Today is a Wonderful Day

SC State player Ty Solomon today (Sunday) with the EMTs who got his heart started after yesterday's cardiac arrest at the game with NC State.

"I am very thankful to have had this group of guys in my life. I’m feeling blessed these guys literally saved my life using CPR such a blessing and perfect timing thank you guys again."

Life

It was during a stoppage of play and both teams were huddled at their benches when the SC State kid just collapsed.

You knew immediately it was bad because in an instant there was frantic activity. And moments later the PA announced that any Doctors in attendance were needed at the SC State bench. At the same time the serious medical equipment was wheeled onto the court in a rush.

It's a very emotional and helpless feeling when you can't do anything and just have to sit helplessly and watch while they try to resuscitate a young man - kid, really.

CPR and AED's save lives.

After he was revived and taken to Rex Hospital, both teams went to their locker rooms to wait.

Obviously the game was going to be ended.

But, SC State wanted to wait and see how their player was doing. The entire arena essentially sat quietly and waited - and when it was learned the player was responding well - SC State wanted to continue the game.

Strong work by Wake County EMS! - Thanks folks. Awesome response, knowledge, training and professionalism that brought this kid back.

Grateful - but overall, I'll be fine with never seeing anything like this again.

NC State 103 - SC State 71

Bo Rein and the Navigators*

Exchanging Pre-Game Pleasantries

Wolfpack Nation is happy with 8 - 4 and quietly disgruntled we're not 10 - 2.

Folks, that is a great place to be.

It's been decades.

The last time NC State was in this position was the Bo Rein years. It was clear Bo was building a program and headed upward. The possibility of joining the big time programs was there.

Bo Rein had the advantage of inheriting a solid team from Lou Holtz. Dave Doeren had to start from scratch.

I hope it turns out this is the beginning of a 'program'. I hope it does NOT turn out with Doeren leaving for a bigger job and flying around in private airplanes.

(Amato felt more like a 'flash in the pan'. Plus - he recruited like Florida State. The guys he went after weren't exactly model citizens.  UNC went through the same thing with Bitch Davis.)

The game itself was nothing to write home about. State played a solid game and as usual, started slow - finished strong.

Carolina has an injury list that's almost two pages long. That's longer than a UNC term paper.

Give Carolina a lot of credit for making a game out of it. They had nothing to lose and played as hard as they could.

And there was a lot of UNC frustration that showed up. I don't know what was shown on TV - there were, by my count, 4 pretty good scuffles.

What you didn't get to see were the 'festivities' during warm ups - 40 minutes before the game. Some stuff started - and no one but the few assistant coaches and trainers on the field to try and keep things from getting out of hand. They had their hands full. LOL

Watching that was - Hmmm, this game could be interesting.

Football is a lot more fun when you've got a good team to cheer for.

*Bo Rein and the Navigators - local (crappy) Raleigh band from the early '80s.

Clemsoning

I don't need to recap yesterday's loss to Wake Forest.

This article covers everything that happened accurately and completely - Morning After Recap.

7 and 4 (probably 8 - 4 after next Saturday) is a record anyone would have taken back in August. As it is, We lost 2 games - where we won every statistic, by a LOT, but still lost the game. We truly lost to Wake Forest and South Carolina - they did not beat us. We should be 9 - 2 right now.

And we played Clemson evenly. You could say we lost that game as well. Missed field goals and overthrown wide open receivers - not to mention the most lopsided officiating I've seen in years. We had opportunities to win but didn't get the job done.

This is what Clemson used to be known for. Every year they'd lose a game there was no way they should have lost. Clemsoning.

I guess that's part of trying to build a program. It happened to Clemson and even Alabama before they got so good this sort of thing just didn't happen any more. It takes an over abundance of talent, fundamental coaching and great play calling.

We're not there yet.

I've said before - In a weird way, we're in a great place.

It's good to be able to complain about not being undefeated; not going to the ACC Championship Game; or even better (New Year's Six or National Champion Playoffs).

For decades these sort of possibilities were a pipe dream. This really could be our breakthrough year. If we keep on recruiting, coaching and getting better each year, we'll look back as see this year as when it all started to happen.

But today - I'm still pissed off about losing to South Carolina and now Wake Forest.

Clemsoning.

Clemson 38 - State 31

It was quite the atmosphere - the entire game.

Coach Steve Logan analyzes the game perfectly. Can't embed the Logan Zone - here's the link -

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/video/17093040/

WRAL Agrees

WRAL must have read my previous blog entry.

They agree with me in an article from today.

http://www.wralsportsfan.com/-final-four-weekend-likely-to-decide-acc-division-champs/17074615/

https://bill-1956.blogspot.com/2017/10/this-weekend-will-determine-who-plays.html

This Weekend Will Determine Who Plays In The ACC Championship Game - Probably

Two games Saturday will determine who plays in the ACC Championship Game - Probably

#5 Clemson (5 - 1) at #19 NC State (4 - 0) 3:30 ABC

#13 Virginia Tech (3 - 1) at #6 Miami (5 - 0) 8:00 ABC

Atlantic Division

If State wins - undefeated in the Atlantic and everybody else has two losses. Barring catastrophe, State wins out and plays in the ACC Championship Game.

If Clemson wins - both Clemson and State have one Atlantic Division loss - Clemson has the tiebreaker over State. Both win out and Clemson plays in the ACC Championship Game.

Clemson favored by 7.

Coastal Division

If Miami wins - undefeated in the Coastal and everybody else has two losses. Miami wins out and plays in the ACC Championship Game.

If Virginia Tech wins - both Miami and VT have one Coastal Division loss - VT has the tiebreaker over Miami. Everybody else has two losses. VT wins out and plays in the ACC Championship Game.

VT favored by 2 points.


Of course, every team will still have conference games left to play. And the ACC is seriously wacky this year - so anything can happen.

But on paper - this weekend should decide the ACC Championship Game teams.

On paper.

Bottom Line - ACC National Championship Playoff spots and Orange Bowl spots are all on the line this weekend.

So, For what it's worth - You can take all this analysis and Five dollars and get yourself a Starbucks coffee.

We Could Really Screw Things Up +Addendum / Correction

Conventional wisdom has one of three ACC teams having a realistic opportunity to make the National Championship Playoffs - Clemson, Miami or Virginia Tech.

If Clemson wins out - including the ACC Championship game - they are pretty much a 1-loss shoo in.

Likewise, if VT wins out and the ACC Championship game - they are a 1-loss team in the National Championship Playoff.

If Miami beats VT and then wins the ACC Championship game - they are the undefeated shoo in.

All three would likely be the #4 seed playing Alabama.


NC State - if successful - can [bleep] it up for everybody.

Here's how -

We upset Clemson next Saturday (ABC 3:30 PM). We match up well with Clemson and it's very possible we could win. Odds are against it - but not overwhelming odds.

If that happens - and State wins out the regular season (not a given with Boston College and Wake Forest still to play) - NC State goes to the Orange Bowl. No matter what happens in the ACC Championship Game.

Clemson then has two losses - no invitation to the National Championship Playoffs.

Let's say we make it to the ACC Championship game. Winner automatically goes to the Orange Bowl - unless selected for the National Championship Playoff - in which case the runner up (loser) goes to the Orange Bowl.

If State wins the ACC Championship game - with 2 losses - would NOT be selected for the playoffs. We go to the Orange Bowl.

If State loses the ACC Championship - vs. VT or Miami - then VT / Miami goes to the National Championship playoffs as undefeated (Miami) or one loss (VT). State, again, goes to the Orange Bowl.

There is a possibility if State beats Miami in the ACC Championship game, Miami with only one loss might still get the #4 spot. But a loss that late in the season works against Miami with the Selection Committee.

On paper - Clemson should win out and play Miami / VT.

Of course, as a State fan - I want to win next weekend. I want to win the ACC Championship - but I'd be OK losing it - going to the Orange Bowl - and VT / Miami going to the National Championship.

We're not quite in the playoff league yet - as was shown in our loss to Notre Dame. But we're better than the ND score indicated. We're close - and hopefully - will keep getting better and closer each year.

NC State, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Miami all control their own destiny. Any loss and they can kiss the National Championship playoffs or Orange Bowl good bye.

Wow - it sure feels good to have State in that kind of situation. It's been a long, long time.

Correction

The first place ACC team goes to the Orange Bowl unless selected for the National Championship Playoffs. If selected then the next highest ranked team goes to the Orange Bowl. Not necessarily the ACC Championship Game loser.

I all likelihood - even if State wins out - Clemson, VT and Miami will still be ranked ahead of NC State.

So, if State goes to the ACC Championship game and wins - State goes to the Orange Bowl. And knocks all the other ACC teams out of the National Championship Playoffs. Except possibly Miami if only one loss (to State in the ACC Championship Game).

If State goes to the ACC Championship game and loses - the next highest ranked ACC team goes to the Orange Bowl. State goes to a lower bowl - probably the Sun Bowl. Yuck.

Again - each team - NC State, Clemson, Virginia Tech and Miami all control their own destiny. NC State can win it's way into the Orange. The rest can win their way to the National Championship Playoffs.

College football is way more fun than Pro football!

The Same, Only Better +HVAC Addendum

State and Notre Dame are amazingly alike.

Run first, pass second. Rely on defense. Smart quarterbacks. Essentially traditional style football teams.

Notre Dame is the better version.

Hines getting injured and out of the game was, as they say, a game changer. With that one key player missing, went from a run team to a passing team. Also, we lost two guys in the defensive line rotation - which was a big factor in Notre Dame being able to run so well as the game went on.

With all of that - we just couldn't get going in the second half.

I don't like excuses - but the ref's gave the interception and touchdown to ND. Everybody in the stadium and watching on TV saw the offsides, it wasn't even close. State had a free play and just tossed the ball out there to see if we could get some big yards - didn't expect the interception to matter since the play was coming back. And no flag.

Also, the fourth down try at the end zone was the correct call. Under the circumstances - I'd call that every time. We just didn't score. But, even if those two plays turned out the opposite - ND would still have won by a touchdown. Which is about what would should be expected.

Disappointing loss - but not a disappointing season. The program is progressing very nicely.

We'll be a solid underdog next week against Clemson. I hope we put up a better fight.

We'll see.

HVAC Addendum

Got home Friday and the Heat Pump was running - but no air blowing.

Hmmm - maybe a fan motor or switch?

Turns out - neither.

The contactor (on / off switch) on the heat pump fused shut (on). Very unusual. The compressor would run and run and run until the heat safety switch engaged (at around 300+ degrees) and would shut the compressor off. But - when it cooled enough - the contactor was fused 'on' and the compressor would turn on again. All day. When the repair guys took all the access panels off - you could see the heat waves radiating off the compressor.

I'm surprised it didn't fail. But - with a new contactor, cooled off compressor - it started running fine ($196).

I did get some good advice from the service guy.

My system is 18 years old - so I asked him his opinion about what to replace it with - assuming it would need replacement soon. Conventional wisdom is these things last 15 years typically - 20 tops.

First, he said my particular heat pump was one of the better models when it was installed. Very heavy duty.

Also - the SEER rating, which was at the very best available then - is only improved by new ones with DC pumps and DC motors. He said the actual compressor unit in my system was one of the better designs and as efficient as new ones.

Also - the controllers are all electro-mechanical. Which means they are heavy duty an easily replaced (like the contactor) vs. control 'boards'.

His recommendation - don't get a new system - just keep repairing this one.

He said the worst thing that will happen is the compressor will fail - a replacement will cost me about $1,500 to $2,000. Way less than a whole new HVAC 'system' at Ten grand or way more (depending on what all would be replaced).

He said all the components in my system were top quality when installed and could even possibly outlast me. LOL

Bottom line - just replace parts as they wear out.

I guess that will work for both the Heat Pump and me.

:-)

Hard To Believe +Addendum

I can't believe what I'm going to say. In fact - it's probably better to say I can't believe NC State Football is in a position for me to say what I'm going to say.

We're overrated.

We're number 14 in the AP Poll that just came out.

I don't think we're the 14th best team in the country.

We're composed of 1, 2, 3 and a couple 4 star recruits.

We have one of the best (very possibly the best) coaching staffs in the country able to take these level recruits and develope them into a top competitive football team. We have about 5 or 6, possibly more, guys who will end up in the NFL. Those are the numbers you see from top echelon football schools. Normally, State would have 1 or maybe 2.

Why over-ranked?

Because those very same top echelon schools get the 3, 4 and 5 star recruits. If you're Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Michigan, Florida State, Southern Cal, Texas and so on - recruits come to you. At schools like NC State - we have to go after the recruits.

So - these teams start with a natural advantage. Their kids are a step quicker, bigger, talented and just better to start with.

These are the teams that populate the top 15 spots year after year.

Sometimes these teams drop down a bit (Clemson, FSU, Nebraska). And schools playing at the top of their ability, like NC State, occupy some of those top 15 positions.

But - let's be real.

We play at Notre Dame next Saturday. Notre Dame is ranked right about where they should be - number 9. Yes - Notre Dame is a top 10 team.

We could win close, lose close or lose BIG. What won't happen is NC State winning in a blowout over Notre Dame.

As long as we play well - which we will - I don't care. I'm beyond happy with this team win or lose.

And looking down the road - next comes Clemson. And afterwards we have to play one of the best teams no one is talking about - Wake Forest. And Boston College is getting much better and could give us trouble.

A top 10 or 15 school would not be overly concerned with that schedule. Yes - a top 10 or 15 school had better not have a let down playing them - but winning should be pretty much a given.

Not with NC State. We can't let our guard down or overlook anybody left on the schedule. Including UNCheats. We have to bring our A game every Saturday.

And that - is why I believe we're now officially overrated.

I think we're legitimately one of the best 20 to 25 schools. Which, hopefully, we can build on - land more and more 3, 4 and 5 star recruits - and someday be a top 10 or 15 school.

We'll see what happens.

#14 NC State @ #9 Notre Dame. Saturday. 3:30 PM. NBC


Addendum

ESPN Football Power Index is a reliable, realistic team ranking:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/statistics/teamratings

Notre Dame ranked 5; NC State ranked 17. That's probably more like it.

Final Numbers

splint + x-ray + ibuprofen = $2,262.16

From my emergency room visit back in July, the final insurance payments and billings have all been processed.

Here's the final tally -

Emergency Room $1,893.16 - $1,127.76 (BC/BS Payment) = $765.40 (Bill's Payment)

Emergency Room Doctor $330.00 - $183.64 (BC/BS Payment) = $146.36 (Bill's Payment)

Emergency Room X-Ray $39.00 - $14.29 (BC/BS Payment) = $24.71 (Bill's Payment)

Total Charges = $2,262.16

Bill's Total Out of Pocket = $936.47

Plus  there were the follow up visits with the Orthopaedic Doctor and my General Practitioner.

The NC State Health Plan does follow up calls (Health Smart) to monitor what's going on. And to give health / life coaching and such. In my case, the life coaching is lose weight and stop being a fat ass.

But, I digress.

The Health Smart people agreed with the Orthopaedic Doctor. Generally speaking, don't go to the emergency room unless it's a life threatening issue.

If it's during the day - call your doctor and go there. If after hours or weekends - Go to an After Hours Clinic (Doc-In-A-Box).

Per BC/BS Health Smart - going to a Clinic would have limited my out of pocket to $100.00 plus copays for the splint and x-ray and meds. Total would have been well under $150.

And the charges to BC/BS would likely have been around $300 - $400 for a typical DIAB visit.

Live and learn.

Football

I hope this year isn't just a one hit wonder - but the start of a solid, clean, winning program.

Coach Doeren, the program and the team feels right.

This week is a bye week. Then @Notre Dame and back home for Clemson. Win or lose, it's great expecting we'll be competitive with both teams.

#17 Louisville 25 @ #24 NC State 39

NOT an upset.

State sacked Lamar Jackson 4 times. Louisville sacked Ryan Finley ZERO times.

Thursday night ESPN games are fun. But kind of hard on old guys. Game ended near midnight. Got home and to bed around 1 AM.

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv Municipal Building 2 OCT 2017

NC State 33 - Syracuse 25

Fun game.

Syracuse made a great come back in the second half to make the game a little to close for comfort.

NC State Athletics Director Dr. Debbie Yow wants Top 25 Programs.

As of today, NC State Football is ranked 24 in both AP and Coaches Polls.

Louisville Thursday night.

It will be pretty much just like playing Syracuse. Only much more difficult. Louisville's Lamar Jackson is the Heisman Trophy winner for a reason. 

Lamar Can Throw!

Not much defense. Louisville has a better offensive line than Syracuse but, like Syracuse, no running game. Well, somewhat better running game.

IF we bring our "A" game  .  .  .

NCSU 27 - FSU 21

We led the entire game.

Defense played to their potential. Right from the start. D line lived up to their expectations. Secondary still inexperienced, but getting better with each game.

Offence is as good as any team in the country.

Carson Wise made both field goals and all point after kicks!!! Kyle Bambard put it in the end zone on each kick off to  prevent any run backs!!! I knew you guys could do it. I hope we can quit worrying about the kicking game.

This was the complete game and team that we've been expecting to see.

The past is the past. But - had we not [bleeped] around and lost that South Carolina game - we'd be ranked somewhere around 15th to 20th.

NCSU @ FSU +Addendum

NC State has really good talent.

Florida State has exceptional talent.

To win - NC State has to have a great game and FSU has to have an average or below average game.

So far, our defense has a tendency to start 'slow' and then get better. If FSU gets a couple scores on us early, and then NCSU plays them even for the rest of the game - then we'll lose by about 10 or so. Which is what the odds seem to predict.

We shall see.

I'd give anything to have that South Carolina game back. It still bothers me.

Go Dook.

Smoothie

Just blended a mango pineapple smoothie. Coconut shavings on top. I think in the future I'll substitute low fat half and half for the typical yogurt ingredient.

Very yummy. Maybe a splash of dark rum would be nice - come on 12:00 o'clock.

Addendum

NC State 27 - FSU 21

The Scream

Went to IHOP this past weekend and had this for breakfast:

Excuse me,

I meant, I had this for breakfast:

Calm Down And Step Away From The Edge

Bad calls are a part of the game.

Yet, I don't care for play reviews. I'd have play reviews only if a coach calls for one - and coaches would be limited to two per half (and lose a time out if the play is not overturned).

Anyway -

In spite of instant replay and play reviews - two blatant (of many) bad calls cost NC State dearly.

The opening kickoff runback - SC would have been tackled except for the "how the [bleep] did the ref not see it" hold by SC. A big time hold - not even close. That's one score that would not have happened.

The second bad call (of many) was the missed pass interference in the fourth quarter. It was another "how the [bleep] did you not see that?" It wasn't even close - it was flagrant. No flag. Instead of 15 yards and a first down - we had to punt.

Add in two State turnovers giving SC very short yardage for gift wrapped touchdowns - and you have a loss. In spite of vastly outplaying SC.

This article on SB Nation sums it up really well - The Morning After with Omega. Great analysis - and the last paragraph sums up my thoughts exactly.

I wish the loss had been to someone else. I really hate losing to ECU-Columbia.

Football is Upon Us

NC State vs. South Carolina, Charlotte, 3:00, ESPN

Jaylen Samuels

"Oh Lord, Bless this thy JaySam, that with him, thou mayst blow thine enemys to tiny bits, in thy Mercy."

Getting Old is for the Birds

I have developed rheumatoid arthritis.

It started suddenly last month (per the doctor - 'acute onset' - fancy doctor word for sudden).

Pain in my right wrist woke me up early on a Friday morning (July 21 to be exact). It wasn't too awful, so I took an ibuprofen and went to work. It got worse as the day went on. I figured I had somehow sprained my wrist or ligaments or something.

When I got home, it was hurting enough that I had two rum and cokes to help me sleep. Bad Decision. I found out later, alcohol might be a factor. Anyway, about 3 AM Saturday morning I woke up in extreme pain. I mean - it felt like my wrist was burning from the inside, slightest movement caused pain spikes, damn near tears it hurt so bad.

With a lot of difficulty, I drove to the Wake Med (Cary) Emergency Room.

After about 3 hours, I left with a splint, ace bandage, orthopaedic referral and a prescription for something called Norco. The splint helped with the movement pain spikes. The Norco did nothing.

I don't know how this Norco stuff is supposed to be partly responsible for the opioid epidemic. It didn't do s*%t for me. After using 4 of them - I quit taking them. Ibuprofen helped better (found out later it helps with inflammation).

Still in a lot of pain - the appointment with the orthopedic doctor was the following Tuesday. The doctor did a great job of explaining what was going on.

I thought nothing could hurt worse than it already did. I was wrong.

To confirm the diagnosis he had to take a fluid sample from the joint. Folks, you have not lived until you have a needle stuck in your wrist into the joint. Even with the prior cortisone shot - it was an experience I'll never forget. From the cortisone shot, the pain finally subsided in about 3 or so hours.

To bring an overly long story to a conclusion - I'm now on a preventative prescription. It has also developed in my left wrist, but nowhere near the prior pain - so simple ibuprofen takes care of it.

Avoid sugars and carbohydrates in general (which is a good suggestion even without arthritis).

It's prevalent in senior citizens, so you could also avoid getting old as well. 😎

Lessons Learned

Emergency Rooms are for life threatening issues. I should have gone to a 24-hour Emergency Clinic. In fact, there are even 24-hour Orthopaedic Clinics - several in Raleigh.

I have great insurance. Still, the Emergency Room bill (after co-pays and such) is well over a thousand dollars. The ER doctor is billed separately ($330 charge - $100 co-pay).

If I had gone to an Emergency Clinic - BC/BS said my co-pay would have been $100 Clinic co-pay and a doctor co-pay of $100.

(Normal non-emergency orthopaedic co-pays have been $100 x 2 and follow up with my GP $40.)

Total, I'm about $1,350 out of pocket for the ER visit. But I got a really nifty splint and ace bandage!

I wonder what the street value of Norco is? Maybe I could recoup some of my expense.

Live and learn.

More Importantly

Football starts next Saturday. NC State vs the South Carolina Gamechickens - in Charlotte.

Archie and Bella

Not much worth talking about. Work and home are totally normal - which is good.

Doggie sitting for friends H and W. Not much for conversation, but it's nice to have their company.

Archie and Bella

Football

Football starts in two weeks.

A Month Away

College Football is a month away.

After this past Basketball Season, I've become a discouraged NC State alumnus and Wolfpack Club member.

Two basketball seasons ago, we were pretty much out of talent except for Cat Barber. Our second best player got injured in the first half of the first game.

(And was recently denied an additional medical hardship season this year by the NCAA. Because he played in one game. One bleeping game. Those assholes better treat UNC-CHeaters just as crappy).

Our team, outmatched in just about every game, especially the ACC games, still played all out till the buzzer. Shorthanded, we ended up under 50% by one game. Great coaching and motivation.

So the next year (last year), when we had a full, talented, deep roster, with a superstar guard, a superstar center and a starting lineup that would start at just about any ACC school except for maybe Dook and CHeats, we were going to return to the big-time. Heck, we were so deep - our second position guys would be starters at most other schools.

It was a given. With the talent and coaching that kept us competitive when we were out-manned the previous year - it was a sure thing. Dook, CHeats, Louisville - watch out. We're coming after you.

We sucked.

Worse record than even the year before.



New coach. Starting over.

Same as it ever was, same as it ever was.

Football

So what does this have to do with football? Nothing. Not a damn thing.

But, it has made me not want to be optimistic. I put too much emotion into what was gonna happen with basketball. Never again will I do that.

Most pre-season football polls have NC State somewhere between #25 and #30.

If you go to ESPN's Power Ranking Index - they have us at #22 and losing only to FSU, Notre Dame and Clemson. It has us winning close over Louisville and losing close to Notre Dame. So those are toss-ups.

On the other hand, in the summary - it predicts us at 7.5 - 4.5. I guess they figure we'll pull some "NC State S*%t and drop 1 or 2 games we should win. Or lose 3 and upset someone else. Who knows.

There's a lot of talk about a breakthrough season.

A couple of sportswriters (delusional or trolling) have us as a Dark Horse to make the College Football Playoffs. Yeah - right. Somebody's smoking some pretty good stuff.

I'm not buying it. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon.

I'm going to the games, tailgating, and I am going to enjoy myself. I expect nothing. 7 and 5 would be a solid improvement and fine with me. If we do have a breakthrough season, I'll be elated. If we stink up the place? Oh well, so what else is new? Same as it ever was, Same as it ever was.

As long as we beat UNC-CHeaters - I'm happy.

Anyway - we'll see.

Mowing the Grass

Truck Glass

Mowed the grass Sunday.

The driveways are gravel - and when I was mowing grass along one side of the drive, I heard the blade pick up a stone. I hate it when that happens. It damages the blades - sometimes to the point where they can't be sharpened and have to be replaced.

After I was done, I put the mower back into the garage. Later, went back outside to move the truck back into the garage as well. Suprise!

Murphy's Law - the stone dinged more than just the mower blade.

Howard's Auto Glass will be out Wednesday to replace the door window - $185 which I think is pretty reasonable.

Chickens

On a completely different and unrelated topic - my neighbor's chickens got loose the other day. Which they do on occasion. They usually don't stray too far and his kids gather them back up.

Camping

Been awhile since I've made an entry.

Went camping with friends over the long weekend. Part of a larger organized group that puts together music and such. Took a few days off work to extend the trip.

Had a good time, as always.

Good friends, great music. One of the guys brought his pig cooker (wood; not gas) and a 140 lb pig. Pork BBQ right off the hog - man - that is good eating.

The camping is somewhere between back packing and car camping. Drive in - set up the tent and canopy. Air mattresses, camp chairs and tables. But no running water or electricity. You can get ice everyday to keep your food and coolers chill.

No shower or shave since Thursday. The shower at home last night was nice. And we forget just how nice indoor plumbing with running water is.

Just got back from Upper Cuts in Sanford. That's a local barber shop - black owned. Got rid of the 5 day beard with a straight razor shave. For you guys out there - if you've never had one - try it. It's some of the best money you'll ever spend. Get the full - hot towel - 3 passes (close) shave. It's wonderful.

Tomorrow - back to work.

K2 +Saturday Addendum

Realistically, it was a slim possibility to hire a proven, successful Head Coach or, more likely, a mid-major Coach with potential.

My list was - in order -

1) Gregg Marshall

and then a long drop to -

2) Chris Holtmann 3) Will Wade 4) Kevin Keatts

We got Keatts.

Now that the dust has settled, there's been time to read some post-selection articles and see a video or two.

Gregg Marshall is an asshat. Everybody knows that. He gets Technical Fouls all the time. And seems he gets ejected from a game at least once every season. I like him. A lot. LOL

But then - Gregg Marshall's wife got out of control at their NCAA game vs. Kentucky. What a [bleeping] witch! Granted, she's not the coach. But you expect the coach's wife to act - well - NOT like a [bleeping] witch.

Besides, Marshall has a sweet gig at Wichita State. I wouldn't leave for NC State either. Wichita State is the next Gonzaga or Butler. They are on the way to the Final Four - sooner rather than later. Plus - he's already making serious Power 5 money.

Chris Holtmann is still in the tournament. He's being mentioned for any one of the openings - including Indiana. He'd do well there. If not Gregg Marshall, I'd take Holtmann over Archie Miller any day.

Dr. Yow didn't want to wait and by all reports - it was Wade or Keats. In the interviews - it was Keats overwhelmingly.

Will Wade has now been hired by LSU. Good grief! Have you read some of the tweets and reports out of VCU? The players are pretty much happy he's gone. And there appears to be no love lost between him and the Athletics Department.

Wow! Seems Mr. Wade has some anger management issues. Well Wade, you can have them - as long as you're super successful (e.g. Gregg Marshall or Bobby Knight or Norm Sloan).

By contrast - Coach Keatts is well liked by everyone. His days at Louisville are well spoken of as is his long tenure at Hargrave. And he's super liked down in Wilmington.

His Head Coaching resume, while a bit thin, is all success.

And take a look at this - Coach Keatts put this full page ad in the Wilmington and UNCW campus newspapers -

I think Dr. Debbie Yow knows what she's doing.

Finally - and possibly most importantly - the State intertubenetwebz seems to have decided on Coach Keatts' nickname - K2. That works on so many different levels.

Welcome to NC State Coach Keatts.

Wolfpack fans are passionate, loud, supportive and maybe just a little bit psychotic. But we're taking our meds regularly now - so it's all good.

UNCheats

Dook - DOOK - DOOOOOK - why, oh why, did you lose?**

I hate having to pull for Carolina.

Go Smurfs.

Saturday Addendum

Indiana hired Archie Miller today.

We passed on Archie, both last time (when we hired Gottfried) and this time (although some reports say Archie indicated he was no longer interested in coming to NC State).

With Archie taking over a storied, top tier, program - we will get to see if he can live up to his 'potential'.

I wish all the best luck to him.


** Really Virginia? What the . . ? That was just embarrassing.

Starting Over - Again

Basketball

This was supposed to be the year.

No more 'wait till next year'.

This was the year that we had very good returning players and one of the best (ranked as high as 4th) recruiting classes in the nation. Not quite Dook or UNC - but close. It was supposed to be the start of a resurgent NC State Basketball Powerhouse.

Didn't happen.

We didn't stumble - we didn't miss by a little - we failed miserably. Never even came close.

We even struggled during the 'warm up season' playing small, overmatched schools. We won - games that were much too close.

When the ACC season started it became painfully obvious we had serious problems. We played like the pre-season hype twice - against VT and Dook. The rest of the games - usually not even close. And set a losing score record over at UNCHeats. The wheels came off the bus.

It's just a game. But it's a game that I spend (what is for me) serious money on tickets and Wolfpack Club dues. I realize it's 18 and 19 year old kids out there - but this year's performance was inexcusable.

I have never been more disappointed since I joined the Wolfpack Club 30+ years ago.

Even still - I would have given Coach Gottfried another year to turn the ship around. It's clear he's made some serious missteps - but I still think he's a coach with unlimited potential.

AD Yow decided to make a change. The search is underway but results won't be known till after the NCAA Tournament.

I think State has to take a chance on an up and coming coach. There's about 6 guys out there that are excellent candidates.

My choice would be Will Wade at Virginia Commonwealth University. He'd be a great fit.

Anyway - I'll still enjoy the NCAAT. Like I did during the Sidney Lowe years. It's a ton of fun to watch.

Look out for Florida State.

ABC. I believe those rat bastards can win it all. Sigh . . .

Garage Doors, Pot Roast and Basketball +Addendum

Garage Door

Somebody fired off a pistol in the garage Sunday Sunday (before the game).

At least, that's what it sounded like. Went to the garage, looked around - nothing wrong. Until we started to leave for Erica and Chip's Superbowl party. Garage door wouldn't open.

Turns out - one of the springs had snapped. Had to lift the door manually and get the trucks out. Service guy came out a couple days later and replaced the springs. $250 turn key. About average price around here.

Pot Roast

Had some sirloin (uncooked) left over from the Superbowl. Made another Pot Roast yesterday (Tuesday).

Set it up Tuesday AM - it was ready when I got home from work. Instead of small new or red potatoes - wrapped up 2 sweet potatoes and put them into the slow cooker as well. Everything turned out perfectly.

UNCheats at NC State

News reports have been all over that Coach Gottfried is going to be fired this year. Maybe even after tonight's game if we get blown out like everybody expects.

Irrespective of how I feel about keeping or firing Gott - Totally unprofessional the way the news has leaked out.

If the leak was from NCSU staff - I hope Yow finds them and fires them - cuts off their head - and sticks their head on a pike outside the Case Athletics Center.

Really pisses me off when things like this happen this way.

Of course, I'm also pissed off about how this season has gone.

NC State 'Stuff' for sure.

I'll add to this post after tonight's game.

Addendum

Lost by 24 points.

State is currently 14 - 13 overall and 3 - 11 ACC.

We have a young but highly talented team. Even taking into account we're usually 3 freshmen and 2 upperclassmen on the floor - our record should still be far, far better than this.

In the ACC - we have played two brilliant games - a few average games with close losses - but mostly - we've given up and lost by dozens and dozens of points.

Something is dramatically wrong with this team.

We should be, if not in the top 25, darn close. And a lock for the NCAA Tournament with a good seeding.

Unless a miracle occurs - we're headed for an overall losing record and the worst ACC record in modern times. With the best players since Jim Valvano's days.

We know we have talent. We know Coach Gottfried can recruit. We know Gott has had success in getting great playing out of his teams. I'm at a complete loss at what has happened this year.

This was supposed to be THE year State started it's return to big time basketball success. No more 'Wait Till Next Year'. Instead - this has been the biggest team collapse I've ever seen at NC State.

I have no clue as to what's wrong or how to fix it.

We Now Return to Our Regularly Scheduled Disappointment

How It's Done

OK UNC players, pay attention! This is how you Flop.

400

Been awhile since I've posted. Mainly because work is routine, home is routine and NC State Basketball has been disappointing.

Very disappointing.

Until last night.

Coach Gottfried got his 400th win. It was special.

Game Recap

Coach Gottfried

Game Recap - Partisan NC State Version