Wake Forest comes to the RBC Center tonight for a 2100 (9 PM) game. This is a must win for the Wolfpack if we want to get into the NIT post season tournament.
Win or lose, this year’s team and coach Sidney Lowe have exceeded expectations.
I see good fortune ahead for NC State Basketball.
The final regular season games will be played this weekend. NC State goes to Maryland. And the biggie will be Duke at Carolina on Sunday afternoon.
The ACC Tournament starts the following Thursday.
Baring upsets; the ACC should have 6 teams invited to the NCAA Tournament.
There really should be 7 or possibly even 8 teams (Florida State and Georgia Tech) as the ACC is such a difficult conference. All ACC teams have conference losses they wouldn’t have if they played in any other conference. But, there’s no way the NCAA Selection Committee will invite a 7th or 8th team from any conference (although it might happen with the Big East this year). There’ll be enough carping from the lesser conferences about the ACC getting 6 teams in as it is.
An interesting exercise in NCAA Tournament prognostication can be found at: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/bracketology
Again, barring conference tournament upsets; these guys are pretty close to the mark year after year.
State Wins
NCSU 73 - Wake Forest 66
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Movie Review
The Departed is awful.
Actually, it's crap.
Anybody who liked The Departed probably liked, the already forgotten, Crash from last year.
Actually, it's crap.
Anybody who liked The Departed probably liked, the already forgotten, Crash from last year.
Here Kitty Kitty Kitty +Addendum
Around 0300 a neighborhood kid driving home hit a deer in front of the house. The commotion woke up Nuke.
The deer was mortally injured but not dead so Nuke had to end it’s suffering with the .45. The kid was a little shaky but was able to assist Nuke in hanging up the carcass in a tree and Nuke bled it out.
Went to Ray’s Supermarket at 0800 to see if the butcher (Kevin) wanted it but they already have more than they need on hand.
So, we loaded up the deer in the trailer and took it over to the Carnivore Preservation Trust. They welcome fresh kill under 24 hours old. Especially if it’s been bled out. (Bleeding the animal keeps the blood, which turns acidic, from souring the taste of the meat.)
We pulled into CPT just as a bunch of parents and their kids were arriving for the morning tiger walk / tour.
Hmmm . . . . In retrospect, maybe it wasn't such a good idea to announce to the kids that they were just in time to watch Scar eat Bambi.
(Joking!)
Just now got back (1030).
All in a morning's work. Although JTN did the vast majority of it.
Addendum
After posting the above entry, Nuke went with me to Raleigh to pick up the Focus which CK has been using while he worked on getting a new vehicle (his little Volkswagen convertible lost an argument with a large land yacht).
I went to the grocery store and ran other errands.
Nuke took off in the Focus to run some of his errands and to pick up The Queen on DVD. Once we watch that today and The Departed (from Netflix), we will have seen all movies nominated for this year's Best Picture except for Letters From Iwo Jima. For what it's worth, I really liked Babel.
I'm watching NC State get manhandled by Florida State.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Roof +UNC Addendum
For about a year now some of the shingle tabs on my roof have begun to fold forming small little tent looking things. Only on the rear of the house over the living room and main bed room.
I’ve been wondering what in the world was causing them to happen.
One of my more off beat theories was that the squirrels (which I feed) who run around like crazy on the back deck and roof were kicking up the tabs with their little claws during their daily rampages on the roof. The non-fed squirrels in the front yard don’t do that as they shy away from the house.
Then, about 2 weeks ago we had a night of really strong winds. The next day, several complete shingles had become dislodged and were on the deck and in the yard. Again, only in the back.
Right before my trip I spoke with William A, the guy who built the garage and porch additions for me. He’s a super guy, very conscientious, and honest almost to a fault. He thought that maybe there wasn’t enough ventilation in the small space between the roof and the ceilings of the living room and bed room (which have vaulted ceilings), thus causing the shingles to overheat (the back of the house faces directly south) and possibly expand and pull away from their nailing.
He said he’d have a look at the situation while I was gone and he’d replace the missing shingles and try and fix the problem.
Well, when I drove into the driveway from my vacation I saw a pallet full of shingle bundles and multiple rolls of roofing paper on one side yard and a trailer on the other side yard filled with shingle and construction debris.
Uh Oh
Turns out, the original roof shingles were not nailed in the proper nailing strips, without enough nails, and using the wrong nails without the proper sized larger nail heads. Getting more heat from the southern facing sun exposure, the shingle nail holes were gradually stretching, tearing and finally the shingles were being dislodged.
The little “tents” were forming when some of the shingles gradually slid down an inch or so on one side and thus “buckling” the shingle at the tabs.
The same thing will happen in the front as well. Only it will take a little longer.
That’s just farking great. These are the more expensive architectural shingles and the heavier duty 40 year life shingles. I spent more on them when I built the original house 10 years ago just so I wouldn’t have to worry about the roof for a long time.
Now, most of the original roofing is going to have to be replaced due to faulty installation.
This is going to cost me serious money I don’t have.
I don’t know if it’s worth pursuing with the original builder as the house is now 10 years old.
I’m probably just screwed.
UNC Game
Carolina soundly beat State last night. We hung in there through the first half. But in the second half, UNC's deeper bench and our getting into foul trouble was too much for the Wolfpack. Still, a great effort by our guys.
I’ve been wondering what in the world was causing them to happen.
One of my more off beat theories was that the squirrels (which I feed) who run around like crazy on the back deck and roof were kicking up the tabs with their little claws during their daily rampages on the roof. The non-fed squirrels in the front yard don’t do that as they shy away from the house.
Then, about 2 weeks ago we had a night of really strong winds. The next day, several complete shingles had become dislodged and were on the deck and in the yard. Again, only in the back.
Right before my trip I spoke with William A, the guy who built the garage and porch additions for me. He’s a super guy, very conscientious, and honest almost to a fault. He thought that maybe there wasn’t enough ventilation in the small space between the roof and the ceilings of the living room and bed room (which have vaulted ceilings), thus causing the shingles to overheat (the back of the house faces directly south) and possibly expand and pull away from their nailing.
He said he’d have a look at the situation while I was gone and he’d replace the missing shingles and try and fix the problem.
Well, when I drove into the driveway from my vacation I saw a pallet full of shingle bundles and multiple rolls of roofing paper on one side yard and a trailer on the other side yard filled with shingle and construction debris.
Uh Oh
Turns out, the original roof shingles were not nailed in the proper nailing strips, without enough nails, and using the wrong nails without the proper sized larger nail heads. Getting more heat from the southern facing sun exposure, the shingle nail holes were gradually stretching, tearing and finally the shingles were being dislodged.
The little “tents” were forming when some of the shingles gradually slid down an inch or so on one side and thus “buckling” the shingle at the tabs.
The same thing will happen in the front as well. Only it will take a little longer.
That’s just farking great. These are the more expensive architectural shingles and the heavier duty 40 year life shingles. I spent more on them when I built the original house 10 years ago just so I wouldn’t have to worry about the roof for a long time.
Now, most of the original roofing is going to have to be replaced due to faulty installation.
This is going to cost me serious money I don’t have.
I don’t know if it’s worth pursuing with the original builder as the house is now 10 years old.
I’m probably just screwed.
UNC Game
Carolina soundly beat State last night. We hung in there through the first half. But in the second half, UNC's deeper bench and our getting into foul trouble was too much for the Wolfpack. Still, a great effort by our guys.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
State Kicks Butt
While on vacation, Nuke's Dad and Uncle used the NCSU basketball tickets for the Virginia Tech game.
VT is battling UNC for first place in the ACC.
I didn't think State would win but I hoped for a close game.
Instead, NC State opened a can of whup arse on VT and won by 25 points.
Ward (Nuke's dad) emailed me to say that if we wanted the good luck to continue, he's available to attend future games.
Going into the season, I (and other knowledgeable fans) expected a 9 and 20 season at best.
As it stands, we have a winning record. One or two more wins and we're in the NIT.
I'm very proud of our boys.
VT is battling UNC for first place in the ACC.
I didn't think State would win but I hoped for a close game.
Instead, NC State opened a can of whup arse on VT and won by 25 points.
Ward (Nuke's dad) emailed me to say that if we wanted the good luck to continue, he's available to attend future games.
Going into the season, I (and other knowledgeable fans) expected a 9 and 20 season at best.
As it stands, we have a winning record. One or two more wins and we're in the NIT.
I'm very proud of our boys.
Monday, February 19, 2007
February 17, 2007
A day at sea as we head back to New Orleans.
I finished the books I was reading, walked around the ship and watched basketball on ESPN.
Have to pack up tonight. We (JN and I) are signed up for early disembarkation at 0745. If, and it’s a big if, we can get to the airport in time, I’d like to catch the morning 0930 flight back to Raleigh. Otherwise, we’re on the late afternoon flight and won’t get home till close to 2200.
A Quick Word About the Ship
Service and our room are excellent. Lucked out and the inside room we got was a lot larger than normal. Usually rooms are a small rectangle. Our rectangle has a small wing so it’s L shaped with a sitting area and second set of closets.
Overall, however, the Norwegian Sun is not a very good design in the public areas. Kind of crowded in the main areas but with other areas that are empty because they are not easy to get to.
Compared with the similar size RCCL Radiance – it’s night and day. The Radiance is a beautiful ship that has a very understated décor and beautiful lines. Much nicer ship.
Food
Food has been excellent. Much better than expected. And, much more memorable than what we had on the Radiance.
Service staff on the NCL Sun were great.
Flight Back
The trip back home was long and arduous. Nothing to report as I’d rather forget it. The photo of Nuke kind of sums it up.
BTW - Nuke was selected by the TSA and Customs for additional screening at disembarkation. You might want to ask him how it went.
February 16, 2007
Did not make the Tulum tour at this port. Will have to try for that on the fall cruise which stops here.
Winds were huge today and many excursions were cancelled due to the high winds.
Instead, the whole gang got a driver and van to take us to a public beach on the leeward side of the island. The east side of Cozumel is totally undeveloped. There is a new multilane road under construction that cuts across the middle of the island and will open up the east side to development.
The public beach had a small restaurant and bar. We pretty much spent the whole day sitting in the shade and talking. Had a few drinks, chips, guacamole and salsa. Hot salsa. Very hot salsa.
It was a nice relaxing way to spend the day.
Did I mention the salsa was really hot?
February 15, 2007
Belize is a wonderful country. We went to see the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha.
Instead of going with the ship tour, we arranged for a car and driver via the internet.
Javier was a great driver and guide. He got his degree in marine biology in the US. He moonlights has a driver and guide.
Never could find out with any certainty if Nuke had lived in Altun Ha before.
February 14, 2007
Santo Tomas is poor. The things ‘to do’ in this part of Guatemala are the nature tours such as seeing the waterfalls and jungle. The town itself is a small industrial city.
We went into town and wondered around. The town is very very poor. In spite of appearances, it’s quite safe. Touristas from the ship were few to none besides us.
Photos are from local stores in the center of town and a bar on the corner of the main crossroads. JN made friends with a handicapped guy in the bar and attempted to pay him a dollar to keep the other beggars away. I think what really happened was that the guy sent out word that a crazy gringo was giving away money.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
February 13, 2007
Second day of the cruise. Yesterday was a long sea day spent moseying around the ship and catching up with the family.
Just briefly in New Orleans on embarkation day. From what I saw, the city is recovering, but I don’t think I’d really want to visit there anyway.
Today our port was Muhual, Mexico. For PR purposes, it’s billed as Costa Maya. Muhual is a tiny town of maybe 1000 permanent residents. JTN, DB and I spent the day at a beach bar and restaurant called Pez Quatros. Had a relaxing time sitting in the shade people watching, drinking, and just doing nothing.
While the NCL Sun is one of the poorer designed ships, the food is outstanding. This is the direct opposite of our last cruise on the RCCL Radiance. Great ship – average food.
DB has a suite on the front of the ship with a large balcony. The whole gang gathered there to watch us pulling into port. I expect that we’ll all do the same again tomorrow.
Tomorrow’s port is Santo Thomas de Castillo. I wonder if there’s a Santo Danny et Marlo Thomas de Castillo?
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Routine Day
Just got back from running chores. Stopped by S&T's Soda Shoppe for a sandwich.
Then I went to Lowes Home Improvement to pick up some hangers for my new Wind Chimes. They are a really pretty color of metallic blue and the light weight aluminum catches the slightest breeze so they are singing almost all the time.
I think I need some more stuff hanging on the deck trellis.
And I stopped at the Hippie Dippie Food Co-op to get milk and a coffee. The local farm milk really does taste fresher and better. Even the low fat and skim milk tastes richer and fuller. Not watered down like the milk from the regular grocery store.
The Chatham Marketplace is located in a former textile factory and is actually a good example of a local stock ownership business venture operating in the free market without subsidies.
In the parking lot was this car. Zoom in and first note that it's a Pious Hybrid with the requisite bumper sticker. LOL
Picked up my dry cleaning and now I'm back home.
Need to pack.
Later I need to drive into Cary to pick up a gift card my sister left at nephew ADH's house. Maybe I'll pick it up on the way to the airport tomorrow.
Then I went to Lowes Home Improvement to pick up some hangers for my new Wind Chimes. They are a really pretty color of metallic blue and the light weight aluminum catches the slightest breeze so they are singing almost all the time.
I think I need some more stuff hanging on the deck trellis.
And I stopped at the Hippie Dippie Food Co-op to get milk and a coffee. The local farm milk really does taste fresher and better. Even the low fat and skim milk tastes richer and fuller. Not watered down like the milk from the regular grocery store.
The Chatham Marketplace is located in a former textile factory and is actually a good example of a local stock ownership business venture operating in the free market without subsidies.
In the parking lot was this car. Zoom in and first note that it's a Pious Hybrid with the requisite bumper sticker. LOL
Picked up my dry cleaning and now I'm back home.
Need to pack.
Later I need to drive into Cary to pick up a gift card my sister left at nephew ADH's house. Maybe I'll pick it up on the way to the airport tomorrow.
Kind of Sad Actually
I despise 'reality' TV. Not from an intellectually superior - I'm above all that perspective. Reality TV honestly bores the heck out of me. When channel surfing I'll absorb small doses. But when people talk about celebrities or worse yet, send me emails with news links about some idiot drunken self-absorbed twit - I feel as though my time has not only been wasted in chasing the link but that a small piece of my life has been robbed from me that Ill never get back.
There is one show that when I stumble across it, I always stop to watch - The Soup on the E! cable network. It's a clip and rip show making fun of reality TV. Hilarious.
I did used to watch the Anna Nicole Smith Show. My nephew, ADH got me to watch it. As he put it - "It's like a train wreck you just can't turn away from watching".
I eventually got to where, I won't say I liked Anna Nicole Smith, but I felt kind of concerned for her. The groupie user faux friends that surrounded her and all the idiotic drama queen stuff made me wonder if she was super smart to play up that angle for the TV show - or was she really that sad and couldn't see though all the falseness and realize how she was being used? Kind of a 'little girl lost' response.
The upshot is, I felt kind of sad actually when I heard that she died this week. Normally I would feel some smug satisfaction when a self-indulgent loser 'gets what's coming to them' - but not in this case. My immediate response kind of surprised me.
Cruise
Heading out Sunday for a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Stops include Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It's our annual winter cruise the family and I go on. The roomie JN and good friend DB are going with us.
Talked JN into going on his very first cruise last Fall. He was reluctant at first as he just couldn't see what all the big deal was about - possibly boring with a bunch of people just laying about and shopping - not that big on eating rich foods - I'm not going to wear a farking suit for dinner - etc. - the usual stuff.
When I asked him towards the end of the trip how he had liked it - he said - and I quote: "I'm not getting off the ship". LOL
This trip - he's already packed. I'm looking at his bags lined up here in the living room - ready to go - as I type this entry. His suit is hanging on the closet door for me to put into my garment bag.
I'll pack later today. Our flight leaves Sunday morning - 1100.
As one of my co-workers who also takes his family on an annual cruise puts it - "If you can't have fun on a cruise, then you just can't have fun anywhere".
That same co-worker is one of my live and die with the WolfPack buddies - so he's taking his son Clayton to the State-Maryland game while I'm gone. The other game I'll miss is Virgina Tech - State which JN's Dad and brother-in-law are going to.
The farking ship better have ESPN. And not the South America futbol feed either!
Go WolfPack!
There is one show that when I stumble across it, I always stop to watch - The Soup on the E! cable network. It's a clip and rip show making fun of reality TV. Hilarious.
I did used to watch the Anna Nicole Smith Show. My nephew, ADH got me to watch it. As he put it - "It's like a train wreck you just can't turn away from watching".
I eventually got to where, I won't say I liked Anna Nicole Smith, but I felt kind of concerned for her. The groupie user faux friends that surrounded her and all the idiotic drama queen stuff made me wonder if she was super smart to play up that angle for the TV show - or was she really that sad and couldn't see though all the falseness and realize how she was being used? Kind of a 'little girl lost' response.
The upshot is, I felt kind of sad actually when I heard that she died this week. Normally I would feel some smug satisfaction when a self-indulgent loser 'gets what's coming to them' - but not in this case. My immediate response kind of surprised me.
Cruise
Heading out Sunday for a cruise to the Western Caribbean. Stops include Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It's our annual winter cruise the family and I go on. The roomie JN and good friend DB are going with us.
Talked JN into going on his very first cruise last Fall. He was reluctant at first as he just couldn't see what all the big deal was about - possibly boring with a bunch of people just laying about and shopping - not that big on eating rich foods - I'm not going to wear a farking suit for dinner - etc. - the usual stuff.
When I asked him towards the end of the trip how he had liked it - he said - and I quote: "I'm not getting off the ship". LOL
This trip - he's already packed. I'm looking at his bags lined up here in the living room - ready to go - as I type this entry. His suit is hanging on the closet door for me to put into my garment bag.
I'll pack later today. Our flight leaves Sunday morning - 1100.
As one of my co-workers who also takes his family on an annual cruise puts it - "If you can't have fun on a cruise, then you just can't have fun anywhere".
That same co-worker is one of my live and die with the WolfPack buddies - so he's taking his son Clayton to the State-Maryland game while I'm gone. The other game I'll miss is Virgina Tech - State which JN's Dad and brother-in-law are going to.
The farking ship better have ESPN. And not the South America futbol feed either!
Go WolfPack!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Niikuri Hiro
I have received your many email.
I have sent many reply to your emails.
I do not think my email reply are getting to you.
I think the kanji in your address are stopping email from me to you.
Please try again.
I am fine.
Glad to know you are doing fine.
Good to hear your son is going to be a race car driver.
Google NASCAR.
LOL
I see you read blog every day.
Thank you.
Bill
I have sent many reply to your emails.
I do not think my email reply are getting to you.
I think the kanji in your address are stopping email from me to you.
Please try again.
I am fine.
Glad to know you are doing fine.
Good to hear your son is going to be a race car driver.
Google NASCAR.
LOL
I see you read blog every day.
Thank you.
Bill
Saturday, February 03, 2007
How Sweet It Is
CBS Recap
I've pointed out before that we are a very thin, at best, team. From the CBS recap, you might want to note that State was able to put a total of 7 players on the floor. It used to be 6 but Atsur is slowly recovering from his season long injury and he was able to play a few minutes in this game.
UNC was able to put in 7 players from their bench.
What a great victory for Coach Sidney Lowe.
Will State get to play in the post season? Maybe squeak into the NIT?
Not Gonna Happen.
What we're doing is building a foundation for the future. Playing hard. Having fun playing. Enjoying the game. Something to show potential recruits - that they can come to NC State and play for a Coach who's fun to play for, is inventive, knows the game, and knows how to play as hard as we can - even in losses.
Odds makers had us as a 20 point underdog.
Which makes today's upset over arch rival #3 UNC all the sweeter.
What a week for Coach Lowe.
A road win Wednesday over #15 VT. Now this.
I'm so proud of these kids.
How sweet it is.
BTW
We here at NC State put the students courtside. Us Wolfpack Club members sit further away behind the students. You have to put the kids courtside because they have all the energy and cheer the team on no matter what. Here's something from a student:
Sendek
I really shouldn't do this - water over the dam and under the bridge - but here goes.
Herb Sendek at Arizona State is 6 - 16 overall and 0 - 11 in the Pac 10 conference.
Don't fret Sun Devils - Herb will have you rocketing to mediocrity in no time at all.
I've pointed out before that we are a very thin, at best, team. From the CBS recap, you might want to note that State was able to put a total of 7 players on the floor. It used to be 6 but Atsur is slowly recovering from his season long injury and he was able to play a few minutes in this game.
UNC was able to put in 7 players from their bench.
What a great victory for Coach Sidney Lowe.
Will State get to play in the post season? Maybe squeak into the NIT?
Not Gonna Happen.
What we're doing is building a foundation for the future. Playing hard. Having fun playing. Enjoying the game. Something to show potential recruits - that they can come to NC State and play for a Coach who's fun to play for, is inventive, knows the game, and knows how to play as hard as we can - even in losses.
Odds makers had us as a 20 point underdog.
Which makes today's upset over arch rival #3 UNC all the sweeter.
What a week for Coach Lowe.
A road win Wednesday over #15 VT. Now this.
I'm so proud of these kids.
How sweet it is.
BTW
We here at NC State put the students courtside. Us Wolfpack Club members sit further away behind the students. You have to put the kids courtside because they have all the energy and cheer the team on no matter what. Here's something from a student:
Sendek
I really shouldn't do this - water over the dam and under the bridge - but here goes.
Herb Sendek at Arizona State is 6 - 16 overall and 0 - 11 in the Pac 10 conference.
Don't fret Sun Devils - Herb will have you rocketing to mediocrity in no time at all.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Bonsai
I’ve been working out of town this week: In Black Mountain, which is an outer country suburb of Asheville.
Staying in Black Mountain was a nice surprise. A combination of rural town, artist community and outdoor sports location (hiking, canoeing, hunting – not a ski resort).
Numerous great restaurants. I recommend My Father's Pizza, Black Mountain Bistro and the German Restaurant.
There’s always a photo opportunity wherever I go.
The photo above is ‘fat cat’ Zoro lounging on the sofa in front of the window of the caretaker’s cottage at the Swannanoah 4H Camp. During snow.
On Friday, I was working at the NC Arboretum. Well worth a visit. These photos are from the greenhouse.
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