed. Athletes who have won before - and after - their stay in Cleveland have all failed since 1964.
Going to Miami is like playing the Masters from the forward tees - it may help you win, but it's not a challenge. If you truly wanted a "great" challenge like you say, then stay in Cleveland and play the Masters with persimmon woods and a balata ball.
It's not the decision that pisses me off - it's the spectacle and the lies associated with it.
yes! Bobby Engram signed as a free agent! He's the veteran 3rd WR that may be able to help Robiskie and Massaquoi grow and develop. Delhomme to Engram for 6!
Several things strike me as puzzling about the whole deal today...
1. LeBron makes such a big deal about this prime time special - and all the news this morning was a "leak" that he would sign with the Heat. How did he allow a leak to come out and upstage this show?
2. Jim Gray? Cmon....where is Craig Sager when you need him?
3. Match Game time! Fill in the blank. "The Miami Heat is _______'s team". If you said Dwyane Wade, you matched Nipset Russel, Charles Nelson Reilly, Vicki Lawrence, and Richard Dawson. Elaine Joyce said "Pat Riley", and Brett Sommers was drunk - she answered "Rony Seikaly".
Point is - it's not clear who the "alpha dog" is on this team. Is that really what LeBron wants?
4. Oh, he talked about challenge. "This presents the greatest challenge out there for me - going to Miami with Wade and Bosh to win".
Um, excuse me. Yes, you may be able to win with Wade and Bosh. But this is not a huge challenge.
It is now crystal clear that the toughest challenge in team sports for any athlete is to win a championship in the city of Cleveland. Many great athletes have tried in the past - and failed. Athletes who have won before - and after - their stay in Cleveland have all failed since 1964.
Going to Miami is like playing the Masters from the forward tees - it may help you win, but it's not a challenge. If you truly wanted a "great" challenge like you say, then stay in Cleveland and play the Masters with persimmon woods and a balata ball.
It's not the decision that pisses me off - it's the spectacle and the lies associated with it.
Parenting Question
So -
Do I let (or make) Freddie (who is 9, by the way) watch the LeBron show tonight?
I think it will hurt him - not crush him, but he will be very disappointed.
Is it time to expose him to the Cleveland curse with sporting events? Losing to the Lions on an untimed play is one thing - losing the biggest superstar the city has ever had is completely another.
For the record, my first memory of a crushing blow for Cleveland sports was the Red Right 88 game vs. Oakland in 1981. I, too, was 9.
Do I let (or make) Freddie (who is 9, by the way) watch the LeBron show tonight?
I think it will hurt him - not crush him, but he will be very disappointed.
Is it time to expose him to the Cleveland curse with sporting events? Losing to the Lions on an untimed play is one thing - losing the biggest superstar the city has ever had is completely another.
For the record, my first memory of a crushing blow for Cleveland sports was the Red Right 88 game vs. Oakland in 1981. I, too, was 9.
Jul 7, 2010
Decision Time
Dear LeBron,
I’m not going to watch your TV show on Thursday evening because my wife already told me your answer. (There is no way this guy drags out this story, then books a 1 hour TV show to kick Cleveland in the mouth) You are staying in Cleveland to play for the Cavaliers. To that I say Thank You.
As we look forward to the future, let me start with this …I forgive you for quitting during the Celtics series. Before you say anything, just stop. We all know you quit. Every sports writer in America is afraid to call you out on that one. Before you start talking about your stats in the last 2 games, you can get a triple double whenever you want, but that doesn’t mean your team will win. Bottom line, you didn’t do enough. I’m glad you realize the fans of Chicago or New York would eat you alive.
I have no idea what occurred in the locker room to turn off the fire. Whatever, whomever, the cancer, make sure its gone by the time camp opens.
About last nigh
Had a terrible nightmare last night....
So I'm in Vegas at the Mirage with the normal group. Eric, Wiz, Mike, Lee, and I go to the UTH table. Don is playing Craps by himself across the way. Don't know why he isn't playing with us.
We are playing for a while and I'm on a tremendous run. Up probably a couple of grand and the dealer decides to take a break. But instead of having another dealer step up in his place, the dealer turns the table over to Eric. But Eric doesn't move out of his seat, he just deals the cards sitting right next to me. So the next hand I think I was playing $500 in each the blind and the ante. Anyway, the next hand I get a full house and the dealer has a straight. The rest of the table losses and Eric then proceeds to return everyones' blind. And I can still remember vividly the following exchange:
Derek: Ummmm Eric, what the heck are you doing? The dealer qualifies.
Eric: No he doesn't. The dealer doesn't have a pair.
Derek: I know he doesn't have a pair, he has a straight
Eric: Doesn't matter. The dealer needs to have a pair.
Derek: What the fuck. The dealer has better than a pair. He qualifies. Now return the blinds.
Eric: Nope
Derek: Wiz, what is Eric's problem?
Wiz: Nothings wrong with Eric. The dealer doesn't qualify.
Derek: WHAT!!!! The dealer has a straight!!!!
Wiz: I know, but the dealer needs to have a pair.
Derek: Lee....Come on. Help me out. This is crazy.
Lee: I hate this game. I'm just here for the company. I don't know the rules.
Derek: Mike?
Mike: I lost the hand so I don't care.
Derek: Pit Boss, come on over here.
Pit Boss: Yup. The dealer doesn't qualify since he doesn't have a pair.
Derek: WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are just doing this because you lost the hand and I'm the only one that won.
Eric: Well......
And then I wake up. No joke I was so pissed off I almost called Eric to yell at him, but I didn't want to wake up Carol. I was so bothered by this, I couldn't fall back to sleep and was stuck watching Morning Joe for an hour.
So I'm in Vegas at the Mirage with the normal group. Eric, Wiz, Mike, Lee, and I go to the UTH table. Don is playing Craps by himself across the way. Don't know why he isn't playing with us.
We are playing for a while and I'm on a tremendous run. Up probably a couple of grand and the dealer decides to take a break. But instead of having another dealer step up in his place, the dealer turns the table over to Eric. But Eric doesn't move out of his seat, he just deals the cards sitting right next to me. So the next hand I think I was playing $500 in each the blind and the ante. Anyway, the next hand I get a full house and the dealer has a straight. The rest of the table losses and Eric then proceeds to return everyones' blind. And I can still remember vividly the following exchange:
Derek: Ummmm Eric, what the heck are you doing? The dealer qualifies.
Eric: No he doesn't. The dealer doesn't have a pair.
Derek: I know he doesn't have a pair, he has a straight
Eric: Doesn't matter. The dealer needs to have a pair.
Derek: What the fuck. The dealer has better than a pair. He qualifies. Now return the blinds.
Eric: Nope
Derek: Wiz, what is Eric's problem?
Wiz: Nothings wrong with Eric. The dealer doesn't qualify.
Derek: WHAT!!!! The dealer has a straight!!!!
Wiz: I know, but the dealer needs to have a pair.
Derek: Lee....Come on. Help me out. This is crazy.
Lee: I hate this game. I'm just here for the company. I don't know the rules.
Derek: Mike?
Mike: I lost the hand so I don't care.
Derek: Pit Boss, come on over here.
Pit Boss: Yup. The dealer doesn't qualify since he doesn't have a pair.
Derek: WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are just doing this because you lost the hand and I'm the only one that won.
Eric: Well......
And then I wake up. No joke I was so pissed off I almost called Eric to yell at him, but I didn't want to wake up Carol. I was so bothered by this, I couldn't fall back to sleep and was stuck watching Morning Joe for an hour.
Jul 4, 2010
World Cup Update
Just one question before we get started:
So who is in charge of duct-taping the numbers on the back of Holland's jerseys? Goodness, they look like graphics that show the prices at a Gulf gas station from 1979.
We have a new leader!
Craig: 19 pts in group play + 6 pts in knockout play = 25 (Holland is still left)
Don: 22 + 2 = 24 (out)
Eric: 18 + 4 = 22 (Germany)
Mike: 16 + 6 = 22 (Uruguay)
Layup: 18 + 0 = 18 (out)
Wiz: 15 + 2 = 17 (out)
Leland: 10 + 4 = 14 (Spain)
Ryan: 12 + 0 = 12 (out)
Side pool update coming via email.
So who is in charge of duct-taping the numbers on the back of Holland's jerseys? Goodness, they look like graphics that show the prices at a Gulf gas station from 1979.
We have a new leader!
Craig: 19 pts in group play + 6 pts in knockout play = 25 (Holland is still left)
Don: 22 + 2 = 24 (out)
Eric: 18 + 4 = 22 (Germany)
Mike: 16 + 6 = 22 (Uruguay)
Layup: 18 + 0 = 18 (out)
Wiz: 15 + 2 = 17 (out)
Leland: 10 + 4 = 14 (Spain)
Ryan: 12 + 0 = 12 (out)
Side pool update coming via email.
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