12-29-2013 Update

I have a bad head / chest cold. I woke up feeling a little sluggish - and it had gotten worse as the day goes on. Must have picked it up at the basketball game last night.

Basketball

I think State will be a solid NIT team this year. Not quite good enough for the NCAA, but close.

We should have won last night over Missouri (ranked 25th). It was such a close game at the end. The only time the game wasn't close, was when State had a big lead.

It's easy to blame referees for a team's misfortunes, but last night, it really was the case. For some reason, State got 11 more fouls (i think it was 11) than Missouri. And it was not because State was causing more fouls or because Missouri was playing better - it was because of inept refs. Worst officiated game I've seen in years.

Even still - if State had been able to make our own foul shots (missed the front end of 3 one and one's at the end), had one or two 3 pointers drop, or if Anthony Barber had just made a couple of more field goals (2 of 11 - awful) - we'd have won the game in spite of the refs.

State is a fun team to watch. I really enjoy watching these kids play.

Christmas

Went to NoVa for a couple days. It was good to see the family.

It's also good to be back home.

Work

Plan on being back to work tomorrow - hopefully I'll feel better in the morning.

Weekend Update 12-15-2013

Not much interesting or exciting to update. Actually, nothing interesting or exciting.

Work is rather typical. I have too much to do and am overloaded. Since we're still coming out of the Great Recession I'd rather have too much work than not enough.

NC State Football is finally, mercifully over. I never would have imagined we'd go 3 and 9. Just not possible.

And yet - I'm very positive for the future. Coach Doeren is recruiting hard and I'm still firmly in his camp as the coach of the future.

Basketball is heating up. State has a young talented team. At this point - I'd say we're a solid NIT team. Probably somewhere in the middle of the ACC. If the NCAA takes 7 teams - State would be the 8th team and first 'in' the NIT.

These kids are fun to watch. They have talent and clearly play as a team. Still learning and Cat Barber needs to realize he doesn't need to look to shoot first. Much more fun to watch than last years 'team with issues'.

We clearly have potential but we still need depth and more experience. Next year (if no one foolishly thinks too high of themselves and goes pro) - we will be a force to be reckoned with.

As it stands - once the ACC schedule starts - we'll probably lose a lot of heartbreaking games - but we're going to be in each game we play. And, we'll let some inferior teams get too close to winning (and possibly upsetting us). It will sure upset me. LOL

Last night we played Detroit in Reynolds Coliseum. Yep - it still gets stifling hot in there and incredibly loud. It's because the old barn has hard wood, steel and concrete surfaces. The 7,000 or so there last night made your ears ring. Much more so than, say, 12,000 on a typical night in the ESA/RBC/PNC alphabet ju jour Arena. Nuke, Chip, Erica and I went. Had a good. time.

Planning to drive up to Reston for Christmas next Sunday. However, Chip is having car troubles and is borrowing my truck. Which is no big deal but it needs a check engine light repair job - scheduled for next Friday. In which Chip needs to borrow my car. If the truck isn't fixed Friday, then I'm in a bind as far as driving to NoVa for Christmas. Hopefully it will all work out.

Weekend Update 11-24-2013

Football

These LED Billboards Started Showing Up Across NC Today

(NC State's motto is "Our State" - ECU are the "Pirates")

We are going to have our worst record in - oh - I don't know how many decades.

Dook, on the other hand, is having a great season. I'm pulling for Dook to beat UNC-CHeats next weekend and to wind up playing Florida State in the ACC Championship.

Go Dookies.

Home

Last night the power went off at 3:20 AM (per the recording at Duke Power) due to downed limbs / tree. It finally just came back on at 3:10 PM. Basically 12 hours - on the coldest day of the season (so far).

Let's see - over the past month or so I've had to replace my stove, get the washing machine repaired and now the vacuume cleaner is on the fritz. Plus - I've had my roof repaired / partially replaced and will have to get the rest of it replaced by next spring.

When it rains it pours.

Work

Work is going pretty good. Very busy. Nothing much new to report.

Dook +Addendum

Waiting for the Dook game. Kick off at 4 PM on ESPNU.

Dook is favored by 10 points. Incredible.

But – I’m not at all concerned. Even if we lose.

Here’s why.

When Kay Yow fired T’OB, she addressed the team and told them the what, when, where and why she fired T’OB. She included telling the team that this year would be a rebuilding year. In other words, she told them that they were appreciated, but, frankly, not the caliber of athlete that would be a top 25 contender – which is what she expects.

Enter new Head Coach Dave Doren.

He built up Northern Illinois to a top 10, BCS contender. (As an assistant, he helped do the same thing at Kansas). He left NIU Huskies in great shape and they are continuing this year to another top 10 stellar season (undefeated so far).

IF we had not hired Doeren, he would be THE leading candidate for the Texas job (Mack Brown (if he has any brains) will retire after this year. Or – he’ll be fired).

We’ve got a Head Coach that has proven he can build a top program without thuggery.

He will do it here at State. It will take about 2 or 3 more years for it to happen – but when it does – it’s going to be fun.

I wish Dook well. They deserve the recognition and season they are having. They worked hard for it over the last few years. They wanted to build a winning program – and they have.

State will too.

Addendum

With 3:30 left in the game - State scored the go ahead touchdown. State 20 - Dook 17.

Then - over the next 38 seconds, Dook scored 3 touchdowns. Yep - not a typo - 38 seconds.

Final score:  Dook 38 - State 20.

Kind of sums up State's season.

Smurfs Win

It’s been a really frustrating football season.

State is playing better than our record shows. Especially when considering the injuries our team has been dealing with.

Our high hopes, and probably too high expectations, are now looking like a losing season and no bowl game. With 4 games remaining – we have to win 3 to go 6 and 6 and become bowl eligible.*

At this point, we’re starting to play for ‘next year’.

However, for me – the bottom line is this –

NC State used to be –

James Oblinger – Chancellor

Lee Fowler – Athletics Director

Herb Sendek – Basketball Coach

Tom O’Brien – Football Coach

State is now -

Randy Woodson - Chancellor
Debbie Yow - Athletics Director
Mark Gotfried - Basketball Coach
Dave Doren - Football Coach

I'll take what we are now over what we used to be any day of the week and 6 times on Sunday.

*The 6 win rule should be changed. Back when the season was 11 games - 6 wins meant you had a winning season to be bowl eligible. A bowl loss - and you were no worse than an even record. The regular season is now 12 games. To be bowl eligible - teams should have at least a 51% winning record - which would mean 7 wins.

Weekend Update 10-27-2013

Let's see -

First, the hummingbird has finally (hopefully) migrated away. It hasn't been around for the last week so I'm hopeful it's headed to Mexico.

Work is good - way too busy and too much on my plate but that is certainly better than not enough work.

On the home front, learning to use the new range with the glass top that heats up instantly. I like it. Still, would have rather not had to spend the $.

And the truck is in the shop, car needs tires and I need to get some roof repairs, or possibly even a completely new roof. Sometimes it's never ending.

State Football

We've lost 4 in a row. Two we expected to lose (Clemson and Florida State) and two we should have won (Wake Forest and Syracuse). We are riddled with injuries but some players are starting to return.

Next Saturday UNC-Cheats comes over to our place. If we can beat them, that would help a LOT.

Q - What do you call a UNC-CH athlete in a three piece suit?

A - The defendant.

Last Week - Wake Forest. This Week - Syracuse.

The question, Alex, is - Games NC State should have won.

Week off - then at Florida State.

We'll be lucky to go 6 and 6.

Sigh . . . . . . .

Confused Hummingbird

I had about 4 hummingbirds this summer. They have left to migrate south for the winter. Except for one small one - a male I think. He didn't get the memo it was time to leave. I've seen him every morning and evening by himself for the last couple of weeks.

If he doesn't leave soon - he'll be stuck here for the winter.

I'll keep the hummingbird feeder full for as long as he's around. But I seriously doubt he can survive the winter here. Maybe if we were at the coast where it seldom gets below freezing - but here - I just don't think he'll be able to get past January and February.

I hope he takes off. Really soon.

Range

Had to buy a new range.

The computer control board in my original range malfunctioned - and Whirlpool quit making the replacement boards in 2011. So, I was forced to fork out about $1,500 for a new stove.

I went for the glass top one. So far, I really like it. Much easier to clean and the elements (small dots instead of coils) heat up instantly.

Nice range - but the older one was fine and I wish it had been repairable.

Wake Forest - Again

Work

Work has been real busy. It's fairly common for busy people to say they don't have enough time to get all their work done - it's a slight embellishment to emphasize how busy they are. But in my case - it's true.

I really am overloaded. It is making me late on some projects. And I do not like being late, or under undue pressure.

I'll just have to keep slogging on and one day I'll be caught up.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a  time.

Home

Visited the Space Aliens this week for an Anal Probe.

Had my first colonoscopy. Everything is fine. Did not like going through the preparation. Who does?

Football

This week I was looking at the odds maker Danny Sheridan predictions. State was favored over Wake Forest by 8 points. I was thinking - no way WF will be able to keep it that close.

There's a reason Danny Sheridan is the odds maker and not me.

Lost to Wake Forest at Wake Forest. Again.

I think we've lost to WF at Winston-Salem every time for the last 50 years. Well, maybe not - but it sure seems that way.

The real frustration is that we should have, could have won. WF played the perfect game to win. And we played with just enough lack of intensity and execution - to allow WF to win.

A couple of dropped passes and some really dumb ass penalties (at very inopportune times). Formation penalties and late unsportsmanlike penalties - just no excuse.

Defense allowed too much pressure on our QB. And speaking of our QB - well - let's just say - I'm looking forward to when Brandon Mitchell gets back into the game.

14 Point Momentum Change

Busy week.

Very busy at work the past few weeks and will continue till at least the end of the year.

Wednesday

Went to see Steely Dan with Boseman and Nuke. Good show. However, like us all, Donald Fagen and Walter Becker are aging. Voices aren't quite what they used to be.

The set selection was geared towards crowd pleasers. I was disappointed they didn't play The Royal Scam or Deacon Blues.

Thursday

Bose, Nuke and Chip went to the game last night.

There were two very questionable calls.

Actually one call was not questionable - it was blatantly wrong. A touchdown run was called out of bounds on the side line. Replay shows the State runner (Underwood) was clearly in bounds. Still, it was a big gain but State fumbled the ball 3 plays later. Clemson recovers and then scores. A 14 point turnaround and big momentum killer.

Frankly, I think Clemson still would have won. But it would have been a barn burner of a game.

Instead, the official (who was behind the play / run with a 'view' obstructed by two players between him and Underwood) blew the whistle.



The official should have let the play run out. Then - the touchdown would have been reviewed. If Underwood stepped out of bounds - touchdown goes away - bring the ball back. If Underwood did not step out of bounds (which is what happened) - then the touchdown stands. Blowing the whistle killed the play - with no review allowed.

Bad call twice - first, Underwood did not step out of bounds and second, the ref should not have blown the whistle anyway and let the play get reviewed. A dumb ass incompetent decision / call by the ref.

Make the right decision and you've got an exciting 1 point game in the 3rd quarter. Would have been a great game. Too bad the ref wasn't there to see it.

The other iffy call was when Clemson snaps the ball and throws an interception which State returns for a touchdown. Oh wait - nope. Somehow, Clemson not only snapped the ball and ran the play but magically and simultaneously calls a time out! Thus - negating the interception and State score.

Truly a poorly officiated game.

Our guys played great and all the way through to the end of the game. I didn't really believe the upset was possible. I wanted us to play a close, tough game. We did that and way more.

State has really upgraded the program with the new coaching staff. In 2 or 3 years - I firmly believe State can be a top 20 team and playing toe to toe with Clemson, Florida State, Louisville and any other team in the nation.

Miscellaneous

Nuke is up for the football and basketball seasons.

It will be good to have company around the house.

Weekend Update - on a Monday

No game this weekend.

Next game is Clemson at NC State this Thursday.

Having watched Clemson - they look for real like the No. 2 or 3 team in the nation. I hope State plays well and keeps it respectable. I don't expect a win - just a good game. I DO expect to be competing with Clemson (and Florida State and Louisville) in the future. Here's hoping that Coach DD can take us to the next level.

Went to Southport again this weekend. Hung out with the puppy dogs. Had lunch again with Boze. Just like last weekend.

No Highlights

I spent the weekend in Southport visitng Nuke and the dogs. Gave my football tickets to Chip and Gmail - hope they found someone to go with them.

First home NCSU football game I've missed in years.

Watched it online (ESPN3). Geez - very exciting. And not in a good way. State pulled the game out of their arse with a field goal in the last 33 seconds.

No highlights for this game. Usually when you have four or more turnovers (2 int - 2 fumbles) you lose. On the positive side - the boys hung in there and did not give up.

Space Aliens

Speaking of arse.

I went to the Space Aliens (gastroenterologist) this week for my consultation to set up my Anal Probe (colonoscopy). Boy, am I looking forward to this - NOT. Oh well - do not want cancer - so it is what it is.

Photo is Nuke and Dave waking along the river in downtown Wilmington. It was a beautiful Saturday.

I Can See the Future +Addendum

State 40 - La Tech 17

You could see Coach Doren's wide open spread offense yesterday during the first quarter. With a mobile quarterback, we scored touchdowns on the first 2 possessions. Running a quick pace, the opposing team's defense didn't know how to handle it. QB Brandon Mitchell ran the offense flawlessly. He reminded me of Russell Wilson.

Mitchell ran two long drives, 93 yards passing (3 or 3), 19 yards rushing - all in the first quarter.

Then - at the end of the first quarter - Mitchell broke his foot.

Second QB Pete Thomas will do OK - but you could see a real drop off in pace and execution.

Mitchell will be out 5 or 6 weeks. By then, Thomas and the offense will be well established, for good or average, and you normally don't put in a (essentially) new QB in unless you have a real problem to solve.

In one quarter, I think this season went from a cautiously optimistic big season of 8 and 4 or even 9 and 3 to an average season of 7 and 5 or 6 and 6 filled with 'what might have been'.

We played 11 true freshmen yesterday. Including a wide receiver and a running back who might just be 'the next big thing' for NC State football.

I'll tell you one thing - we have a team that is motivated and inspired and will play through the adversity. You could see it on the side line yesterday. Those kids were way more involved than I ever saw under T'OB.

Mitchell's injury notwithstanding - I can see the future. And it looks pretty darn good.

Thanks to Erika and Chip for going to the game with me. It's aways fun hanging out with the peeps.

House

Had the house power washed this week. It had gotten pretty gungy over the years. Man - what a difference power washing makes. It's not the pressure, it's the cleaner / detergent they spray on first. I don't know what that stuff is but it just melts the grime away. In two hours my house went from yuk to brand new looking.

Also had an appliance service call. My range quits baking and sends me error codes telling me the temperature sensor is not working. I ordered a replacement and installed it - but still keep getting the same code.

So - I called in Discount Appliance Service (top rated in Sanford by Angie's List). The new sensor checks out fine - so - he's ordered a replacement control board. That's gonna cost. Hope it arrives soon.

Camera

I've lost my Cannon camera. I have no idea where I left it. Been looking for it for a couple weeks now. Pretty sure it's gone for good.

Bought one online last night at Walmart. A Sony. Going to go get some lunch soon and will pick it up also.

I hate losing stuff. That's just money down the drain.

Addendum

So - I'm reading through the camera manual and looking at the menu of features. There's the usual settings available for macro, landscape, portrait, night time, etc. And - a setting for 'food'.

LOL

Actually - that makes sense. So many people nowadays take restaurant beauty shots of their meals.

Finally

Our long National nightmare of only baseball and soccer is finally over.

Football starts Saturday!

And Finally, the USA Today Countown

OK, this will be the last football pre-season countdown entry. It means nothing other than pure speculation. And, I kind of think that NC State is over-rated in all of the countdowns. I hope I'm wrong. In fact, I secretly harbor a bit of unrealistic optimism that this year's team will actually exceed expectations and go 10 and 2 (losing to Clemson, FSU and extracting some revenge against UNCheats).

Anyway, here's our weak schedule comparison using the USA Today Countdown. USA Today has NC State pegged at number 53.

• Louisiana Tech @ NCSU W (53 > 63 - we start the season with a real team in a close game)
• Richmond @ NCSU W (53 > D2)
• Clemson @ NCSU L (top 10 > 53 - Hopefully we'll keep this Thursday night ESPN game respectable. Dumbo Sweeny will have an inexplicable loss killing Clemson's National Championship dreams. Maybe it could be this game. Going to see Steely Dan Wednesday night and Boseman staying to go to this game)
• Central Michigan @ NCSU W (53 > 102)
• NCSU @ Wake Forest W (53 > 72 - a close road win. Could be a WF upset)
• Syracuse @ NCSU W (53 > 81)
• NCSU @ Florida State L (top 15 > 53 - again, hope to keep it respectable. FSU possibly on the way to the BCS National Championship Game. FSU will also want revenge for last years defeat which kept FSU out of the Natl Championship. And - Bobby Bowden is scheduled to be at Doak Cambell Stadium for the first time since 2009 - to receive a presentation. Hmmm . . . home field advantage to the 'Noles)
• UNCheats @ NCSU L (45 > 53 - I'd do anything to get the upset win. Unfortunately, I think UNC is much better than 45.)
• NCSU @ Dook W (53 > 86 - will be at this game in Duh-Ham with Chip and the gang. Dook always plays us close. Hopefully not this year)
• NCSU @ Boston College W (53 > 100)
• ECU @ NCSU L (51 > 53 - Essentially equal pick. ECU is motivated and by the very close numbers, should win. I think State will use the crowd and home field to get motivated for the 'upset')
• Maryland @ NCSU W (53 > 66 - Close game that could go either way)

So, by the predictions, NCSU goes 8 and 4. Again - useless speculation. But it would be awesome if it really happens.

I agree with all the predictions that ECU, Maryland and Louisiana Tech will be the deciding games on State having a 9 and 3 season or a 6 and 6 season.

I'm also always wary of Dook and Wake Forest. They always play State close and get the upset win way more often than they should. And, we play both of them at their home fields this year.

Frankly, we better be ready for every single game and take no one for granted.

Yet Another Preason Prediction

This post is similar to my June 25 entry comparing a preseason NC State ranking with our schedule.

This set of rankings comes from the Orlando Sentenial. They do this every year - and are pretty good at predictions. Florida is a big time football state - just behind Texas in my opinion.

Using the Sentenial's NCSU ranking of #61 -

• Louisana Tech @ NCSU  W  (61 > 65 - but real close)
• Richmond @ NCSU  W  (61 > D2)
• Clemson @ NCSU  L  (top 10 > 61 - Clemson dreams of a National Title - but even if Clemson beats FSU, Georgia and South Carolina, Dumbo Sweeny will screw it up with a WTF loss at some point)
• Central Michigan @ NCSU  W  (61 > 83)
• NCSU @ Wake Forest  W  (61 > 93)
• Syracuse @ NCSU  W  (61 > 96)
• NCSU @ Florida State  L  (15 > 61 - FSU looking for a National Title)
• UNCheats @ NCSU  L  (31 > 61 - I'd love an upset win over UNC more than anything this year)
• NCSU @ Dook  W  (61 > 79 - but real close)
• NCSU @ Boston College W (61 > 112)
• ECU @ NCSU W (61 > 69 - real, real close game)
• Maryland @ NCSU W (61 > 77 - another close game)

So - another ranking that shows State's very weak schedule leading to a 9 and 3 season. Which won't happen.

However - for a team that graduated / lost 13 starters, has a new coaching staff and is in the process of 'rebuilding' -  7 and 5 and a lower level Bowl Game is looking better every day.

Pass that Cool-Aid on over here . . .

Walk

I'm thinking about going out for a walk.

On the other hand -

Someone might see me out walking . . .
They might not like the way I look . . .
They might get their gun . . .
They might get into their pickup truck . . .
They might hunt me down . . .
They might confront me . . .
Defending myself, We might get into a fight . . .
They might shoot and kill me . . .

And somehow - it could all be my fault.

On second thought, maybe I'll just stay in the house.

Today's Entry is an Addendum

Today's entry is an addendem to an earlier entry from 2011.

Here's the link -

http://bill-1956.blogspot.com/2011/02/shiloh-general-store.html

On The Other Hand . . . .

After I wrote my last post - I went online to see what other organizations (Rivals, Athlon, etc.) have predicted for NC State.

To recall - the ESPN Blog has NC State picked to finish next to last - just ahead of Boston College.

Surprisingly, I found most other sites have a more positive outlook for State.

Case in point - Athlon has just come out with their ranking of all BCS football schools along with a write up of each school and why they are picked where they are. They have NC State picked #54. Here's the link -

http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/top-25

Now - let's be real. Preseason hype is just that. A bunch of hype. But, if you're a college sports fan - its a fun thing to follow and talk about.

So - here's NC State's (#54) schedule broken down by Athlon preseason rankings:

• Louisiana Tech (54 > 90) State should win.
• Richmond Spiders (54 > D2) FCS School - no rank - State should win.
• Clemson (6 > 54) State should lose - Clemson might be in the hunt for a National Championship
• Central Michigan (54 > 111) State should win.
• Wake Forest (54 > 70) State should win - but with WF, you never know.
• Syracuse (54 > 75) State should win. Obviously Syracuse was added to the ACC for their basketball program.
• Florida State (15 > 54) State should lose.
• UNCheats (38 > 54) State should lose. And, as much as I hate to say it, UNCheats will probably be a top 25 team. However - home game - revenge factor - you never know.
• Duke (54 > 73) State should win. But like Wake Forest - you never know.
• Boston College (54 > 84) State should win.
• East Carolina (54 > 77) State should win. ECU is always motivated when they play State or Carolina. Could be another "you never know".
• Maryland (53 > 54) A toss up. Give the game to State due to home field advantage. Plus, we'll be motivated to end Maryland's ACC affiliation with a loss.

So - NC State, with a good defense but questionable offensive line - And a completely unknown QB - who might even be a transfer that hasn't even taken an NC State snap in spring ball - by the preseason numbers - should be 8 and 4. Or even 9 and 3 if we beat Maryland at home.

Yeah - that's gonna happen. LOL

If T'OB were still coach - no way. With new coach Doeren, a fired up motivator - well, maybe 7 and 5 is possible. Which is the same record T'OB squeezed out last year with a 'better' team.

I'm feeling much better about the upcoming season.

Addendum 7-9-13

At the other end of the prediction spectrum - these guys believe State will finish dead last in the ACC.

http://www.footballnation.com/content/acc-football-2013-preseason-power-rankings/23240/

So - there you have it. State will probably finish somewhere between a dismal losing season of 3 and 9 and a spectacular winning season of 9 and 3.

LOL

Way Too Early To Think About Football

Read an article today where Rivals has ranked NC State football recruiting #16 for 2014. Now, that's a year after this years season - and a long way off. Still - looks like one of the reported strengths of new Head Coach Dave Doeren is already starting to show.

No matter how great a coach - you have to have the athletes / players. Yeah, you can 'coach up' some underrated guys that have potential. But there's 90+ on the team and just from the numbers - you have to recruit the talent.

Last year we mistakenly expected to be a 9 - 3 or 10 - 2 team. We found that while we had solid students and players - we didn't have the recruits to get us past a 7 - 5 team. Again. Thus, TO'B was let go.

It was a senior heavy team so we've lost a lot to graduation.

This year's season? Well - I wouldn't hold my breath.

ESPN predicts we'll be next to last in the ACC - just ahead of Boston College.

On the other hand - we have favorable home and NC schedule this year. And, our defense will be good - possibly really, really good. Offense? Well, inexperienced offensive line and we have no idea who our QB will be. So - four wins, five maybe?

If we can squeeze out 6 wins - we'll go to a bowl game. Even if we're the last bowl pick - NC State always travels well and we'll support a new coach. Especially since 6 and 6 would exceed expectations.

Basketball

From what I've read - it also seems that Coach Gottfried is pulling a few recruiting rabbits out of the hat too with some highly rated transfers coming in. Hmmmm . . . . it's a lot more interesting in basketball than it's been in decades. And football might just be ready to get pretty good too.

Friday June 21, 2013

First day of summer. I like this time of year.

UNCheats beat NC State 7 - 0 in baseball last night in the College World Series. State comes home - UNCheats advances. They will have to beat UCLA twice in a row to advance to the Final 2. It's tough to beat a team twice - especially in succession.

Entertainment

Two of my favorite shows are ending their runs this year - Dexter and Breaking Bad.

I don't get pay cable - so I have to wait till Dexter is out on DVD before I get to see it. I just finished watching the last season. Great show - but it seems as though they are jumping the shark a little bit.

While Dexter is a great fun roller coaster ride - to be honest - the writing on Breaking Bad is far superior. The main character, Walter White / Heisenberg, has gone from a scared teacher trying not to mess up to a cold blooded killer who will analytically calculate the odds of your being a danger to him - and if you're a serious thereat - you're dead. The last episode scene where Walter White decides to get out of the meth business and goes to see Jessie Pinkman for an 'old times sake' visit - is simply one of the best dramatic scenes written. It'll make the hair on your arm stand up.

The 1950s and 60s were the decades of great American writing. The 60s were when European films were the cutting edge of writing. The 70s decade belonged to the great American film - and continues from then.

I think America's appreciation of great cinema from the 70s helped pave the way for independent films. I remember taking my parents and grandmother to see Tender Mercies. Grandmama cried just about the whole second half the film. (I think this is Robert Duvall's best performance - period.) My folks in turn made sure I saw Breaking Away.

Outside of some great movies and the beginning of independent films - the 80s were a bit of a cultural wasteland. This was the decade that gave us Disco.

Starting with the 90s through today - the best dramatic writing is found on cable television. It was pretty much started by HBO. Cable as a venue has allowed writers and actors the ability to create some fantastic art without the hugely exorbitant expense of movies. Broadcast TV has to satisfy 'everybody' - therefore it caters to the lowest common denominator - so that leaves cable.

Which brings us back to Dexter and Breaking Bad. Ending their runs this summer and fall.

Weekend Plans

None.

Very Quick Update

I haven't been keeping up my online Journal like I should. No reason for it - just being lazy.

So - here's a very quick update.

Power went out during Thursday's storm line. It was pretty loud when it came through. The power outage was due to downed lines on Deep River Road. I saw them the next day on my way home from work. Yeah - the power was still out more than 24 hours later.

I started reading a couple of books by the daylight out on the screened porch. It was pretty nice sitting out there. Actually, re-reading to be more accurate. I just picked a couple books at random from the shelf.

One of the books, Bully, is excellent. But the true story is depressing as it could possibly be. It's about a murder, 20 years ago now, in Florida by a bunch of High School dropouts. Motive? Money, drugs, sex? Nope - they just didn't like one of the kids in their group. So they killed him. Totally without morals, ethics, or souls - just complety empty kids.

Even worse - the description of these kid's home lives (parents) give you a clue as to how they grew up to be the way they were. You just want to line the parents up and slap the stoopid out of them. Incredable, horrific, book.

NCSU Baseball

NCSU plays UNCheats in the NCAA D1 baseball championship in a little bit.

Not a big baseball fan - but I'll be watching.

That's about it for now.

Addendum

NCSU 8 - UNC 1

Baseball is a tricky game. The best team in the nation (UNC) can have an off day - and be beat soundly.

Next games - Tuesday - UCLA vs. NCSU and UNC vs. LSU

Grits

I was born in the South and have lived all my life in the South. Wouldn't live anywhere else. But - I've never been a fan of grits. At least - not the over processed stuff you get in restaurants or 'instant' mush you can buy at the supermarket.

Yesterday I went over to "The Old Crank Up". It's a local private park with a lot of old steam engines and farm equipment. Once a year - they get everything up and running. It's quite a sight. Folks sit on bleachers and watch the old saw mill cut timber all day long. It really is mesmerising.

There's a stone mill there - and I bought a bag of course ground white grits.

If you look up on line - cooking grits can seem to be time consuming and difficult. Not true. Think of cooking rice - simple if you follow directions and don't overcook or burn.

The ratio is 4 parts liquid to 1 part dry grits. The liquid can be all water - all milk - or a combination. I like a 50 / 50 mix.

In a Teflon pot - bring the 4 parts liquid and 1 part grits to a boil - throw in a little salt (just enough to bring out the flavor - but not too much) - turn down immediately to a low simmer and cover. You should stir from time to time - maybe every 5 minutes or so. They will be nice and creamy in about 15 minutes.

Put in butter during cooking - or when served - your choice. The result is a hearty porridge with flavor and a nice texture - if there's a little bit of 'grit' when you eat it - you've done it exactly right.

So - I'm going back for my second helping. And - the biscuits are ready.

PS

A couple of tips - all milk can burn or scald - a 50 / 50 milk water mix works best for me. For even creamier grits - use half and half instead of milk (again 50 / 50 mix with water). Put the ingrediants into the pot and then turn on the stove / burner. This brings the mixture up to a boil gradually and helps prevent burning. Stir while heating up. If you don't have a teflon coated pot - stir more often. Grits can stick and burn even on a low simmer.

Detached What?

Getting old can be a pain in the arse.

I've had very bad astigmatism since about the 4th grade - practically blind as a bat without my coke bottle glasses.

In my 40's - presbyopia showed up - resulting in tri-focals (actually - progressive lenses).

Then, a few years back - tinnitus began. I've become used to the constant ringing in my ears and pretty much block it out. Although hearing people in a crowd or when there is a lot of surrounding noise can be a problem.

And now (about 6 weeks ago) - suddenly the vision in my right eye got super blurry, there were black filaments and patches that floated through my vision, and the occasional flashes of light. So, I went to see my eye doctor and found out I have vitreous detachment.*

If you're interested in the medical details - follow the link. The best way I can describe it - the interior lining of my eyeball is like paint that is peeling off a car or house. It doesn't happen all at once - and while it is peeling (from the inside of my eyeball) it sure f's up the vision.

And, there is nothing to be done about it.

Could be worse. Found out a co-worker has it also - but his included internal eyeball bleeding and some retinal damage.

While my vision variously clears up and gets worse - it hopefully will eventually, mostly, clear up. His is going to stay blurry - and - as stated above - no cure or treatment.

Oh well - sucks getting old.

On the other hand - with my astigmatism - I'm kind of used to having crappy vision - so while very annoying - I can put up with it.

That's about all the news for now. Everything else is pretty much the same.

Other Stuff

I'll probably post later on NCSU basketball and football.

Oh, I did power wash my deck over the past 2 weeks. Bought a new gas powered washer. My electric one finally bit the dust. It did last several years - got my moneys worth out of it for sure. Decided to go with more power (insert Tool Time grunt here). When looking online - Home Depot had the exact model I wanted - on sale and free shipping. Yaay!


*I was pretty freaked out until I found out what the problem was. Before I got to the doctor I thought I might have developed an eye tumor or something awful. The blurry vision was that bad - and sudden. So I was imagining the worst for a couple of days.

Best Moment

Best moment / shot / dunk of the Tournament. CBS will be playing this over and over and over.

It's fun to see the little guys win - and having such a great time playing in The Big Dance.

Temple Deserved to Win

The game went like State's season. Awful play part of the time - followed by great play. Great athletes. Inconsistent. Never quite playing to our potential.

Actually, we did play to our potential a few times (Duke at State, UNC at State, Miami at State). In those games - State was awesome. Which, knowing what we were capable of, made it even more frustrating when we didn't show up for some games.

Also - many Wolfpackers have been pointing the finger at CJ Leslie for this year's uneven season. Deservedly so. BUT - in the NCAA game - CJ was the main one who was playing full speed at the start of the Temple game. The other guys (and you know who you are) weren't showing up. At least till the second half.

Temple players were not as good as State. But Temple played smart, with intensity, determination and unrelenting effort. Temple deserved the win.

Best Time of the Year

Update 3-4-2013

Work

Nothing outstanding at work - just the usual daily routine. I'm finally getting caught up - which is good.

Basketball

State is finally beginning to win games the way we should. Our last three wins have been by 18 points, 18 points and 13 points.

In between we lost to UNC by 11. We played below average in the UNC game. An average output - and we would have won.

One week left in the ACC regular season and then the ACC Tournament. Miami and Duke are on top. State, UNC and Virginia are fighting for 3rd, 4th and 5th place in the ACC Tournament seeding.

Now that there are at at large invitations to the NCAAT - the ACC Tournament has lost a lot of it's importance (used to be only the winner went to the NCAA's). What we're all really playing for is our seeding the NCAAT.

The top 5 ACC teams will go to the NCAA. Maryland should go - but unless they make a great run (or win) in the ACC Tournament - Maryland will get left out. Since Maryland is leaving the ACC - I don't really care what happens to them anymore.

Over the next couple of years - Notre Dame, Louisville and Syracuse are joining the ACC. When all that comes to pass - man! - there's going to be some great basketball to watch.

Hawk

 

Snapped this photo on my way home from breakfast this morning. I'm in my car, about 15 feet, at most, from a neighbour's mailbox. The hawk patiently waited for me to take several photos before she flew into the trees.

Basketball

State avoided being upset by the last place ACC team, VT, yesterday - in overtime.

We have got to figure out how to beat teams without having these last second wins or loses.

Finally

I've been as sick as I can remember this week. Went to the MD who gave me a prescription for antibiotics but asked me to wait till Friday or Saturday before taking them to see if I'd get well without them.

Actually missed work Thursday and Friday.

Got up Saturday - decided enough was f*&%ing enough and got the prescription filled first thing. Seems to be working.

Fever is gone. Throat is still sore but getting better.

To hell with building up resistance to antibiotics - Next time I won't wait.

After over 13 days, I'm finally getting better.

Basketball

Thursday was a hard loss at Dook.

Today - just finished watching the last second win over Clemson.

Great win - but - when are we gonna quit playing to the level of our competition and start putting away teams from the get go like we should be doing?

Finally - we win the close road game.

Miami and . . . Something

Lost a last second 1 point game to Miami today.

We have now lost 4 ACC games by 1, 1, 2 and 3 points.

We are so close to finishing games you can almost taste it - but we just can't manage the last minute or so of the close ones. It will happen though. The guys clearly do not give up - they believe, or know, they can win. I would it rather it happen sooner than later.

In for injured Lorenzo Brown - Tyler Lewis stepped up big today.

Next up - Dook at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils will want some payback. It will be a tough game on the road.

Something

I've been sick since Tuesday. I have no clue what it is. Like a cold stuck between my nose and my chest.

I should not have gone to the game today - I felt miserable the whole time.

I didn't think I've had a fever - but when I got home - finally took my temperature for the first time.

101.3

No wonder I feel so bad.

Bold Prediction

Back in 1983 NC State made the improbable run to win the National Championship. We had to win the ACC Championship in order to secure a spot in the tournament. We won the Championship with a double digit loss record.

One thing that helped us was an injury.

Dereck Whittenburg went out with an injury midway through the season. He returned right at the ACC Tournament. What happened was the team, while losing (a LOT!) had to get better without him. When Whittenburg returned, we were a much better team with more depth. Which helped us in our run to the National Championship.

This year, Dook's Ryan Kelly is out with an injury. The Dook team has suffered a blow out loss to Miami and some close, come from behind wins (at Wake Forest). They are learning how to win without Kelly.

If, or when, Kelly returns, Dook will once again be the Number 1 Ranked Team in America. In fact, they will be better than they were when previously Ranked Number 1.

And Dook will win the National Championship.

Road Games

We just cannot seem to be able to get a win on the road. Virginia 58 - State 55 in yet another game we should have won.

Work

Very busy at work.

Was on the road at Salisbury yesterday; finishing up paving the Highway Patrol Training Track today; trying to get Federal Approval of my Western VA Home tomorrow; and I have to report to a group of high level administrator types Friday on options to restarting FCAP(rogram). And I'm not totally prepared yet for that meeting.

I need to clone myself.

Three Weekends of Great Basketball

Two Saturdays ago Dook - Last Saturday Clemson - Yesterday Carolina.

It's been a fun three weekends. It's always fun when you win. After 25 years of, at best - mediocrity, NC State Basketball is finally back.

Still - we had a second half let down - just like at Wake Forest during the week. At WF - a 16 point second half lead and subsequent let down ended up a 1 point loss. With UNC at home - we had a 28 point lead - which was enough to withstand the furious UNC comeback. Close to the end - UNC cut it to five points. This should not be happening. We should have put both teams away by 15 or more points. Our guys have got to figure out how to maintain intensity even with a huge lead.

And next Saturday? Miami comes to town. 5 - 0 in the ACC, 14 - 3 Overall, and a top 25 ranking (which actually should be higher). Miami may not have the raw talent - but they have experience. They have two fifth year seniors and a good bench. State will have it's hands full for a 3rd weekend in a row.

And we have to travel to Virgina Tuesday. No team can take any other team for granted this year in the ACC. Heck - that's pretty much the way is it all around the country this year in college basketball. As soon as a team is ranked Number 1 - it loses the following week. Right now - I'd say there are about 7 teams that should all be tied for the Number 1 ranking. And there's another 10 or 15 teams that could beat the top 7 on any given night. Parity is real this year. It's going to be a wide open NCAA Tournament - and tons of fun.

Work

Work is busy. I'm trying to wrap up 2 major projects - get another started - and a couple other smaller projects to work as well. And - we may try to revive our FCAP program - which would be a very major undertaking.

I'm busy for sure. Actually - overloaded at the moment.

Sure is better than not enough work to do.

Poor Play

State has played poorly in the 3 games since the big Dook win. We have lost 2 of the 3 by a total of 3 points.

One way to look at it is not bad - losing by only 3 means we were in the games. Which is true. In fact, in the 2 losses, we really should have won. Maryland got lucky. And we couldn't hit a free throw or field goal in the last minute or so of the Wake game or we'd have won by 5 or more points.

But the bottom line is - we've been playing very poorly since Dook. We just have not put in a solid full game. We've had moments - in fact - the Wake and Clemson games started out as potential blow outs. Which frankly, with our talent, they should have been. In the Maryland game, we couldn't hit the broadside of a barn - but again - with our talent - we still darn near won.

It's time for our guys to get back to putting together a solid full game performance. We can't slack off - the other teams are gunning for us. We have to be 'up' for every game.

Not the time to panic - but definitely time for our boys to get their 'act' together.

Emotion won't be a problem when UNC comes to the PNC Arena this weekend. If we can match the emotion with a solid performance - we can have another Dook type win. If not, Carolina will gladly rain on our parade.

ESPN College Gameday is broadcasting live from PNC Arena starting at 11:00 on Saturday.

NC State 84 - Dook 76 +Addendum

NOT a fluke. In fact, NOT an upset. Going into the game, Dook was only a 1 and 1/2 point favorite. State could have, should have, put Dook away by well into the double digits.

NC State is that good. When we bring our 'A' game - we can play with anybody in the country.

Danger Will Robinson

Next up - State at Maryland. Maryland is a very good unranked team that could very well be an NCAAT at large team. The difference between State and Maryland or Duke and Maryland is not that great.

State can't suffer a let down or coast into that game or the Twerps will gladly hand us a loss.

Addendum

State lost to Maryland by 1 point on a last 0.9 second shot.

State did not have a lackadaisical game - we just simply could not get the buckets to fall.

Prior to the Maryland game, State had been shooting over 50% field goals. Last night - 31% And Maryland still had to put in a lucky last second shot to win.

As a co-worker said to me today - "I'm glad we won the game we did (Dook) and lost the one we lost (Maryland) rather than the other way around. Good effort and I'm not worried at all."

Well said and I agree 100%.