Friday, February 24, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
I am boring
Which is why I haven't posted. Now, I go on vacation. I'll post boobie pictures from Mardi Gras when I return (not really) But maybe I'll have some entertaining stories, or at least some good pictures of New Orleans' renewal.
That's the plan anyone. Everyone have a good Mardi Gras weekend.
That's the plan anyone. Everyone have a good Mardi Gras weekend.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Boo Yah
Two upsets of 25 teams in three days should mean that Marquette is in the NCAA tournament. First #17 Georgetown, tonight #9 Pitt.
Marquette 84, Pittsburgh 82
Steve Novak was once again the man with 27 points, including five 3s. He also set the single season record for 3-pointers at Marquette on Thursday night. He has 57 3s in Big East play with three conference games left, just six behind the record of 63 held by Connecticut's Ray Allen in 1995-96.
Pitt had the game within 2 with less than a minute left, but Aaron Grey missed two free throws. The Panthers were forced to foul and Marquette was smart enough to put the ball in Novak's hands. Steve Novak has missed 1 free throw in 14 months. That's one missed free throw in 14 months!
Novak sank both, giving Marquette an 83-80 lead with 11 seconds left.
Freshman Dominic James had 16 and Wesley Matthews had 13.
This win puts Marquette and Pitt in a tie for 4th place in the Big East at 9-5.
If you'll remember, Marquette has also beaten UConn. They led Villanova for 37 minutes and just barely lost to Pitt earlier in the year. Novak thinks that means not only should Marquette be in the tourney, but they should be ranked. With #24 Bucknell, #7 Florida and #10 Tennessee (the last in spectacularly bad fashion to everyone's favorite elephants) going down, Marquette might have a chance. However, in last week's poll, Marquette received no votes and Wisconsin's more likely to get in there ahead of the Golden Eagles. UWM actually got a few votes, but failed to capitalize on some ESPN exposure this weekend.
Bracketology has Marquette as a 9 seed in the Minneapolis bracket. Wisconsin's a 6 seed in the D.C. Bracket. UWM is looking to win the Horizon league. If they do, they're looking at a 13 seed in the Oakland Bracket.
Big East Standings
#4 Villanova 10-1 20-2
#1 Connecticut 10-2 23-2
#11 West Virginia 9-3 18-7
#9 Pittsburgh 9-4 20-4
#17 Georgetown 8-4 17-6
Marquette 8-5 18-8
Seton Hall 7-5 16-8
Cincinnati 7-6 18-9
Syracuse 6-6 18-8
Rutgers 5-8 15-11
Louisville 4-8 16-9
Notre Dame 4-8 13-10
Providence 4-8 11-12
St. John's 4-9 11-13
DePaul 3-9 10-13
South Florida 0-12 6-19
Marquette 84, Pittsburgh 82
Steve Novak was once again the man with 27 points, including five 3s. He also set the single season record for 3-pointers at Marquette on Thursday night. He has 57 3s in Big East play with three conference games left, just six behind the record of 63 held by Connecticut's Ray Allen in 1995-96.
Pitt had the game within 2 with less than a minute left, but Aaron Grey missed two free throws. The Panthers were forced to foul and Marquette was smart enough to put the ball in Novak's hands. Steve Novak has missed 1 free throw in 14 months. That's one missed free throw in 14 months!
Novak sank both, giving Marquette an 83-80 lead with 11 seconds left.
Freshman Dominic James had 16 and Wesley Matthews had 13.
This win puts Marquette and Pitt in a tie for 4th place in the Big East at 9-5.
If you'll remember, Marquette has also beaten UConn. They led Villanova for 37 minutes and just barely lost to Pitt earlier in the year. Novak thinks that means not only should Marquette be in the tourney, but they should be ranked. With #24 Bucknell, #7 Florida and #10 Tennessee (the last in spectacularly bad fashion to everyone's favorite elephants) going down, Marquette might have a chance. However, in last week's poll, Marquette received no votes and Wisconsin's more likely to get in there ahead of the Golden Eagles. UWM actually got a few votes, but failed to capitalize on some ESPN exposure this weekend.
Bracketology has Marquette as a 9 seed in the Minneapolis bracket. Wisconsin's a 6 seed in the D.C. Bracket. UWM is looking to win the Horizon league. If they do, they're looking at a 13 seed in the Oakland Bracket.
Big East Standings
#4 Villanova 10-1 20-2
#1 Connecticut 10-2 23-2
#11 West Virginia 9-3 18-7
#9 Pittsburgh 9-4 20-4
#17 Georgetown 8-4 17-6
Marquette 8-5 18-8
Seton Hall 7-5 16-8
Cincinnati 7-6 18-9
Syracuse 6-6 18-8
Rutgers 5-8 15-11
Louisville 4-8 16-9
Notre Dame 4-8 13-10
Providence 4-8 11-12
St. John's 4-9 11-13
DePaul 3-9 10-13
South Florida 0-12 6-19
Friday, February 17, 2006
What Superhero are you?
Your results:
You are Spider-Man
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
You are Spider-Man
| You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility. |
Marquette 57, Georgetown 51
Another upset of a ranked team should assure Marquette a place in the Tournament come March. Despite some stupid losses (see Winthrop, Nebraska, Cincy and Rutgers), Marquette is still the former Conference USA team to actually "show up" in the Big East this year. Close games with Villanova and Pittsburgh as well as a pretty damn good RPI mean that Marquette shouldn't have to sweat when selection day comes around.
Game Report
Game Report
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Food for thought
From the Milwaukee Shepherd Express Media Musings column by Dave Berkman:
• Nearly every front-page headline following the State of the Union address read something like “President Calls for Effort to End U.S. Addiction to Foreign Oil.” Why then, when the media learned the next day that the Department of Energy’s budget for developing alternative power sources has been slashed, didn’t the following morning’s headlines scream “President’s Promise to Expand Alternative Energy Research Was a Lie”? Do the media accept a role of merely serving as passive conduit for the administration’s bullshit of the moment?
It's problems like this that make me wonder if Journalism is really the career I want to pursue. If I were in the newsroom there's no way I'd keep my mouth shut. Chances are I'd not have a job very long.
The thing is, I didn't listen to the State of the Union. I absolutely cannot listen to that man speak. I get annoyed when store signs have an apostrophe in the wrong place. Listening to him butcher the English language is just something I can't abide. Plus, I hate him and everything he stands for. My approach to politics currently is similar to Don't Ask, Don't Tell (which, incidentally, recent reports have shown that "campaign" cost US taxpayers $364 million over the past 10 years) - If I don't know how bad I can't get so angry. And clearly we were dumb enough to reelect the bastard. I get so frustrated when I get involved in what this man is doing and has done to our country. I mean, it was bad before. But now he's an out and out criminal and no one is willing to do anything about it. It's enough to make me scream. So it's hands off for me.
• Nearly every front-page headline following the State of the Union address read something like “President Calls for Effort to End U.S. Addiction to Foreign Oil.” Why then, when the media learned the next day that the Department of Energy’s budget for developing alternative power sources has been slashed, didn’t the following morning’s headlines scream “President’s Promise to Expand Alternative Energy Research Was a Lie”? Do the media accept a role of merely serving as passive conduit for the administration’s bullshit of the moment?
It's problems like this that make me wonder if Journalism is really the career I want to pursue. If I were in the newsroom there's no way I'd keep my mouth shut. Chances are I'd not have a job very long.
The thing is, I didn't listen to the State of the Union. I absolutely cannot listen to that man speak. I get annoyed when store signs have an apostrophe in the wrong place. Listening to him butcher the English language is just something I can't abide. Plus, I hate him and everything he stands for. My approach to politics currently is similar to Don't Ask, Don't Tell (which, incidentally, recent reports have shown that "campaign" cost US taxpayers $364 million over the past 10 years) - If I don't know how bad I can't get so angry. And clearly we were dumb enough to reelect the bastard. I get so frustrated when I get involved in what this man is doing and has done to our country. I mean, it was bad before. But now he's an out and out criminal and no one is willing to do anything about it. It's enough to make me scream. So it's hands off for me.
Olympic B.S.
When I first read about this, I was unsure what to think. Now, I'm pretty sure the World Anti-Doping Agency is a bunch of fucktards. (bolding and Italics Mine)
U.S. slider Lund banned from Olympics over failed drug test
CESANA, Italy (AP) -- He had high hopes of walking into the Olympic opening ceremony with his teammates, spending another week in the athletes' village and then bringing a medal home to his family.
And now, that's all gone for Zach Lund.
Lund, the top slider on the U.S. skeleton team, was banned from the Torino Olympics on Friday for taking a common hair-restoration pill with an ingredient that can be used to mask steroids.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport -- while saying it believes Lund did not cheat -- ruled he should serve a one-year suspension anyhow, retroactive to Nov. 10 and enforced immediately.
He will spend a couple of nights in a Torino hotel, then head home early next week.
"The last thing I ever wanted was to be considered a cheater,'' Lund said. "The one thing I prided myself on was carrying myself with the utmost honesty and dignity. To be in this category, to be a cheater, kills me and hurts more than losing the chance to be in the Olympics. My reputation is on the line here, and that hurts more than anything.''
He did not march with the U.S. team at the opening ceremony on Friday night. Lund will be replaced on the Olympic roster by Chris Soule, who came in seventh at the Salt Lake City Games.
"We share the point of view offered by CAS in its decision, which is that Zach Lund is an honest athlete who was poorly served by the international anti-doping system,'' U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive officer Jim Scherr said in a statement.
"We do not believe that Zach Lund is a doper or a drug cheat,'' Scherr added. "An athlete of his character and integrity deserved a better outcome.''
Lund, 26, has always listed whichever hair-restoration drug he's taking on his medical forms, and insists that's proof he wasn't hiding anything. But he said he didn't check the forms in 2005 when finasteride, an ingredient in his hair medication that he has since thrown away, was added to the banned list.
"Unfortunately, in 2005, he made a mistake,'' CAS wrote.
Lund told CAS he was misled by the Web site of the governing body of his sport, which lists finasteride both as a "prohibited substance'' and a "specified substance.''
"It was very confusing,'' said Lund's attorney, Howard Jacobs. "The international federation shouldn't be able to put things on their Web site that are misleading to athletes and leave them there without any consequences.''
Last month, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency decided Lund deserved only a public warning and should forfeit his second-place finish from the season's opening World Cup event in Calgary, where he tested positive in November.
But the World Anti-Doping Agency wanted a tougher sanction and appealed to CAS for a two-year ban. Lund will be able to compete again on Nov. 9, but will not have to forfeit any other results from this season aside from Calgary.
"Mr. Lund was not well served by the anti-doping organizations,'' CAS wrote. "The Panel concluded that Mr. Lund bears no significant fault or negligence.''
WADA director general David Howman said the organization was "comfortable'' with the one-year ban.
"CAS functioned in the way we have come to expect of them,'' Howman said. "Once the offense is established, then the onus goes on the athlete to convince the panel that there was no fault or no significant fault. The panel found no significant fault.''
Skeleton racers slide headfirst on a thin sled down the same track used for bobsled and luge, exceeding 70 mph. Lund, who was the World Cup leader at one point this season, was the Americans' best gold-medal chance....
________
I get trying to look tough, but c'mon, the guy has listed it on his forms for years. Clearly he's not hiding anything. Why ask for a harsher sentence?
U.S. slider Lund banned from Olympics over failed drug test
CESANA, Italy (AP) -- He had high hopes of walking into the Olympic opening ceremony with his teammates, spending another week in the athletes' village and then bringing a medal home to his family.
And now, that's all gone for Zach Lund.
Lund, the top slider on the U.S. skeleton team, was banned from the Torino Olympics on Friday for taking a common hair-restoration pill with an ingredient that can be used to mask steroids.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport -- while saying it believes Lund did not cheat -- ruled he should serve a one-year suspension anyhow, retroactive to Nov. 10 and enforced immediately.
He will spend a couple of nights in a Torino hotel, then head home early next week.
"The last thing I ever wanted was to be considered a cheater,'' Lund said. "The one thing I prided myself on was carrying myself with the utmost honesty and dignity. To be in this category, to be a cheater, kills me and hurts more than losing the chance to be in the Olympics. My reputation is on the line here, and that hurts more than anything.''
He did not march with the U.S. team at the opening ceremony on Friday night. Lund will be replaced on the Olympic roster by Chris Soule, who came in seventh at the Salt Lake City Games.
"We share the point of view offered by CAS in its decision, which is that Zach Lund is an honest athlete who was poorly served by the international anti-doping system,'' U.S. Olympic Committee chief executive officer Jim Scherr said in a statement.
"We do not believe that Zach Lund is a doper or a drug cheat,'' Scherr added. "An athlete of his character and integrity deserved a better outcome.''
Lund, 26, has always listed whichever hair-restoration drug he's taking on his medical forms, and insists that's proof he wasn't hiding anything. But he said he didn't check the forms in 2005 when finasteride, an ingredient in his hair medication that he has since thrown away, was added to the banned list.
"Unfortunately, in 2005, he made a mistake,'' CAS wrote.
Lund told CAS he was misled by the Web site of the governing body of his sport, which lists finasteride both as a "prohibited substance'' and a "specified substance.''
"It was very confusing,'' said Lund's attorney, Howard Jacobs. "The international federation shouldn't be able to put things on their Web site that are misleading to athletes and leave them there without any consequences.''
Last month, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency decided Lund deserved only a public warning and should forfeit his second-place finish from the season's opening World Cup event in Calgary, where he tested positive in November.
But the World Anti-Doping Agency wanted a tougher sanction and appealed to CAS for a two-year ban. Lund will be able to compete again on Nov. 9, but will not have to forfeit any other results from this season aside from Calgary.
"Mr. Lund was not well served by the anti-doping organizations,'' CAS wrote. "The Panel concluded that Mr. Lund bears no significant fault or negligence.''
WADA director general David Howman said the organization was "comfortable'' with the one-year ban.
"CAS functioned in the way we have come to expect of them,'' Howman said. "Once the offense is established, then the onus goes on the athlete to convince the panel that there was no fault or no significant fault. The panel found no significant fault.''
Skeleton racers slide headfirst on a thin sled down the same track used for bobsled and luge, exceeding 70 mph. Lund, who was the World Cup leader at one point this season, was the Americans' best gold-medal chance....
________
I get trying to look tough, but c'mon, the guy has listed it on his forms for years. Clearly he's not hiding anything. Why ask for a harsher sentence?
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Not a bad idea
Over at We Call it Soccer, they have an idea to spread The Beautiful Game to not-in-the-know Americans.
Free Beer.
Check out the theory here.
Free Beer.
Check out the theory here.
Wisconsin 78, Ohio State 73
Wisconsin upset #12 Ohio State to take a solo hold on the second place spot in the Big Ten.
Alando Tucker's double-double led the way - 27 points and 16 rebounds - seven offensive
Trailing the entire game, the Badgers took the lead with 5:06 left and didn't look back. Trailing 64-59, the Badgers scored seven straight points - five by Ray Nixon.
Alando Tucker's double-double led the way - 27 points and 16 rebounds - seven offensive
Trailing the entire game, the Badgers took the lead with 5:06 left and didn't look back. Trailing 64-59, the Badgers scored seven straight points - five by Ray Nixon.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Check me out!
So I emailed Paul Lukas, ESPN.com's Page 2 Uni Watch, with some info a week or so ago. Lo and behold, I'm on ESPN.com.
Check me out. It's in the middle under Ticker. Or here's the excerpt"
"In more Wisconsin news, you may recall that the minor league Milwaukee Admirals have been wearing a Brewers jersey patch this season (because the Brewers signed on as a sponsor). But now that the Brewers have unveiled their Sunday throwback uni for 2006, their logo patch on the Admirals' jersey has gone retro (with thanks to eagle-eyed Nicole Haase)" < That's me!
As Todd says, I'm so lame.
Check me out. It's in the middle under Ticker. Or here's the excerpt"
"In more Wisconsin news, you may recall that the minor league Milwaukee Admirals have been wearing a Brewers jersey patch this season (because the Brewers signed on as a sponsor). But now that the Brewers have unveiled their Sunday throwback uni for 2006, their logo patch on the Admirals' jersey has gone retro (with thanks to eagle-eyed Nicole Haase)" < That's me!
As Todd says, I'm so lame.
Happy Valentine's Day
Some diamonds, wine, flowers and chocolates for all. Hope everyone has a good day!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States
Oops! - Bush Unaware Mikes Were Still On
CAMBRIDGE, Md. (AP) -- The eavesdropping tables were turned on President Bush on Friday. The president apparently believed he was speaking privately when he talked about listening in without a warrant on domestic communications with suspected al-Qaida terrorists overseas. But reporters were the ones doing the listening in this time.
The incident happened at a House Republican retreat. After six minutes of public remarks by the president, reporters were ushered out. "I support the free press, let's just get them out of the room," Bush said, intending to speak behind closed doors with fellow Republicans and take lawmakers' questions.
When reporters left, Bush spoke about the National Security Agency program that he authorized four years ago and which has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
However, the microphones stayed on for a few minutes. That allowed journalists back at the White House to eavesdrop on Bush's defense of the eavesdropping. His private statements were basically no different from what he's said in public.
"I want to share some thoughts with you before I answer your questions," Bush began. "First of all, I expect this conversation we're about to have to stay in the room. I know that's impossible in Washington."
He was right.
© 2006 The Associated Press.
CAMBRIDGE, Md. (AP) -- The eavesdropping tables were turned on President Bush on Friday. The president apparently believed he was speaking privately when he talked about listening in without a warrant on domestic communications with suspected al-Qaida terrorists overseas. But reporters were the ones doing the listening in this time.
The incident happened at a House Republican retreat. After six minutes of public remarks by the president, reporters were ushered out. "I support the free press, let's just get them out of the room," Bush said, intending to speak behind closed doors with fellow Republicans and take lawmakers' questions.
When reporters left, Bush spoke about the National Security Agency program that he authorized four years ago and which has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike.
However, the microphones stayed on for a few minutes. That allowed journalists back at the White House to eavesdrop on Bush's defense of the eavesdropping. His private statements were basically no different from what he's said in public.
"I want to share some thoughts with you before I answer your questions," Bush began. "First of all, I expect this conversation we're about to have to stay in the room. I know that's impossible in Washington."
He was right.
© 2006 The Associated Press.
Pre-V Day Cheesecake
So I decided to be adventurous and try my very first cheesecake for a Valentine's Day dessert. It's currently cooling, so I can't give you a taste test, but so far it looks good and it looks like the picture.
Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake
2 cups Crushed Vanilla Wafers (about 50 wafers)
6 Tbsp melted butter
1 14-oz package vanilla caramels (about 48 caramels)
1 5-oz can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 8-oz packages softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate peices, melted
melted chocolate, caramel ice cream topping, whipped cream, etc... for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For crust, combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Press into the bottom and about 2 inches up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 mins. Cool and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Pour into prepared crust. Top with the 1 cup of pecans. Chill.
3. For filling, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Do not overbeat. Stir in melted chocolate. Pour over caramel-nut layer in pan.
4. Bake about 40 minutes or until a 2 1/2 inch area around the outside edge appears set when gently shaken. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen side of pan, cool completely on wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
5. To serve, let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. If desired, garnish.
So I didn't use the pecans, because I don't like them. Also, it doesn't tell you to grease the pan, but it did stick a bit, so it might be a good idea to lightly grease the sides. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake
2 cups Crushed Vanilla Wafers (about 50 wafers)
6 Tbsp melted butter
1 14-oz package vanilla caramels (about 48 caramels)
1 5-oz can evaporated milk (2/3 cup)
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 8-oz packages softened cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate peices, melted
melted chocolate, caramel ice cream topping, whipped cream, etc... for garnish
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For crust, combine crushed vanilla wafers and melted butter. Press into the bottom and about 2 inches up the side of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 mins. Cool and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, combine unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Pour into prepared crust. Top with the 1 cup of pecans. Chill.
3. For filling, in a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Do not overbeat. Stir in melted chocolate. Pour over caramel-nut layer in pan.
4. Bake about 40 minutes or until a 2 1/2 inch area around the outside edge appears set when gently shaken. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen side of pan, cool completely on wire rack. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
5. To serve, let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. If desired, garnish.
So I didn't use the pecans, because I don't like them. Also, it doesn't tell you to grease the pan, but it did stick a bit, so it might be a good idea to lightly grease the sides. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Oops
My last post was my 100th, which is minorly exciting. Not really, but I'll take what I can get these days!
I haven't posted much because there hasn't been much to say. Friday I temped for the first time. Basically, I answered phones. They payed me fairly well to do that, but damn if I feel like I would take less money to not stare at the wall. I'm funny like that. I actually went to the temp place for the first time Thursday morning and had the assignment before 2 that day. I'm a stellar Temp prospect, let me tell you!
Yesterday I shopped half the city by taking my mom to every conceivable store. Seems she wanted one thing from every place we went. I suppose I can't complain about being the Taxi when I'm a jobless freeloader!
Today it was a family birthday party. At least I got to play some hold 'em instead of the usual hours of useless kvetching with old lady relatives. I'm the only female unmarried and without kids. Hey! I'm only 24, don't feel sorry for me yet. Anyway, it's hard to get into a conversation about diapers or school or temper tantrums. Trust me, I'm not missing out on anything.
And there's been some Olympic watching.
Seriously, none of this was worth an update, but my last few posts were comment-less so I figured I needed to be more interesting. I doubt I accomplished that with this post, but I'll ask for suggestions as to what career path I should attempt. That should lead to some smartass comments from the peanut gallery. Todd already said I should a librarian. Any other ideas?
I haven't posted much because there hasn't been much to say. Friday I temped for the first time. Basically, I answered phones. They payed me fairly well to do that, but damn if I feel like I would take less money to not stare at the wall. I'm funny like that. I actually went to the temp place for the first time Thursday morning and had the assignment before 2 that day. I'm a stellar Temp prospect, let me tell you!
Yesterday I shopped half the city by taking my mom to every conceivable store. Seems she wanted one thing from every place we went. I suppose I can't complain about being the Taxi when I'm a jobless freeloader!
Today it was a family birthday party. At least I got to play some hold 'em instead of the usual hours of useless kvetching with old lady relatives. I'm the only female unmarried and without kids. Hey! I'm only 24, don't feel sorry for me yet. Anyway, it's hard to get into a conversation about diapers or school or temper tantrums. Trust me, I'm not missing out on anything.
And there's been some Olympic watching.
Seriously, none of this was worth an update, but my last few posts were comment-less so I figured I needed to be more interesting. I doubt I accomplished that with this post, but I'll ask for suggestions as to what career path I should attempt. That should lead to some smartass comments from the peanut gallery. Todd already said I should a librarian. Any other ideas?
Sunday, February 12, 2006
More Big Ten craziness
The Ohio State Buckeyes upset #9 Illinois 69-53 to create more of a shakeup in the Big Ten standings
#19 Iowa 8-3 19-6
#17 Ohio State 7-3 18-3
Wisconsin 7-4 17-7
#9 Illinois 6-4 20-4
#11 Michigan State 6-4 18-6
#22 Michigan 6-5 16-6
#21 Indiana 5-5 13-8
Northwestern 4-6 12-10
Minnesota 3-7 12-9
Penn State 3-8 11-11
Purdue 3-9 9-14
#19 Iowa 8-3 19-6
#17 Ohio State 7-3 18-3
Wisconsin 7-4 17-7
#9 Illinois 6-4 20-4
#11 Michigan State 6-4 18-6
#22 Michigan 6-5 16-6
#21 Indiana 5-5 13-8
Northwestern 4-6 12-10
Minnesota 3-7 12-9
Penn State 3-8 11-11
Purdue 3-9 9-14
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Reason #872 why I love Milwaukee
So I'm cruising along Fark, checking out the healines when I see this: "In what has to be the most disgusting promotion ever, hockey team to have 'Hairy Back Night.'" And I'm thinking, this I have to see. This I have to post. So I click on the link, only to find out that it's here. God bless Wisconsin. Land of Beer, Brats, Cheese and Hairy Backs.
The Story:
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CP) - Minor league hockey fans in Milwaukee will give the shirts off their backs for a shot at a trip to Las Vegas.
But only the hairiest in the land will win the grand prize. In a Friday night event that might have the squeamish averting their eyes, the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League will hold a "Hairiest Back Contest" for any hirsute hockey fans who have more hair on their backs than on their heads.
After the judges, um, comb through all eligible contestants, three shaggy finalists will grin and bare it at centre ice to let the fans pick the winner.
What does it say about me if I kind of really want to go to this game?
The Story:
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CP) - Minor league hockey fans in Milwaukee will give the shirts off their backs for a shot at a trip to Las Vegas.
But only the hairiest in the land will win the grand prize. In a Friday night event that might have the squeamish averting their eyes, the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League will hold a "Hairiest Back Contest" for any hirsute hockey fans who have more hair on their backs than on their heads.
After the judges, um, comb through all eligible contestants, three shaggy finalists will grin and bare it at centre ice to let the fans pick the winner.
What does it say about me if I kind of really want to go to this game?
FEMA's Brown Ready to Talk
FEMA's Brown may testify about White House discussions on Katrina
WASHINGTON Former disaster agency chief Michael Brown is indicating he is ready to reveal his correspondence with President Bush and other officials during Hurricane Katrina unless the White House forbids it and offers legal support.
Brown's stance, in a letter obtained today by The Associated Press, follows senators' complaints that the White House is refusing to answer questions or release documents about advice given to Bush concerning the August 29th storm.
Brown quit as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency days after Katrina struck.
In a February 6th letter to White House counsel Harriet Miers, Brown's lawyer wrote that Brown continues to respect Bush and his "presidential prerogative" to get candid and confidential advice from top aides.
The letter from Andrew W. Lester also says Brown no longer can rely on being included in that protection because he is a private citizen.
Messages left with the White House were not immediately returned today.
Two weeks ago, Bush defended his administration's stance on withholding some information, saying that providing all the material would chill the ability of presidential advisers to speak freely. The White House has given thousands of documents about the storm response to Senate investigators.
Brown is set to testify Friday at a Senate inquiry of the slow government response to Katrina.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
WASHINGTON Former disaster agency chief Michael Brown is indicating he is ready to reveal his correspondence with President Bush and other officials during Hurricane Katrina unless the White House forbids it and offers legal support.
Brown's stance, in a letter obtained today by The Associated Press, follows senators' complaints that the White House is refusing to answer questions or release documents about advice given to Bush concerning the August 29th storm.
Brown quit as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency days after Katrina struck.
In a February 6th letter to White House counsel Harriet Miers, Brown's lawyer wrote that Brown continues to respect Bush and his "presidential prerogative" to get candid and confidential advice from top aides.
The letter from Andrew W. Lester also says Brown no longer can rely on being included in that protection because he is a private citizen.
Messages left with the White House were not immediately returned today.
Two weeks ago, Bush defended his administration's stance on withholding some information, saying that providing all the material would chill the ability of presidential advisers to speak freely. The White House has given thousands of documents about the storm response to Senate investigators.
Brown is set to testify Friday at a Senate inquiry of the slow government response to Katrina.
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Has the curse broken?
I watched a whole Wisconsin game and they didn't lose! It must be a very special day.
Wisconsin led by as many as 22, Indiana never had the lead and Wisconsin broke a three game losing streak (AND five of the last six) as they beat Indiana 72-54. This is the 5th straight home win against Indiana for the Badgers.
At half Wisconsin had scored 21 points off 8 Hoosier turnovers. Indiana's #1 post player notched less than 20:00 before he fouled out of the game with almost 10:00 remaining in the game. Alando Tucker had 29 points.
Indiana shot under 30% for the game and made a measley9 of their first 32 shots. They were 3-16 from behind the 3 point line.
Highlight of the game came when Tanner Bronson, former team manager and graduate of my high school hit a 3. Seriously, I fell off the couch. Coach Bo Ryan almost gave him the game ball, but decided against it because Bronson was 1-4 from the charity stripe. Apparently the team booed him. Tanner is apparently everyone's favorite puppy dog. The kid makes one 3 and the whole team loves him for it.
Wisconsin led by as many as 22, Indiana never had the lead and Wisconsin broke a three game losing streak (AND five of the last six) as they beat Indiana 72-54. This is the 5th straight home win against Indiana for the Badgers.
At half Wisconsin had scored 21 points off 8 Hoosier turnovers. Indiana's #1 post player notched less than 20:00 before he fouled out of the game with almost 10:00 remaining in the game. Alando Tucker had 29 points.
Indiana shot under 30% for the game and made a measley9 of their first 32 shots. They were 3-16 from behind the 3 point line.
Highlight of the game came when Tanner Bronson, former team manager and graduate of my high school hit a 3. Seriously, I fell off the couch. Coach Bo Ryan almost gave him the game ball, but decided against it because Bronson was 1-4 from the charity stripe. Apparently the team booed him. Tanner is apparently everyone's favorite puppy dog. The kid makes one 3 and the whole team loves him for it.
Wisconsin - Indiana
GameCast here.
I think it says something about rivalry week on ESPN when most locals I've talked to really don't think of this as a huge rivalry. It goes down to the wire fairly often, so I guess if that's your gauge... Here you go.
I think it says something about rivalry week on ESPN when most locals I've talked to really don't think of this as a huge rivalry. It goes down to the wire fairly often, so I guess if that's your gauge... Here you go.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Fun for the whole family
In an effort to redeem myself I present in no particular order and for no reason, links o rama. Fun times to waste time.
Spend Valentine's Day at White Castle
Man Goes Broke Attempting to Build Starship Voyager Home
Brazil Gov't to Distribute 25 Million Condoms During Carnival
Fans of Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund Wave Inflatable Penises at Opponent
Nothing Says I Love You On Valentine's Day Like A Llama
Look What J School did for me Part 2
Duke - UNC : Dick Vitale's yearly hard on
Female Wrestler wins Alaska State Championship - as a Sophomore
Eh, that's all I got.
Spend Valentine's Day at White Castle
Man Goes Broke Attempting to Build Starship Voyager Home
Brazil Gov't to Distribute 25 Million Condoms During Carnival
Fans of Bundesliga team Borussia Dortmund Wave Inflatable Penises at Opponent
Nothing Says I Love You On Valentine's Day Like A Llama
Look What J School did for me Part 2
Duke - UNC : Dick Vitale's yearly hard on
Female Wrestler wins Alaska State Championship - as a Sophomore
Eh, that's all I got.
obligatory posting
I've spent the past two days thinking that I should put something up here and coming up blank, so I've spared you all some useless obligation post. Until now. Now you get the I'm sorry I'm so boring post.
Mostly, I haven't watched, read or otherwise interacted with anything I've felt like sharing. Sure, I watched the Super Bowl, but there was little involved there that I even felt the need to comment about. Besides others far more and many many less qualified than I have spent hours dissecting the thing.
Case in point. This is a write up on the Super Bowl from the UK. How is it that people who write like this have jobs, in cooler places than Milwaukee nonetheless, and I sit here pathetically unemployed. I watched the damn game and I still don't know what this recap says.
I caught some of the UNC - Duke game and I think it's shameful that UNC let that game get away from them. They had it and I like Duke Bball as much as I like USC football.
I just .. I'm so bored with myself that I don't really have anything to post. I have friends calling and they're the most pathetic conversations because I don't have anything to say. I need to get a life, pronto! The job interview went well and I'm very excited about the position, but I was told this could take til the end of the month to decide. Do I keep applying for other jobs? What if something comes up and I'm forced to choose? I can't really financially afford to wait til the end of the month, but no other jobs that have come up are appealing to me. I really want to see what happens with this one. I'd be willing to suck it up and go out and get some crappy retail job in the meantime, but I can't in good conscious go somewhere for like 3 weeks, if this job does pan out.
So yeah, I'm going to try and stop being such a downer and find things to entertain. Because even I dont' want to read this thing anymore.
Mostly, I haven't watched, read or otherwise interacted with anything I've felt like sharing. Sure, I watched the Super Bowl, but there was little involved there that I even felt the need to comment about. Besides others far more and many many less qualified than I have spent hours dissecting the thing.
Case in point. This is a write up on the Super Bowl from the UK. How is it that people who write like this have jobs, in cooler places than Milwaukee nonetheless, and I sit here pathetically unemployed. I watched the damn game and I still don't know what this recap says.
I caught some of the UNC - Duke game and I think it's shameful that UNC let that game get away from them. They had it and I like Duke Bball as much as I like USC football.
I just .. I'm so bored with myself that I don't really have anything to post. I have friends calling and they're the most pathetic conversations because I don't have anything to say. I need to get a life, pronto! The job interview went well and I'm very excited about the position, but I was told this could take til the end of the month to decide. Do I keep applying for other jobs? What if something comes up and I'm forced to choose? I can't really financially afford to wait til the end of the month, but no other jobs that have come up are appealing to me. I really want to see what happens with this one. I'd be willing to suck it up and go out and get some crappy retail job in the meantime, but I can't in good conscious go somewhere for like 3 weeks, if this job does pan out.
So yeah, I'm going to try and stop being such a downer and find things to entertain. Because even I dont' want to read this thing anymore.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Marquette 67, Villanova 72
Ok, so I watched this game. I know that automatically means certain death for my chosen team, but it was 1 in the afternoon and nothing else was on. Plus, they were doing so well.. It was exciting. I thought the jinx was over. Sad times.
With 15 left in the half, Nova led 13-4. Marquette went on an 18-4 run where Villanova didn't score a field goal for 8 minutes. Marquette racked up 12 points off turnovers and Nova was 9-34 on Field Goals in the first half. At one point, Nova was 11-44, just 25% from the field.
It was 33-28 at half and Marquette went on to lead by as many as ten in the second. The Golden Eagles held the lead until 2 minutes left. Down seven points with 3:30 left in the game, Villanova went on a 12-0 run.
Villanova led to 68-63 Dominic James scored and then Jerel McNeal made a steal, then a layup off Nova's poor inbound making it 68-67 with 30 seconds left.
There's clearly an issue of going up on the #4 team in the nation, battling the whole game and giving it up in the final two minutes.
It was not to be, however, as Marquette had 13 turnovers in the first half - they had been averaging 15/game! Marquette finished with 25 turnovers.
With 15 left in the half, Nova led 13-4. Marquette went on an 18-4 run where Villanova didn't score a field goal for 8 minutes. Marquette racked up 12 points off turnovers and Nova was 9-34 on Field Goals in the first half. At one point, Nova was 11-44, just 25% from the field.
It was 33-28 at half and Marquette went on to lead by as many as ten in the second. The Golden Eagles held the lead until 2 minutes left. Down seven points with 3:30 left in the game, Villanova went on a 12-0 run.
Villanova led to 68-63 Dominic James scored and then Jerel McNeal made a steal, then a layup off Nova's poor inbound making it 68-67 with 30 seconds left.
There's clearly an issue of going up on the #4 team in the nation, battling the whole game and giving it up in the final two minutes.
It was not to be, however, as Marquette had 13 turnovers in the first half - they had been averaging 15/game! Marquette finished with 25 turnovers.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
eh
Lots of notes on Marquette's almost upset of Villanova, but I just don't feel like typing them up right now. Also, that second game involving a team from this state. It never happened.
Troy is still probable ... maybe I'll have to take a little overnight road trip and offer him a massage to make it all better.
Why isn't Nicole here to make everything ok?
Incidentally, I also find the whole Troy joke slightly disturbing, but I frankly just can't help myself.
Troy is still probable ... maybe I'll have to take a little overnight road trip and offer him a massage to make it all better.
Why isn't Nicole here to make everything ok?
Incidentally, I also find the whole Troy joke slightly disturbing, but I frankly just can't help myself.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Badger Football
Booker Stanley is out.
Great, we lost our #1 running back to the draft and our #2 to his own stupidity. Fabulous. Because we're such a passing team :/
Also, my interview is Monday.
Great, we lost our #1 running back to the draft and our #2 to his own stupidity. Fabulous. Because we're such a passing team :/
Also, my interview is Monday.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Favre
According to ESPN's Jason Whitlock, Brett Favre doesn't want to retire. He wants to be traded to a team that might actually accomplish something.
Check out the story here.
Most profound thing Whitlock says: "Thompson torpedoed any thoughts of things getting better quickly when he tagged the Doogie Howser architect of the league's worst offense -- San Francisco's Mike McCarthy -- to fix Green Bay's mess."
Which, I might add, is what I've been saying all along whenver people fight with me. There were like 3 teams that sucked more than we did last year. And we interviewed coaches from each of those teams. Brilliant strategy!
Check out the story here.
Most profound thing Whitlock says: "Thompson torpedoed any thoughts of things getting better quickly when he tagged the Doogie Howser architect of the league's worst offense -- San Francisco's Mike McCarthy -- to fix Green Bay's mess."
Which, I might add, is what I've been saying all along whenver people fight with me. There were like 3 teams that sucked more than we did last year. And we interviewed coaches from each of those teams. Brilliant strategy!
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Sign away
Ah, National Signing Day. Below we have Wisconsin's Class. According to ESPN it's 8th in the Big 10 and 67th overall in the NCAA. We have 2 ESPN top 150 recruits. The biggest grab is Lance Kendricks, a local kid here in the city and the #16 WR nationwide. 6'4", 205. Thank god.
NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN RANK GRADE STATUS NCAA SCHOOL
Isaac Anderson WR 6'0" 160 Hopkins, MN 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Niles Brinkley WR 5'11" 175 Saint Louis, MO 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Jake Bscherer OT 6'7" 265 Sturgeon Bay, WI OT #37 6.6 Signed Wisconsin
Gabe Carimi OT 6'7" 255 Monona, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Kirk DeCremer DE 6'5" 235 Verona, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Ricky Gardner Jr.DE 6'5" 225 Pasadena, CA 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Xavier Harris WR 5'10" 170 Fort Lauderdale, FL 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Brandon Hoey DE 6'5" 265 Arden Hills, MN DE #89 6.1 Signed Wisconsin
Jamathan Ingram-LyleCB 6'0" 170 Boulder, CO CB #46 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Diondrae Jenkins RB 6'3" 190 Racine, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Daven Jones WR 6'1" 180 Cleveland, OH WR #62 6.6 Signed Wisconsin
Lance Kendricks WR 6'4" 205 Milwaukee, WI WR #16 7.1 Signed Wisconsin
John Moffitt OT 6'4" 300 West Haven, CT 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Maurice Moore QB 5'11" 165 Fort Worth, TX 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Bill Nagy OG 6'5" 295 Hudson, OH OG #92 5.7 Signed Wisconsin
Josh Nettles S 5'11" 185 De Funiak Springs, FL 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Kim Royston CB 5'11" 175 Minneapolis, MN CB #49 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Lance Smith RB 5'10" 190 Warren, OH RB #14 7.1 Signed Wisconsin
Culmer St. Jean S 6'1" 200 Naples, FL S #114 5.1 Signed Wisconsin
Brad Thorson OT 6'4" 290 Mequon, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Scott Tolzien QB 6'3" 185 Palatine, IL QB #121 5.6 Signed Wisconsin
Mickey Turner TE 6'3" 240 Camdenton, MO TE #41 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Jay Valai CB 5'9" 195 Colleyville, TX 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Of course, I went to Wisconsin first, and then I went and checked out LSU. That was a little depressing.
LSU's 5th in the SEC, 13th overall according to the ESPN rankings. 26 commits, 5 in the ESPN top 150. Did good keeping their local boys, with 8 of their top 11 recruits coming from instate, including #1 overall CB Jai Eugene and #1 overall DT Al Woods .. additionally, the signed #2 overall TE Richard Dixon of Ocean Springs, MS, just across the border.
NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN RANK GRADE STATUS NCAA SCHOOL
Isaac Anderson WR 6'0" 160 Hopkins, MN 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Niles Brinkley WR 5'11" 175 Saint Louis, MO 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Jake Bscherer OT 6'7" 265 Sturgeon Bay, WI OT #37 6.6 Signed Wisconsin
Gabe Carimi OT 6'7" 255 Monona, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Kirk DeCremer DE 6'5" 235 Verona, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Ricky Gardner Jr.DE 6'5" 225 Pasadena, CA 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Xavier Harris WR 5'10" 170 Fort Lauderdale, FL 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Brandon Hoey DE 6'5" 265 Arden Hills, MN DE #89 6.1 Signed Wisconsin
Jamathan Ingram-LyleCB 6'0" 170 Boulder, CO CB #46 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Diondrae Jenkins RB 6'3" 190 Racine, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Daven Jones WR 6'1" 180 Cleveland, OH WR #62 6.6 Signed Wisconsin
Lance Kendricks WR 6'4" 205 Milwaukee, WI WR #16 7.1 Signed Wisconsin
John Moffitt OT 6'4" 300 West Haven, CT 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Maurice Moore QB 5'11" 165 Fort Worth, TX 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Bill Nagy OG 6'5" 295 Hudson, OH OG #92 5.7 Signed Wisconsin
Josh Nettles S 5'11" 185 De Funiak Springs, FL 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Kim Royston CB 5'11" 175 Minneapolis, MN CB #49 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Lance Smith RB 5'10" 190 Warren, OH RB #14 7.1 Signed Wisconsin
Culmer St. Jean S 6'1" 200 Naples, FL S #114 5.1 Signed Wisconsin
Brad Thorson OT 6'4" 290 Mequon, WI 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Scott Tolzien QB 6'3" 185 Palatine, IL QB #121 5.6 Signed Wisconsin
Mickey Turner TE 6'3" 240 Camdenton, MO TE #41 6.5 Signed Wisconsin
Jay Valai CB 5'9" 195 Colleyville, TX 3.0 Signed Wisconsin
Of course, I went to Wisconsin first, and then I went and checked out LSU. That was a little depressing.
LSU's 5th in the SEC, 13th overall according to the ESPN rankings. 26 commits, 5 in the ESPN top 150. Did good keeping their local boys, with 8 of their top 11 recruits coming from instate, including #1 overall CB Jai Eugene and #1 overall DT Al Woods .. additionally, the signed #2 overall TE Richard Dixon of Ocean Springs, MS, just across the border.
What I'll be thinking about when I go to sleep
Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things literature, music - the world is so right, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
- Henry Miller
- Henry Miller
Thoughts on writing
Can you tell I'm trying to figure out what to do with my life. I went in search of inspiration. This is what I can up with.
Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.
C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)
Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.
C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)
Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.
Cyril Connolly (1903 - 1974)
I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.
Joan Didion (1934 - )
The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it.
Leo Rosten (1908 - )
You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.
Ray Bradbury (1920 - )
Detail makes the difference between boring and terrific writing. It’s the difference between a pencil sketch and a lush oil painting. As a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.
Rhys Alexander,
Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.
C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)
Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.
C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)
Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.
Cyril Connolly (1903 - 1974)
I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.
Joan Didion (1934 - )
The only reason for being a professional writer is that you can't help it.
Leo Rosten (1908 - )
You have to know how to accept rejection and reject acceptance.
Ray Bradbury (1920 - )
Detail makes the difference between boring and terrific writing. It’s the difference between a pencil sketch and a lush oil painting. As a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.
Rhys Alexander,
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