A Big, Juicy Van

Guess I really am a manager of toilet bowls

2011-08-10T04:30:00.001-07:00

My toilet in my house was impossible to flush. It took almost all of my body weight resting on the handle before the toilet would flush. Within a week or so, I had already snapped one toilet handle and having trouble with a second. Well, on August 9, 2011, it all became too much to bear.

I pulled out the google dictionary and found out that all I needed to do was to replace the flush valve seal. Simple!! Except one thing, I have no idea how a toilet works and where a flush valve seal goes. After a little more searching and effort, I had a new flush valve seal installed, and the toilet flushes like a charm now. I am a little concerned about losing the strength I've accumulated over the past month, but I think it's worth it.

KC Final Part

2011-08-04T22:13:00.001-07:00

What made this trip so attractive was that I was able to get decent airfare, but I was required to take flights with a layover in Minneapolis in order to get the best price. My flight home wouldn't leave until 3 in the afternoon, getting me back to Phoenix around 7 in the evening. I figured I'd rest/sleep in the airport and everything would be fine.

After our arrival at the airport, we tried to settle in and get some rest. None of the seats were very comfortable and we quickly realized we were in for a very long night. We discovered another problem; the terminal was freezing! The taxpayers of KC must pay a fortune to keep the airport at what seemed to be a chilly 45 degrees! Having packed lightly, we were without warm clothing, so we just shivered and tried to get some sleep. When we discovered this was to be futile, we found a little area between the outer doors of the terminal and the inner doors to the terminal that was a little warmer than inside, however this comfort came at a price. The carpet was very course, there was a bad smell and there was constantly jazz music playing over the speakers. We decided that the warmer temperature was most important and tried to get some sleep.

This was a waste of time. After a few hours, I was thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm actually doing this. I am trying to sleep in an area that is neither inside nor outside, with music playing that is supposed to be soothing but that really makes me insane with anger." It was so ridiculous, I had my friend take a picture of me in our little area (see below) for documentation and we went back inside where we used the warmth of our laptops in our laps to stay warm. By morning, I hadn't slept hardly at all and I was concerned about my late departure. My mentally fatigued state had me very worried that I wouldn't get any rest for a long, long time, and I immediately longed to be home as early as possible. I tried to make calls earlier about changing the flight, but didn't get very good customer service and just gave up on the idea, but now this idea was planted in my head again. Not thinking it was going to be economical, I put it aside.

Worst night's sleep ever

By about 6:30 AM, my friend had gone to take his flight and I was left to await my flight in over 8 hours in a different terminal. I was using my computer outside of security, when I got a distinct and sudden impression in my mind "Pack up and go." This was not simply a thought, but almost a gentle urging in my mind. This was uncommon. I shut my lid on my computer, caught the shuttle and went to my terminal. As I traveled, I talked myself into why it made sense to go to my terminal. I figured, what was the harm? Maybe I could talk to someone that could change my flight or help me figure out how much it would cost. Maybe there would be better seats, a blanket, etc.

As I got there, I went to check myself in. As I walked up, I saw another man at the kiosk next to mine and immediately recognized him. He was Sunil Gulati, economics professor at Columbia University, and the President of the US Soccer Federation. He is the man ultimately responsible for all operations of the US Men's national team, the team I love and travel to support. He is comparable to a General Manager of a professional team, and he's certainly not a nobody. I didn't say anything to him, but watched him as he walked off and thought "Wow, I'm glad I packed up and left when I felt I should." It's not every day you see someone like Gulati checking into Delta with us.

Gulati is on the left in the above picture that was taken just a couple days ago when US Soccer announced it had hired a new coach named Jurgen Klinsmann.

Then I finished checking in at the kiosk and saw I had an option to change my flight and get home about 7 hours earlier for 40 extra dollars. I decided it was worth it and tried to swipe my card. It didn't work, and it told me to seek out an agent. I spoke to one, and she started typing into the computer. She informed me that there was a flight I could transfer to for free that was leaving in about 10 minutes and would get home by 12:00 PM.

HALLELUJAH!! She printed the tickets and I SPRINTED to security, stopping only to let the TSA take a naked picture of me.....I mean, uh, scan me for weapons. I made it home and got some much needed rest both on the plane and when I got back. I'm glad I listened to my little prompting.

All in all, a successful trip. Wish I could do it more often.

Kansas City

2011-06-28T23:54:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I know that I kind of left the New York travelogue hanging, and believe me, there's more. For example, I never explained the case of the Mystery Liquid, which happened to me while in the City. It's such a mystery, I've considered having Poirot himself investigate it. I also never explained how I got Ryan and myself into a Jay-Z music video. But anyone that cares enough can ask me and I will explain it fully and thoroughly.

Onward and Upward, however, is what I always say. I've taken trips since then. Here's a brief write-up of a recent one.

There are generally competitions involving the National Team during summers. Last summer, we had the World Cup. This summer, we have the Gold Cup. It is basically the championship for North America, Central America and the Caribbean Islands. The tournament consists of a round robin phase followed by a knockout phase, very similar to the World Cup.

Tim and I decided to travel to Kansas City to watch the final of the three group stage games against Guadaloupe. Where is Guadaloupe, you might ask? Excellent question! It's in a little cluster of islands north of Venezuela. It's a French colony. They are a tiny nation, but have caused problems for teams in the Gold Cup before. We both figured it would be a fun game, we got fairly cheap airfare, so we decided to have a go.

We arrived at the airport around the same time, on different flights. After meeting up perfectly at the rental car facility, we got our car and took off for the stadium. The stadium was brand new, and I mean BRAND NEW. It had been open for a few weeks and only one game had been played there. We showed up to the stadium a few hours early, parked (for free!!), and set off on our adventure.

A new trend in stadiums is to build them near little shopping centers, or better yet, to build new shopping centers along with the stadiums. Local politicians are always more likely to vote for something that is going to "generate economic activity" and these little malls are used to say "Hey, you taxpayers should fund this stadium because....look at all the money traffic will generate at these malls!!" This stadium was built near an existing mall and we went and had a 5 guys burger and headed into the stadium.

This stadium was VERY nice. State of the art. I've included some pictures below.

My favorite part, however, was the "supporters club." There is a section of the stadium for the loyal supporters, and there is access to an inside, air conditioned, sports bar, complete with tvs and cheap liquor (from what I gathered). More on this later, but here's a picture of me and Tim with some steward in the supporters club. She jumped in the picture right as someone else took it.

We made our way to our seats to catch the first half of our doubleheader, Canada vs. Panama. We beat almost everyone else there, and grabbed the seats we wanted in the general admission area. They were right behind a goal post, as you'll see later. The first game was pretty boring, until Panama scored right at the end to tie it. This meant that the USA needed a draw to move into the next round.

The US game started, and the supporters section got warmed up. Chants of "I Believe that we will Win!" and other such chants began. Very energetic, and good crowd. The USA dominated play, but only managed to get one goal for all their efforts. Jozy Altidore hit an absolute screamer in about the 10 minute and that was all the scoring we needed. 1-0, USA.

Here is a video taken from by me of Clint Dempsey taking a free kick. Not bad.

After the US won, we were in no hurry to go fight traffic, so we mulled around the stadium, when we heard noise coming from the supporters club. We walked in and saw a hundred or so people gathering and chanting. We wandered over, and decided to join in. Here's a noisy and shaky video I took while in the group.

It was a lot of fun in there, and we finally got hot enough and tired enough to head back to the car and drive to the airport. Here's where I'll cut off for now and finish up tomorrow.

My religion discussed on "Red Eye"

2011-06-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

I love Red Eye. It's the only show about current events/news that I will watch because it is funny, and I feel better about myself after I've watched it. Contrast this with the horrible feelings I get whenever I watch network news and see the terrible things going on in the world.

The recent presidential bids of Romney and Huntsman have kind of pushed our faith into the spotlight a little bit. The guys on Red Eye discussed the LDS church a little bit and I thought it was funny enough to link to.

Of course, I highly recommend watching the whole thing because the show is just awesome, but the section I refer to begins at 2:20 and ends at about 6:00. It's some interesting discussion.

Isaac, check this out

2011-05-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hilarious.

The Outlaw Experience

2011-04-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

Sitting with the American Outlaws for the game means one very fundamental thing. You stand. The whole game. When we showed up before the game, the Outlaws were already standing. We assumed the position.

Standing with the Outlaws means another thing. You chant. You sing. You yell. You do everything within the rules to give your team an advantage. Throughout the game, we participated in many different chants. I was familiar with many of these chants and songs; some of them, I was not familiar with. Here is a list of a few of them that I remember. Salty language has, of course, been removed.

(to the tune of Yankee Doodle)

Come on Yanks go score a goal, it’s really _________ simple.

Put the ball into the net and we’ll go ___________ mental.

Da-da-da-da-da-da Da-da-da-da-da-da

(to the tune of Chim-Chiminy)

Tim-timiny, tim-timiny, tim-tim teroo

We’ve got Tim Howard and he says ______ ____!

(to the tune of Camptown Races)

Everyone South of the Rio Grande, you cheat, you cheat.

Everyone South of the Rio Grande, you cheat all the day.

(some random tune)

Same old Messi, always cheating!

There were many others, most of them involving “USA”. I really think that we are lacking some outstanding chants here. Maybe most other countries are in the same boat. It’s not like club teams like Manchester United and Fulham where the fans spent 38 weeks a year more concerned about that team than about their national teams. They have the time to just come up with new chants all the time. Maybe we just need to be more creative. I really like that we have just grabbed onto the whole Revolutionary War theme. It’s really the best theme we could have going for us.

When the teams come out for the game, they come out together in two lines. Usually they are accompanies by a young kid who gets to line up next to one of their heroes. The FIFA anthem plays as they marched out and we all held up our USA scarves. It’s a great atmosphere and it’s very unique to soccer. I think some other sports could do with what they do. March out the starters and introduce them simply. None of this pyrotechnic, noisy, flashing atmosphere’s like in the NBA.

When the teams were lined up for the national anthems, Argentina’s anthem was sung first. They had a singer come in and the stadium got quiet. The Outlaws in front of us got us to quiet down and shushed anyone that tried to distract from their national anthem. I liked this a lot, I grow tired of people that whistle and boo through our national anthem, which has been known to happen in Mexico and other parts of Central America. I held my USA scarf up most of the time during their national anthem.

Then as our anthem was about to start, I saw some movement below me. The hardcores near the field level had brought a massive flag and were handing it back to the row behind them, who passed it on to the row behind them. Before we knew it, the flag was over us and we were all jumping and hitting it from underneath to make it move. The anthem was going by then and we all sang along under the flag while making it wave. It was really cool. Tim’s friend Brandon got some video of it, and I’d like to make sure I get it as well. After the anthem was over, we passed the flag back down and I thought that was the end of the flag.

I found some video of it and here it is. It was taken by someone else, but you can spot Ryan in this video towards the beginning. Pardon our singing. Our voices aren't that good to begin with, and they're made worse by our incessant yelling.

During the game, most of the hardcore chanters were about 15 rows in front of us and they were the ones that started the chants. Since they were chanting toward the field, we had a hard time hearing what they would. Fortunately there were a couple selfless guys that came back into other sections and listened carefully for the cheers and would turn around and got us going up to speed with the others. They were kind of like drum majors in a marching band that were peppered around the supporters section to get us all on the same page. The one that was near us was great; he’d turn around and really get us fired up and doing the right chant at the right time. Energetic. That’s the kind of person we need in our supporters sections all over the world to rally Uncle Sam’s Army and the American Outlaws.

Here is some video of the guy that was our leader of cheers, taken by someone else. I couldn't really see us, but we might be there somewhere.

After the goal was scored, it was just pandemonium in the supporters section. People jostling each other, screaming, laughing, jumping. Before I knew it, the flag was coming back up again and it ended up over us again. Here is some video of what it was like in there, taken by someone else. It's pretty much exactly what it looked like for me.

It got up there so quick, I really couldn’t figure out who the goal scorer was. But who cared?? We made the flag wave and cheered and yelled to the extent that we could. During this time under the flag, I felt some kind of muscle in my stomach do something weird. I was instantly concerned I had torn a muscle of given myself a hernia of some kind. I put my finger on it and it hurt quite a bit. But that was of secondary importance. We were level with Argentina!! We’ll deal with the medical ramifications later.

The game ended 1-1 and the players started to trudge off the field. The Americans made their way over to us and applauded our section. During most of the game, I had no idea if the players could hear us or not, but their applause seemed to indicate that they had heard us. We applauded back, and chanted the names of various players until most of them were gone. The Outlaws started to disperse. We stuck around for a while in the freezing cold, snapped a few more pictures, and headed out.

When I got home from the trip, I got online and saw that video of the game we attended was archived, so I turned it on and watched it. You could clearly here the fans singing the anthem. It was really cool. They showed the flag on TV and I could point out to my parents where I was. Once the game started, you could hear most of the chants we did as well. We aren’t as loud as the England fans or the Turkish fans, but it was neat to hear our contributions.

I loved my experience with the Outlaws, foul language aside. When I get married and have a family of my own, I probably won’t be able to sit with the Outlaws again until my kids are grown. And even then, I’ll probably be too old to really be with the kids in the supporters section. Therefore, I am going to sit with the Outlaws at every game I attend where my wife is not with me. I love cheering the Yanks on.

The Action

2011-04-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

The action on the field was quite interesting. The USA’s glut of central midfield players pushed Bob Bradley to put the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation that looks as follows.

When I saw the lineup, I was encouraged that we would be able to strike a real balance of possession and combativeness in the midfield. Jones and Dempsey and Donovan would help maintain the possession and Bradley and Jones and Edu would hopefully make it difficult for Argentina to attack us up the middle and force them out wide.

(Back: Clint Dempsey, Maurice Edu, Carlos Bocanegra, Tim Howard, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, Jermaine Jones; Front: Jonathan Spector, Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore)

This strategy proved to be half successful. Argentina did attack us out wide. Plenty.

Unfortunately, they also attacked us up the middle. At will. The first half was essentially one-way traffic, with Messi leading the charge. Our boys did a good job of swarming him, but it usually took at least two or three people to force him to pass it, and when he would, it was usually a brilliant pass, accompanied by a darting run into a dangerous portion of the field. What amazed me most was how Messi found and used space. He always created just enough space to squeeze a pass through and he always seemed to find little cracks of space to squeeze into in order to receive a pass. He was incredible.

Lionel Messi bedevils two Yanks

When they weren’t attacking up the middle, there were plenty of players like Esteban Cambiasso that would ping the ball wide to Argentina’s wingers. A typical possession of Argentina consisted of sucking the whole American defense into the middle and then sending the ball out wide. Poor Carlos Bocanegra must have sprinted from the box out to the wing 10 times in the first half. Suck us in, then stretch us out.

Fortunately, we had a few weapons at our disposal. Tim Howard was absolutely immense in the first half. When Argentina’s wingers would get to the endline and cross, Howard often found a way to claim it. If he didn’t claim it, he deflected it. If he didn’t deflect it, Jay Demerit interfered enough to prevent a goal. Amazingly, we were still level at 0-0 until the 43 minute. Messi got to the endline, nutmegged Bocanegra somehow, and another Argentina player shot. Tim Howard produced a brilliant save, but Esteban Cambiasso fired the rebounded into the roof of the net. The half ended 0-1 to Argentina.

Cambiasso gives ARG the lead

At halftime, Coach Bradley made several changes, two of which were notable. Timmy Chandler, a German born son of an American serviceman, and Juan Agudelo came on for us. Chandler took Spector’s spot and Agudelo came on for Jones, and we immediately looked better. Chandler, playing in his very first game for the Yanks, started to relentlessly attack up the right side. Better yet, he produced good crosses. Agudelo started linking up with Altidore and Dempsey.

All this culminated in a free kick from Landon Donovan from about 45 yards out. He sent the ball into the box and Carlos Bocanegra got his head on it and directed it goalward (doesn’t he seem to do this an awful lot?). The keeper made a great save, but was unable to hold it. Juan Agudelo played the role of Juanny-on-the-spot and poked it in. When it went it, my view was such that I only saw the net move. Upon replay, we saw that Agudelo had slowed his run, twisted his body, and squeezed the ball between the hands of the keeper and the post. It was a goal that was, in actuality, far more difficult than it appeared at first glance.

Have a look.

The stage was set for a frantic finish, with both teams chasing a winner. Unfortunately, neither team really got close to grabbing that winner. The game ended 1-1 and, had this been a World Cup game, it would have been a point gained for the US and two lost for Argentina.

In evaluating our team, there were several players that acquitted themselves as winners. Tim Howard, Jay DeMerit, Clint Dempsey, and Michael Bradley all played well. The real stars, however, were young Timmy Chandler and Juan Agudelo. Those that didn’t play well were Jonathan Spector, Jermaine Jones, Oguchi Onyewu, and Landon Donovan. Donovan, while he provided the freekick that led to the goal, was very quiet and did not impose himself on the game.

We left the game, thrilled to have witnessed the Yanks obtain a decent result and to have witnessed our defense match wits with perhaps the greatest player ever.

New Outlaws-The trip to the game

2011-04-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Before getting into the car to head over to New Meadowlands stadium near Seacaucus, we stopped back at the hotel to gather some things. As we changed into our jerseys, collected flags, it seemed to feel like we were suiting up for some kind of battle, mostly because our tickets had us sitting in the Supporters Section with the USA Soccer fan group known as The American Outlaws. This group is tantamount to the student section of college football and basketball games. They stand the whole game, chant, wear coordinated colors, and, usually, drink a lot. They’ve been known to travel long distances to support the US Men’s National Team. When the process of qualifying for the World Cup required the US to play in Cuba, several of the American Outlaws defied the US travel ban to Cuba, and somehow got to Castroland and attended the game. They covered their faces with American bandanas, so that government officials couldn’t identify them, given that the game was broadcast nationally on ESPN.

The American Outlaws documenting their presence in Cuba

We thought this would be a fun group to watch a game with, and we got tickets with them.

Professional sports stadiums have always been interesting to me, particularly how they are viewed by fans. Some fans prefer to hold on to old grounds that may be outdated because of the memories, atmosphere, and legacy within them. Places such as Lambeau Field, White Hart Lane, Craven Cottage, Arrowhead Stadium, and Anfield are examples of this. Others prefer to wow their fans with state of the art facilities that have retracting roofs, massive Jumbotron screens, and other such bells and whistles. New Meadowlands stadium, where the USA game was played, is one such stadium.

New Meadowlands Stadium with the Outlaws in front of us. 20 minutes before gametime.

As good as club owners get at building awesome stadiums, they seem to get worse at getting people in and out of their stadiums. The stadium was about six miles away, but it took us about an hour to get in, because four lanes of highway traffic converged into one in order to get into the parking lot. When things started to slow down, immediately, warnings triggered in my mind that we wouldn’t get there in time. It was our hope to arrive at the game in time to march into the stadium with the rest of the Outlaws. However, after some aggressive driving by Tim, we got into the stadium with about 30 minutes to spare. The Outlaws were already in their section, but we settled in nicely and got our vocal chords warmed up.

Day 2-Pleasure before business

2011-04-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

We woke up and partook of the delightful waffle bar that our hotel had. Tim and Brandon had left Boston at around 7:30, and we were planning for them to arrive at about 10:30. The plan was to let them stay with us on Saturday night, and I was a little concerned that we might get caught allowing them to stay in our room.

I sure do seem to worry an awful lot. It’s hard to say how many times I have neglected to act in a way that was productive or good because I was worried or afraid of what might happen. Now, almost every time I start a trip to a new place, I worry and wonder if I’m not leaving home for the last time, or getting on a plane for the last time. It’s silly. They say it’s like rocking in a chair, you do a lot, but you don’t ever seem to get anywhere doing it.

Anyway, Tim and Brandon arrived, parked, and came up to our room without a hitch. We left for the city a short while later.

Times Square was where the shuttle left us and we wasted no time in getting to Niketown so that Brandon could buy the new kit. Surprisingly enough, there was a photo booth in this store as well. I forced Tim and Brandon to pose for it, and I did it for a second time. The results were much better this time around and we took off in search of lunch.

The ideas were good, but too much holding of the right arm in that crooked position. I'm kissing the badge in the upper right one...

We stopped by some famous Deli that Brandon suggested, and we saw a ridiculous line. I believe it was the Deli that Dave Letterman always hangs out at, but I wasn’t certain. We quickly decided to go somewhere else and ended up at none other than Famous Original Ray’s Pizza. It wasn’t at the corner of 1^st and 1^st (Seinfeld reference), but it did sell delicious, and expensive, pizza.

We shared in some college basketball talk with a family of Kentucky fans that had traveled to Newark for their team’s game. They recognized my BYU beanie and we talked about Jimmer and the Cougs’ loss to Florida. They were very nice and I was happy for them that their team won in the next round too and got to the Final Four. Final Outcome, at the time of writing, is still undetermined. After lunch, we set off on foot toward Central Park.

I had hoped that we would take the subway, because Ryan and I had bought unlimited passes for 7 days on the subway at about 29 dollars. It was really a pretty wise decision because it took us almost anywhere we wanted to go. We just walked up to the turnstile and swiped the card. This is where things got tricky, because the turnstiles seemed to be like Goldilocks. Swipe too slow and it rejected you; swipe too fast, same result. Swipe it just right and you get the good kind of beeping and you proceed through. You also weren’t allowed to use your card at the same stop within 18 minutes. This wasn’t a problem though because if you go through, and realize you’re on the side of the tracks that goes the wrong way, you just take the train down a stop and find the right side, and swipe the card. This happened to Ryan and I on several occasions. We weren’t certain if this saved us money in the end, but it certainly would have had we spent another day or so there.

Back to Central Park. We walked there, and just decided to have a stroll through the park and see what was going on. As we walked into the park, I started to cross the crosswalk when we got a walk signal, only to see that a horse and buggy had decided to make a left hand turn across our crosswalk. Now, if this was a car, I might have kept walking, because you know a car is like a computer, it only does what it’s master tells it to do. However, horses sometimes can have wills of their own, so I stepped back quickly and let it pass by fairly close to me. I’m not afraid to lose a game of chicken with a horse….

Statue of some guy in Central Park

Walking through the park, I was amazed at how many joggers there were. There were also people spread through the park playing various instruments in the hope of making some money. We snapped pictures of a few statues. Brandon wondered very early on if we would be able to find the pigeon lady from Home Alone 2. This movie would prove to have a real impact on the rest of our day. He also wondered if Central Park “had that tunnel in all those movies where bad things happen to people.” Of course, I have not quoted him accurately, but that was the gist of his message. We looked at a few tunnels and we seemed satisfied that we found a tunnel or two that was used in a movie. We then engaged in a lively conversation about some Jodie Foster movie where something horrible happens to a character in a tunnel in Central Park and it causes her to seek revenge. After a debate about the title of the movie, Ryan confirmed that it was, indeed, called The Brave One.

Whew, we could all rest easy that night knowing that this trivia question had been resolved.

We made it out of the park, and decided to head up to 30 Rockefellar Center, but we were distracted on the way by the famous FAO Schwartz, site of the famous big foot piano from the movie Big.

We went in and had a look around, and it was truly the biggest and craziest toy store I had ever been in. Tim made the comment that they designed the place like a casino…..difficult to find the exits, with distractions galore. I was particularly awed by the life sized Chewbacca and C-3PO made entirely out of legos.

Seriously, who learns how to do this stuff? There were some other fun things there, but the time had come to move on.

On the way to 30 Rockefellar Center, it became clear that Brandon was suffering some kind of foot discomfort. Apparently, the shoes he brought were old and didn’t fit him properly. He decided he needed to go back to Niketown and get some shoes so that he wouldn’t have nasty foot pain. Ryan and I went ahead to 30 Rock, becoming momentarily distracted by a very interesting Anglican Church.

Fortunately, the shoe purchase went off without a hitch and we met at the Ice Skating Pond near 30 Rock.

30 Rock area

Someone (probably me) decided that this was the place and time where we would pay to go up and get a view of the City from high up. This view cost 22 dollars. Since I can only imagine that the daily costs for this operation were labor, and electricity to run the escalators and elevators, I imagine they make quite a profit off us. This isn’t even counting the gift shop at the top. The view from the top was quite impressive.

Tim constantly complained about not being able to see the Chrysler building clearly, because the view of it from 30 Rock was blocked. It was quite entertaining to watch him go from floor to floor and from view to view trying to get an unobstructed shot. He really loves that building. For good reason too, I suppose.

The early afternoon was transitioning to the late afternoon, so we decided to head back to the hotel to prepare ourselves for the game. A quick stop to snap a picture or two with the National Debt Clock and of the NewsCorp buiding (aka the Fox News building) were our only distractions, and before we knew it, the pleasure portion of our trip was over and the business portion was about to begin.

Our country owes a lot of money....

News Corp....where are the Red Eye guys???

Second Half of Day 1

2011-04-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

After the slow start to the first morning, we headed over to the Empire State Building by subway. As we approached the building, we tried to find the little slivers of street that had some sunlight. It was so cold this weekend. We were told that it was 20 degrees below normal, and the high temperature we felt during the weekend was about 40 degrees. At the Empire State Building, there were tons of people in bright orange and yellow jackets that accost people and try to get them to purchase a trip up to the top of the Empire State Building. After informing us that it would cost 30 dollars or so to get to the 80^th floor and 50 to the top, we quickly decided that the view of the building from the ground was more than sufficient.

Enough view for me

The Manhattan temple and Times Square were two other things we saw that morning. I have to admit that the Manhattan temple was somewhat underwhelming. Usually when you think of a temple, you imagine sprawling temple grounds with beautiful landscaping and a beautiful white building that rises far above the horizon. Obviously, this is not possible in Manhattan, where it is dwarfed by surrounding buildings. It almost stands out in its simplicity and in its size. If not for its Angel Moroni statue, you would never pick it out as a temple. We struggled to find a good shot for a picture, and never really found a good one.

See Moroni?

In Times Square, I found a sporting good shop that was displaying the new jersey (technically referred to as a “kit” in soccer) that was to be worn in the game on Saturday. This kit was red, with a blue sash going diagonally from the left shoulder to the lower right hip. The store had set up a photo booth in which customers put on the new kit and get four photos taken. I did that, but my mind and body weren’t quite up to the challenge this time and I was disappointed with the photos I took.

By then, it was about 1 PM, and Ryan and I had about had it. We hadn’t slept much, and were exhausted from hauling our heavy backpacks with us all morning. Mentally, we had expended a lot of energy to get through the morning. We were so disoriented and tired, we walked into a movie theater and contemplated going to see a movie just to relax and get our energy back. I suspect that had we done so, we would have both been asleep within 10 minutes. As much as we wanted to see Sucker Punch, we decided against it and opted (wisely, I believe) to start the trek to our hotel.

Our decision to go to the hotel wasn’t without some incident, of course. We had no idea how to get there. You’d think we’d have planned out our routes so that we wouldn’t struggle to get from place to place in a strange, massive city. MMmmmmm, not so much. We huddled for a while, and still couldn’t figure it out. After calling the hotel, we got some directions that seemed like Greek again. Times Square? Port Authority? Bus terminal 51? Get off at the Toys R’ Us on John F Kennedy avenue? Ok, whatever you say hotel lady. Once again, we took it one mass transit device at a time, and we made our way there. It was sweet relief to check in early and collapse into bed at 3 PM, and we drifted to sleep almost immediately.

Times Square

"By George, we did it!"

It is truly amazing to me what fatigue can do to a person. When we walked in the hotel room, we didn’t care about how our hotel was right on a highway in a rather run down part of New Jersey. We didn’t much care that the room reeked of cigarettes even though there was a strongly worded sign indicating that this room was a non-smoking room. All that mattered was letting our minds and bodies recover after a truly exhausting 18 hours or so. Earlier in the day I was texting Tim about what we wanted to do the next morning. I told him that we were heading to the Hotel and that we had had enough and needed rest. Tim sympathized, but wondered if we might be better off just sticking it out and seeing a bunch of other things and catching up on sleep later. I felt like I was catching my second wind at the time, but I was wrong and sacrificing a few hours of New York City ended up being a good decision. It allowed me to enjoy the rest of my weekend. Sometimes an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

A good decision

I woke up a couple of hours later. Ryan slept for a while longer. When he woke up, I requested that we go to an Old Navy up the road so that I could find some kind of thermal to wear underneath to avoid a potential back injury from my shivering. We grabbed some Sonic on the way back, and I called my grandparents in Schenectady and we talked about a variety of topics. After that, I went right back to sleep at around 10 and slept until about 8 or so the next morning.

The first of my travelogue

2011-04-13T00:14:00.000-07:00

The following is taken from my "travelogue" of my trip to New York City to take in the USA-Argentina soccer game in late March. I traveled with my friend Ryan Talbot from Arizona, and met up with other friends Tim and Brandon in NYC, who made the trek from Boston. I wrote the travelogue with preceding background information before writing details of the trip itself. I will make that available to anyone who cares. For the blog, I will just start with the trip itself.

“Day 1” Morning-Getting into the City and embracing tourism

Before we knew it, it was Thursday night and the time to climb aboard Jet Blue for the red eye flight into JFK airport had come. We left at 10 pm, and arrived at just after 6 am New York City time. I had hoped to get some sleep on the plane, knowing that we would be spending most of the day doing “touristy” things in the City (or so we planned). I got an hour or so of sleep on the plane. Pathetic. Ryan didn’t get much sleep either.

You’d think that after such a long trip and after paying a good amount of money, that we would hit the ground running and try to take complete advantage of our time in one of the most famous cities in the world. Well……not so much. After wandering around in the terminal almost in a stupor for a moment or two, we sat down and Ryan decided to try to take a nap. After about an hour, we summoned the energy to figure out where we were going next. I decided we would find the Seinfeld coffee shop in Manhattan. I looked up directions and we headed off to midtown Manhattan.

The directions had us taking the Airbus to the Long Island Railroad, to the subway, to the coffee shop. The directions may as well have been written in Greek for all I understood. But, just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, a trip to Manhattan begins with a first packing into a crowded mass transit device. We maneuvered the Airbus, then the Long Island Railroad, once we got to the subway, we found the correct line and jumped on. It only took us two stops to figure out we were going the wrong way. We got off and tried to find the stop that allowed us to take the same line in the opposite direction.

Anyone want to point me in the right direction?

We may as well have been searching for the golden Snitch. We COULD NOT locate the stop. It probably couldn’t have been more obvious that we were clueless tourists. We walked around a whole block just to make sure we weren’t missing it. Suddenly, Ryan pointed at something, and sure enough, that was the stop we could get on to take the correct route, but this time in the correct direction. We finally arrived at the coffee shop.

It was a beautiful sight. So many childhood memories come from staying up until 10 pm to watch an episode of Seinfeld before I went to bed. Once we got there, I didn’t really know what to do. I hesitated to get a picture because I didn’t want to look too “touristy.” I sheepishly posed for a picture by the Diner. Ryan did the same.

Too touristy?

I don’t know why I felt so uncomfortable to take a picture. Maybe it was all the people walking to work in the morning that made us feel out of place posing for a picture. But isn’t that why we went to the City that early in the first place? To see things that we had never seen before, like famous sites? Does the fact that we don’t live in New York make us worse than those that do? Do we ever blame someone for taking pictures at the Grand Canyon? Of course not! I struggled with those feelings throughout the trip, but once Tim and his friend Brandon arrived, I was much less hesitant to snap a picture. Tourist strength in numbers, I suppose....

Trip to LA

2011-01-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

Well, this past week I decided to spend a little treasure and follow the US Men's national soccer team to California to play a friendly match against Chile. It was only a one day trip, I flew out Saturday afternoon and came back Sunday evening, so I really had to pack a lot into those couple of days to make it worthwhile.

We shall let the pictures tell the tale.

I stayed at a little Chinese/Korean run inn in Gardena, CA. All the instructions were written in both English and......some other language. I couldn't tell. But it was a nice little inn. I stayed on the third floor and the above picture is a look down from the third floor to a courtyard where one could sit and eat his or her continental breakfast. Oh yeah, speaking of which, the continental breakfast consisted of english muffins, some cereal, milk, juice.......and a rice maker?? I decided to really have the whole experience so I loaded up on rice, onions, seaweed, and some kind of sauce. It was interesting. The inn was very quiet, and I quite enjoyed the stay.

I wasn't certain what I would do in the afternoon before the game. I had about four hours to kill from the time I landed to kickoff. So I typed in some locations into the ol' GPS and let it lead me around town a little bit. I decided to hit the LA Temple, complete in my USA gear in case I had to go straight to the game. I quite enjoyed the Visitor's Center, got hit up for a referral (that seems to always happen), snapped a few pics and moved on. It was kind of ironic though, right next to the temple, in fact overlooking the temple grounds, was a massive billboard for the film "No Strings Attached." I think the gist of the film's message should be obvious to you readers. It can be related to us and no matter how hard we may be trying to live correctly, we seem to face constant reminders of messages that are against our moral beliefs.

I also liked the contradiction of the busy street that the temple was on against the orderly calm and peace of the temple grounds, not 30 feet away from the road. Kind of neat.

I got to the game rather early. Shelled out 15 bucks to park nearby, because I didn't know any better. It seemed that several people parked at the mall about a mile away and hoofed it over. Live and learn I suppose. The venue is the Home Depot Center in nearby Carson, CA. I didn't get a picture of the outside of the stadium, but it looked like a stadium.
Once a few fans got near my seat, I asked them to take a picture of me before things got really hairy. Even though we weren't in the "Supporters Section" those fans behind me that snapped this pic could have hacked it in there. Constantly yelling and getting the crowd going in our section. It was great. They had special disdain for the referee of the match, who spent the first 60 minutes trying to sink our chances of winning. His performance made me long for the performance of Koman Coulibaly. Click on his name if you need a reminder, and his wikipedia page describing his infamy will come up. Trust me, his wikipedia page is tame now compared to what was on there several hours after the USA-Slovenia match.

It would have been nice to have someone to pose with. Last time I take a trip like this alone.

After the game, I stuck around, not eager to wait in a line with 10,000 other cars. I walked around the stadium and I was in surprisingly high demand for pictures with Chilean fans. They were all pretty good sports and wanted to have a good time. Most soccer fans really don't want to cause trouble, they want to have a good time, have some good-natured fun with other supporters, and go home safely. Plus, the fact that many of these people were American citizens or had been in America for years has probably mellowed them out a little. In any case, it was my pleasure to pose for a few pictures with various groups of Chilean fans.

After the game, I met up with an old friend from my mission days. He lives in the area and decided to support Chile. He did comment that it's the only time he could ever cheer against the USA. It was also his first soccer experience and I think he enjoyed it.

I got home late, and woke up early the next morning with a surprisingly high level of energy. Unfortunately, I had a surprisingly low level of voice. I rolled out of bed, had breakfast, showered, and picked a random singles ward for church. I wanted to give myself plenty of time to drive down by Disneyland (the above picture will be recognized by astute followers as near Disneyland) and wish that I was there. I was running a little later than I thought when I got in the car and started heading south.

A few minutes into my trip, I looked at the clock and realized that my ipod had not changed time and that my alarm had woken me up an hour earlier than I thought. !@#$*&%#@ I was already checked out so I was on my own. I got to church way earlier than I planned. But it was a delightful ward (Newport Coast Ward), and my experience there was quite positive.

So after church I headed back to the airport, turned in the rental car and sat. I accomplished a few things, chatted with a few people, watched Jets fans go mental as their team fell behind big then rallied to come back. There were a few USA fans who were heading home to their various destinations. We recognized each other because I had my scarf and USA jersey on and they had other USA gear on. One guy came up to me and we talked about the game for a while. Anyway, good stuff. The flight was uneventful (I love Southwest airlines. The good natured cheer of their employees is always a pleasure), and I got home Sunday night. A fun trip, that only could have been better had there been someone else with me.

Ah yes, the result of the game. All of the USA's best players are currently in season with their club teams in Europe and did not play in this game. Likewise for Chile as well. So it was an opportunity to see young players and get a glimpse of what's coming down the pipe in a few years. The fact that these were young players showed. The game was very choppy, with certain players playing well and others playing poorly.

The USA fell down 0-1 early in the second half on a pretty wonderful piece of skill from a chilean striker. The USA then subbed in two really exciting striking prospects at about the 65th minute. The game instantly changed. Suddenly, American players were combining well and coming to life as the Chileans got tired and resorted to diving and feigning injury. This is not surprising, South American teams are known for their simulation skills, and Americans are known for their stamina and endurance. However, the referee saw through the Chileans and gave one a yellow card for diving. It was long overdue, frankly.

The American pressure ultimately paid off as Juan Agudelo from the USA was fouled in the box to earn a penalty. Teal Bunbury (a Canadian-American who chose to represent the USA) stepped up and converted the penalty. The game ended 1-1. Had there been five more minute, the Americans would have won. But it wasn't to be.

I recorded the penalty, but for some reason the sound didn't come through. Oh well. Hope you enjoy it.

A few pictures

2010-08-04T23:24:00.001-07:00

Ok, so it's time for a new post. I just wanted to upload a few pictures from my trip to Yosemite. I'll write something better soon.

This was my little dance that I did before going up a trail. It's known as the stanky leg.

I was reminiscing at the sign showing how far away half dome was. That was a great hike, and it was a shame we couldn't do it on this trip.

The one lane road we were trying to cross was closed for a while, so we poured out of the cars and sat down for a relaxation.

The magnificent Half Dome. I might go back some day.

Just one of the many falls we came across.

This was at the top of the hardest hike I've ever been on. The most grueling one, nothing but switchbacks and rock steps. It was soul crushing, especially because people from our group opted out of the hike to spend time at the resort pool down in the Yosemite village. But getting to the top was rewarding.

My facial hair

2010-06-06T12:02:00.000-07:00

I went camping at Yosemite for the past week, which greatly limited my personal hygiene. As a result, my facial hair grew more than I have ever grown it before. Take a look at the pictures and let me know what you guys think. Take a vote if you want.

The Mountain Man/The Clint Dempsey

The Cheesy Goatee

The Handlebar

The Baby's Bottom

New Gear

2010-05-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm ready for the World Cup.

My further descent into adulthood

2010-04-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

Well, many of you may remember that several months ago, my parents invited me to get off their cell phone plan. The purpose of this invitation was several-fold. First of all, Isaac was about to get home from his mission and the cell phone line that I was using was intended for him. Second of all, my dad is always trying to teach me life lessons about "self-sufficiency" and how rewarding it is.

So, I got a new phone and my own plan.

I was also invited to get my own form of transportation. After a little investigation, I purchased a car that a friend of mine owned and was trying to sell. It is a quality vehicle and I'm having so much fun being more self-sufficient.

My ride's so bright, I gotta wear shades....

Reunion

2010-02-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

Isaac came home last night. But not after about three days of uncertainty.

He was supposed to come home Thursday, but Maryland was snowed in. So his arrival was pushed back to Saturday night. Even then, we weren't sure if he would get out. Interestingly, he was the only one of about six missionaries to get out of Maryland last night because the rest of them had to go through Atlanta, which was also snowed in.

Anyhoo, we are glad he's back. In case you didn't see my mom's pictures, here they are.

I bought a walgreens balloon. W for welcome home. I had to modify the balloon a little bit.
Mom, Dad, and Balloon wondering where Isaac is.

He finally showed.
Check out banner Michael!!

New suit on an old guy....

2010-02-08T20:28:00.000-08:00

I decided that I needed another suit. I often need to have a jacket on when I attend certain functions at work, and my closet only contained one suit at the time. Since everyone knows you can't wear the same clothes to work every day, it was time to start searching for deals.

And by searching for deals, I mean having my mom search for deals.

She found a nice deal at a certain store here in Peoria, and I didn't really want to go see what they had because I remembered that they had some lecherous creep that worked there who sold me a suit the last time I was in the market. He was an older gentleman, and his personal grooming suggested that he wished he was still a hippie in the 60's. Somewhat scraggly beard, with his gray hair in a ponytail. I don't remember exactly what he said, but I remember that I didn't like how he treated my mom, who was shopping with me. I remember him openly hitting on her, and then he thoroughly embarrassed both of us by teaching us a profane way to remember how to tie a tie. Fortunately, his method has left my mind.

When he was finally done thoroughly offending us, I was relieved to get out of there.

I approached this suit experience with the worry in the back of my mind that this same guy would be there. As it turns out, I was right to worry. I saw the ponytail sauntering up and down the aisles, and it really took a conscious effort to avoid eye contact with him. I kept looking for suits, and I actually found one I liked. In an effort to avoid this guy, my mom and I took the suit to another guy in the area to ask a question we had. This is what the conversation went like.

Me- "Hey, I think this will have to be altered to fit me, what does it cost here?"

Other Salesman- "Uh, you really need PONYTAIL to help you out..."

Me- (Thinking to myself) "Thanks a lot bozo."

So the ponytail came, and helped us again. I don't think he remembered us, but I remembered him, and I kept my eye on him like a hawk. He got us through the process without offending us, and we got out of the store without further emotional damage.

Oh yeah, I got this suit for about 90 dollars, with a little extra for alterations.

Dad didn't want to pose with me, but I forced him to.

Lindsey's Christmas Present Finally Arrived

2010-02-04T22:00:00.001-08:00

I have a wonderful sister. She got me a Christmas present and it arrived in the mail yesterday.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a voracious consumer of soccer, mostly the Premier League in England. In the league, I support one team, and one team only. That team is Fulham FC> They have been the most consistent team in England at bringing in American players, at least in recent history.

However, I have developed an admiration for another team in London, this time on the north side. Casual fans of the NBA loved to watch the Phoenix Suns from 2004-2008. They played very entertaining basketball, and they consistently were competing for the NBA title. Fans of other teams hoped that, if their team couldn't win, that the Suns could win.

The Phoenix Suns of the Premier League are Arsenal FC. The Gunners. They play the best football in all of England, and they almost always are in the running for the Premier League title. Watching them is like watching poetry in motion.

Lindsey somehow knew that I had enough Fulham gear, so she made it possible for me to support in a small way, this other club that I admire. She and her husband bought me a different pair of soccer socks, that were made for a boy size 2-5 or something like that. When I pointed that out, they were very apologetic and we all had a good laugh. They unnecessarily, but very kindly, left some money behind for me to use, and this is what I ordered.

They fit very nicely, and it was nice of Lindsey and Rob to put this train in motion.

My other home.....

2010-01-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

I have a pretty nice bedroom in my parents house. It's prime real estate and everyone in our house knows it. This has led to some 'wonderful contention' when company comes into town. More about that another time.

It has the biggest bed, it's the closest bedroom to the kitchen, and to the family room (and by family room, I mean big screen and PlayStation 3). It's also far enough from the kitchen and family room so that sound from those rooms doesn't make it in if I want to go to bed early or sleep in. There is a bathroom not 6 steps from my bed. I love it.

Unfortunately my true home isn't where I lay my head at night. It's where I spend at least 8 hours of every day.

My office.

I should disclose that I got my own office the day I started my new job. My dad was quick to point out that he has spent his entire career in a cubicle, and that I'm being spoiled. I won't argue with that. However, I haven't really done much to spice up my office. I have some plans, but all I've actually done so far is to stick a few pictures to my door and to decorate the bulletin board that is behind me.

It's really nothing special, but it's home and I try to make it as such. Here's a picture of it just in case any of you care.

It needs a little TLC to be truly outstanding. Any suggestions on what to do with the 3 other completely white walls that aren't pictured?

Christmas.....

2010-01-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

This was my first Christmas season in years without a Christmas break. How was it, you might ask?

Don't get my wrong, I LOVE having a job, and I am so grateful to have it.

However......

I used to love being able to come home for two weeks, relax, play games, get chauffered from party to party, and just generally have a good time. There were plenty of good times to be had this year, but I always had work in the back of my mind. Such is life, with real responsibility I guess. I sure wasn't complaining when all my friends were taking finals, so I guess there are losses and gains.

My sister and her family stayed in our house (i.e. my bedroom) for a couple of weeks, and it was really great to have them around. Their daughter is as cute as can be and it was nice to always have a couple of people who were up for playing a game, whether it be Phase 10, FIFA or Ticket to Ride.

Here's a family picture we took while everyone was still together.

Hope everyone else had a nice holiday season.

The latest

2009-12-25T18:02:00.001-08:00

The way I have it figured, the only people that ever read this are people that already know me pretty well. If that's the case, why do I need to get on here and post about the job that i have been at for almost 3 months?

But I guess I better oblige anyway, just to get back in the habit of updating this thing.

In April, I had my second graduation from college. After two years in the MPA program, the decided I was deserving of a diploma. I spent a long and occasionally frustrating summer in Provo, applying for work. I got close several times. I was told I made it down to the final two for a job in Arizona. I applied for a job in California, and they invited me out to take a written test. I showed up early expecting maybe twenty people to show up for the test. After I sat there for about twenty minutes more people started coming.

And they kept coming. And coming.

When it was all said and done, there were approximately sixty people that SHOWED UP to take the written test for this job. We were told that there was one position open, and possibly two. The test was very difficult and I left thinking that I had wasted time and money going out to California to take this test. I got an email a few weeks later saying that I was ranked 4th based on the results of the test. This was quite surprising. I didn't end up getting an interview (They said they interview the top 3-5 candidates), but it was a nice shot in the arm and gave me some confidence at a time when I was wondering if I'd ever find work.

Fortunately, I did find work, and I've been there for about three months. I enjoy it, and it's a great learning experience. I feel really blessed. As glad as I am that I have work, I must say that I miss the school experience and the people I went to school with

I live at home with my family (aka parents), and it's a really good setup. I like living there and they like having me around. (I think.) More updates to come, but I feel really blessed.

The final picture is when I hiked up Camelback Mountain here in Phoenix on a day off work. Anyone from Arizona want to do it again?

Where does time go?

2009-12-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

Just realized that it has been 8 months since my last update. Well, I don't have time to do a full one now, but I just wanted to get the word out that I'm BACK! Be watching.

4 Questions with Oumar Traore

2009-03-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

The fearless skipper Oumar Traore offered up his time to educate us about himself.

1.What's been your best memory of the MPA program?-The moment i have enjoyed the most in the MPA so far is the time we gather as a team on a soccer field. Those moments are the best time of my day, week, and semester in the program. I love soccer, i like my teammates, and i just the fact that everybody has as much fun as possible on the field. Usually, i don't hang out a lot, but the soccer games have been very recreative moments for me.

2.What has been the most significant sports event in your lifetime?-World Cup of soccer between France and Brazil in 1998. I cried when Brazil lost with the three goals of France. Brazil is my favorite team in world soccer.

Pictured: France's keeper sending a message to Ronaldo in '98. Not Pictured: Oumar's favorite sports moment of all time

3. Which soccer player do you model your game after?-FREDERIC KANOUTE (Striker for Sevilla)

Kanoute, bedeviling two Gunners......

4. Describe your finest sports achievement.- Finalist in a college tournament in Algeria where I was team Captain. WE LOST THE FINAL GAME BY ONE POINT. I ACCEPTED MY SILVER MEDAL IN TEARS. IT WAS A GREAT COLLEGE TOURNAMENT IN 2006, ALGERIA WHILE I WAS PURSUING MY UNDERGRAD.

Thanks Oumar. We like playing with you too. Everyone come support us tomorrow (Saturday) at 3 PM at the indoor practice field.

4 questions with Sarah Bragonje

2009-03-26T22:16:00.002-07:00

I realized that it is time to highlight one of the stalwart group of ladies we have on the team. Sarah Bragonje took time away from making extremely useful instructional videos (check them out) to let us get to know her a little better. She even managed to answer an "extra-time" bonus question. What stamina......

1. What would be your dream job?- I've always loved the nonprofit sector, and long term I would want to work with a nonprofit that rehabilitates former prostitutes and victims of sex trafficking. This would involve everything from addressing health issues (particularly drug rehabilitation), providing avenues for continuing education (like getting their GED or beyond), job training, housing assistance, and legal aid.

2. Describe your finest sports achievement- It would probably be when I was able to score a PK from almost mid-field (I kid you not). It was the sweetest Hail Mary shot EVER, and just sailed in over the opposition straight to the top corner. We won the game.

3. What has been your best memory of the MPA program?-It has been the people, which I was not expecting. From the groups I've worked with, to Phase 10 in the lounge, to the AWESOME activities, to our amazing soccer team, this has been blast.

Our amazing soccer team, in uniform

Editor's note: Sarah is the nicest Phase 10 player ever. She will wait a turn to go out if you butter her up enough, telling you that all you need is one more turn for your phase. I think that was you Sarah, wasn't it?

4. Where would be an ideal place you'd want to live?- I absolutely love the Mediterranean. Before I started the program, I was living in Essaouira, Morocco, which was AMAZING. If it weren't for the taxes and nippy weather, Edinburgh would be a top choice as well. It is beautiful, full of history, and the people are wonderful.

Essaouira, Morocco, at least according to Google......

Bonus question. What are you doing after you graduate?- Living in paradise and working at my dream job.

4 Questions with Billy Dalebout

2009-03-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Billy Dalebout (Pictured to the left) has graciously given us this extra-special glimpse into his life.

1.What's been your best memory of the MPA program?- Working and socializing with J-Pop. Strangely, we have all ended up becoming close friends despite our very different backgrounds. I did not expect that we would still be doing dinners and washing cars into our second year of study. But alas, we are, and I love it.

2. What is your favorite band?- My favorite band is Radiohead. I first learned about them in high school and watched them perform at Oxford's South Park while living in London in 2001. Their music is pretty low key, somewhat dark, sometimes calm and sometimes energetic, and their songs develop very well. I think they score very high on the two most important aspects of music: texture and groove. You might like to hear their stuff on this NPR podcast: http://podcastdownload.npr.org/anon.npr-podcasts/podcast/510253/94387347/npr_94387347.mp3?_kip_ipx=828719928-1238012556

3. Describe your worst sports-related injury?- I made a electric run out of the mid-field during a soccer camp all-star game. The ball was thrown-in ahead of me in the air, and I had gotten in behind the last defender inside the 18. The ball took one bounce, the keeper approached, and I took the header off of the first bounce and netted the ball over the keeper to score a goal. The only problem--the keeper tried to punch the ball, which was exactly where I put my face. I had some nerve damage and a bloodied and swollen face.
Re-creation of Billy's injury

4.Which soccer player do you model your game after?- I model my game after Stephen Gerrard of Liverpool (pictured below), or at least think my style of play is similar. I'd like to think I've got pace, control, smarts, and good touch like him. The one aspect I admire so much about Gerrard is his finishing ability. Time-after-time he finishes by putting the ball in the side netting, controlling his shots off the laces, driving volleys, and placing the ball just inside the post on set-pieces. I always want to finish like Gerrard.

New feature.....4 Questions for Scott Selin

2009-03-25T08:38:00.000-07:00

We have at least one more soccer game, and I thought it would be interesting to give a better glimpse into who our players are. This feature will consist of several of our players answering four various questions (one for each semester in the program) designed to let our players and fans better know the members of our team. I'll start by highlighting myself.

1. What would be your dream job?- Whenever people ask me what career I'd like to get into, I always answer the same thing. I say that I'm interested in local government, particularly in City Management. It is a practical response. Usually, I preface that comment with a dumb joke about how I'd like to be the general manager of the Phoenix Suns. Everyone laughs, including me, but it's not really a joke. My dream job would be in some kind of management role within professional sports. There has to be space in all the soccer leagues and all the basketball leagues for someone like me, and if I ever get the opportunity, I'll seize it. But I probably won't get the chance, for the same reason George Costanza couldn't get into sports announcing.

2. What has been the most significant sports occurrence in your lifetime?- The 1992-93 NBA season, when the Suns picked up Charles Barkley, revamped their uniforms, opened a new arena, and went to the Finals, only to suffer this heart-breaking moment, setting the tone for the next 15 years within the Suns organization.

The shot that tortures Suns fans

3. What has been your finest sports-related achievement?- I was an avid wrestler in junior high and high school, and that gave me some memorable experiences. During my senior year, I flew under the radar all season while quietly amassing an impressive record (37-3 going into the state tournament). All the talk at the state tournament in my weight class was about two wrestlers in particular, who had met the previous year in the state finals and everyone expected a rematch. I got to the semi-finals, faced one of these two wrestlers, and beat him. Walking off the mat after that match was probably the finest moment I'd ever had.

I then got pounded in the final. Oh well.

4. What soccer player do you model your game after?- Two words. Sergio Ramos. I love how he is staunchly defending in one instant, and in the next he is sweeping up the right side in an attacking position. He was most responsible for Spain's Euro2008 victory, and I love watching him.

Thanks everyone. Game is this Saturday at 3 PM.

Let the madness begin!

2009-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

If you wanted to read about college basketball's tournament, you've come to the wrong place.

My general dislike for college basketball has been well documented here, as well as through general griping and moaning to friends of mine.

It's time for the intramural soccer tournament to begin. 50+ teams, single elimination. Our first game is this Wednesday evening at 9 PM at the indoor practice field. We play a team that defeated us already. I believe the point differential was one point, but we scored an equal number of goals. (Those girl goals.....they'll hurt you.)

I'm confident that we can win, but we'll already be short one. Billy will be soaking up the sun in Phoenix and won't be available to play for us. So we'll need to dig deep to get this game. Play scrappy. If they try to bully us in the box again, this is what we'll do to them.

Take care everyone. See you Wednesday.....

Even when we're short on players, Our team goes marching on, on on!

2009-03-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Poor Andy Bean. We won our first game without getting a goal from him, but he scored brilliant goals in both of the games that we lost. He's been a great asset to us. However, he commented to me in the lounge, probably half-jokingly, that he's not going to score any more goals because it seems to have a detrimental effect on the team.

He won't be joking about that after he hears about today's result.

We took the field and held the opponents to a single goal (which was quite a good shot, I must admit), and scored three of our own, to win a 3-1 decision. Omar scored twice, and frankly could have had at least two others, if not for accidentally touching the ball with his plant foot before shooting. Billy also neatly tucked away a penalty kick after the opposing goalie decided the only way he could stop him was to wrap up his legs and bring him down from behind. Other than the goal we gave up, we had no REAL threats against us to speak of, other than a penalty kick we yielded after an accidental hand-ball in the box. Ariel stared down the shooter, and guessed correctly and the following resulted....

So clearly, our good form today was because Andy wasn't there, right?

Wrong.

Not only could we have played better with him, we were missing a lot of people that could have helped us a lot, particularly on the girls' side. Some real unsung heroes this game were Kelsy, Kadiatou, Katie Forrest, and Sarah. They were real troopers and patrolled the field and did really well, despite not being able to sub off very often.

Now, we sit and wait until we find out when we're scheduled to play for the tourney. And we hope that it's on a day/night that we can all make it to. Thanks everyone. It's been a real pleasure playing with all of you.

One more thing, the team T-Shirts are in! I think they look good and I wore mine today at the game. I have the rest at my house, if you didn't pick yours up, let me know and I'll bring it to you at school.

Scott is a good man and a good bowler. He loves nature.....and bowling.

2009-03-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

The first annual BYU Charity Bowling Tournament took place tonight. For the minor sum of 15 dollars, I could join the BYU Bowling club and take part in the activity that would determine the best bowler on campus (and some that don't belong to this campus).

As I was warming up, I had a hard time getting a feel for the ball and the lanes, but I watched other bowlers around me struggling in the same way. After observing this scene, I was cautiously optimistic that I could make a little noise at this shin-dig.

Then the first match happened. It was such a blur, I can't even remember the guy's face, body build, or what he rolled. All I remember was that it was over, and over quickly.

"Pictured: My first round matchup. From left to right: Scott Selin, Erica Nielson, my opponent's friend, my opponent"

After allowing my opponent to roll over me like a tank over a pacifist, I got matched up with a skinny kid, that looked like he couldn't have been over 16. I noticed he was hanging out with a known bowling professor at BYU. I found out that the kid was the professor's son and I said,"Oh geez, I get matched up with the bowling professor's kid." He started strong, and I seriously considered the possibility of two inauspicious losses. Then I stepped up for the fourth frame.

And BOOM went the dynamite. Five strikes in a row put me up for good and I ended with a 201, my personal best by almost 30. I followed that up with two quality wins over two quality opponents, with both of my scores registering in the 180s. In the next match, I went against a serious member of the bowling club, who had fans watching. The game went back and forth until the seventh, when I closed him out with a couple of strikes, to end at 180.

I was dealing, and hoped to keep the roll going. Unfortunately, I ran into an employee at the Bowling Alley there, and he made quick work of me. He was a worthy winner, but my arm and grip were waning quickly. After coming strong with four games over 180, I finished with a feeble 112 and bowed out.

A 4-2 record isn't bad though, especially when it seemed likely that I would roll two games and have nothing to show for it. On a related note, Erica Nielson, who accompanied me, ran into a buzzsaw in the first round (her opponent bowled over 200), won a close match, and finally lost to a tough opponent. She did very well, and her scores seemed to get better and better as the night went on.

To all MPA team members

2009-03-03T19:17:00.001-08:00

One problem that a couple of us have pointed out that we have during our games is spacing. What does that mean? Allow me to illustrate.

Too often, and I'm as guilty of this as anyone, our team gets sucked in around the ball, particularly when we are on offense. By gathering around the ball, we draw more defenders to the ball and make it very difficult to move it up the field. The following illustration might help illustrate my point. We are the X's and the X surrounded by the black rectangle has the ball.

By flocking to the ball, our midfielders are allowing three defenders to get close to the ball, making it exponentially more difficult for the ball carrier to effectively pass or shoot.

However, if we spread the field out both vertically and horizontally, we open a ton of passing lanes and give the ball carrier room to maneuver, as shown below.

Let's try hard to spread the field a little more and make them cover a larger portion of field. I'm very confident that we'll look better this game than we have yet.

When your powers combine.....

2009-03-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

I was watching An Inconvenient Truth in class today and I had a conversation with a classmate about this man.

This man was a propaganda creation of the environmentalist movement. He was a superhero named Captain Planet that fought to save the earth from those that wanted to pollute it. These polluters were usually eeeeevil businessmen that were always trying to make a buck at the earth's expense. It's almost laughable how they depicted these businessmen as fat, angry, unkempt, and usually with a cigar in their mouths.

But I digress....

Captain Planet had five sidekicks called "Planeteers" and each one of them was from a different continent and each had a different power that was encompassed into a ring. The powers of the individual Planeteers are listed below.

Africa-Earth
North America- Fire
Europe- Wind
Asia/Australia- Water
South America-Heart (I still don't know what this means, but it is what it is)

When the Planeteers ran into a problem/businessman they couldn't defeat on their own using their own powers, all five would shoot their powers into the air with their rings, which would summon Captain Planet from out of nowhere.

So, now for the real question. What does this have to do with our soccer team?

Well, it seems that we have most every continent represented on our team. Think about it, most of us are from North America, but we have representatives from every other continent except Europe. Perhaps the reason behind our two-loss streak isn't an issue of X's and O's, rather it is probably because we don't have a European representative, which would allow us to combine all our powers and summon Captain Planet to defeat our opponents. Do we have any Europeans in the program? Does Moises count?

Anyway, our next game is this Saturday at 1 PM in the Indoor Practice Facility. We had a great fan turnout last time and we hope to have even better this week. Thanks again, and take care.

MPA Forms a Soccer Team: Brilliance Ensues

2009-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

The MPAA, in early January, did the best thing it could have done with its funds. They bought an intramural soccer schedule and signed up as many people as possible for the team. After a brief practice a week before the first game, we took the field, not really knowing what to expect. The following image nicely describes what happened.

We played the role of the team in red, and the other team played the role of the guy in the air. After a 4-0 victory, we were pleased with everyone’s performance, particularly that of our goalie Ariel Lara, pictured below.

We suffered a tough 5-3 defeat in our second match, but we showed flashes of brilliance during the match.

Our next match is on Saturday, February 21^st, at 3:45 PM at the indoor practice field. We hope you will all be able to attend and cheer us on. There are few things as exciting as watching Andy Bean and Billy Dalebout fly up the field with the ball, as watching Ariel Lara make an incredible save, and as watching Mellissa Garcia and Oumar Traore fearlessly challenge an attacking player for possession. Things are happening on the field that are worth watching. We hope you all take part in the fun.

Saturday, February 21^st; 3:45 PM; indoor practice field.

Awesome

Music and the Spoken Word

2009-02-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

I've lived in Utah for about six years. I've spent so many Sundays languishing on the couch while watching four grown men scream at each other. You'd think they were discussing the war on drugs or perhaps the merits of the most recent version of the stimulus package.

Not so.

Their overly energetic discussions centered around meaningless NFL games. And, embarassingly, this entertained me on Sunday mornings. Until today. I made the trek up to Salt Lake City with some family to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir put on their weekly broadcast "Music and the Spoken Word", hosted by this man.

"El Loco Newell"

Watching the choir's broadcast for the first time was such an impressive experience. Anyone who has not gone should go, and go immediately. It's worth the trip, and I feel really silly that I never took advantage of this incredible opportunity.

Welcome back Coach

2008-12-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

Mike D'Antoni returned to the Valley on Monday night to coach his New York Knicks against the Suns. I can't lie. I LOVE Mike D'Antoni, and if it were up to me, he'd have never left the way that he left. He ran the most entertaining team in the league and was the most entertaining coach when his team wasn't getting the calls he wanted, which believe me, happened quite often.

Seriously, who wouldn't want a guy like this coaching their team?

In any case, he's gone, and won't be coming back. But he'll always be the coach of the Suns in my mind, and I think a lot of people feel that way. I hoped the usually tepid and lifeless Suns crowd would come to life and give him the homecoming he deserved. Fortunately, they did, but being the pessimist I am, I have to criticize one aspect of the Suns' crowd's performance.

WHY ON EARTH DID THE CHEERING STOP ONCE THE LIGHTS WERE TURNED DOWN?

Why did it not get louder? Unbelievable. Maybe I'm being too critical, but the reporter should not have been able to hear the crowd get quieter once THEIR TEAM started getting introduced.

In any case, I'm sure it was weird for Mike to be on the other side. Different locker room, different bench.

Oh yeah, I'm sure it was weird for Mike to be on the receiving end of this.

And this.

The Suns won, but it was almost a little hollow, when you think that this could still be happening.

Those were the days.....

2008-12-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

The days without snow. The days when it was warm enough to go out and do stuff.

I was recently admonished by my mom to post some more pictures to this thing.......so here are a couple from way back when.

Jack Link's got some free advertising at the top of Mount Timp.

Posing with the sign that led us to the CORRECT trail this time around

What's going on in the desert?

2008-12-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

I can't figure out what's happening out in the executive suites at the US Airways Center. The suits up there recently traded two stalwarts of the Purple Palace. Raja Bell and Boris Diaw were both exiled to Charlotte for the explosive Jason Richardson, a proven scorer who can leap out of the gym. Both sides also sent "end-of-the-bench" guys to the other, with the Suns also receiving a future second round pick.

Bell and Diaw have both been valuable players for the Suns during the "Seven Seconds or Less" era. Both earned their stripes during the 2005-2006 season. Bell himself had three defining moments during the playoffs.

Threw Kobe to the ground after suffering several alleged elbows to the face. One of the greatest moments in Suns history. Click here for a photographic reminder.
Hit a game-tying shot over a defender to send game 5 into a second overtime in Phoenix against the Clippers. This shot evoked one of the loudest cheers I ever heard from Suns fans. Click here for a photographic reminder.
Played hurt during game 4 of the Western Conference finals against the heavily favored Mavericks, a game Phoenix desperately needed. The Suns prevailed at home, knotting the series at 2-2.

Diaw also asserted himself as a versatile Mr. Everything during that season, winning the Most Improved Player award. He punished the Mavericks during the Western Conference Finals, including hitting a game-winning shot to steal Game 1 on the road. He can play several different positions, and can defend several different positions.

This trade, at face value, seems to be incredibly defensible, even given the value of the outgoing Suns. However, after examining this trade within the context of the past 10 months leaves me scratching my head. In chronological order:

February 2008- The Suns trade unhappy Shawn Marion to the Heat for Shaquille O'Neal. This move is almost universally interpreted as a figurative "easing off the gas" for the Suns.
March 2008- The trade is at least partially vindicated, as Shaq debuts and the Suns win a close game over the Spurs, the type of game they almost always lost.
April 2008- Phoenix suffers a crushing defeat in game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against S.A. After this game, there is allegedly a confrontation between Mike D'Antoni and Steve Kerr, in which D'Antoni later claimed that a "violation of a trust" occurred. Phoenix was eliminated in 5 games, making hardly a whimper after game 1.
May 2008- Mike D'Antoni resigns as coach, leaving a position that he appeared to love. It is almost universally believed that his departure signifies a departure of the run-and-gun from the desert.
June 2008- Terry Porter is hired as new head coach of the Suns. He is given the charge to make both Amare Stoudemire and the Suns more defensively responsible.
December 2008- Bell, the best defender on the team, and Diaw, a versatile defender, are traded for, primarily, an offensive player.

Everything up to the trade indicated that the Suns were becoming more defensive minded and less offensive minded. However, this trade flies in the face of what recent history has told us.

Don't get me wrong, the history for the success of this trade has yet to be written, and I desperately hope that this injects some life into what has been a joyless season thus far for players and fans. Diaw's comments after the trade reflect this joylessness.

"It definitely wasn't as fun," It wasn't as exciting for the fans. It's not as fun for everybody [on the team]. I'll always remember Phoenix with Mike [D'Antoni]. We went from a winning team that was the most exciting team in the league to a half-winning team that wasn't exciting at all."

If Diaw feels this way, it's likely that others feel this same way. Perhaps this trade will shake things up in a good way. However, I wonder if this was a desperation move because it seems to contradict what the Suns have been doing over the past year.

Badge of honor

2008-08-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Life gets busy. I haven't taken the opportunity to put anything on this page for about two months. It's not that interesting things haven't happened to me, they've just happened frequently enough to keep more focused on experiencing them, rather than reminiscing about them. Sorry.......

Since summer is a dead time for sports, everyone at espn.com thinks that we need to be smothered with football coverage for a couple months before the season even starts. Unfortunately, to many people, there are only two sports seasons. There is A) the five months during which football is played, and B) the seven months in which football is not played. Because so many people worship at the altar of everything football, my never-ending pigskin nightmare makes life almost insufferable.

Well, not really. But you get what I'm saying.

However, sometimes, these dopes actually write something interesting. Like this piece, composed by Graham Watson from ESPN.com, who decided to select the most hated college football program from each conference. Guess who got picked as "most hated" from the Mountain West Conference. Surprise, surprise, it was my BYU Cougars.

A local sports talk radio station picked up this story and started asking the audience whether or not BYU actually is the most hated and why. The station is the official home of the Utah Utes, and EVERY SINGLE CALLER indicated that yes, BYU is the most hated team in the conference for each of the following reasons (and others I cannot remember)

Dorky fans
Arrogant fans
Arrogant players
Ignorant fans
Whiny fans
"Holier than thou" fans
Cheap players

Not surprisingly, very few Utah fans that called into this show identified the real reason BYU is the most hated.

8. Success and winning

But regardless of the reason why we're hated, the fact is that we are. The final question is how we, as fans, should take this news. Should we be angry? Absolutely not. We should be proud of this label. Does anyone hate the Marlins? Does anyone really hate the Royals? Of course not, because they're not relevant. Nobody hates a nobody.

This news made me prouder than ever to be a Cougar. Maybe I really am excited for football....

The Fog of War

2008-06-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Former defense secretary Robert McNamara subjected himself to over 20 hours of interviewing for the 2003 documentary The Fog of War. The movie is promoted as containing 11 lessons learned from the McNamara's life and career, mostly as pertaining to war and international politics. While my description makes the film sound like a two hour textbook, every minute is totally engrossing. McNamara was well into his 80's at the time of the interviews, yet reminisces and expresses his opinions with an intense clarity. He carries the burden of the film, and needs very little assistance in making this a fascinating experience.

Part of what was so engrossing was how it was filmed. The documentarian, Errol Morris, created a device that allows him to interview the subject face to face while the subject looks directly into the camera. Watching McNamara look straight into the camera while speaking helps grip and involve the viewer. Very cool.

What was most remarkable to me about this film was the incredible candor and honesty with which he recalls and describes events that he participated. He seemed most willing to discuss, surprisingly, the role he played in World War II under Curtis LeMay. Without playing spoiler, some of his conclusions regarding this period were astonishing. He, begrudgingly, addresses Vietnam, but tries to say as little as possible. He cautiously provides enough information to allow the viewers to arrive at their own conclusions regarding Vietnam.

This is a great movie. It treats material that belongs on PBS, but feels more like a conversation around a late-night campfire with a gifted storyteller. I give it the highest recommendation possible.

I am now officially this man....

2008-05-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

Those of you that don't know this man, consider yourselves lucky. He's a cranky old man. He's a sportscaster, but refuses to watch any West Coast games. East Coast bias? Probably, but that's not the real reason. West Coast games are after his bedtime of 9 P.M. He's easy to upset. The littlest thing like fruit toppings on ice cream set him off. His wardrobe is......well you can all see for yourselves.

But in a strange way, everyone who reads this probably does know him already, albeit through proxy.

Me.

I woke up at 6:15 in the morning on Saturday, and started examining my life while lying in bed. How did I wake up that early on a Saturday? I went to bed at 9:15 on a Friday night. Sad. I haven't watched any of the Western Conference Finals, I missed most of the Western Conference Semifinals, which were all great series, because i was in bed. Pathetic.

During the school year, nothing could get me bent out of shape. Tons of assignments, quick, rapid-fire deadlines were things I was usually just able to shrug off. I told people getting frantic and upset about finals to "calm down. we've all got them." But that was the old me.

The new me gets upset over a TV dinner.

I bought three delicious Banquet frozen dinners at a dollars a piece. They were all of the chicken fingers variety that you see pictured to the right. I love them. Crispy chicken, crinkle fries, and a brownie that gets thrown away. These meals are the real dollar menu. Well, someone at Banquet decided it would be brilliant to take the crinkle fries out and include macaroni and cheese, which I've never really liked that much (except Kevin's. That stuff's pretty good).

When I pulled the dinner out of the oven and realized that my fries had been replaced, I went ballistic. It almost ruined my delayed viewing of the Champions League final.

This is what a real job does to you kiddies. You become an insufferable bore and get upset when someone takes away something as small as potatos you like. Never get old......

Of Curses and Rivalries

2008-04-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

I can't say that fate has never smiled upon me within the world of professional sports. After arbitrarily choosing the Florida Marlins as my team of choice during the mid 90's (due to a combination of having a cool logo and having played on a little league team called the Marlins), I remember their first World Series against the Indians, won in a heart-thumping seventh game when Edgar Renteria drove in Craig Counsell. They won again in 2003, taking down the mighty Yankees in six games. However, being on a mission at the time lessened the impact on me and dampened my mood for celebration. I remember tuning in to 620 KTAR to listen to the Arizona Rattlers win two consecutive Arena Football Titles while in school. Pathetic, huh? The Diamondbacks brought home hardware in the classic 7 game series against the Yankees. This was the most significant in that it was the first of the four major sports to give a trophy to any team from Arizona.

However, anyone that knows anything about the PHX will tell you that this is a Suns town. It was the first franchise here. It was born here, unlike the Cards and Coyotes. It has enjoyed fairly consistent success and healthy rivalries with surrounding franchises. Hall of Famers have passed through here, both as coaches and players. The Suns produced "The Godfather" of pro basketball, Jerry Colangelo. His opinions are so influential and his reputation so far reaching that he was asked to clean up USA basketball. The Suns lured the first ever unrestricted free agent to the desert. They constantly sell out games (over 100 consecutive currently, I believe), and offer an attractive destination to any available free agent.

However, there is one thing that many of you don't know about this franchise.

It's cursed.

Some might point to disappointments from the previous three years (injuries, suspensions) or to Paxson's 3-pointer in 1993 as the source of the curse. No. Look deeper.

It's the Curse of the Coin. Plain and simple.

The Suns came into existence, and in their first year, finished with the worst record in the NBA. The Bucks were awful as well, and the two needed to settle who would get the first pick of the draft that year. Along with the Milwaukee Bucks, the Suns agreed to settle the issue by coin flip, with the winner receiving the overall #1 pick.

Bucks win, Suns lose. The curse is born.

Now, in most drafts, there is little to separate #1 from #2. Rarely does the number one pick become so significant that the accomplishments of all other players in the draft become dwarfed.

This was one of those years. Lew Alcindor, one of the most dominant players ever, went to the Bucks, Neal Walk went to the Suns. The Bucks won their only title within a few years. The Suns started on their maddening path of promise accompanied by eventual heartbreak. Since then the following has happened to our franchise.

Reached the finals, only to be denied by the Boston Celtics. This series featured a triple overtime game, with the third one being forced by Phoenix's Gar Heard on an impossible shot. However, it wouldn't be a true Suns game without Boston pulling through to win in the third OT.
Spent the better part of the 80's and early 90's as perennial first round speed bumps for the Blazers, Lakers, and Jazz.
The franchise was Informed that the Suns would receive one of the first two picks in the 87 Lottery. This was true, but I"ll give you three guesses to figure out which one of the two we got. Spurs pick David Robinson #1 (The Spurs later win the lottery again and got Tim Duncan. Some teams get all the luck.), Suns pick Armon Gilliam #2. Who? Exactly......
Suns reach the finals again behind Charles Barkley, lose the first two games at home, win two of three in Chicago (including a vindication triple overtime game), only to lose the series in Phoenix in heartbreaking fashion. A John Paxson three with 4 seconds left put the Bulls ahead for good.
After luring Steve Nash away from rival Dallas, the Suns have seen three promising runs end in frustrating defeat. An injury to Joe Johnson derailed one run. An Amare Stoudemire injury shelved him FOR AN ENTIRE SEASON, and the tragic STAT/Diaw suspensions ended the classic series last year.

There have been other disappointments, but I only highlighted the most brutal. After writing this section, I realized that someone agrees with me on wikipedia. Check out this link if you want the entire history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Coin_Flip#The_1990s:_Continued_success.2C_but_still_no_title
Good things happened occasionally, as well. But these were few and far between. Rallying from 3-1 down to beat the Lakers was a proud moment. Rallying from 0-2 down to beat the Lakers was another proud one. But these are few and far between, as they are for most franchises.

So why is this team cursed? Why is this a curse, as opposed to just losing, like so many other franchises? It's not just that they lose, but the way that they lose. They get tantalizingly close, but end up bowing out, often to heated rivals. This is particularly true in the last couple of years, during which Phoenix's proudest were sent home by Texas teams. Hated teams. Teams that make blood boil. The Spurs and the Mavs. Mostly the Spurs, the closest thing to a dynasty in the NBA currently, or any sport for that matter. The Suns have had them on the ropes, only to either let it slip away, or to give it back to the Silver and Black.

Example I: After storming back in SA to take game 4 and seize home court in the series, the Suns were gutted when STAT and Diaw were suspended for leaving the bench during a meaningless fourth quarter altercation with Horry and Nash. The Suns then play the game of their lives to lead game five almost the entire way, only to allow Bruce Bown, of all people, to win it with a three-pointer late in the fourth. The series shifted to SA, where the Suns were put out of their misery.

Example II: Phoenix races to a large lead in game 1 of this year's series in SA. Gradually, the champs chip away at the lead until the Suns have a three point lead with little time left. Finley, a former Sun, hits a three for SA to send it to OT. PHX wrestles a three point lead out with a few second in OT, only for sharpshooter Tim Duncan (do you see my eyes rolling) to hit a three to tie it. Nash then hits a wild three in the second OT to tie it, only for Ginobili to drive to the hoop and score to win the game. A single loss, but the manner of the loss hit like a ton of bricks.

Being so close for so long yet coming up just short every time, particularly against hated (And I mean HATED) rivals, sounds like a very familiar case. The Red Sox went though this, albeit 5 times worse, losing series or critical games to the Yankees, who liked to taunt their Beantown buddies about "the Curse of the Bambino". Joe Morgan. Bucky F. Dent. Buckner. 2003. All these names and years live in infamy in New England.

Are the Suns the new Red Sox? Maybe. Maybe not. Evidence would indicate that they are the closest thing the NBA has to a franchise cursed like the Red Sox were. Some might say that at least the Suns have been close. Franchises like the Clippers never even get close. But is it really better to get close and then lose it than it is to never get close? Of course not. Getting close makes you and the fans want it that much more. During the Red Sox drought, other teams in the city won titles, but the city was never vindicated until 2004, when the city's marquee franchise reached the pinnacle. Speaking as a PHX native, the Suns winning a title would be the biggest news in AZ sports history. No joke. It's that big a deal.

Until then, all we can do is wait and hope. Over the long run, we sit and wait for the right time . In the short run, we sit and hope that the Suns in fact are the Red Sox of the NBA. Particularly, the 2004 version.......

1-3

Deron Williams does not want your MVP Chants

2008-04-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

He must not want them. When he got sent to the free throw line on Monday, the disturbing trend of starting MVP chants for any team's best player (and sometimes best 2 players) renewed itself in Salt Lake. He shot six free throws under "MVP" pressure......missed three of them. It was embarassing and hopefully the Jazz fans reconsider how they recognize their best player. Makes me wonder how the Miami and LA fans gave Shaq the MVP chant. For this reason, I'm suggesting the following rules for MVP Chants.

Under no circumstance will an MVP chant start unless......
1.Your player has previously won an MVP award
2. Your team is over .500
3.Your player is at least mentioned on TV spots when commentators discuss who the MVP is.

Other notes on the Jazz game

The sheer quantity of Korver jerseys in the audience is astounding, mostly on adolescent females (although I did see one teenage boy wearing one, disturbing....). White Korver jerseys, dark blue Korver jerseys, T-Shirt Korver jerseys, Pink Korver jerseys. Unbelievable. Never thought I'd see the day where the 8th player in a rotation inspired such fan hysteria.
The Jazz commit no fouls.......ever. Yeah right. You'd think the fans would realize that they are the team that commits the most fouls in the league for a reason. They like to play physical, hacking basketball. Not at the ESA, where any call against the Jazz results in an explosion of anger. That probably happens at every arena except in Phoenix, where the fans are too laid back to get upset about every foul because their real team is in Chicago or Boston.
Lion in oil observed that Kyle Korver can play some killer defense, as evidenced here. http://lioninoil.blogspot.com/2008/03/dont-ever-queston-kyle-korvers.html Seeing it in person on Monday night was three times as awesome.
Houston can't win a series with Utah. Not this year.

Anyway, it was a fun game, made even better by the banquet I enjoyed before the game in the bowels of the arena. Delicious.

A few Suns notes It was the Suns who finally determined the West's playoff teams. After their defeat of Golden State, the Nuggets were in and the Warriors were out. We can't fall lower than 6th, which is where we are right now, and we could conceivably get up to fourth, I think. Everyone has got to be hoping to play Houston right now. We could get Houston, SA or Utah, and I like our chances against all three. We'll see how it all shakes out.

Has everyone forgotten times like these?

2008-04-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

I should probably be looking at university financial statements, to see how they compare with the accounting practices used within cities. My eyeballs dry up a little just thinking about it. So I'll write something about the Suns instead.

After the game on Monday night, I was going to heap praises on Suns fans. I was going to say how we may be unreasonable, but that we're equally as rabid in our support at times. I attended game five of the Spurs series last year. Every fan knew the team had been wronged and each came to the arena with a bone to pick with the visiting Spurs. We booed when our guys got fouled. We booed when they committed fouls. We booed when Parker had the ball. We booed louder when Duncan had the ball. We booed even louder when Ginobili had the ball. It was the loudest and craziest i've ever heard or seen the Purple Palace, and I've watched and listened to and attended a lot of games. The players talked about it afterward.

The Denver game on Monday was an example. PHX fell down by 19 at the half, and won by double digits. After getting booed off the court in the first half (which is something that should rarely happen), they came back in the second half, ready to play. As soon as the second half starts......

BOOM!! goes the dynamite. A scoring eruption happens in the UAC. Every three brought the crowd a little bit louder. Each thunderous STAT dunk or made free throw by Shaq was accompanied by an increase in fan volume. When Nash hit the three to take the lead, it was a frenzy. I was proud of how our fans reacted.....

....until last night, when we lost a close one in Denver. I got on my favorite Suns message board and read the comments that several "fans" had posted. One said that going for the win rather than the tie was a coaching error. Another had said that Steve Nash had choked twice in the closing seconds (he missed two three for the lead), Barbosa had choked (he missed another three for the lead), as had Shaq (for missing free throws).

This, sadly, is all too common. Suns fans are so quick to disparage their own team, they're almost as bad as Charles Barkley. (OK, that's not quite true) I posted an angry message that gave six reasons why going for the win rather than the tie was a good idea.

1) They were on the road in a hostile environment
2) They were fatigued from the back to back.
3) They hadn't really been playing that well all game, but still had a chance to steal it.
4) STEVE NASH is shooting the three. Twice.
5) LB is shooting the three.
6)Stoudemire had committed mad turnovers all game.

Going for the win was a coaching error? What are you talking about?

It's ridiculous how critical people are. We lose a tough game and everyone throws the Suns under the bus. Steve Nash choked twice? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?! What's wrong with these people. They're worse than my brother who expects every player to make every shot because they're being paid millions. How many game winners/tyers has Nash hit? More than enough, but I'll list the ones I can remember.

1)2005 vs Dallas during playoffs
2)The Warriors shot pictured above
3)2007 vs Dallas in the double overtime classic in which he SINGLEHANDEDLY brought the Suns back in the last minute, scoring ten points in less than a minute.
4)2006 vs the Nets in another OT classic
5)Didn't he make one against the Wizards in late 2006 to tie the game?

Expand that to how many dagger shots has he made? Shots to put a team away, or to stomp on a potential rally? Way more. Steve Nash, choking?? Missing a three is not choking. What are you all talking about? LB choking? Look at the picture below.

Anyone remember that shot? The shot that won the game for PHX in a similar scenario. Trailing the whole game, but with a chance to steal the win. Come on people. Quit criticizing our people for coming up short in a game. Especially when the other team consistently played well enough to win the game. Give credit and move on.

Well it was nice while it lasted

2008-03-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

The streak is over. 7 games.

Undoubtedly, the talk around the PHX will center on two things.
1) The zebras stole the game from us.
2) The Suns won 7 in a row by feasting on mediocre competition, and will wilt under the pressure of playing big-time teams.

It's almost laughable how predictable our fan base is. I recently commented that the Suns base is the most desperate and demanding of all NBA fan bases. This is a franchise and a fan base that is so title starved, they cook up half-baked conspiracy theories in which David Stern, Stu Jackson and Robert Horry meet in a smoke-filled room to figure out how to get the Suns out of contention before game 4. Ridiculous.

And when we're not crying conspiracy, we're blaming refs. I'm sorry, but today's game should never even have gone to overtime. A player (I believe it was Grant Hill), had the opportunity to shoot two free throws towards the end of regulation and missed them both. On the Pistons' last possession, they were permitted to get an offensive rebound and run the clock down to nothing. There was no shortage of opportunities in regulation. In overtime, however, things got a little hairy. No fewer than three sketchy calls went the Pistons way. The Suns weren't given a chance to compete in the overtime period, but it never should have gotten to that point. Ask Nash. Ask anyone. They'll probably say the same thing.

As for the mediocre competition during the streak, that's a pretty tough sell to me. Here's the schedule.
SA
Memphis
Golden State
Sacramento
@Portland
@ Seattle (back-to back)
Houston

4 games against tough teams (SA, GS, POR, HOU) and a back-to-back game against a young, ahtletic team. Hardly a schedule of cupcakes.

This game tonight wasn't a total loss. Although it's not a win in the standings, its proof that the Suns can hang with the elite. They got bullied by these same Pistons in the Purple Palace a few weeks ago, and wanted to make a statement. Short of a win, they did as much as they could.

A trip to beantown awaits along with the chance to sweep the Celtics, the team that leads the league in defense and front-runner fans. I'm so tired of seeing bandwagon drivers for Boston teams. The Red Sox win a couple World Series titles and now every game is a home game for them. Most of their "fans", to whom the names Pedro and Nomar mean little to nothing, have become as insufferable as Yankee fans.

The Celts get Garnett and Allen and now, a new generation of Celtics fans are born. And by born, I mean converted from the last bandwagon they were riding. The irony is that these jumpers in their KG jerseys embody everything that he is not. They don't deserve to wear their Clovered KG jerseys . This is a player who embraced a bad franchise, took it as far as he could and was loyal to a fault until the franchise had no choice but to move him. Now he has a new following of fickle fans, who will forget him as soon as Kobe wins another title (heaven forbid). He deserves better. Maybe time will prove me wrong, but I doubt it.

Wednesday night- Phoenix at Boston. Free-flowing vs lane clogging. Fan friendly vs Mind numbing. Stoudemire vs Garnett. Pick your side.

Time for a big, juicy sigh of relief.....

2008-03-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

My computer gave up the ghost today. I swear. I hit the power button no fewer than 35 times. No lights, no sounds, nothing. There are few things more terrifying than wondering if you'll ever get your documents back.

Fortunately I have a friend that saved the day. He got things up and running. I backed my files up and went on my way. Life can resume.

The Suns are getting it done again as I type this. They won every quarter, and held the consistently explosive Brandon Roy to single digits in points and assists. Great win in Portland.

March Madness has come.....

2008-03-17T23:24:00.000-07:00

So wake me up once April's half done.

It's not that I have anything against college basketball. I don't.

It's just hard for me to choose college over pro games. Pros have better players, better teams, crisper play, and better story lines. People often extol the virtues of March Madness by saying that any team can do the impossible. I agree that any team can beat anyone, but hesitate to say that's a good thing.

Sure, some team go undefeated in the next few weeks, but is there any guarantee that the best team will win the tourney? Sure, George Mason could beat UConn once, but could they do it three out of five? Not a chance. In a way, March Madness allows mediocre teams to be rewarded. Say what you will about the NBA, but there's rarely a debate about the worthiness of the four teams once the Conference Final round arrives.

Plus, the arrogance of the NCAA and its disciples bothers me. Mike Wilbon sums up my thoughts precisely. The college season has been unattractive, devoid of intriguing story lines and truly great teams. Now that the tournament has arrived and the brackets are out, we're all supposed to just clap our hands together in glee and rejoice that the "Greatest event" in sports is here, as if the NCAA were a trainer holding a fish and we all are otters begging to be fed. It's ridiculous.

But I'll fill out a bracket. And once it's done, I won't talk about it until its over unless I'm asked. But in case you wondered......

I've got Rock Chalk going all the way in San Antonio....

Oh Geez......

2008-03-15T18:46:00.001-07:00

I now have to stoop to watching Goodfellas, one of my favorite all-time movies, on the Lifetime channel. Ugh. The lengths I go to in order to watch Tommy give it to Batts. Go get your shinebox......

I love it when people understand how to have a conversation. Seriously, I do. Sometimes, when what should be happening is conversation, I feel like I'm participating in a contest in which the rules are as follows

1) Someone makes a general statement about some kind of topic
2) The first person to relate the topic to themselves through something that happened to them or someone they know, gets a point.
3)After the first story is over, every person that manages to do the same gets a point until a new topic is introduced.

I don't mean to be overly critical, because I know that I probably talk about myself too much. (Three I's in the last sentence alone!!) Some of the most interesting conversations I've participated in have happened when I'm not the one talking. It's so refreshing to listen to people, and vice versa.

Mind your manners......

2008-03-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

I attended, tonight, an interesting event. I spent the evening in the Hinckley building with some wonderful company learning about what constitutes good and bad manners. When I'm alone with my inner monologue, I have very strong feelings regarding manners and etiquette in general.

I'm convinced that proper etiquette started as a way for the erudite to maintain their status. Someone at our table made a brilliant comment when asked who invents these rules of etiquette. He said that some king somewhere probably started spooning his soup away from him and all of the King's Yes-men noticed. Poof!! A new etiquette "rule" is born.

WIth every new etiquette rule comes an opportunity to judge a man or woman by a basis other than their inner character. While it's true that Jesus observed traditions of the Jews, he also taught against elaborate outward appearances. I don't want to imply that the event wasn't very impressive and informative. It was both of those things. It just seems objectionable that judgments can be made about a person by observing how they eat a roll.

But reality dictates that some people form impressions of people based on etiquette. It's a part of the game of management and business.

And I can play that game.

Just a few notes about tonight's fantastic game with the Warriors.

Steve Nash ought to be nicknamed Bill the Butcher. After watching tonight's third and fourth quarters, I realized how good he is with daggers.......Great second half, no turnovers, carried the Suns for stretches. Came back in the game and immediately revived a stagnant Suns offense in the fourth. The Suns showed great poise, and constantly turned back a maddeningly resilient team of Warriors. Great game....

Charles Barkley thinks that the Suns have no chance in the playoffs. He said after the Suns game that no team of seeds 5-8 has a chance to make it out of the west. His reasoning?
The teams 1-4 are too hard to have to beat three rounds in a row. Ok, that's a fair point. But the talking Krispy Kreme went on to comment that a top team can lose a couple games and find themselves fall down the standings. This is because the West is so ridiculously packed with good teams. Has it ocurred to Charles that if only a couple games separate 1 from 8 (A reality at this moment), maybe any team in the West has a chance to take out any other team? Is it possible that the teams are so close because they're all dangerous teams. Is there any one team that is head and shoulders above everyone else? The answer, friends, is no.

Teams 5-8 in the West are capable of taking out any of the 1-4 teams.

Would you trust these men to save your season?

2008-03-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

If you're a Grizzlies fan, these are the men that you got in return for the bearded, Spanish wonder Pau Gasol. Hopefully the Lakers included a pallet of Pepto to be distributed to Grizzlies season ticket holders for the absolute fleecing they got away with earlier this year.

Does this deal smell funny to anyone else? I find it impossible to believe that there were NO better offers out there for the Spaniard that, according to NBA analysts, can singlehandedly keep Kobe in L.A. and heal sick lambs by performing beard rubs on them.

In any case, the grizzlies came up tiny against the Suns last night, falling behind by 39 points at one point. They did mount a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter.....against Brian Skinner, Linton Johnson, D.J. Strawberry, Sean Marks, and Gordon Giricek. Way too little, way too late.

Up next, the Golden State Warriors.

Dog Days of March

2008-03-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

To borrow from the words of Dave Chappelle to Buc Nasty, What else can be said about me that hasn't already been said about Afghanistan? I feel bombed out, and depleted.....

I worked really hard the last couple week to get ahead. All the extra work seems to have burned me out. The result is that I'm currently giving back what I worked so hard to get.

Oh, and hearing about how schools are either on Spring Break or preparing for Spring Break isn't helping anyone out here stay focused.

In any case, today's game matches the Suns and the Grizzlies. The majority opinion right now is that Sunday's game means that the ship is righted. However, this game is hardly a gimme for two reasons.

1) Suns struggle against young, athletic teams. They've had their hand full recently with the Hawks, Warriors, Nuggets, Jazz, Sixers, all of which boast explosive players that the Suns haven't covered very well. Memphis is no exception with players like Rudy Gay, Hakim Warrick, Mike Conley and Mike Miller.

2) Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni spent a few years on the Suns bench as an assistant to Mike D'Antoni. He knows how the Suns want to operate and knows where to exploit their weaknesses.

The Suns need to keep their fresh momentum. They know this. At home, they get the job done tonight.

Oh yeah, THAT'S why Shaq's a Sun.....

2008-03-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Finally, some vindication on Planet Orange.

After what seemed like 312 games against the Spurs in which Nash and Co. came up just short against Timmay, Tony Longoria, and Gonzo Ginobili, Shaq and the Suns swatted away Los Sucios de San Antonio and all is right in the Valley.

For a couple days.

Next time they lose, every Valley Chicagoan masquerading as a Suns fan will pile on Shaq, Kerr, D'antoni, and anyone else they judge to be guilty of spoiling their ride on the bandwagon.

But that's okay. Is the weather fair enough for you right now?

Everyone knows Kerr brought in Shaq to deal with Duncan and deal with him, he did. 6-19, below 33 FG%. Maybe some of those geniuses at ESPN.com (I won't name names, but his rhymes with Schmollinger) need to relax and give them more time.

What was perhaps most refreshing about this win was how they won the game. Typical Suns fashion is to race to a big lead and desperately hold on at the end while the other team mounts a furious rally. Inevitably the game ends with the other team missing a potential game-winning jumper.

Not last night. The Spurs took a lead with a few minutes left and the Suns dug in their heels. They tightened up their defense. They ran their offense and got open shots. They rebounded. The Spurs got a shot of their own medicine over the final few minutes as they got gradually got squeezed by the Orange.

This win isn't season-defining. It's not one for the ages. It's simply a glimpse into the possibilities.

Let this group mesh. It's like Nash said, you can't reach adulthood without going through puberty. Hopefully the recent slump was just the acne and voice cracks of a team ready to grow up and plow through the West like Tony Montana through......well, never mind.