Christmas 2012 +Addendums

Went up to NoVa for Christmas. My sister had everyone over for Christmas Eve eve dinner. Then on actual Christmas Eve it was just my sister, brother-in-law and nephew. Went to see Rust and Bones. Pretty good – 3 out of 5 stars.

On Christmas Day, first we went to see the movie Les Miserables and later we were invited to dinner with Dave and Jane.

To be upfront – I’m not an opera fan. Just because you sing the dialogue – doesn’t make it better. Les Miseables is not a musical – it’s an opera. Much better than Evita, but for me – still no more than 2 or 3 stars out of 5. But that’s my taste – your mileage may vary.

The drive home was kind of stressful. Started out with snow which then turned into a heavy rain from Richmond all the way to Moncure. Traffic was slow due to the rain – as in really slow. Usually there are slowdowns in the NoVa area but it typically clears up as you get close to Richmond. Yesterday – it got as slow as 40 mph all the way into NC until I left I-95 at US-64. A couple times, the traffic was so bad it actually stopped briefly for no apparent reason. Took a solid extra hour to get home.

I had planned to take some vacation but I think I’ll go into the office some today and tomorrow.

Basketball games Saturday and Monday – so there’s still stuff to do during the holidays.

May try to get an additional movie in there as well.

Friday Addendum

Went to see Django Unchained. Mix Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and Silverado together - stir in extra violence - and you have a movie. Good - but . . . .

But - much too much excessive violence. Quentin Tarantino felt the need to out Quentin Tarantino himself - so he threw in all sorts of extra blood and gore. Totally unnecessary to the plot.

Samuel L Jackson was superb as was Leonardo DiCaprio.

Nuke showed up today. He's here for the basketball season. Should be a good one.

Saturday Addendum

NC State won big over Western Michigan. Next warm up game is New Year's Eve vs. UNC-Greensboro.

Then . . . . it really starts. 20 point wins are not going to happen in the ACC.

First two ACC home games are Georgia Tech and Dook. I'm really looking forward to the Dook game.

Friday Update 12-14-2012

Nothing noteworthy has happened. Really - just work and then home and then back to work.

The only thing out of the routine is I've had two service calls in the past two weeks.

First, the hot tub started leaking. There was a very small crack in the plastic housing around a valve. Rapid Spa Repair (Four Oaks, NC) came out and fixed it right up. Cost was about $275.00. Excellent service at a reasonable price. Highly recommend Rapid Spa Repair.

Second, when I got home from work Wednesday, the refrigerator was not cooling. Most of the freezer compartment items had thawed out along with almost all the ice in the ice maker. The refrigerator side was warm too.

Rick Stone of Appliance Discount Service in Sanford (A rated on Angie's List) came out yesterday and replaced a control module. Showed up right on time and provided excellent service at a reasonable price. $168. Also, Highly recommended.

Also - today after work - Chip and I shuttled my truck back to my house. It was in the shop earlier this month for a coolant system reservoir replacement (small crack with very slow leak). About $275. Cameron Village Car Repair, who I've been using for almost 20 years, provided their usual outstanding work. The truck has been parked at Chip's house after the repair.

That's about it.

I have to go grocery shopping this weekend as the refrigerator and freezer is empty. I threw everything out as it had been 24-hours of no refrigeration or freezer.

And - there's a basketball game tomorrow afternoon.

Hmmmm . . . . I've spent a ton o'money this month on repairs and maintenance. Just in time for Christmas.

New Coach +Addendums

NC State is looking for a new Head Football Coach.

So, how did Major Tom O'Brien, USMC (ret.), a well respected coach, who ran a squeaky clean program and who had a winning season record of 7 and 5 with a bowl game coming up get fired?

First - we always seem to have roller coaster seasons. Winning games we shouldn't - and more frustrating - losing (many more) games we should win. This year - we were all hyped as being a potential 10 -2 or 9 - 3 team.

Instead, we lose big (almost a shut out - at home even) to last place Virginia. We lose to Miami. We lost our opening game to Tennessee (who just fired their coach after posting a losing season). We actually 'lost' to Maryland - but their last second chip shot field goal hit the upright - but make no mistake - we 'lost' that game. We won (in my opinion) against Florida State because of poor play calling by the FSU offense late in the 4th quarter.

Frankly, switch the Maryland and FSU games to losses (like they should have been) and we're 5 and 7. Which is prettly much how we looked to me this year. Instead, we barely have a wining season at 7 - 5. Just one win above breaking even.

Sure - we beat Florida State ranked #3 at the time. So what? Having an overall crappy mediocre program with the occasional upset win is what we want?

No!

I did a little research.

NC State has had 3 coaches over the past 20 years. All 3 were fired.

Mike O'Cain is remembered as a nice guy who ran a lousy program. Chuck Amato started off strong but then crashed and burned - wining three games his last season and was fired. Tom O'Brien is thought of as a modest success - just not good enough to take us to the next level.

But - let's look at the numbers.

MO'C - 7 seasons - 41 - 40 overall and 26 - 30 ACC. That's a 51% winning record. Average to say the least.

CA - 7 seasons - 49 - 37 overall and 25 - 31 ACC. That's a 57% winning record. Slightly better than average - but not by much.

TO'B - 6 seasons - 40 - 35 overall and 22 - 26 ACC. That's 53%. Pretty damn average.

And notice - all three had even worse, losing ACC records. Not going to win any Division or ACC Championships by losing conference games. Beating up on Division II teams does not count anymore.

So, the truth is, Tom O'Brien was about the same as Mike O'Cain. And actually worse than Chuck the Chest.

Ergo - we are looking for a new football coach.

Addendum

New Coach is Dave Doeren. I'm very pleased. It's a solid hire with a ton of potential.

Addendum 2

Dave Doreren's Northern Illinois Huskies are going to the Orange Bowl to play Florida State. FSU better be ready or the Huskies will chew them up.

In his second year - our new coach takes a mid-major team to a BCS Bowl.

Granted - NIU was in great shape when Doeren took over. Given the opportunity, he took a good situation and took that team to the next level. In a nutshell - that's what TO'B failed to do.

NC State is going to the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Memphis on December 31st. I will be be going to the basketball game at the PNC on December 31st. The football game starts at noon - the basketball game at 1300. Hopefully, the basketball game will be delayed a bit till after the Bowl Game.

Here's a nice little video. During the 2012 Northern Illinois Spring Game they put a microphone on Coach Doeren. The man clearly enjoys his job.

I Live in the Country

I live in the greater Moncure, NC metro area.

Even though I'm close to Raleigh and a relatively sophisticated urban area - Moncure is in the country. Yeah - there might be places in NC that are more 'country' - but not by much.

Here's an example.

Everybody has fund raisers for local groups, charities, churches, etc. You see their signs all the time. Like this one I saw yesterday just down Deep River Road from my house.

 

So what? What makes this one so special and country? Take a closer look:

 

Yeah - I live in the country.

No - I will not be having some.

LOL

Weekend Update 11-17-2012 +Addendum

Football

Waiting for the NC State at Clemson game to start. Clemson is a 17 point favorite. That’s 2 touchdowns and a field goal. Sounds about right.

Movie

Before the game, I watched Moonrise Kingdom on dvd. Great movie.

Finally, Wes Anderson makes a movie worth the hype.

Anderson is one of the, strike that, the most overrated director currently working. His movies are pretty good, and quirky, but nowhere near worth their hype. Let me say it again to be clear - he's good - just not that good. But - Moonrise Kingdom? Really, really good. Finally.

In 50 or 100 years when cinema (or its equivalent) is being taught in college (or its equivalent), the Coen Brothers will be held as the epitome of movie making in our age. Wes Anderson will be a well deserved footnote – but a footnote none the less.

Make sure you watch it through the credits. There's a little orchestra lesson in there for you.

Addendum

Clemson 62 - NC State 48. Fourteen point difference - that part is pretty close to expected. But 62 to 48? Yikes!

Normally, if a football team scores 48 points - they've crushed their opponent. Not this game.

Weekend Update 11-11-12

Pretty much a routine week and weekend.

Voted, of course. Work is steady - finishing up 2 large projects and starting some new ones (much smaller).

Football - what can I say. A week after ending Virginia's 6-game losing steak - we come out and play a total game against Wake Forest and trounce them. Go figure.

Get this - both scout.com and cbs are predicting NC State will go to the Peach Bowl. The Peach is the ACC's number 2 bowl pick after the Orange. They predict FSU and Clemson will both go to BCS bowls. Still - how NC State becomes the number three pick is beyond me. Maybe it's more of a statement of how bad ACC football is - when a very sub-par, under performing squad gets to go to the Georgia Dome for the bowl game - ahead of Miami or VT.

And - to make it even more crazy - the bowl game projections are based upon NC State losing to Clemson and winning against Boston College - plus the rest of the ACC teams finishing up as expected. If so - FSU wins the ACC Championship and goes to the Orange Bowl. Clemson finishes with one loss and is an at large BCS team. State, at 7 and 5, goes to the Peach Bowl. BUT - what if State pulls the upset and beats Clemson? Well then, Clemson would be knocked out of the BCS at large and would go to the Peach Bowl and State, at 8 and 4, would go to a lower tier bowl.

What if State had gone 10 and 2 (losing only to Clemson and FSU like expected) - then FSU would play in the BCS Championship or Orange Bowl; Clemson would still be an at large BCS team AND State would STILL be going to the Peach Bowl.

Crazy or what?

The Who

DB gave me tickets to see "The Who" in Greensboro Friday. I wasn't keen on driving to G-boro after work - but glad I did. They may be old - but those guys can still rock out. Of the three 'geezer' acts I've seen this year (Neil Young, Jethro Tull, The Who) - The Who is hands down, not even close, the best.

Basketball

NC State's opening basketball game was the same night. Gave away the tickets to a football friend's sister. Was told she had a great time.

Even though the opening game was against a 'sure win' team - the PNC sold out.

That's hard to do for college basketball - especially a 19,700+ seat place. Although UNCheats (21,000) does it all the time. Maybe we'll start to sell out most games! I sure hope NC State b-ball is back. It's been a long time.

Left Early

I cannot remember the last time I left a football game early. It’s been at least 10 years – maybe 20. I always stay, cheer and clap for the team to show my appreciation – especially important after a loss.

Yesterday we left about 6 minutes into the 4^th quarter. I honestly cannot remember seeing such a dismal effort in years.

We are now 5 and 4. We should end up 7 and 5. Then again, we should have won today. And we should have lost to Maryland and FSU. After yesterday, sure wins against Wake Forest and Boston College are now uncertain.

We are somewhere between a 7 and 5 team - and a 5 and 7 team. Unfortunatly, this has become the norm for the best Coach TO'B can achieve.

Tom O’Brien has given us a stable, clean, slightly above 50 percent winning program for 6 years. However, the ability, passion and desire just isn’t there for him and his staff to take us to a 9 or 10 win program.

He has 3 years left on his contract.  I would like for NCSU to make a coaching change while continuing to pay TO'B what he is due. While I am angry at coaching calls and efforts this year – it is undeniable that TO'B has run a clean program and served NCSU well. He deserves a good retirement.

Favored + 2 Addendums

We are in T'OB's 6th year.

This was supposed to be 'the year'.

The year when we start the upward bend; the upward trend line; upward to  the top level of football in the ACC. Where, we may not be the best ACC team, but certainly on the way to be able to challenge FSU, VT and Miami (if they become resurgent) or Clemson (if they continue to improve).

In fact - Clemson is having the year we were supposed to have.

Over at UNCheats - where former head coach Butcher Davis all but destroyed any pretense of a football team with 'student-athletes' - BD was fired just before last season began - the interim head coach served only last year - they lost scholarships - many, many team members were dismissed (NCAA violations and academic cheating) - a new head coach hired - and this would be his first, rebuilding year.

And with all the above - UNCheats is a 7 point favorite going into this weekend's game.

A 7 freaking point favorite.

How in the Hell does our 6th year - we finally have talent and depth - team end up a 7 point underdog to a team that should be pretty much in shambles?

We will very likely end up 8 and 4 this year.

And even with, what should be a great record (for NC State) - I am ready for a change.

Addendum

My friend, CK points out by the time Larry Fedora will have been at UNCheats 6 years - they will be a Top 20 football team - for likely 3 years already. CK correctly believes that NC State is mired in mediocrity at 7 and 5 - but with the fan support and facilities - should be much better.

Let's assume for a moment that State loses to UNC and Clemson and finishes out the season at 8 and 4. Looking back - we really didn't win at Maryland. That Md kicker will make the 33 yard chip shot 9 times out 10 - heck - more like 19 times out of 20. So really - that game belonged to Maryland.

The FSU victory? Our guys played great. But, FSU was in control till a couple of seriously bone headed plays called by the FSU staff in the 4th quarter (a long pass instead of a short run on 3rd down and punting instead of going for a field goal). Add in a blocked punt (very unusual) and NC State pulls off the upset.

You take those 2 games - flip the outcome - and you've got a record that much more accurately measures what NC State football puts on the field this year - a 6 and 6 team.

8 and 4 means s*&t - We are mired in mediocrity.

I fervently hope that we win over at UNC. If we do, it'll be because of the players - not the coaching staff.

Sunday Addendum

The handicappers were right on - Lost by 8.

State had it won.

Bad play calling in the fourth quarter cost the game. Especially terrible play calling the last State possession. Tied - 1:30 and 3 time outs left. What do we do? We run to try and kill the clock to go into overtime. For what? To call the same crappy plays in overtime?

We should have tried to move it down field and kick the field goal for the win. Glennon was having a great passing day. But no - our coaches called plays . . . . . well, can't say not to lose, because we were tied. I don't know what in the hell they were thinking. We could have, and should have tried to put the winning field goal points on the scoreboard.

Our kids were willing and were the better team on the field.

Our coaches were idiots.

The Carolina coaches, on the other hand, called time outs. They wanted the ball back. They wanted the chance to win. And they did.

Here's a link to Wilmington NC Star-News sportswriter Bret Friedlander. He's an excellent columnist. His artcile about how State lost is dead on:

http://acc.blogs.starnewsonline.com/32801/wolfpacks-demise-began-long-before-decisive-punt-return/

Barn Burners

State didn't win - it was really Maryland that lost. A Maryland 33 yard chip shot clanks off the left goal post and State get's the win with 2 seconds left.



A W is a W. But the Wolfpack looked shakey again. Next week at UNCheats. Danny Sheridan odds at USA today comes out on Tuesdays. Even though Carolina lost to Dook - I wouldn't be surprised if UNC is at least a touchdown favorite.

DOOK!

It's fun to watch a football game where have an interest - but you don't really have a dog in the hunt. Of course, I was pulling for Dook over UNCheats. The fourth quarter was even more exciting than State's fourth quarter win over Florida State 2 weeks ago.



It's not often that the kids over in Durham get to storm the field. Which, I might add, they do so very politely. How 'bout that?



Go Dook!

One Point

Florida State lost the National Championship by one point last night.



NC State 17 – FSU 16.

It was a thrilling game with the winning score made by NC State with 16 seconds left. NC State’s final drive featured 3 fourth down – must make this or the game is over – plays.

Overall – FSU clearly has the talent, speed and size. But for some reason, they just didn’t have it working last night. NCSU’s defense somehow, improbably, kept making stops. Keeping FSU to one touchdown in the first half and then a shut out the second half.

Overall though – this game hurts both FSU and the ACC.

First – the ACC now does not have any chance of having a team in the National Championship game. FSU, ranked number 3, was that team. Maybe, there’s an outside, long odds, chance that this one loss by one point might allow FSU to rise in the BCS rankings to make it back. And – a lot of undefeated teams will have to lose as well. This scenario is too far fetched and won't happen..

Second – if FSU had gone undefeated and won the ACC Championship and then went to the National Championship game – then – the ACC Championship game runner up would have gone to the Orange Bowl. The ACC would have had 2 teams in BCS games. Clearly, that’s not going to happen either.

So – huge win for NC State. Huge loss for FSU and the ACC.

The crowd at Carter-Finley was awesome. That’s one of the loudest games I can recall.

Without the crowd (which forced possibly two FSU timeouts) pumping up the players – we would not have won that game.

Bones Place

Saturday was busy.

Football

First - watched Miami beat NC State.

I haven't written much abut football so far. That's because what was expected to be an outstanding 9 - 3 or maybe 10 and 2 season is looking like it's headed for a bust. We are now 3 and 2 with Florida State coming to town next weekend. That game has potential to get ugly.

We lost to Miami on a last second touchdown. Set up by State headed for the winning score. Yep - you read that right. Tie game - State moving down field at will for the game winning score and we throw an interception on a missed timing route. Miami turns right around and scores at will to win it.

It's not just that State has lost a couple games - it's how we lost them. We lose the games as much as get beat.

Jethro Tull

Saw Jethro Tull with CK, EM, DB, VM and Nuke. It was a two part show - Thick as a Brick - intermission - Thick as a Brick II.

Pretty good show. Ian Anderson is aging well and he has adapted his shows to his, and the audience's, age.

Not a great show - but a good show.

Bones Place

The unexpected suprise was on the way home. We took the new Expressway which is not quite connected to US 1 yet. Had to take Kelly Road over to Old US 1 to travel the not yet opened last 5 miles or so.

On Old US 1 we went past a county juke joint with live music. Turned around - went back and had a very enjoyable time at Bones Place (no possessive apostrophe). Seems the place is called the Friendship Community Store during the daytime and Bones Place at night.

The band was playing Neil Young, early Beatles and so on. We stayed there till about 0100. Honestly - I kind of had about as good a time there as at the JT concert.

NC State Basketball 2012 - 2013

I'll post about football after Saturday's game at Miami. We'll know more about how good State's team is then.

Right now - 3 and 1 but a very unsteady win at UConn. Miami is suddenly better than expected; it's a road game; so it should be an indication of where we stand.

Basketball

Early ESPN top 25:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7767401/indiana-hoosiers-continue-moving-2012-13

C.J. Leslie and Lorenzo Brown along with Scott Wood and Richard Howell will be joined by 3 blue chip freshmen: Rodney Purvis, T.J. Warren and Tyler Lewis. By my count - that's 7 starters. Hey wait - we can only put 5 guys on the floor at one time. Darn!

And for 2013 - Coach Gottfried has got commitments from 2 blue chippers:  Kyle Washington and Anthony "Cat" Barber.

I can't believe how quickly things are turning around for NC State basketball.

Hal David

Upon Reflection

I am really disappointed in last night’s NC State – Tennessee football game. Not by losing – but by how we lost.

State was supposed to have a great offensive line this year. The secondary was supposed to be outstanding. The running game was unproven but again, expected to be substantially better than last year. Our only real question was supposed to be the defensive line.

Our offensive line sucked – they couldn’t protect QB Mike Glennon for $#*t. Our defense got burned repeatedly on long passes and in the running game.

Basically, you could see from the beginning that State was clearly outclassed by Tennessee in just about every phase of the game. The score, 35 to 19, is an accurate reflection of the teams.

Tennessee had better and faster athletes on the field.

If We Want To Win . . .

If you’re going to win games – you have to have the athletes.

To get the blue chip athletes – your school must allow recruitment of academically questionable kids. With 85 scholarships allowed – to have a reasonably good to great program – you’ll need about 10 to 20 or so of those kids as blue chip recruits – who, typically – aren’t going to be joining Mensa.

The whole school and program has to be in on the deal to recruit them. The coach, the chancellor, the booster club – everyone has to buy in. Not from a ‘how can we cheat and get away with it’ perspective (see Butch Davis, John Blake, UNC-CHeat and Nevin Shapiro, Miami) – but from a how to get these kids into class and give them a chance to succeed approach (as well as play football).

It can be done. Stanford does it, Boise State does it and in the ACC Florida State, Virginia Tech and Clemson does it (mostly clean).

You need to create a program (actually 2 or 3 programs) where they have a reasonable chance to graduate. Say, for instance, a degree in Physical Education. Something they can relate to. Throw in some personal finance courses (so they can learn to handle their own money someday) and other practical electives. Have a strong academic support program – tutoring – monitoring – etc. – and see how it goes. No basket weaving classes – real programs (just not Advance Particle Physics).

A top 10 program will have about 2 or 3 or maybe 4 (in a really good year) NFL draft picks. There might be a couple of kids who make it to the NFL through camp tryouts. The rest of the 20 blue chip recruits will need to actually graduate with skills they can use in adult life.

Starting in 2016 the academic standards for scholarships is going to toughen up considerably. One article I’ve read stated that 40% of today’s football and basketball scholarship kids wouldn’t qualify. BUT – even with the tougher requirements – schools will still be able to offer scholarships to kids who don’t qualify. They will just have to sit out their first year – to go to class – and hopefully acclimate to the college environment. Yeah – that’s going to happen.

These ‘academic redshirts’ (as they will be called) will still be dumb as bricks. And the big time programs (SEC) will recruit them. It will just be an enforced red shirt season for the same blue chip recruits. Then, just like now, if you want a winning program – you’ll have to recruit these kids. And – have a program where they can major and hopefully graduate. Heck – they’ll have 5 years to graduate – I see that as improving their academic chances.

If State wants a top tier program – we’ll have to recruit these kids. We’ll have to ride herd on them to keep them in class, on track and out of trouble. (Face it – stupid kids are the ones who do stupid things that get them in trouble.)

That’s the only way State will get the athletes to compete against average to mediocre SEC schools like Tennessee.

Big Bird Game in the Big Dome +Addendum

Friday night's game against Tennessee is big for NC State. Really big.

It's the first game of the Chick-Fil-A kickoff double header. NC State vs. Tennessee on Friday night - Clemson vs. Auburn Saturday night.

Tennessee has been having a bit of a down time for the past few years. They could be very good this year - or just average. But - they are still an SEC team and a past National Champion.

Here's how I see it for NC State -

If State loses to Tennessee - it won't be the end of the world. But, we will start on a down note. We'll likely end up 8 and 4. Loses to FSU and Clemson and probably one other as well (UNC is the most likely 4th loss).

But -

If State wins - it's a huge confidence booster. We would be seriously favored through our first 6 games and go into the FSU game 6 and 0; likely top 20 ranked and facing a top 10 (possibly top 5) also undefeated FSU.

Even with a close loss to FSU - we could still be seriously looking at a 10 and 2 season or possibly an 11 and 1 season. Which would be the next step up that we've all been waiting for.

So - vs. Tennessee at the Georgia Dome is a really big game. Huge actually.

Right now the odds have Tennessee by 3 1/2 with 52 1/2 points scored - i.e. Tennessee 28 - State 24 1/2. That's pretty close in the prediction department.

It ought to be a good game.

Addendum

Tennessee 35 - NC State 21

Tennessee had 525 total yards. State had 4 interceptions. We fumbled in our end zone for a safety. David Amerson got burned on two long touchdown throws and burned on a long run.

The real key is in line speed. Tennessee's defensive line was much faster and better and State's offensive line couldn't protect Mike Glennon.


Pretty much sums it up.

Soon

Been a while since I've posted.

Work has been very, very busy. Unfortunately, my two biggest projects have been beset with problems so I haven't really wanted to write about them. Hopefully though, things will get solved and they will be completed soon.

Football



College football is just around the corner.

State, as always, is hard to predict. Each year we think we're just about to make the breakthrough - we end up with a successful season - but just not quite what we hoped for.

This year is no different.

We should be an 8 - 4 or 9 -  3 team. Could be a 10 and 2 - but don't go to Vegas and bet on that.

I think we are a realistic 8 and 4 team. I figure we'll lose to Florida State and Clemson - both of whom should have top 10 teams this year. The other 2 losses? Possibly Tennessee - who we really should beat - but since we always seem to start out abysmally slow . . . . .   And at least another loss - God, I hope it isn't to UNC.

On the other hand - when 8 - 4 is expected and a little bit of a disappointment - well - that tells you how far NC State football has come.

Random Photos

These are a couple of random photos I've taken lately.

 

I spotted this large 4x4 pickup truck the other day. People can be pretty funny expressing their opinions.

 

Took a photo of this guy yesterday on my way home from work. He was crossing the road and got kind of distracted / stuck in the middle of the road. I pulled over and kind of chased him (or her) on over to the edge of the road.

It's hard to tell from the photo but this guy is big! The shell is over a foot long - about 14 inches or so. His head is as large as my fist. Overall length including tail is at least 2 feet. And - it took me a while to get him to the side of the road. He definitely wanted to stand his ground and fight. No matter where I stood, he always turned to face me and challenge me.

St James Veterans Memorial

Don't know if the Veterans in the post title should be plural or possessive. Or both. I'm pretty sure it should be plural.

Anyway - I went down to St James this weekend to see the dedication of the town's Veterans Memorial. It was a nice ceremony. Just the right amount of music, accolades and speaking. Lasted a little more than 30 minutes or so. Nuke's parents bought a brick for him.

H&W are away on vacation. N is house and pet sitting. We just hung around playing with the dogs. Went to the marina bar both Friday and Saturday evenings. I had fried oysters. It's been at least a year (more I think) since I've had 'em. They were done just right.

Drove back Sunday morning.

Photos can be seen here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117415271904391624479/StJamesVeteransMemorialDedication201205#

2012 NCSU Football Tickets

Just ordered this fall's NCSU football tickets online. I get 4 season tickets.

This year's cost was 4 season tickets at $294.00 each ($1,176.00) + parking pass at $120.00 + application fee (whatever that is) at $23.00 + online ordering fee at $30.00 = $1,349.00. What the hell is an application fee? And somebody (the online company) is making out like a bandit at $30 a pop for online ordering.

Plus, I have to pay $600 per year in Wolfpack Club dues and $600 per year 'mortgage payment' on my Lifetime Rights. Lifetime Rights are the life time lease on my football and basketball seats. Which gives me the 'Right" to buy season tickets.

I think I've only got 1 year left to pay on my Life Time Rights. I've heard that when the LTRs are paid off - annual dues are going to go up. What do you want to bet the dues increase will equal the LTR annual payment?

LOL

But - we could be a Top 25 football team this year. And we are going to be a Top 10 basketball team.

I knew 25 years of Wolfpack Club dues were going to pay off someday!

Traffic

Sometimes you get stuck in traffic behind a school bus. Which can slow you down and be very annoying.

Then, sometimes, you get stuck in traffic behind a jet plane.

Apple Pie

On a totally different topic - I picked up an apple pie fresh from the bakery on the way home. Zapped it on low power for just a little to warm it up. And then put some vanilla ice cream on top.

Oh Lord - thank you for the small favors in life . . . . .

Spring Cleaning

I haven't cleaned my deck in at least 3 years. If you let it go that long, the dirt and bacteria get really embedded in the wood. The job of cleaning it is taking a lot longer since it's been so long. My washer is electric, so it's medium to low power. While it takes longer, it doesn't damage the wood.

What I need to do is clean the deck twice a year - once in the spring and once in the fall. That way, it shouldn't take as long and the deck should look really nice all the time.

This Bruce Springsteen song is one of my all time favorites. In fact, Nebraska is possibly one of the top 10 albums of all time.

This is a pretty good cover:



RIP Levon Helm.

When Jesus Comes Back

Road Less Travelled

I was in Asheville and Chimney Rock this week. The last time I was at Chimney Rock was when I was a child of 8 or 10 years old. I remember the trip and the drive along the river.


This was taken along US 74A on the way from Asheville to Chimney Rock.


I stopped for breakfast before going into the park. Nice view from the outside table. It was a bit cool for sitting outside, but then again, it was early in the morning.





I took NC 8 back to I-40. The road was pretty much like this the whole way from Chimney Rock back to I-40 at Old Fort.

All in all, a time consuming, but pretty drive.

Top 25

The tournament offers a legitimate ultimate Men's Basketball Championship winner. Beyond numbers 1 and 2, there is still a final ESPN Coaches Poll. In the final poll published this week, NC State was ranked 20th.

I can't remember when NC State was last ranked in the Top 25.

As for next season - there is every likelihood that State will start out in the Top 10.

I'm still astounded at the dramatic turnaround that Coach Gottfried has accomplished in just one year. It's truly amazing.

Walter +Addendum

Over at the Convention Center, Walter is ready for tonight's game. Kansas by 8 points is the latest line. Sounds about right.

Win or lose - I'm happy. Rather win of course. These guys have been so much fun to watch this year. The unexpected surprise is always the best.

A couple billion Chinese and Indians don't really care - but I do. So there.

Addendum


Kansas 60 - NC State 57. It was a very tough win for Kansas. State had a chance to get into a position to win at the end but we turned the ball over. The game played out pretty much according to script. Underdog State played above their heads but Kansas had just too much talent for State to overcome.

It's been a fun ride watching this team play.

For me - I became a believer at the Virginia at NC State game back in January. We lost that game by 1 point - but you could just see how State was getting better and better - and could have, should have, won that game (against a ranked team). You could feel the team dynamics coming around. You knew, in some intangible way, the Pack was starting to come back.

I remember Nuke and I were walking to the car after that game (again - which we lost) and we were excited - EXCITED - about this team.

I think those two elitist schools down the road might have some competition in the not too distant future.

CBS Story Link

Sunday, March 18, 2012

This time last year NC State had just ended the most dismal year of 5 years with beloved player turned Coach Sidney Lowe. Coach Lowe resigned to allow new Athletic Director Debbie Yow to name a replacement. We love Lowe and feel awful that it didn’t work out.

AD Yow couldn’t interest any big name coaches in the job. Most of the players were considering transferring (Ryan Harrow did transfer to Kentucky).

We ended up with what was considered, at the time, a has been coach turned ESPN announcer. Clearly we were grasping at straws.

If you had said we’d be playing like a ‘team’ – (something missing the previous 5 years) – with a trip to this year’s Sweet 16 – you clearly did not know anything about basketball or were delusional.

Hell, if you had said we’d even be in the NCAA or NIT this year – I’d have said – riiiiiiight. Uh huh.

Coach Gottfried put together a stellar staff and has conjured up a miraculous turnaround. He got the kids in better shape and instilled a culture of commitment and dedication. No showboating. It’s a team. Tough Love. You are part of the family or you go somewhere else.

Yow and Gottfried reached out to the fans too. Straight talk and no promises other than to ‘do it right’. We’re the cat.

Today's win over Georgetown not only sends us to the Sweet 16 - it is also the most season wins by NC State since Coach Jim Valvano in 1987 - 1988.

I love watching these guys play.

LC

You may notice a small patch on the right shoulder of our team uniforms with the initials LC. That's for Lorenzo Charles who died this year in a traffic accident.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

 

 

This is about two and a half miles down the road from where I live. I wouldn't call this guy an artist by any means, but he does create some interesting things. Such as the airplane weather vane in the top photo and the wind chimes in the bottom photo.

He works in large scale. The wind chime, for example, is about 20 feet tall.

Q: If the wind chime is 2.6 miles from your house, can you hear it?

A: Yes

It was windy last night, so you'll notice that the wind catcher is hooked to the side so it wouldn't keep his neighbors up all night. I've heard that sucker when there's a good breeze - it's LOUD. LOL

Basketball

I think that Mark Gottfried guy is gonna work out.

:-)

I've had so much fun watching the NC State guys play this year. It's amazing to see how they can play on a neutral court with neutral refs.

Next up (Sunday) is 3 seed Georgetown. That will be a tough game. On the other hand, NC State is a tough out in this year's tournament.

NIT Thoughts

Watched Miami beat Valparaiso in the NIT first round last night.

Of the 32 teams in the NIT - Miami is the only ACC team and a number 2 seed.

I'm really glad our guys got into the NCAAT - but - had we been left out of the NCAAT and gone to the NIT instead - we would have been a number 1 seed and had the home court advantage for every game (possibly 3) we could have played (before the final 4 in New York City).

Again, I'm happy we're in the NCAAT and wouldn't change a thing. But I also would have been very happy going to the RBC, now the PNC, to watch our guys play.

Good luck Miami - I hope you win the NIT.

Happy Campers

These are some guys who really, really want to finally, at long last, return to the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Clearly, we don't take anything for granted and appreciate the opportunity.

Reminder - NC State vs. San Diego State was the dead last team / paring announced. Hope was all but gone.

NC State Basketball 2011 - 2012 +Addendum

I used to get way too wrapped up in NC State basketball. From about age 35 ~ 40 on, I’ve taken a much more mature approach. It’s not life or death, it really doesn't impact my life and it’s just a game for entertainment.

But this year – it’s hard not to get emotional about this team. These kids play so hard. I’ve not seen a single game where they just went through the motions or mailed it in.

I hate to see them lose – not because I don’t want to lose – but because I feel so bad for these kids when there’s a loss after they play, and work, and try, so hard.

These kids have a chance to win any game they play in. And they know it. And that’s how they play. They don’t ever go out on the court just to try and keep up or to put in a good effort. They go on the court to win.

If you remind them they aren’t 4 star blue chip recruits and aren’t in the same class as the top 25 teams - they could care less. They’re in it to win it.

We just lost an awesome game to UNC-CHeats in the ACC Tournament.

I’m so proud of these guys that I don’t care we just lost.

State will get an NCAA at large bid to the tournament. If we don’t, the entire selection committee should be fired for gross incompetence.

God, I love watching these guys play.

Oh, and by the way, it was a blankety blank freaking charge!

Sunday Addendum



Sunday Night Addendum

Watching the CBS Selection Show - When Iona was announced, I figured State's chances were pretty slim. Then, when the last two #12 / #14 play in teams were announced, and State wasn't one of them - I knew we were going to the NIT.

Then - literally - the very last paring was announced - #11 State vs. #6 San Diego State.

It's not easy being a State fan. LOL

Saturday March 3, 2012

Posting this from CrossRoads Ford. Brought my Focus in for service - the check engine light came on. It's a temperature sensor and adjustment assembly thingy. Told it will be about $500. Don't know if that includes the $105 diagnostic charge just to hook the car up to a computer to find out where else one will have to spend money.

Plus, I've been here for almost 6 hours now. In fairness though, I got here at 7:05 and they don't open till 8 on Saturday.

Speaking of money . . .

Moneyball

Watched Moneyball night. A surprisingly funny and touching movie. And I don't even like baseball. But, I highly recommend.

NC State Basketball

On to a much better sport - college basketball.

State's last game is tomorrow at Virginia Tech. Supposedly State is still a possible bubble team for the NCAAT.

Frankly, I'd rather go deep in the NIT than likely lose the first game in the NCAAs.

We're so much better this year - having a winning record is an improvement. Getting to the post season is better than even hoped for. So, if we don't get an at large NCAA bid - I'm fine with that. In fact, I'm super happy to go to the NIT.

Safari

The computers here in the CrossRoads customer lounge are Apples. I like the keyboard - it has a nice feel. The mouse is ok.

I do not like Safari. Based on my experiences with it so far, it is nowhere near as good as Chrome.

Addendum

The bill came to $422. It was a thermostat assembly, presumably it includes the housing and sensor. I looked it up on the web when I got home. It looks more difficult than the old fashioned thermostats. I've replaced the older types in the past but I kind of doubt I'd have been very comfortable replacing this one.

Karl Hess

Being a ref is a hard job. You get a lot of verbal abuse. However, pretty much short of being threatened, you have to be able to ignore what the fans yell and you need to concentrate on officiating the game. If you can't do that - then maybe being a ref is not your thing. If you can't stand the heat, don't even go into the kitchen in the first place.

Karl Hess is a basketball official who works ACC games (and other conferences). He ejected two Fans (not players or coaches - FANS) from today's FSU at NC State Game.

Here's the video:



And here is what is purported to be a firsthand account by a Student in the Student Section right behind the incident who claims to have heard everything. This is taken from scout.com / Pack Pride message boards:

Posted: Today 5:24 PM
Googs and Corch Clarification. (Eye witness account)
________________________________________
I know there is already multiple threads talking about this, but I didn't want the actual facts to get lost in them.

I was sitting two rows behind Chris & Tom. If you watch the video I am in the second row of SWPC members. I heard everything, including when another ref called out a student near me for saying "Quit looking at the dance team." The cop came over and just laughed at the comment and said, you are fine you can stay.

Chris and Tom were harmlessly complaining about the ref. No profanity. They had two very young daughters with them and I doubt they would ever cuss with them there. I never saw anything other than just average complaining.

Karl walked over and pointed at them and said, "Get them out of here." He then found a cop and said, "I want you to get them out of here. Those two right there."

If you listen closely to the video you can hear him say the 'those two' comment.

And that was pretty much that. I was right there. I saw it first-hand thats exactly what happened almost word for word.

I was in shock. Someone next to me asked, "why are you so upset? who are those guys?" I responded by pointing to the rafters at their two jerseys. Debbie Yow needs to seriously do something about this.
Last edited Today 5:32 PM by Statefan44

That the two fans were former star NC State players is not the issue.

Any fan should be able to cheer, yell, and opine about the ref's abilities - as long as they do not disrupt play, threaten or endanger others, or behave in a manner that is disruptive to others (such as profanity around other fans, especially children). Short of that - a ref has no place whatsoever to involve himself with, or interact with, any fan. Former player or average Joe - doesn't matter. The ref should officiate the game and ignore everything else.

I don't care how 'good' he is - IF this account is correct - then Karl Hess is a self-aggrandizing, self-absorbed, preening, prima donna who should not be officiating ACC games.

National Anthem

On a more positive note - Nuke and I always make it a point to be at our seats in time for the National Anthem. It's one of those things that makes me feel good - to be able to stand at attention and sing along with everyone else. Today I took this photo:

Dook

Last night’s loss hurt.

We were up by 19 the first half and 20 the second half.

Unfortunately, State suffers from a self fulfilling reputation. We get into foul trouble; so the refs know we get into foul trouble; therefore they expect us to foul and call any questionable foul on us.

Actually, we are prone to picking up some dumb fouls. But we don’t foul anywhere as much as we’re called for.

Last night it hurt us bad. We were in foul trouble already in the first half – and then about midway through the second half we had a time where we quickly picked up a couple legitimate fouls but were then called for some that weren't quite as real.

With guys having to sit on the bench, we just don’t have any depth beyond 7 players. Couple that with Dook’s really great athletes and momentum shift – and the game slipped away from us. You could see our players getting rattled and panicky.

Bottom line - Dook has overall better athletes, much greater bench depth, a self-fulfilling reputation for not fouling and the Cameron Indoor Stadium home court advantage.

All that is hard to overcome for a team like NC State. Even with a huge lead.

That . . . . and the fact I’m pretty sure Krzyzewski has sold his children’s souls to Satan.

ACC Basketball

State is doing so much better under Coach Mark Gottfried. We won at Georgia Tech last night.

State has 6 ACC games left. First comes a killer stretch of 3 games -

at #10 Dook (in a three way tie for ACC first place at 8 and 2);
vs. #15 Florida State (in a three way tie for ACC first place at 8 and 2);
vs. #5 Carolina (in a three way tie for ACC first place at 8 and 2).

It's called ACC Basketball. And it's fun. Oh yeah, NC State, at 7 and 3, is in the ACC fourth place.

Two nights ago - Dook and UNCheats played a classic game. UNCheats was up by 10+ the entire second half till 2:15 left in the game. Dook mounted a furious rally to the last second final shot - and - the only lead of the second half for Dook.

What a great game.

Superbowl Weekend Update 2012

Saturday


Saturday State beat Wake Forest. It was a 1 PM game so Nuke and I went early to the RBC Center Arena Club for brunch. It's really not worth it - more of something to do once in a while. Think Hotel Sunday buffet food and prices. $20 for brunch Saturday. $30 for dinner buffets / night games. Plus $6 beers. You get the idea. I go maybe once a year.

Friday

I have a new project in Fayetteville. It's located less than a mile from LaFayette Memorial Park where mom and dad are buried. I stopped by there Friday and took this photo:


I think the artificial flowers were put there by my aunt and uncle. They're older now and it's more difficult for them to visit grave sites - hence the artificial flowers instead of more frequent fresh flowers.

I'd rather the occasional fresh flowers, but some people prefer some sort of flower (artificial) at the grave all the time. Actually, fresh or artificial, it really doesn't matter. Whatever makes Aunt E and Uncle R happy works for me.

Sunday


Waiting for the Superbowl to start. I'm not a professional football fan. College - Oh Yeah! Pro? No. But I do watch the playoffs.

Weekend Update 1/29/2012

Pretty average week.

My boss got married this weekend. Drove up to Bahama and then back whereupon I turned right around and Nuke and I went to the Va game at the RBC. Saturday I spent about 6 hours in the car. Yuck.

State got beat up on by UNC Cheating Hill this week. When Carolina plays like they did Thursday, they are the best team in the nation by far.

The UVa at NCSU game last night was exciting - so close. Game ball goes to the referees. UVa couldn't have won the game without 'em.

National Debt

This video takes National Income (Taxes, Fees, etc.) and scales it down to an individual, somewhat low, annual income amount. And then does similar scaling of the National Debt, Debt Limit and last years "Budget Cuts" for comparison.*

Kind of puts all those huge numbers in proper perspective.



*Take the National numbers and divide by 100,000,000. Yep - divide by (pinky to chin and look right at the camera) One-Hundred-Million-Dollars!

Happy Camper

I'm watching NC State at Miami. Halftime and State's up by 12.

There's the second half to play. But still . . . .

With new coach Mark Gottfried we're much better than last year with essentially the same team. I had expected us to be a little better, heck, we couldn't get much worse. But we're way better than expected. I've tried to keep from getting too excited - it's early in the ACC and we haven't played Virginia, Dook, UNCheats or Florida State yet. But still - it's getting to the point where I'm kinda like - "Who Are These Guys?"

I know the guys wish they could play the Georgia Tech game over. Inexplicable loss - Especially considering how we've played in all the other games.

Also - yesterday's Florida State at Dook game was awesome with an incredible 0.6 seconds left shot!

I really enjoy ACC and NCAA basketball.

Addendum

State wins 78 to 73.

Next up - at UNCheat Thursday night.

Basketball +Addendum

I went to school in the late 70's. It was the heyday of NC State Basketball (through the 80's).

Since the late '80's, NC State Basketball has been irrelevant. That includes the mediocrity of the Sendeck coaching era.

I've gotten so used to State being pretty much nothing, that it was hard to get excited with our latest coaching change - although - I did like what I heard at the first annual Basketball Breakfast. Still - I'm a do it first, then talk about it kind of guy.

Well, the warm up season has looked pretty darn good. Including 3 losses that were almost wins. With essentially the same team as last year, we're looking way better. There is clearly some real coaching going on at NC State that hasn't been there for the last 5 years.

The ACC season has started with a win over Maryland. Tonight is Georgia Tech.

I'm beginning to buy in to the new coach. And dreaming that maybe, just maybe, NC State can get back to the way it used to be.

Back in the 1970's before ESPN or Fox Sports - college basketball on TV was unheard of. Except in ACC county where the conference put together its own TV broadcasts via the Jefferson Pilot Network.

Those of us who grew up in North Carolina will remember this -



Addendum

Reality Check. Georgia Tech beat us last night by 9 points. State actually looked like the better team. We just couldn't get shots to go in or force turnovers. Rebounding; play and position in the paint; open shots (which didn't go in); overall State looked better (except our defense which looked weak). But GT kept us off balance enough to win.

However, State never gave up and played to the very end.

So - any talk about State getting to the NCAAs this year is premature. We have to win the home games against GT to win the 10, or more likely 11, ACC games needed to make the tournament.

Last night's loss means we have to make it up somewhere unexpected. Maybe at Dook? At UNCheat? I doubt that's gonna happen.

Frankly, I'm OK with an NIT this year. Heck, I'd be very happy with an NIT this year. It's progress. And even in a loss, I like the way State is playing - as a team.

New Years 2012

 

 

Went to Raleigh's First Night. Wasn't as cold as usual.