The View From Here

Whilst checking some threads on Snake’s and Astro’s sites (which has become part of my normal surfing habit) I see that I have been added to the distinguished list of judges for “The Skaterat Memorial First Annual Jerk-Off” – the Shark Tank’s jerky competition.  Appears the players are Astro, Snakeye, Skaterat, Dan from Madison and maybe JohnnyJ – sorry if I missed anyone.

I don’t know too much about it other than each entrant will judge everyone else’s submission, and a few of us will opine as well.  The Super Bowl may figure into this somehow but I’m not sure how.  I received my samples via FedEx today, kindly sent by Snakeye.  He spent about $4,000 to get the jerky to me in two days from Savannah, even though UPS Ground would have done the same for around $1.50 – oh well.

Good luck to all of you, and I promise to be totally impartial.  My wife, the lovely and talented “Slim”,  may also assist in the process.  I’ll probably post the results here because I need the traffic.  Travis knows I’m serious about MY food, so rest assured I’ll certainly be serious about everyone else’s…

“Honey, wake up.  What is that noise ?  The cat’s meowing…”  Soooo, I wake up to the sound of a toilet running – x5 !  I know the toilet upstairs isn’t running, so I go downstairs only to hear water splashing loudly – #@$% !  A water line has come apart and there is about 3 inches of water in our basement with the noise coming from the spare bathroom.  Oh, BTW – it’s 3:30AM !

 As I wade across the floor towards the noise, my shadow Roxie – our Irish Setter mix that hates water – is on the stairs alternately looking at Lisa and the water with a “WTF ?” look on her face.  Roxie actually “backed” up the 10 steps instead of attempting a “turnaround” – too funny !  I finally see that the supply line to the toilet has become detached.  We’re not sure how long ago this happened, but I guesstimated later that there were around 300 gallons on the floor so it probably was less than 10 minutes before we were awakened.

One of the biggest problems with our house is that 1) it is just over 50 years old and things are starting to go bad, and 2)  the plumbing contractor was “suspect”.  Every plumbing job I’ve had to redo has been met with serious complications due to this “professional’s” handywork.  I eventually had to shut off the main and reconnect the supply line, since the other two shut-offs don’t function properly – nice !

We have a floor drain, so after I cleared the grill of debris, the place drained like a champ.  I went to Home Depot later to finally buy “that Wet/Dry Vac” I’ve been considering – good enough reason for me !  We were back in business in no time, except the cat’s a little freaked since she was locked in the basement when this all went down. 

The “Silver Lining” – this could have happened while we were away at work, on vacation, whatever – we thank God that it played out like this.  We’re not materialistic people (after all, it’s just “stuff”),  but it was the PITA factor that would have made this a lot worse if we weren’t home…

Update : PITA is for “Pain In The Arse” and has nothing to do with the fair & ethical treatment (PETA) of the cat.

I know it’s too early to decide, but I’m looking for some input on the 2008 Presidential Race.  I’m not a very political person, at least not like I was when I was younger.  With the privilege to elect a new President looming, I haven’t any idea who I really care for.  Since I’m not passionate about any particular candidate or political affiliation, your help is needed.

 I would appreciate any input or reasons why I should (or should not) vote a certain way.  Heck, if you can sway me towards a particular candidate,  I can get my wife and others to go along with me due to the tremendous amount of influence I wield.  In the past I’ve always seemed to “know” who I was going to vote for, but I haven’t a clue at this point.

So, having stated where I don’t stand, please post your comments and let me know what you think.  There are no prizes, and you can’t “win one for The Gipper” (r.i.p. RWR), but a vote for ___________ is a vote for ____________…

Well, another disappointing season of rebuilding has come and gone for the Cleveland Browns without much to show for it except a poor record.  While the other divisional teams have had successes, CLE wallows in mediocrity – I’m being kind.  The Brownies need a big injection of talent at QB, the OL, and in the FO – Front Office.

I thought Charlie Frye might be the spark the O needed, but without a talented OL he looked like Troy Smith v FLA !  Romeo Crennel may be a great coach, but just not here – can anyone say Schottenheimer and Belichick ?  The Lerners seem to be doing well as ownership, but the FO needs a shakeup in order to produce a world class organization.  How long has it been since Art Modell moved the team and they’re still rebuilding ?

Due to the stellar record the Browns fought for this season there are several decent options to choose from, especially when you’re the 3rd or 4th pick in the draft.  One of note is Brady Quinn who has good size, OK arm strength and adequate speed for an NFL QB.  Adrian Peterson, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzales – who’s dad’s company I might add DID NOT hire me as their Purchasing Manager – and many others will be welcomed to NFL teams.  Please DO NOT pick Brady Quinn – you’ll ruin the boy !

Case in point – Tim Couch.  The much lauded Kentucky QB was not my first choice (sorry Matt), but he had potential – until he came here !  Tim is now probably wondering “what could have been”.  With the role the OL and other support personnel have decided to play, the same will undoubtedly happen to Quinn if he comes here.  I am a huge Notre Dame fan, and therefore, a fan of Brady’s – please DO NOT pick him even though he said he’d like to play here.  Give the kid a break, he’s only 22 !

The Browns need a top caliber Head Coach, a top GM, and veterans at QB and on the OL – spend some money Lerner family !  As for me, I basically stopped watching them until CLE supplies a better product.  If your favorite restaurant started serving crappy food, or your preferred retail store just didn’t have the goods you’d go elsewhere, right ?  Until I see a product playing in Cleveland Browns Stadium that I like, I’ll just have to  shop elsewhere…

My wife and I went shopping today for work clothes (her).  What never fails to amaze me is all the kids today and their manner of dress – did they all get the same memo or something ?  Originality for the most part is “right out” !  With the pervasiveness of stores to choose from – A&F, PacSun, AE, Hollister, etc…, - they don’t stand a chance.  Hey, I’m no fashionista, but I do OK.  

Sure, they all might put their little twist on “The Look” or accessorize, but for the most part they all look the same.  Question : Why would a kid from Cleveland need to wear shorts and flip-flops in the middle of January, be tanned, and look like they just stepped off the beach in LA ?  Oh, and add to that their “I’m cooler than you” attitude.  Great marketing, that’s why.

 We have the freedoms to dress how we want,  listen to what we like, post obscure random stuff (like this) on the internets – whatever we like !  I’m not even sure why any of this bothers me, except for the fact that their attitudes exude that they’re sooooo much cooler than us and got it all figured out.  I think the marketing gurus are the real ones that have it all figured out…

As I look towards my 43rd coming up in a couple months, I can’t help but think about the title of this post.  Everywhere you go , catch phrases abound – “Pink is the new Black” and ”60 is the new Middle Age” come to mind as some more recent ones in the media.  I have to say, however, that for me – 40 is DEFINITELY not the new 30 !   

Those that know me best – or that will give me an ear – know that I’m a pretty active guy.  I mountain bike, road bike, play basketball (playground pickup games), workout, a little racquetball, throw the football around – whatever.  I may be going on 43, but mentally and physically I still feel mid 20s / late 20s with no signs of slowing down.  I think back to my parents at this age and they seemed so much “older” and more responsible.  

Why am I bringing all this up ?  I’m not sure exactly – I just felt like “putting it out there”.  As we age, it is inevitable that our bodies will show the signs – a little grayer, a few more wrinkles, slower first step, a little “extra baggage”.  I personally feel that if you stay active and in shape, and keep a fresh mental attitude (and never stop thirsting for knowledge)  that age truly is just a number !

  Something odd did cross my mind yesterday while I saw others speed through a school zone.  If they get pulled over could they use the “30 is the new 20″ argument ?  Just musing I suppose…

Well, it’s :16 to the half and Ohio State is down 34-14 to Florida – not what anyone expected.  When Ted Ginn Jr. ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown IT WAS AWN !!!  Guess not.

Let me just say that this was one of THE BEST college seasons in recent memory, and I was glad to be a witness to it !  My Irish did OK but failed to win the big ones, or the one that counted most.  Bright spots : Rutgers and Boise State.  Disappointments : Notre Dame, Michigan (against USC) and possibly (probably) the Buckeyes.  There were a lot of great games – truly a season for the ages !

I would also like to thank the regulars in the Shark Tank for being so warm and hospitable – I’m sure it’s similar to prison in some strange way.  Actually you guys – and you know who you are – were awesome to hang out with and I hope to be around.  Snake – thanks for the hook-up !

Again, probably the best season in recent memory.  I’m not sure how the Fiesta Bowl will end ’cause I’m just about done, but it’s looking like a replay of my ND v LSU Sugar bowl so far…

Update : FLA 44-14 over OSU to win Championship;  ND’s 3 losses were to teams that finished #3, 4 & 8 for the season – The Irish finished #17…

Well, it’s been about 7 weeks and counting, but sadly our annual holiday influx of family and friends is coming to a close.  It all starts around the week of Thanksgiving as people arrive from various destinations, and this year did not disappoint ! 

Between Turkey Day, a baby shower, numerous “get togethers”, Christmas and New Year’s it was non-stop socializing – just how we like it !  We also enjoy the fact that the Hotel Moran is a “destination” for these weary travellers as well.    Throughout this span of weeks we have had friends and family from New Mexico, Maryland, Florida, Utah, Georgia (well, actually The Pam & Trav Show was homeless – or is that called “on location”) and of course, Ohio.

 It’s always great to see everyone and to share our stories, history, and make even more memories – sometimes we even meet a few new people along the way.  While some may think this kind of “post” is boring, or “gay” (you know who you are) let’s face it – “people” is what it’s all about.

 For us, and Lisa’s family, tomorrow marks the official end of the season – Russian Orthodox Christmas 2007 !  We inherited this holiday from Lisa’s Grandma (Oy Kay !) 4 or 5 years ago.  Lisa is first generation German-Russian-American, with both her parents being born in Europe during WWII, and Grandma (Oy Kay !) being born in the Ukraine.  How cool is all of that ?

 So while we’ll be blessed with more memories when this season is over, we rest assured that we’ll be blessed with many more as the years progress, and of course, look forward to seeing everyone again soon !  Slainte Mhath…

Sad, sad.  It was a great run but the Irish fell waaaay short of what could have capped a great season – but alas, it was not to be.  LSU basically did what other teams did previously - most notably Michigan and USC - exploit obvious weaknesses.

Yeah Snake, sometimes you “don’t lose you just get outscored”, but this was a good old-fashioned butt whippin’ !  While not embarrassed, I am certainly disappointed.  I expected more from less.

Notre Dame has had one of the best recruiting classes of any program this year, and it looks like they’ll need it – I just hope the emphasis wasn’t purely on the Offense…

The fate of the Fighting Irish will be decided tonight in the Sugar Bowl against LSU.  I believe LSU has beaten Notre Dame in two of their last three meetings.  The last meeting was in 1998, an Irish victory in South Bend that avenged an LSU victory in the 1997 Independence Bowl.

While most prognosticators have already decided ND will get crushed, all I can say is “we’ll see”.  I make no prediction other than Charlie Weis will have no other option but to win if he truly wants to return the Irish to glory, and along with that, respect.

I like the fact that ND is the underdog and the team as a whole has something to prove – whether or not they are as good as they think they are.

Lastly, I’d like to thank Snakeye for picking ND for one of his bowl picks with his buddies – a show of support – but I’m sure glad the Irish aren’t going to decide HIS fate…

UPDATE : LSU 41, ND 14 – looks like Charlie will be VERY busy in the off season !