Charleston!

Hey gang, I just got into Charleston about a half hour ago. It's sunny and about 60 degrees! My flights were pretty good and right on time.

Also, a memo to Santa...

I hope you bring the gentleman next to me on my first flight a stick of deodorant...for everyone's sake.

In addition, if you could bring the chick in front of me on my second flight a dictionary, textbook or muzzle...I'd appreciate it. Super loud, super dumb.

But yeah, other then that it was a great trip. Taylor and I are off to a couple Holiday parties in a bit...tis the season.

Probably won't post again until Monday, so have a great weekend.

Song of the Day: Leon Redbone - Christmas Island

Tuesday Tidbits...

Oh yes we need a little tidbits, right this very minute...

* Playoffs? You want to talk about Playoffs? Playoffs, you kidding me? Yes, it's true...the CrapBags continued they're magical run by dashing past the Zuckercorns, grabbing the tie breaker over the Chain Gang and securing the fourth and final playoff spot. Ryan Grant and Andre Johnson got us off to a hot start and Frank Gore closed the deal. Also, I made the decision, which paid off, to sit Tom Brady. It needed to be done. He'll be back in the starting spot for the playoffs though. Go Bags!

* The Juwanna Men took 3 out of 3 from the second place Monstars in the fantasy basketball league. It's early in the season, but we already have a 6 point lead and Lebron, Nash, T-Will and company don't appear to be letting up anytime soon. I smell dynasty.

* I got Chinese food from the egg roll machine last night for dinner and it was the best Chinese food I've ever had. I don't know why it tasted so good, but it was unbelievable. Just thought I'd share.

* So I watched part of this "Sing Off" show last night and it was awful. It's like an American Idol show, but the contestants are all A Capella groups. The reason I watched was because Ben Folds is a judge along with the Pussy Cat Dolls girl and the skinny dude from Boyz II Men. For the record, Ben Folds is the best judge I've ever seen on a show like this, he uses real musical terms to analyze the performances and gives honest and useful feedback. The same can't be said for the Pussy Cat Doll who often referred to the songs as "dope" and kept stating her amazement that there were no instruments....in an A Capella competition. Good to know she's a more famous "musician" then Ben Folds. Sometimes I hate America.

* 23 days and it's back to school for me...crazy.

* Can we all agree that this commercial is hilarious:

The first couple times I saw it I feared it would eventually get on my nerves, but now I laugh uncontrollably every time I see it. Also, I say "You're Tire's all flat 'n junk" and "Cause I'm a pot hole....Soooooooooo" at least 20 times a day. I love it.

* Remember No-Shave November? Remember how I had to scrap it like two weeks in? Well, without telling you guys...I've been having No-Shave November/December and my month was complete two days ago. Here's the damage that was done in a month:
Not bad, eh?

* I love Christmas shopping. Well, I love doing it when I know what I'm going after and I get it. There's something about the rush that I get when I just spend tons of money in a short period of time...it's crazy. A few more things and I'll be done.

* Roy Williams is a pansy. Apparently, during the second half of UNC's 30 point win over Presbyterian, a fan for Presbyterian yelled, "Hey Dion, don't miss it!" while Dion Thompson, of UNC, was shooting a meaningless free-throw in front of the home UNC crowd. Roy Williams immediately turned around, pointed out the fan and had security kick him out. Are you kidding me? That's the nicest heckle of all time! As it turns out, good ol' Roy just doesn't want anyone to pick on his players because this is what he said, "I don't think anybody should yell anything negative at our players. Period. Let's don't make it a bigger thing than it is. But I just don't think anybody should yell negative things toward our players" Get a grip Roy, you're a great coach but come on, that's awful!

* Is anyone else just completely blown away when realizing that 2010 is just over 2 weeks away? It's so crazy. I mean 2010! Where the hell are my flying cars!

* Off to Charleston tomorrow and then back on Friday, it's gonna be great! These next 2+ weeks are always such a whirlwind and this year that will definitely be the case. However, it's the best stretch of the whole year! I can't wait!

Song of the Day: Ray Charles - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Weekend Recap

Alright, let's recap the weekend and look ahead at what this week has in store.

Weekend:

* Friday night was my work Christmas party and I have to say I had a good time. Free booze never hurts. Also, I got to know some co-workers a little better. Good times.

* Saturday I went to the UofL game. Ugh. We're a young team that has lost all of our confidence, it's not looking good. I'm not giving up on the team, like lots of people around here...but if we don't start playing better, Christmas is cancelled.

* I watched It's a Wonderful Life on Saturday night. It's kind of embarrassing that I've never seen it before, especially because it's so friggin' fantastic.

* Yesterday was filled with football watching, wing eating, and Christmas cheer. I got some more decorations from my mom and began getting together the Chrismix for this year. Also, the CrapBags won this week, but need a big night from Frank Gore and a quiet night from Vernon Davis and the Cardinals defense if we want to make the playoffs.

* The Muffin tray has been delivered at work! Each year clients send us gifts at the firm. We get lots of fruit baskets and cookies...but nothing is better then the mini-muffin tray...and it came today.


This Week:

* Tonight I'm going to do some Christmas shopping after work, mainly because I haven't bought any presents yet. It's simply something that must be done.

* Tomorrow, I have a guitar lesson and then I might have to do some more Christmas shopping.

* Wednesday, I'm flying down to Charleston. Woo-hoo! Also, the Cards are playing Oral Roberts...if they don't win I'm going to the nearest mall to kidnap Santa.

* Thursday, Christmas shopping and Christmas parties in Charleston.

* Friday, Taylor and I will drive home for the Holidays.

* Saturday, Taylor, Lautaro and I will head to Murray, KY for some Christmas fun with the college gang. UofL plays WKU. If the Cards lose, I'm going to tell everyone what they're getting for Christmas.

* Sunday, Christmas at my Step-Mom's family. Unless UofL loses, in which case that will be called off....by me.

As you can see, it's all happening! Now, I hope everyone is getting in the Christmas Spirit because you've only got 11 more days, then you'll have to wait a whole year.

Merry Christmas!

Song of the Day: The Irish Rovers - Christmas in Killarney

Friday Festive Facts...

Flip-Flip-Flip-adelphia!

1.) I can't stop saying "Flip-Flip-Flip-adelphia" and doing the Charlie flip dance. If you didn't watch last night's season finale of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" you missed out. You think you’re wicked awesome doing that, and how about them apples, and all that garden wood business?

2.) Preston and Peyton are back in for the Cards! We get two guards back and Jerry's return should be soon, but George Goode appears to be done for the season now. Someone give me a friggin' break.

3.) I'm going to my work Christmas party tonight. I'm not really sure how to feel about it. It could be lots of fun or it could be one of those things where you just wonder how long you have to stay before you can leave without hurting anyone's feelings. There are some pretty fun people at work though, so it should be pretty fun. Plus, I'm not driving.

4.) I'm having an awful time Christmas shopping this year. Usually, I think of some really good gifts for people and I enjoy going out and getting them. This year...I've got nothing. The gifts I end up getting will be good and the folks on the receiving end will like them, but I'm just not thrilled with any of my ideas.

5.) Flip-Flip-Flip-adelphia!

6.) Charlie Strong is my hero. One day on the job and he locks up the #1 recruit in the state (4 star QB from Seneca). He's apparently going to be at the basketball game tomorrow and so will I...if security isn't too tight, I'm gonna try to touch him.

7.) It's a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Rudolph and Charlie Brown are all movies that will be watched by me this weekend. I better get on it.

8.) I've cast another role in my movie. Bret McKenzie as Lautaro:
9.) The CrapBags must win this weekend for any shot at the playoffs. In Tom we trust!

10.) Have a great weekend all!

Song of the Day: Frank Sinatra - I Believe

Sports, sports, sports...

As you guys know, I love sports. They're kinda my thing. So, today I thought I'd just catch everyone up on my thoughts on different sports news.

* There is really no telling how Charlie Strong will do as the Cards Football coach, but things got off to a fantastic start yesterday.

The Cardinal football program is getting a lot of good press around the nation...and that hasn't happened for quite some time.

* With the hiring of a new head coach...the 2009 NCAA football season is officially over as far as I'm concerned. Even though I'll watch a bowl game or two...I hate them. College Football drives me crazy.

* So the talk of the College Basketball world these days is John Wall. He's a freshman for UK, you've probably heard about him. Let me go ahead and just say, the kid is a damn good. I'm not going to crown him the next Michael Jordan, but that kid has loads of talent and as much as I hate UK and him (because he goes to UK)...he really is fun to watch.

* Now that I've admitted that John Wall (a UK player) is pretty bad ass...I want to take care of two things:
1.) A quick memo to UK fans: If I pay your player a compliment...the correct thing to say is, "yeah, he's something else, isn't he?" or something like that. In no way should this turn into you bashing my team and explaining to me why I'm somehow jealous of you and your team. I know UofL has bad fans too and I know not all UK fans are bad...but honestly, stop being such annoying morons. Deal? Deal.
2.) Since I've admitted that John Wall is a helluva basketball player, can we all admit that "the John Wall dance" is really stupid and in reality, John Wall is a pretty crappy dancer (assuming that's the best he's got). For those of you that don't know, John Wall did this "fist twist" move earlier in the year and now it's "sweeping the nation." I actually looked at the Facebook group/page for "The John Wall Dance" the other day, just to see if I was missing something and there's this post about how some dude on the TV show "Cougar Town" was playing basketball and did the John Wall Dance afterward. I mean really? Cougar Town? I'm not trying to hate because, like I said, Wall is a great player...but when people start bragging about a fist move (I won't call it a dance) on Cougar Town...well I think that we should probably put the trend to rest. However, if Don Draper does the "John Wall Dance" on the next season of Mad Men...I'll take back what I said and admit that it's pretty cool.

* It's been decided that Steve Nash is my favorite NBA player. I'd like to say that Lebron James is my favorite, but he's been kind of a punk lately. He's constantly dancing on the court and doing things to show the other team up...I mean, he's the best player in the world...there's no need to dance. Also, Steve Nash not only likes to help others, but he's also hilarious:




* Dick Vitale is an idiot. I used to really love Dick Vitale. I thought his passion for the game was unmatched and he really brought a great deal of knowledge and excitement to college basketball. However, after hearing him call a few games this year...he's lost it. His whole routine is so played out. He just talks to make noise and he rarely if ever says something intelligent about the game he's being paid to talk about. I really wish he'd hang them up.

* Pardon the Interruption is the best sports show on TV. For some reason sports journalists always seem pretentious to me. They talk about athletes and coaches as if they're all terrible and they themselves could do better. Here's a tip, sports journalists are journalists because they weren't good enough to coach or play. Tony and Mike on PTI get that. They constantly make fun of themselves and they show their knowledge and understanding of sports on a daily basis. It's just a great show.

* Speaking of PTI...I complimented UK earlier and now I'm going to rip them. Yesterday, John Calipari was interviewed on PTI. Because PTI is a good show, they didn't kneel down and worship him like others do, they asked him good, strong, fair questions...including one about his 2 final fours that have been vacated. Here is what Calipari said: He said that when you're a head coach of a basketball team, you are "Responsible for everything that goes on, from the top to the bottom" but, "You can't be held accountable for everything that goes on" because there is so much that occurs from top to bottom.

WHAT?

Do me a favor, open a word document and type "accountable" then highlight it, right click and get some synonyms for the word. You'll probably see the word "responsible" right there. Hell, here's the online definition of accountable, "responsible for having done." So he's responsible for everything but he can't be held accountable, I get it. He then was asked what he would do to make sure it would never happen again. He said: We run a top notch, high class program...but there is no way for me to sit here and tell you something like this won't happen again, because you just don't know. There's just so much that goes on in a basketball program and sometimes things happen that you can't control.

Are you kidding me?

He should have just come out and said, "I'm cheating...it's kind of my thing." So here's how I'll end this...I hate John Calipari with every ounce of my being. It's not because I'm jealous of UK, it's because he represents everything that is wrong with college athletics. He's the most desperate, pathetic, fake coach that I've ever seen. I would rather punch myself in the face for an hour then admit that he's a quality basketball coach.

* I'm really looking forward to the Cards playing again. I've had far to many people ask me about UK, Wall and Calipari this week and it's impossible for me not to form an opinion. So, UK fans...enjoy your season. You've got some great players and all signs are pointing to a really great year for you guys, congrats. I'm done talking about UK, I don't like to get things started...I just needed to get some things straight today.

Rivalries are fun!
Go Cards!
I love sports and so should you!

Song of the Day: Statler Brothers - Carols those Kids Used To Sing

Boom Goes The Dynamite!

Well, that didn't take long.

With all apologies to George Clooney and Tom Brady...there is a new name atop the "Man-crush list"

CHARLIE STRONG

What a freakin' stud. Also, he's been the UofL football coach for about 15 mins and he's already shown more emotion then Steve Kragthorpe did in 3 years.

When he talked about the opportunity to be a head coach, he got choked up...so did I.

When he talked about UK, assistant coaches and some other topics...he cracked a few jokes.

When he talked about the how he plans to fix the football team...he spoke with determination and passion.

I'm mean I was going to talk about Christmas shopping today, but after that press conference...no way.

I'm not going to go overboard like some fan bases do and call him a savior and predict national championships and undefeated seasons...

But I will say this...I'm totally pumped for August!

Go Cards! Welcome aboard Coach Strong...sir!

Song of the Day: Leon Redbone & Dr. John - Frosty the Snowman

Tuesday Tidbits...

We wish you some merry tidbits, we wish you some merry tidbits...

* The CrapBags pulled out a tight one this week with a last minute TD catch from Percy Harvin! Now the Bags play the Zuckercorns (Ben) with the winner going to the playoffs (I think). We'll probably lose, but you got to love the never say die attitude the Bags have displayed this year! Also, the JuwannaMen won 3-0 and now sit alone atop the standings.

* I had two cheesy gordita crunches for lunch. Those things are fantastic. As much as I love Taco Bell I had never had one until recently...now I can't stop eating them. Becky's happy.

* Am I the only one who doesn't really care about this whole Tiger Woods thing? A lot of really famous people do kinda mean stuff...it just happens. I'm not saying it's right and I'm not saying we should all view Tiger the same as we used to...but I just don't care anymore.

* UofL athletic board meeting tomorrow at 3, followed by a press conference to name Charlie Strong the new Football coach...that's what the latest rumor is anyway.

* T-Will is coming back to Louisville! Woo-hoo! Hope restored for the b-ball team! What? Come again? Beg your pardon? Oh, he's not allowed to play for us anymore? That's dumb. Anyway, he's coming back into town to talk with the team before playing the Pacers of Friday and he's going to be doing an autograph signing at...Angio's Pizza! For those of you who don't know, Angio's is a tiny (semi-rundown) Pizza joint that's in an old gas station. However, T-Will is going to charge 8 bucks for his Hancock and give the money to the local business...which could use it. The whole things kinda weird, but it's cool of him to help out a local business.

* I really don't have a lot to talk about today...but check this out from fail blog:
If you can't read it all...the link is here. For the record, I've been to a Bon Jovi concert (it was free) and there were thousands of ladies just like this...including a few who invited me and my friends (we were 17 ,they were pushing 50) back to their hotel room. I smiled and informed them that they seemed lovely, but STDs and acid wash jeans on 50 year olds just ain't my thang. Then I ran away. Good times.

* Here's another gem from Failblog.org

That's fantastic.

* Now that we got a few laughs in, I have to acknowledge that today is the 29th anniversary of John Lennon's death.
Everyone has their influences and idols growing up and to say that John Lennon was one of mine wouldn't be doing it justice. Paul McCartney has always been my favorite Beatle and he always will be...but each year John gets closer and closer. The reason I've always been fascinated with John Lennon is not because of his unbelievable music gifts, but because of the way he was able to affect people's lives in so many ways. Some look at him as a Rock legend, others see him as a symbol of love and peace, there are even a few that see him as a savior type figure. For me, John Lennon has always just represented music as a whole. I can't even imagine what my musical tastes would be like if John, Paul, George and Ringo hadn't gotten together to play some songs over 40 years ago. Actually, I can't even imagine what my life would be like. The Beatles made me love music and I'll always be thankful for that.

Long Live John Lennon!


Song of the Day: John Lennon - Imagine