Friday, February 29, 2008
Hat In The Ring
Oh look - A self-absorbed pretentious prima donna has announced his candidacy for president.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
The Bridges of Chatham County
This morning I went over to Cumnock to take some photos of the Camelback Bridge. It’s a pretty pin truss bridge – pedestrians only, of course, and part of a park.
But afterwards, I drove about 4 miles north to the Rocky River Bridge. Another pin truss bridge, that is still in service.
Yep – this bridge is just about as old as the Camelback and has a wood plank single lane deck.
It’s on Chatham Church Road and is not too far south of Pittsboro NC. Actually, it’s not too far (as the crow flies) from my house.
The road leading up to one end is paved; the other side is a gravel road. Both roads are state roads, as is the bridge. Having a gravel road leading up to one end discourages anything but local traffic.
Frankly, I like this bridge a lot better since it’s the real deal and you can drive over it.
View Larger Map
But afterwards, I drove about 4 miles north to the Rocky River Bridge. Another pin truss bridge, that is still in service.
Yep – this bridge is just about as old as the Camelback and has a wood plank single lane deck.
It’s on Chatham Church Road and is not too far south of Pittsboro NC. Actually, it’s not too far (as the crow flies) from my house.
The road leading up to one end is paved; the other side is a gravel road. Both roads are state roads, as is the bridge. Having a gravel road leading up to one end discourages anything but local traffic.
Frankly, I like this bridge a lot better since it’s the real deal and you can drive over it.
View Larger Map
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, February 23rd
Nothing exciting going on this week or weekend.
I’ve been getting the hot tub chemistry set up and balanced. Everything seems to be working well.
The tulips are coming up nicely in all the pots. It’s going to drop into the 20s later this week so I’ll probably need to bring them inside for a couple of nights.
As far as basketball is concerned, we’re just going through the motions at this point. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t win another game this season. There are only 2 home games remaining; this week vs. Florida State and next Saturday vs. Duke.
Today I’ve been cleaning up the house and doing laundry and such.
Thursday evening I pick up Nuke at the airport. He’ll be back for his 3 week break.
At the moment, I’ve been taking a break from chores and watching North By Northwest on TV. What a classic movie. As I’m writing this entry, it’s just past the fake shooting in the cafeteria at Mt. Rushmore.
I’ve been getting the hot tub chemistry set up and balanced. Everything seems to be working well.
Today I’ve been cleaning up the house and doing laundry and such.
Thursday evening I pick up Nuke at the airport. He’ll be back for his 3 week break.
At the moment, I’ve been taking a break from chores and watching North By Northwest on TV. What a classic movie. As I’m writing this entry, it’s just past the fake shooting in the cafeteria at Mt. Rushmore.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Tulips and Daffodils
Lazy Sunday afternoon. The Daytona 500 has just started and I’m watching that on the HD TV my nephew and niece gave me.
This morning I went into Pittsboro for breakfast, grocery store and Lowes. Got the flood lights changed and made some final adjustments to the motion detectors (using the ladder my nephew and niece gave me).
Danny the electrician came by and we fiddled with the hot tub. Had switches plugged into the wrong receptacle – got that squared away and the hot tub pumps are running and the water is heating up.
Hopefully the hot tub is finally fixed and working. I’ve missed having it.
Basketball
State played hard yesterday but lost in the final minute to Clemson. We’re now 4 and 7 in the conference. I don’t see us making the NCAAs this year.
Next game is Wednesday night against UNC. It sure would make me feel a whole lot better if we could beat them – but that’s just not gonna happen.
Tulips and Daffodils
While I was puttering around on the deck – I saw where the tulips are poking through in all 3 planter pots.
Seems a bit early – but I guess the plants know what they’re doing.
I planted the bulbs last fall and covered the soil first with chicken wire and then rock chips to keep the squirrels and raccoons from digging up and eating the bulbs.
They tried. You could see where they’d knock off a rock here and there – but I put enough on so the critters haven’t been able to dig through.
I wasn’t sure if I had put on too much rock and if the plants would be able to grow – but – sure enough – they’re coming through.
We’ll see how that turns out.
I planted the tulips and daffodils because I was tired of having to plant flowers each year. Plus – the deck faces directly south and if flowers are any sort of delicate – they die. Hopefully bulb flowers will do better.
This morning I went into Pittsboro for breakfast, grocery store and Lowes. Got the flood lights changed and made some final adjustments to the motion detectors (using the ladder my nephew and niece gave me).
Danny the electrician came by and we fiddled with the hot tub. Had switches plugged into the wrong receptacle – got that squared away and the hot tub pumps are running and the water is heating up.
Hopefully the hot tub is finally fixed and working. I’ve missed having it.
Basketball
State played hard yesterday but lost in the final minute to Clemson. We’re now 4 and 7 in the conference. I don’t see us making the NCAAs this year.
Next game is Wednesday night against UNC. It sure would make me feel a whole lot better if we could beat them – but that’s just not gonna happen.
Tulips and Daffodils
While I was puttering around on the deck – I saw where the tulips are poking through in all 3 planter pots.
Seems a bit early – but I guess the plants know what they’re doing.
I planted the bulbs last fall and covered the soil first with chicken wire and then rock chips to keep the squirrels and raccoons from digging up and eating the bulbs.
They tried. You could see where they’d knock off a rock here and there – but I put enough on so the critters haven’t been able to dig through.
I wasn’t sure if I had put on too much rock and if the plants would be able to grow – but – sure enough – they’re coming through.
We’ll see how that turns out.
I planted the tulips and daffodils because I was tired of having to plant flowers each year. Plus – the deck faces directly south and if flowers are any sort of delicate – they die. Hopefully bulb flowers will do better.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
NCSU at BC +Addendum
Here’s a link to a USA Today column that is updated about twice a week. It's a who’s in, who’s out of the NCAA on a week by week basis.
Here's the direct web address:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2008-bubble.htm
State was supposed to be the solid number 3 team in the ACC, a top 25 team for sure and maybe even a top 10 team. We were supposed to be making Duke and UNC sweat all season.
What a disappointment.
As it stands – UNC and Duke are the locks for the NCAA.
Right now, at best, the ACC is possibly deserving of a total of 4 teams in the tournament. Only 4 teams from what should be the preeminent power basketball conference.
How times have changed.
The way I see it – Clemson and Maryland are teams 3 and 4 right now.
If (and that’s a big IF) the ACC should go 5 deep – who in the world would be team number 5? State? VT? BC? GT? As far as I can tell – the middle of the ACC is pretty much middling.
I could make a case for 4 teams in the NCAA and 6 teams in the NIT. Leaving only 2 teams at home.
LOL
What a strange year for the ACC.
Anyway – it’s the second half of the season and if the Wolfpack wants a chance at the Big Dance – they’d better figure out how to play a solid 40 minute game. In a hurry.
Tonight at Boston College would be a good place to start.
Chip is going with me to the Clemson game Saturday. Lt. Col. Fritz has asked to go to the Duke game in 2 weeks. UNC and FSU games have not been claimed yet.
Coaching
When Herbie left for Arizona State, one of my favorite possible coaches was Kelvin Sampson.
At the time, he had gotten in a bit of NCAA trouble at Oklahoma and left for Indiana. He’s a successful coach and I figured the problems at Oklahoma were just a one time / learning curve deal.
Interestingly at the time, Kelvin never seemed to make it on the short list rumor mill. There was some talk, but most of it was that he wasn’t the type of coach we wanted at NC State. I often wondered if it was some latent racism – Kelvin’s a Lumbee Indian from southeastern NC.
Turns out – the folks ‘in the know’ knew what they were doing. Kelvin’s in some serious trouble at Indiana. Very serious and numerous NCAA violations. Not mistake type stuff – but out and out disregard the rules stuff.
Yikes – it’s good I wasn’t in charge of the search.
I’m so glad we got Sidney Lowe (current season not withstanding).
BTW
By the way – I’ve quit smoking.
Addendum
We stunk up the place last night. Not completely - we'd make a run - but we never took charge when we got close.
In the newspaper, Coach Lowe rightly pointed out that we can't win when only 3 or 4 guys show up to play.
I think he's starting to get a little pissed off.
It's about time.
Here's the direct web address:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/mensbasketball/2008-bubble.htm
State was supposed to be the solid number 3 team in the ACC, a top 25 team for sure and maybe even a top 10 team. We were supposed to be making Duke and UNC sweat all season.
What a disappointment.
As it stands – UNC and Duke are the locks for the NCAA.
Right now, at best, the ACC is possibly deserving of a total of 4 teams in the tournament. Only 4 teams from what should be the preeminent power basketball conference.
How times have changed.
The way I see it – Clemson and Maryland are teams 3 and 4 right now.
If (and that’s a big IF) the ACC should go 5 deep – who in the world would be team number 5? State? VT? BC? GT? As far as I can tell – the middle of the ACC is pretty much middling.
I could make a case for 4 teams in the NCAA and 6 teams in the NIT. Leaving only 2 teams at home.
LOL
What a strange year for the ACC.
Anyway – it’s the second half of the season and if the Wolfpack wants a chance at the Big Dance – they’d better figure out how to play a solid 40 minute game. In a hurry.
Tonight at Boston College would be a good place to start.
Chip is going with me to the Clemson game Saturday. Lt. Col. Fritz has asked to go to the Duke game in 2 weeks. UNC and FSU games have not been claimed yet.
Coaching
When Herbie left for Arizona State, one of my favorite possible coaches was Kelvin Sampson.
At the time, he had gotten in a bit of NCAA trouble at Oklahoma and left for Indiana. He’s a successful coach and I figured the problems at Oklahoma were just a one time / learning curve deal.
Interestingly at the time, Kelvin never seemed to make it on the short list rumor mill. There was some talk, but most of it was that he wasn’t the type of coach we wanted at NC State. I often wondered if it was some latent racism – Kelvin’s a Lumbee Indian from southeastern NC.
Turns out – the folks ‘in the know’ knew what they were doing. Kelvin’s in some serious trouble at Indiana. Very serious and numerous NCAA violations. Not mistake type stuff – but out and out disregard the rules stuff.
Yikes – it’s good I wasn’t in charge of the search.
I’m so glad we got Sidney Lowe (current season not withstanding).
BTW
By the way – I’ve quit smoking.
Addendum
We stunk up the place last night. Not completely - we'd make a run - but we never took charge when we got close.
In the newspaper, Coach Lowe rightly pointed out that we can't win when only 3 or 4 guys show up to play.
I think he's starting to get a little pissed off.
It's about time.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Primary
It appears that McCain has the Republican nomination wrapped up. Of course, Huckleberry is still out there waving the flag for the NeoNaziCons. But – McCain will be the nominee.
That leaves the Democrat nomination still up in the air.
I’m registered as an independent. Actually, in North Carolina, it’s called unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters can decide at the polls which primary they want to vote in.
The NC primary is held in May. The candidates usually have their nominations all locked up by then. But not this year for the Democrats. The NC primary might actually be important for a change.
I honestly don’t know who to vote for in the primary – Clinton or Obama.
I’ve visited their web sites, read the news, and generally stay pretty well informed. But I really don’t know which would be the better candidate.
So – for those of you that know me – feel free to weigh in with your opinions when you see me.
For once – I actually want to hear what you have to say.
One thing for sure – we’ll have a real choice for much needed change come November between Clinton or Obama and McCain.
Clemson at UNC
Clemson lost to UNC in an intense double overtime game at UNC Sunday evening.
Refereeing is a tough job.
Griping about the referees is a time honored tradition. We all know that the ref's try to be fair and even handed - but we still get on their case and blame them for being biased for the other team in every game.
However - during the Clemson UNC game - Carolina got to shoot 36 free throws - Clemson got to shoot 7.
WTF?????
When you're behind at the very end of the game - you foul hoping for a miss and rebound. Even with that - there is absolutely no way that Clemson committed 5 TIMES as many fouls as Carolina.
That's just effing Bull-S*%$.
I hope the ACC is reviewing the tapes of that game.
Somebody needs to have a come to Jesus meeting or possibly even told to turn in their zebra shirt.
That leaves the Democrat nomination still up in the air.
I’m registered as an independent. Actually, in North Carolina, it’s called unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters can decide at the polls which primary they want to vote in.
The NC primary is held in May. The candidates usually have their nominations all locked up by then. But not this year for the Democrats. The NC primary might actually be important for a change.
I honestly don’t know who to vote for in the primary – Clinton or Obama.
I’ve visited their web sites, read the news, and generally stay pretty well informed. But I really don’t know which would be the better candidate.
So – for those of you that know me – feel free to weigh in with your opinions when you see me.
For once – I actually want to hear what you have to say.
One thing for sure – we’ll have a real choice for much needed change come November between Clinton or Obama and McCain.
Clemson at UNC
Clemson lost to UNC in an intense double overtime game at UNC Sunday evening.
Refereeing is a tough job.
Griping about the referees is a time honored tradition. We all know that the ref's try to be fair and even handed - but we still get on their case and blame them for being biased for the other team in every game.
However - during the Clemson UNC game - Carolina got to shoot 36 free throws - Clemson got to shoot 7.
WTF?????
When you're behind at the very end of the game - you foul hoping for a miss and rebound. Even with that - there is absolutely no way that Clemson committed 5 TIMES as many fouls as Carolina.
That's just effing Bull-S*%$.
I hope the ACC is reviewing the tapes of that game.
Somebody needs to have a come to Jesus meeting or possibly even told to turn in their zebra shirt.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
This Is A Typical Weekend
My home life is pretty mundane and boring. Here’s a rather lengthy account of a completely typical weekend.
Friday
I took a couple hours off Friday to take Nuke’s car in for servicing of the ignition system. From the time I left the office, got home, changed cars, drove over to the service center in Durham, and drove back – it took about 4 hours.
I’m feeling much much better, but I’m still a bit sick from the sinus attack so I was pretty tired when I got home.
Warmed up some left over pizza for dinner and that was about the last thing I remember.
I’m still so worn out from being sick – I honestly don’t remember going to bed. I did go to bed – just don’t remember it. I’d guess I went to bed by 7 PM.
Saturday
I slept in pretty late. I got up around 10 or so. That’s about the latest I’ve slept in years.
Puttered around the house. Did some cleaning and laundry. In the afternoon I took Nuke’s car to get it inspected. His inspection expired in November so he’s kind of late to say the least.
Got over to the oil change / inspection place around 2:15. Their hours are posted as being open till 3 on Saturdays – but – sure enough – they were closed. A couple of guys were inside but they were locked up and the closed sign was in the glass garage door.
Well, that’s a sure way to never get my business again. That’s the Vavoline Instant Oil Change – at the intersection of US 15-501 and Pittsboro-Moncure Road just south of Pittsboro, NC.
So – I drove on over to the all in one Coffee Shop / Car Wash / Dog Wash place in Pittsboro. That’s right – all the essential services in one small building / company. With drive through.
Got a small latte and then went over to Allen and Sons Bar-B-Que just north of Pittsboro. Had the tray with slaw and rolls.
Came on back home and worked on the hot tub.
The hot tub has been having problems for quite a while as those who read this blog regularly may recall from my earlier entries.
Anyway – Danny finally came back and installed the pump about 2 weeks ago. The tub is still sitting on top of the deck (it fits into a recess in the deck).
We still needed to reinstall the insulation boards and attach the side panels – so that’s what I did.
I also removed all the bottom screws in all the side panels and trim pieces. Hopefully, when the tub is put back into it’s recess – only the top and middle screws need be removed and the panels pulled up and out for access. Thus – no longer having to lift this god awful heavy hot tub.
Saturday evening I watched the NC State at Maryland game on TV. State played a great first half but got totally run over in the second half. We seem to make a habit of having those kinds of games this year.
Sunday
I woke up around 4 AM this morning.
Went into the living room and turned on the TV.
Just as I was drifing off back to sleep - I heard the garage door rattle - rather loudly. No wind.
While still half asleep - I decided to investigate.
Not really thinking - I got a large kitchen knife while wishing I had something to swing instead - like a baseball bat. Completly forgetting that I've got large, long and very heavy fireplace tools right in front of me. But then again - I really am not quite awake.
Looked in the garage - nothing.
It was probably a raccoon trying to climb up - and get to the windows in the room over the garage. The 2 that I feed are very brazen and brave - and my money is on one of them.
Went back to the couch - still not quite awake - and went to sleep there.
Woke up later at a more typical time – around 7. Cereal with fruit for breakfast. Then went up to Cary to get Nuke’s car inspected and the oil changed.
BTW – the reason I’m taking care of Nuke’s car maintenance is because he’s working in Algeria and he farked around (as usual) and didn’t take care of all his stuff before he left.
Oh well, he’s got a great job which is good and is gone 6 weeks at a time so I’ve got the house all to myself – which is also good. And, I get all the peace and quiet that comes with it.
So - doing a few chores for Nuke is no big deal. Besides - he's my friend and would do the same for me. I'm just bitching and griping.
Anyway – Jiffy Lube opens at 10 on Sundays – I’m the second one there. Got the car taken care of and was back home by noon.
This afternoon I took about half of my recycling to the local center. I couldn’t take it all because CK has borrowed my truck and my car has limited capacity. I’ll have to get the rest of the recycling done next weekend.
CK said he only needs the truck for a couple of weeks. I said to keep it through February. Already looking forward to getting it back. I do use it on weekends and it's a pain when it's not here.
It’s amazing. Since Nuke’s been gone – it’s taken me 3 weeks to fill up the trash cans in the garage. Very little trash when you live by yourself. All the recycling is plastic milk jugs (mine) and a ton of glass beer bottles (Nuke’s).
I also went by the library to return a couple of books and to check out some new ones.
DB has been after me to read John Irving. I read The World According to Garp many many years ago. DB says The Hotel New Hampshire is Irving’s best. It wasn’t on the shelf so I looked it up on the computer.
Checked out and due back in May, 1990. Notation says presumed lost. Gee – ya think?
Checked out A Prayer For Owen Meany instead.
Stopped at the Bay Breeze Restaurant after the library – and also started reading the book.
It was at the restaurant that I decided to write up this entry.
I ordered and was reading when the waitress brought my salad. With Thousand Island dressing. Which I never order. It's not that I don't like it - I'm just a creature of habit and always get Bleu Cheese or Ranch, or sometimes just oil and vinegar.
So I'm getting ready to eat the salad and musing if I somehow mistakenly ordered the Thousand Island. Of course I didn't - but I also didn't specifically remember what I ordered.
So - I'm sitting there wondering if I had really ordered the wrong dressing and if it's one of those 'senior moment' things. And contemplating possible memory loss and life on a Sunday afternoon in general. That's when I thought I'd write up my typically boring weekend.
BTW - The Thousand Island dressing was nice for a change.
After the late lunch – off to the grocery store – milk and some basics.
Got home and got out the ladder to see if I could fix one of my outdoor flood lights. One of the lights won’t light up (dual fixture). It had gotten knocked about – I think by squirrels or raccoons. I re-aimed the motion detector and tightened the wires and connections. Hopefully I got it fixed.
I’m home now. Have music playing on the computer / stereo and I’m getting ready to sit back and enjoy the book.
Also this weekend I cleaned and washed my electric shaver (weekly chore); caught up on my week's worth of mail stacked up on the dinning room table; went to the post office; did some filing and I'm sure some other stuff I can't recall.
And that’s about it for a typical weekend.
Friday
I took a couple hours off Friday to take Nuke’s car in for servicing of the ignition system. From the time I left the office, got home, changed cars, drove over to the service center in Durham, and drove back – it took about 4 hours.
I’m feeling much much better, but I’m still a bit sick from the sinus attack so I was pretty tired when I got home.
Warmed up some left over pizza for dinner and that was about the last thing I remember.
I’m still so worn out from being sick – I honestly don’t remember going to bed. I did go to bed – just don’t remember it. I’d guess I went to bed by 7 PM.
Saturday
I slept in pretty late. I got up around 10 or so. That’s about the latest I’ve slept in years.
Puttered around the house. Did some cleaning and laundry. In the afternoon I took Nuke’s car to get it inspected. His inspection expired in November so he’s kind of late to say the least.
Got over to the oil change / inspection place around 2:15. Their hours are posted as being open till 3 on Saturdays – but – sure enough – they were closed. A couple of guys were inside but they were locked up and the closed sign was in the glass garage door.
Well, that’s a sure way to never get my business again. That’s the Vavoline Instant Oil Change – at the intersection of US 15-501 and Pittsboro-Moncure Road just south of Pittsboro, NC.
So – I drove on over to the all in one Coffee Shop / Car Wash / Dog Wash place in Pittsboro. That’s right – all the essential services in one small building / company. With drive through.
Got a small latte and then went over to Allen and Sons Bar-B-Que just north of Pittsboro. Had the tray with slaw and rolls.
Came on back home and worked on the hot tub.
The hot tub has been having problems for quite a while as those who read this blog regularly may recall from my earlier entries.
Anyway – Danny finally came back and installed the pump about 2 weeks ago. The tub is still sitting on top of the deck (it fits into a recess in the deck).
We still needed to reinstall the insulation boards and attach the side panels – so that’s what I did.
I also removed all the bottom screws in all the side panels and trim pieces. Hopefully, when the tub is put back into it’s recess – only the top and middle screws need be removed and the panels pulled up and out for access. Thus – no longer having to lift this god awful heavy hot tub.
Saturday evening I watched the NC State at Maryland game on TV. State played a great first half but got totally run over in the second half. We seem to make a habit of having those kinds of games this year.
Sunday
I woke up around 4 AM this morning.
Went into the living room and turned on the TV.
Just as I was drifing off back to sleep - I heard the garage door rattle - rather loudly. No wind.
While still half asleep - I decided to investigate.
Not really thinking - I got a large kitchen knife while wishing I had something to swing instead - like a baseball bat. Completly forgetting that I've got large, long and very heavy fireplace tools right in front of me. But then again - I really am not quite awake.
Looked in the garage - nothing.
It was probably a raccoon trying to climb up - and get to the windows in the room over the garage. The 2 that I feed are very brazen and brave - and my money is on one of them.
Went back to the couch - still not quite awake - and went to sleep there.
Woke up later at a more typical time – around 7. Cereal with fruit for breakfast. Then went up to Cary to get Nuke’s car inspected and the oil changed.
BTW – the reason I’m taking care of Nuke’s car maintenance is because he’s working in Algeria and he farked around (as usual) and didn’t take care of all his stuff before he left.
Oh well, he’s got a great job which is good and is gone 6 weeks at a time so I’ve got the house all to myself – which is also good. And, I get all the peace and quiet that comes with it.
So - doing a few chores for Nuke is no big deal. Besides - he's my friend and would do the same for me. I'm just bitching and griping.
Anyway – Jiffy Lube opens at 10 on Sundays – I’m the second one there. Got the car taken care of and was back home by noon.
This afternoon I took about half of my recycling to the local center. I couldn’t take it all because CK has borrowed my truck and my car has limited capacity. I’ll have to get the rest of the recycling done next weekend.
CK said he only needs the truck for a couple of weeks. I said to keep it through February. Already looking forward to getting it back. I do use it on weekends and it's a pain when it's not here.
It’s amazing. Since Nuke’s been gone – it’s taken me 3 weeks to fill up the trash cans in the garage. Very little trash when you live by yourself. All the recycling is plastic milk jugs (mine) and a ton of glass beer bottles (Nuke’s).
I also went by the library to return a couple of books and to check out some new ones.
DB has been after me to read John Irving. I read The World According to Garp many many years ago. DB says The Hotel New Hampshire is Irving’s best. It wasn’t on the shelf so I looked it up on the computer.
Checked out and due back in May, 1990. Notation says presumed lost. Gee – ya think?
Checked out A Prayer For Owen Meany instead.
Stopped at the Bay Breeze Restaurant after the library – and also started reading the book.
It was at the restaurant that I decided to write up this entry.
I ordered and was reading when the waitress brought my salad. With Thousand Island dressing. Which I never order. It's not that I don't like it - I'm just a creature of habit and always get Bleu Cheese or Ranch, or sometimes just oil and vinegar.
So I'm getting ready to eat the salad and musing if I somehow mistakenly ordered the Thousand Island. Of course I didn't - but I also didn't specifically remember what I ordered.
So - I'm sitting there wondering if I had really ordered the wrong dressing and if it's one of those 'senior moment' things. And contemplating possible memory loss and life on a Sunday afternoon in general. That's when I thought I'd write up my typically boring weekend.
BTW - The Thousand Island dressing was nice for a change.
After the late lunch – off to the grocery store – milk and some basics.
Got home and got out the ladder to see if I could fix one of my outdoor flood lights. One of the lights won’t light up (dual fixture). It had gotten knocked about – I think by squirrels or raccoons. I re-aimed the motion detector and tightened the wires and connections. Hopefully I got it fixed.
I’m home now. Have music playing on the computer / stereo and I’m getting ready to sit back and enjoy the book.
Also this weekend I cleaned and washed my electric shaver (weekly chore); caught up on my week's worth of mail stacked up on the dinning room table; went to the post office; did some filing and I'm sure some other stuff I can't recall.
And that’s about it for a typical weekend.
Friday, February 08, 2008
South Carolina Gamecock Fan
2008 ACC Football schedules were released today.
NC State opens the season with an August 28 Thursday night ESPN game at South Carolina.
This scene from Der Untergang is used a lot in spoofs and parodies. This video was posted back in November (during Football season) – but it’s still pretty darn funny.
College Football National Signing Day was this week – and the football schedule was announced - so today's as good a time as any to link to it.
Of course, it helps to know who he’s talking about – especially the dry references to Bobby Cremmins and Dave Odom. Still pretty funny even if you don’t get all the inside jokes.
Back when this was first sent this to me – South Carolina had been way over ranked at number 6. Then they got humiliated by Florida and the next week lost to their despised ACC rivals Clemson. This video, of course, was probably done up by a Clemson fan.
South Carolina was once part of the original ACC. Then they went independent. Then they joined the SEC.
ACC rivalries are pretty passionate. When you play a team like Carolina or Duke, you like nothing better than to beat them. But when they play outside of conference – you pull for them. Even UNC.
When it comes to outside the ACC, there are some teams like those posers at East Carolina that you just want to lose - every time.
And South Carolina? You want them to lose. You want them to lose badly. You want them humiliated. And then - you want them to get caught for cheating and get the Death Penalty from the NCAA.
Unfortunately – I suspect that South Carolina will likely whup up on NC State when we play in August.
NC State opens the season with an August 28 Thursday night ESPN game at South Carolina.
This scene from Der Untergang is used a lot in spoofs and parodies. This video was posted back in November (during Football season) – but it’s still pretty darn funny.
College Football National Signing Day was this week – and the football schedule was announced - so today's as good a time as any to link to it.
Of course, it helps to know who he’s talking about – especially the dry references to Bobby Cremmins and Dave Odom. Still pretty funny even if you don’t get all the inside jokes.
Back when this was first sent this to me – South Carolina had been way over ranked at number 6. Then they got humiliated by Florida and the next week lost to their despised ACC rivals Clemson. This video, of course, was probably done up by a Clemson fan.
South Carolina was once part of the original ACC. Then they went independent. Then they joined the SEC.
ACC rivalries are pretty passionate. When you play a team like Carolina or Duke, you like nothing better than to beat them. But when they play outside of conference – you pull for them. Even UNC.
When it comes to outside the ACC, there are some teams like those posers at East Carolina that you just want to lose - every time.
And South Carolina? You want them to lose. You want them to lose badly. You want them humiliated. And then - you want them to get caught for cheating and get the Death Penalty from the NCAA.
Unfortunately – I suspect that South Carolina will likely whup up on NC State when we play in August.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Still Sick - But Not As Bad
Still sick - but not as bad. Getting better - slowly - but getting better.
Didn't go to the VT at NCSU game last night - watched it on TV instead.
Man - where did that NCSU team come from? Up by 20 points in the first half? On VT which is currently in 3rd place in the ACC?
Frankly, this is how NC State was supposed to have been playing all year. We were supposed to be the very solid, almost dominating team in very close third place (behind Duke) and supposed to be putting a scare into Carolina.
Hmmmmm . . . . .
Anyway - better late than never. But - that doesn't mean we're going to dominate the rest of the season. You can still see in last night's game how weak we are in some positions. Getting better - slowly - but getting better.
Tonight Duke is at Carolina. It's their first game since last year when Tyler Hanswhinebaby got his nose bopped by Henderson.
This could be fun. Too bad they're not playing at Duke - the Cameron Crazies would surely have something creative to greet Tyler with.
Here's the link to my entry last year about that game and foul - complete with YouTube video link.
Didn't go to the VT at NCSU game last night - watched it on TV instead.
Man - where did that NCSU team come from? Up by 20 points in the first half? On VT which is currently in 3rd place in the ACC?
Frankly, this is how NC State was supposed to have been playing all year. We were supposed to be the very solid, almost dominating team in very close third place (behind Duke) and supposed to be putting a scare into Carolina.
Hmmmmm . . . . .
Anyway - better late than never. But - that doesn't mean we're going to dominate the rest of the season. You can still see in last night's game how weak we are in some positions. Getting better - slowly - but getting better.
Tonight Duke is at Carolina. It's their first game since last year when Tyler Hanswhinebaby got his nose bopped by Henderson.
This could be fun. Too bad they're not playing at Duke - the Cameron Crazies would surely have something creative to greet Tyler with.
Here's the link to my entry last year about that game and foul - complete with YouTube video link.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Fun Games
Got to see 2 fun games yesterday.
Everyone knows about Superbowl Extra-Large 2 and the Giants’ come from behind last minute win.
The NC State – Wake Forest game was similar – for Wolfpack fans.
State never led until 2:50 left in the game.
The final 3 minutes were back and forth with neither team more than 3 points ahead.
State was usually ahead and fouled – but we missed 4 out of 5 free throws. Jeeezzzz!
So – Wake Forest scores with 5 seconds left to tie the game.
State (McCauley) in bounds – Grant puts up a long shot that is just off the mark – Ben McCauley is there for the rebound and slam dunks the ball with somewhere between 0.1 and 0.0 time left. The buzzer and light go off as the ball is going through the net.
Yep – Ben McC in bounded the ball and went the entire length of the floor in 5 seconds and was under the basket for the rebound and slam dunk.
Yikes – what a game. Here's the last shot and dunk:
Now - let's watch it again and follow what Ben McC does.
Ben McC is number 34. He in bounds the ball and is still headed down the court when Grant puts up the shot. Ben is just passing the NCSU mid court logo when the ball is put in the air. While the ball is in the air - Ben sizes up the situation - gets to the basket and goes up over the back of our own Javier Gonzalez to put the ball back for the dunk.
Wow.
I had to watch it on TV – still very sick. Actually – worse than my last blog entry.
My neighbors (Ken and Karen) used my tickets. Boy, did they get to see an exciting game or what?
Everyone knows about Superbowl Extra-Large 2 and the Giants’ come from behind last minute win.
The NC State – Wake Forest game was similar – for Wolfpack fans.
State never led until 2:50 left in the game.
The final 3 minutes were back and forth with neither team more than 3 points ahead.
State was usually ahead and fouled – but we missed 4 out of 5 free throws. Jeeezzzz!
So – Wake Forest scores with 5 seconds left to tie the game.
State (McCauley) in bounds – Grant puts up a long shot that is just off the mark – Ben McCauley is there for the rebound and slam dunks the ball with somewhere between 0.1 and 0.0 time left. The buzzer and light go off as the ball is going through the net.
Yep – Ben McC in bounded the ball and went the entire length of the floor in 5 seconds and was under the basket for the rebound and slam dunk.
Yikes – what a game. Here's the last shot and dunk:
Now - let's watch it again and follow what Ben McC does.
Ben McC is number 34. He in bounds the ball and is still headed down the court when Grant puts up the shot. Ben is just passing the NCSU mid court logo when the ball is put in the air. While the ball is in the air - Ben sizes up the situation - gets to the basket and goes up over the back of our own Javier Gonzalez to put the ball back for the dunk.
Wow.
I had to watch it on TV – still very sick. Actually – worse than my last blog entry.
My neighbors (Ken and Karen) used my tickets. Boy, did they get to see an exciting game or what?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Sick
I’m sick. As in very, very sick.
Tuesday I started getting a lot of congestion – it was just the usual sinus flare up. By Wednesday it was clear that this was a little more intense than usual.
But the real kicker came Thursday. We were having an all day meeting in the conference room – adjacent to the reception area.
Our receptionist is a very nice, sweet lady. But – I think her sense of smell may be diminished. She sometimes wears a LOT of perfume. I mean - you can actually taste it on the back of your tongue when you walk through her area.
For me – it’s sinus death. I actually hold my breath sometimes when walking to or from the elevators past her area to get to my office.
So, the whole day Thursday, I’m breathing this stuff in and my sinuses are going into overdrive. Producing an unbelievable amount of fluid in response to her perfume – for the whole 8 hour day.
By the end of the day – I’m feeling pretty miserable.
There was so much draining down my throat and into my stomach – by the time I got home – my throat was raw from coughing and I actually threw up. Not the gross throw up – just the clear mucus stuff that my stomach decided it had enough of.
Thursday night was awful and so was Friday at work. I was up by 4 AM so I went on in to the office. I finally came home early afternoon and I’ve been in bed until now. In fact, after I post this, I’m going back to bed.
So – right now – my throat feels like its on fire, my sinuses are stopped up solid, very painful and throbbing, my eyeballs ache and I can’t eat or swallow.
We all get bugs and colds and such - the usual stuff. This is honestly the most miserable I've felt in at least a couple of years. And it's not even a cold - just a sinus / allergy reaction.
Back to bed.
Tuesday I started getting a lot of congestion – it was just the usual sinus flare up. By Wednesday it was clear that this was a little more intense than usual.
But the real kicker came Thursday. We were having an all day meeting in the conference room – adjacent to the reception area.
Our receptionist is a very nice, sweet lady. But – I think her sense of smell may be diminished. She sometimes wears a LOT of perfume. I mean - you can actually taste it on the back of your tongue when you walk through her area.
For me – it’s sinus death. I actually hold my breath sometimes when walking to or from the elevators past her area to get to my office.
So, the whole day Thursday, I’m breathing this stuff in and my sinuses are going into overdrive. Producing an unbelievable amount of fluid in response to her perfume – for the whole 8 hour day.
By the end of the day – I’m feeling pretty miserable.
There was so much draining down my throat and into my stomach – by the time I got home – my throat was raw from coughing and I actually threw up. Not the gross throw up – just the clear mucus stuff that my stomach decided it had enough of.
Thursday night was awful and so was Friday at work. I was up by 4 AM so I went on in to the office. I finally came home early afternoon and I’ve been in bed until now. In fact, after I post this, I’m going back to bed.
So – right now – my throat feels like its on fire, my sinuses are stopped up solid, very painful and throbbing, my eyeballs ache and I can’t eat or swallow.
We all get bugs and colds and such - the usual stuff. This is honestly the most miserable I've felt in at least a couple of years. And it's not even a cold - just a sinus / allergy reaction.
Back to bed.
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