To the entire working class there might not be any better phrase then "3-Day Weekend". Especially if you get to experience it over the Labor Day weekend, its a chance to be a kid again after a long summer stuck in an office. Like many people as last Friday came I lost sight of as many normal weekend chores, in favor of making the most of the weekend. A process that was quickly helped along with the kick off of high school football on Friday night, the excitement of my Alma Mater start it's season on Saturday, and the traditional backyard BBQ on Sunday.
So what's left to do on Monday, the extra day we all long so much for? Well the nagging thought at the back of our minds is time to go back to the grind. It's now the last chance to catch up on the laundry and dishes that haven't been washed all weekend. Not to mention if your not working the 9-5 today, you should get in a workout to take care of all the extra hot dogs, potato salad, and brewskies we've packed on in the last three days.
Personally, I'm a prideful American and greatly respect the concept that we recognize our working masses, and the spirt that built this country. Even with that being said, I'd have no problem taking a page from European companies and nations that believe in the 4-Day work week. It may be true that the term 3-Day weekend could loss some of its hype, but the tradeoff is so worth it. Monday's would still suck, but Thursday nights and Fridays would get that much more exciting. Less stress at work, more productivity over 4 day, and if we went whole hog and expanded our yearly vacations from 7-10 days to a month, things that we put off for these 3-day events would be easier to take care of throughout the year. I know that means redefining the term of an American vacation, we can't spend that entire month camping at a National Park. Then again with most of our families I don't think we want to be sequestered with them for that long anyways.
Seriously though, spend a week or two on the beach in the Caribbean, the rest of the time off save it for when you need it. See how much money you save by just staying home for a few days, cooking all your own meals and not eating out, taking care of your own house or yard and save on paying for someone to do it for you that month.
True, these are not some original thoughts, but more collective reinforced bitching and moaning. Still if you repeat something enough it might become a social truth.
OK back to work you slackers, I'm going to the gym.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Draft Day, D-Day, Destiny Day
I feel sorry for my couch, I really do because I've spent the last 4 plus hours playing bench warmer on it. Now I'm the type of guy that can't stand a lecture class that runs over one hour, yet can kill half a day when sports are involved.
So the great America sports machine roped me in for half of my Saturday, first the Pens v. Flyers in the NHL Playoffs, followed up with the NFL Draft on my laptop. While a selected few today are become America's newest millionaires, granted many were not born with any silver spoon, they all had to put in the hours on and off the field to get to the NFL.
Yet it still just is beyond my comprehension that there is now a 20-22 year old with a few million in the bank. Who knows where these draft picks will end up a few years from now. Most players only have a shelf life a 2-3 years at the level, yet the amount of coin they are set for life as long as they don't do something stupid. If you add up their signing bonus, game checks, some endorsement deals is considered one of the best nest eggs by market experts and CFO's in this recession. Once again this is money they have earned, no question there. They gave up girls, greek parties, and other good times of college life to sacrifice and make plays on the field. Plus they've helped their universities make tons of cash in ticket sales, team shop sales, bowl appearances, etcetera. (Just because I feel the need to interrupt myself I'm going to state my position on their payment right now)
Should college players get paid??? The Answer: NO. They already get a free 50,000 education, high end dining halls, dorms, and some other living expenses paid. This a great life lesson in being humble and giving back, esp. at the next level where having a foundation and hitting up local children's hospitals needs to be a must.
Still I'm jealous, they have the natural talent and have made those sacrifices to play at this level, and yet they can provide for their family's and I can't. Most top ten picks always say they are going to buy their parents a new crib, only seems fair their parents gave them their first one and a shot at life. So what's left for a sucker like me to do, well in this economy I save money, put my trust in the my $60,000 education and degree, and finally buy my Powerball/ Lotto ticket. Hey I know i have the same chance of getting hit by lighting, but what if a money bolt hits me first. It would be nice to pay back all my lenders, of corse that means my mother, as she was the first to trust me with a single dollar. Plus set up my family so we all have a decent roof over our heads in this housing market, and good meals on our table rather then living off of dollar menus at fast food joints. Yet on the other hand I'm know their are millions of other American's out there praying just as hard as me that this their time, and some more deserving. So I'll be going back to work the next day and the day after that, to a job that only requires a high school diploma. Hopefully one day I will be out of the debt deep end and can swim towards a 401K, retirement, and know my family is secure. Maybe even one day I will get that drafted that golden ticket, and the American Dream will be just a dollar away.
Post-Script I
I'm not completely ignorant to know that I do have a pretty damn good life here in the United States. I've been privileged to sights, sounds, and progression of this country that some places on this plant can't even fathom. Plus I give much respect to those who protect our way of life day and night. Therefore we must give major props to those once young men that at 18, were drafted into a war in a jungle half way across the world.
Post-script II Pens. v Flyers Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This has been one of the best opening round series by far. These teams really didn't like each other, and it showed on the ice and within the passion of the fans in the arenas. Today's game was the kind of hearty performance the Penguins needed to get deep in these playoffs. Down 3-0 on the road is not the ideal spot to be in especially if that shut out follows you into a potential Game 7. However, Pittsburgh didn't allow for that, they rallied big time in the 2nd period, played their game and now get ready for the next round. I can see them on a collision course with Boston if all the parts fall in order, and I can't begin to say I know what would happen in that series.
So the great America sports machine roped me in for half of my Saturday, first the Pens v. Flyers in the NHL Playoffs, followed up with the NFL Draft on my laptop. While a selected few today are become America's newest millionaires, granted many were not born with any silver spoon, they all had to put in the hours on and off the field to get to the NFL.
Yet it still just is beyond my comprehension that there is now a 20-22 year old with a few million in the bank. Who knows where these draft picks will end up a few years from now. Most players only have a shelf life a 2-3 years at the level, yet the amount of coin they are set for life as long as they don't do something stupid. If you add up their signing bonus, game checks, some endorsement deals is considered one of the best nest eggs by market experts and CFO's in this recession. Once again this is money they have earned, no question there. They gave up girls, greek parties, and other good times of college life to sacrifice and make plays on the field. Plus they've helped their universities make tons of cash in ticket sales, team shop sales, bowl appearances, etcetera. (Just because I feel the need to interrupt myself I'm going to state my position on their payment right now)
Should college players get paid??? The Answer: NO. They already get a free 50,000 education, high end dining halls, dorms, and some other living expenses paid. This a great life lesson in being humble and giving back, esp. at the next level where having a foundation and hitting up local children's hospitals needs to be a must.
Still I'm jealous, they have the natural talent and have made those sacrifices to play at this level, and yet they can provide for their family's and I can't. Most top ten picks always say they are going to buy their parents a new crib, only seems fair their parents gave them their first one and a shot at life. So what's left for a sucker like me to do, well in this economy I save money, put my trust in the my $60,000 education and degree, and finally buy my Powerball/ Lotto ticket. Hey I know i have the same chance of getting hit by lighting, but what if a money bolt hits me first. It would be nice to pay back all my lenders, of corse that means my mother, as she was the first to trust me with a single dollar. Plus set up my family so we all have a decent roof over our heads in this housing market, and good meals on our table rather then living off of dollar menus at fast food joints. Yet on the other hand I'm know their are millions of other American's out there praying just as hard as me that this their time, and some more deserving. So I'll be going back to work the next day and the day after that, to a job that only requires a high school diploma. Hopefully one day I will be out of the debt deep end and can swim towards a 401K, retirement, and know my family is secure. Maybe even one day I will get that drafted that golden ticket, and the American Dream will be just a dollar away.
Post-Script I
I'm not completely ignorant to know that I do have a pretty damn good life here in the United States. I've been privileged to sights, sounds, and progression of this country that some places on this plant can't even fathom. Plus I give much respect to those who protect our way of life day and night. Therefore we must give major props to those once young men that at 18, were drafted into a war in a jungle half way across the world.
Post-script II Pens. v Flyers Game 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
This has been one of the best opening round series by far. These teams really didn't like each other, and it showed on the ice and within the passion of the fans in the arenas. Today's game was the kind of hearty performance the Penguins needed to get deep in these playoffs. Down 3-0 on the road is not the ideal spot to be in especially if that shut out follows you into a potential Game 7. However, Pittsburgh didn't allow for that, they rallied big time in the 2nd period, played their game and now get ready for the next round. I can see them on a collision course with Boston if all the parts fall in order, and I can't begin to say I know what would happen in that series.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Now Playing, Kick the can... Sports Bucket List
Fair warning this article deals with one of the most certain things in life, death. Also I will try to down play it, but it won't have the same smooth flow of Morgan Freeman, or grins of Jack Nicholas.
Instead these are the things in sports that we should all be so lucky to accomplish or experience before the final buzzer. The inspiration for this article comes from one of the events on the list that I completed today, and had an epiphany about the rest. Today I completed the 4.2 mile run that celebrates, and honors the life and legacy of Pat Tillman. This was the 5th year the event has been held and a record number of over 13,000 people ran this year. That number alone should tell you what his life and legacy has meant to this nation. (maybe more on this later, but there is still a lot more to cover)
1. See a World Championship (in any sport, but one of the big 4 will be something more to brag about)
a. NFL Super Bowl, after all who doesn't need an excuse to find a retreat for a harsh winter with the fan fair of football next to a beach
b. MLB World Series, yeah with all America's history in this game, seeing an October classic will have you wearing your favorite jersey until the snow thaws and Spring Training begins (SEE #7)
c. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: This is mission 16 W! Anyone that has ever seen a hockey game up close and the physical demands of such on a person. They then know just the mere thought stringing together 16 wins in a few months time is crazy. So to be there at the end to see a game 4,5,6,or if your lucky game 7, you then know you'll get to see Lord Stanley's Cup hosted for the proud few.
d. NBA Finals: granted I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be when I watched MJ. Then again hard to compare others to one of the games greatest. However we are lucky we get to see acts like LeBron and D. Wade make a case for themselves. So if a team you like is making their run, look for those game 4-7 tickets.
2. The Olympics, (yes both Summer and Winter)
a. This is a great excuse to crash another country with the rest of the world. Especially if your American, your visit has a purpose and most foreign countries understand that. Now while the United States of America might be dominate that year, limit your USA chants to the venues, too many times at the wrong pub and you could be looking for a new visa home.
b. The summer games are great because you get a mixture of some of the fast humans on the plant along with the games we all love to play. Thank God Kerri Walsh plays beach volleyball for the red, white, and blue.
c. The winter games require you to be as tough as old man winter, chances are your going to a place where the average high is going to be in the single digits that week. The payoff is the mankind's revenge to ice and snow, as we master crafts that were by all means were not supposed to take place on these surfaces. See humans become bullets, and the real life Cool Runnings of Jamaica's Bobsled team. Watch the long distance ski jumps, if you think it is all gravity then watch the agony of defeat in Wide World of Sports and think again. Plus if you take your significant other with you, nothing better than warming up in front of a fire place.
3. Buy season tickets to your favorite college football team. Trust me you won't regret the hit this takes on your bank account. Your cardiologist may be a bit more concerned after tailgates full of burgers and beer. Unless you invite him to a game, then you'll both get to relive your college days before kid starts bragging about his.
- another bonus about this one, if your team gets a bowl bid and most do these days, then time for you to finish strong as well. Even better if your a member of said schools Alumni Association
4. Attend all four Major Golf Tournaments. (If you have the means do it in the same year, and if you do it while Tiger is still playing you might see some history)
-The Masters (Magnolia lane, Hogan's Bridge, and Amen Corner have to look even better in person than they do on a HDTV. Plus if it still falls on Holy Week thanking God for his sacrifices to create such an entertaining Amen Corner should count as holding Mass on one of the Lords great wonders.)
-The US Open
-The PGA Championship
-The British Open
(best way for us average Joe's to play some of these holes, look at International Golf Tour in Myrtle Beach, FL they replicated some greats )
4.2 As for mentioned, take part in Pat's Run held annually in Tempe, AZ and San Jose, CA.
Most of us will never be put in the situation of giving up a career in professional sports, the money, and the family. Yet he did and put the excellence he applied to aspect of his life towards a highly demanding job of an Army Ranger.
- 4.2 miles might not seem like much, but go run a 5k about 3 miles, then think about adding another mile on top of that.
- That plus seeing how many people still wear his retired ASU jersey No42, or AZ Cardinals jersey No.40 during the run or to local games.
- If you really need more convincing, read the books and articles on him, his own mother Mary Tillman has written, Jim Rome spoke of his legend on his show.
5. Go to the Kentucky Derby.
- Sing "My old Kentucky Home", take your favorite woman in your life and doll her up with a fancy new hat, buy some of the best Mint Juleps around. Or if you own a mint like Fort Knox you can stroll down Millionaires row. Either way great way to see people and be seen. Plus seeing the start of a potential triple crown winner isn't bad either.
- Once again you win the lottery and have money, one put an investment in a horse that can run in the triple crown. Or if your that allergic to work at that point then plan your tour to all three races.
6. Go watch the surfing competition on the North Shores in Hawaii. Like you need an excuse to go to Hawaii. While your there get the resort you stay at to teach you to "surf". After a day of getting those massive 3 foot waves under control and chasing after your board you will have a higher respect for what they do and make look easy on the other side of the island.
- Need some more Extreme Sports, this is the perfect place to Sky Dive. Think of the money you'll save on driving around the island, or hiring and pilot to take you by the volcanos. I wouldn't leave the only aerial views you get of this place to the chance of the airline you fly in on.
7. You can't have seven, before number eight. Go to Spring Training hot spots like Arizona or South Florida. Both if you can afford the Gulfstream 450 to get you back and forth. However your going to see the true first season of baseball before the boys of summer take center stage for the next six months of the year. A great chance to get up close to your team, new and old players, especially if all this takes place as you play hooky from work. Not to mention Spring comes earlier to these places then most of North America so ditch the winter gloves for a leather baseball mitt.
8. A summer of baseball, especially small ball. Its a long summer and you need a reason to go coast to coast on family vacation. Then consider mapping out some of this. First, the NCAA World Series of Baseball Championship in Omaha, Neb. Yes you'll hear plenty of "Pings" with the crack of the bat, but it also makes a 13 to 2 run game come back possible, and Omaha is a great time. Next follow the college kids and some semi-pros to the Cape Cod League games. Hey chicks like guys in uniform and tight pants, so make sure your in shape in those bleachers or you can throw ideas of you and Jessica Biel out the door.
Third stop on the trip, National Baseball Conference in Wichita, Kan will show you baseball around the clock. Look up Double AA and Triple AAA team promotions, you can see a future All Star and collect Americana in the same breath. Find a team you like to watch and see if they have a couple of home games around July 4th. The feeling of getting through 9 innings on a warm summer night with a little ice cream baseball helmet to cool you off, while a brilliant display of fireworks lights up the skies.
9.Vegas, Baby and the phrase Just Win Baby, mix nicely together in the sports books on the strip. Great days to visit, the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament. Or get your hands on a ring side seats to a title MMA match.
10. Back to Driver's Edu. Seriously if you can spend a few days at a high performance car driving school. You'll finally get to see what the Corvette, Mustang, BMW, Ferrari, or Viper can do. If that's not enough for the speed junkie in us, then pay out to get a Indy Car driver to take you around the Brick Yard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
So those are the best 10 ideas that I have for now, but the list and stories may grow as I cross them off or find new challenges.
thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
Instead these are the things in sports that we should all be so lucky to accomplish or experience before the final buzzer. The inspiration for this article comes from one of the events on the list that I completed today, and had an epiphany about the rest. Today I completed the 4.2 mile run that celebrates, and honors the life and legacy of Pat Tillman. This was the 5th year the event has been held and a record number of over 13,000 people ran this year. That number alone should tell you what his life and legacy has meant to this nation. (maybe more on this later, but there is still a lot more to cover)
1. See a World Championship (in any sport, but one of the big 4 will be something more to brag about)
a. NFL Super Bowl, after all who doesn't need an excuse to find a retreat for a harsh winter with the fan fair of football next to a beach
b. MLB World Series, yeah with all America's history in this game, seeing an October classic will have you wearing your favorite jersey until the snow thaws and Spring Training begins (SEE #7)
c. NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: This is mission 16 W! Anyone that has ever seen a hockey game up close and the physical demands of such on a person. They then know just the mere thought stringing together 16 wins in a few months time is crazy. So to be there at the end to see a game 4,5,6,or if your lucky game 7, you then know you'll get to see Lord Stanley's Cup hosted for the proud few.
d. NBA Finals: granted I'm not as much of a fan as I used to be when I watched MJ. Then again hard to compare others to one of the games greatest. However we are lucky we get to see acts like LeBron and D. Wade make a case for themselves. So if a team you like is making their run, look for those game 4-7 tickets.
2. The Olympics, (yes both Summer and Winter)
a. This is a great excuse to crash another country with the rest of the world. Especially if your American, your visit has a purpose and most foreign countries understand that. Now while the United States of America might be dominate that year, limit your USA chants to the venues, too many times at the wrong pub and you could be looking for a new visa home.
b. The summer games are great because you get a mixture of some of the fast humans on the plant along with the games we all love to play. Thank God Kerri Walsh plays beach volleyball for the red, white, and blue.
c. The winter games require you to be as tough as old man winter, chances are your going to a place where the average high is going to be in the single digits that week. The payoff is the mankind's revenge to ice and snow, as we master crafts that were by all means were not supposed to take place on these surfaces. See humans become bullets, and the real life Cool Runnings of Jamaica's Bobsled team. Watch the long distance ski jumps, if you think it is all gravity then watch the agony of defeat in Wide World of Sports and think again. Plus if you take your significant other with you, nothing better than warming up in front of a fire place.
3. Buy season tickets to your favorite college football team. Trust me you won't regret the hit this takes on your bank account. Your cardiologist may be a bit more concerned after tailgates full of burgers and beer. Unless you invite him to a game, then you'll both get to relive your college days before kid starts bragging about his.
- another bonus about this one, if your team gets a bowl bid and most do these days, then time for you to finish strong as well. Even better if your a member of said schools Alumni Association
4. Attend all four Major Golf Tournaments. (If you have the means do it in the same year, and if you do it while Tiger is still playing you might see some history)
-The Masters (Magnolia lane, Hogan's Bridge, and Amen Corner have to look even better in person than they do on a HDTV. Plus if it still falls on Holy Week thanking God for his sacrifices to create such an entertaining Amen Corner should count as holding Mass on one of the Lords great wonders.)
-The US Open
-The PGA Championship
-The British Open
(best way for us average Joe's to play some of these holes, look at International Golf Tour in Myrtle Beach, FL they replicated some greats )
4.2 As for mentioned, take part in Pat's Run held annually in Tempe, AZ and San Jose, CA.
Most of us will never be put in the situation of giving up a career in professional sports, the money, and the family. Yet he did and put the excellence he applied to aspect of his life towards a highly demanding job of an Army Ranger.
- 4.2 miles might not seem like much, but go run a 5k about 3 miles, then think about adding another mile on top of that.
- That plus seeing how many people still wear his retired ASU jersey No42, or AZ Cardinals jersey No.40 during the run or to local games.
- If you really need more convincing, read the books and articles on him, his own mother Mary Tillman has written, Jim Rome spoke of his legend on his show.
5. Go to the Kentucky Derby.
- Sing "My old Kentucky Home", take your favorite woman in your life and doll her up with a fancy new hat, buy some of the best Mint Juleps around. Or if you own a mint like Fort Knox you can stroll down Millionaires row. Either way great way to see people and be seen. Plus seeing the start of a potential triple crown winner isn't bad either.
- Once again you win the lottery and have money, one put an investment in a horse that can run in the triple crown. Or if your that allergic to work at that point then plan your tour to all three races.
6. Go watch the surfing competition on the North Shores in Hawaii. Like you need an excuse to go to Hawaii. While your there get the resort you stay at to teach you to "surf". After a day of getting those massive 3 foot waves under control and chasing after your board you will have a higher respect for what they do and make look easy on the other side of the island.
- Need some more Extreme Sports, this is the perfect place to Sky Dive. Think of the money you'll save on driving around the island, or hiring and pilot to take you by the volcanos. I wouldn't leave the only aerial views you get of this place to the chance of the airline you fly in on.
7. You can't have seven, before number eight. Go to Spring Training hot spots like Arizona or South Florida. Both if you can afford the Gulfstream 450 to get you back and forth. However your going to see the true first season of baseball before the boys of summer take center stage for the next six months of the year. A great chance to get up close to your team, new and old players, especially if all this takes place as you play hooky from work. Not to mention Spring comes earlier to these places then most of North America so ditch the winter gloves for a leather baseball mitt.
8. A summer of baseball, especially small ball. Its a long summer and you need a reason to go coast to coast on family vacation. Then consider mapping out some of this. First, the NCAA World Series of Baseball Championship in Omaha, Neb. Yes you'll hear plenty of "Pings" with the crack of the bat, but it also makes a 13 to 2 run game come back possible, and Omaha is a great time. Next follow the college kids and some semi-pros to the Cape Cod League games. Hey chicks like guys in uniform and tight pants, so make sure your in shape in those bleachers or you can throw ideas of you and Jessica Biel out the door.
Third stop on the trip, National Baseball Conference in Wichita, Kan will show you baseball around the clock. Look up Double AA and Triple AAA team promotions, you can see a future All Star and collect Americana in the same breath. Find a team you like to watch and see if they have a couple of home games around July 4th. The feeling of getting through 9 innings on a warm summer night with a little ice cream baseball helmet to cool you off, while a brilliant display of fireworks lights up the skies.
9.Vegas, Baby and the phrase Just Win Baby, mix nicely together in the sports books on the strip. Great days to visit, the first day of the NCAA basketball tournament. Or get your hands on a ring side seats to a title MMA match.
10. Back to Driver's Edu. Seriously if you can spend a few days at a high performance car driving school. You'll finally get to see what the Corvette, Mustang, BMW, Ferrari, or Viper can do. If that's not enough for the speed junkie in us, then pay out to get a Indy Car driver to take you around the Brick Yard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
So those are the best 10 ideas that I have for now, but the list and stories may grow as I cross them off or find new challenges.
thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Final Four to Frozen Four
Monday night's beat down of Michigan State by the North Carolina seemed to be the end of the road for some. For most actually the next time they will care about college sports will be NCAA World Series in Omaha. However hope for those needing a true cinderella story look no further then Bemidji State's Men Hockey appearance in the Frozen Four.
Then comes the stroke of midnight, seriously the timing of the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington DC happens to same time the Masters takes center stage. Granted nothing will trump the story lines or the traditions that is the Masters, but where else are you going to see a 16 seed have the chance to go all the way. You know they didn't get there playing some b-class school, after all this is hockey. After starting their season 1-5 they grind their way to a record of 20-15-1 entering the tournament. Unlike the field of 64 that sees every 16 seed meet their fate of a No 1. warm up game go right by them like a tourist stop this BSU hockey team opening round game was up against overall No. 2 seed (No 1 in the four team regional bracket) Norte Dame. The Beavers going into the game versus the Fighting Irish were your biblical David v. Goliath. They didn't just throw one stone at the Irish, they put five past them to cement their first game of the tournament. They make school history in dramatic fashion taking down their brackets No. 1 seed. Good luck betting on that to happen in next years hopes tourney.
The next day still riding on their win they ended Cornell's season with another 4-1 blow out. Cornell even had the upper hand in this game, as they got one by BSU's goalie Matt Dalton. While it was only the second goal he had given up all tournament, it could have opened the flood gates for a Cornell team that averaged two or more goals in its wins this season. Yet Bemidji State matched Cornell's physical play with a line up that averages 180 lbs and has seven freshmen.
Much like any tournament it isn't all about what you did in the regular season, it is about getting hot at the right time. A team as hot as BSU right now can be dangerous on any ice rink. The brick walls they have standing in their way is having 11 days off from their last two games, and going up against a Miami (Ohio) squad that played solid hockey. The Redhawks have made an impressive run taking down the No. 3 overall seed Denver, and then beating Minn. Duluth. Hockey is however a long season, and at this point it is one more win and your in the Saturday Championship game vs. either Vermont or No 1 overall seed Boston U. It is hard to say what any of these teams will do after playing at such a high level to take 11 days off and deal with the media, their families, practices, coaches, friends, etc. It will be entertaining one way or another and teams that do have high seeding in this tournament have been put on notice. The only that matters at the end is scoreboard.
In post-script here I must speak to that while the masses will be doing most of their holy week praying at Amen Corner, i implore anyone to switch a bit, back and forth between the putts and pucks. I promise you'll see some stars of tomorrow starting great careers on the main stage. Still don't believe me Bemidji State's former goaltender Matt Climiejust made another successful start for the Dallas Stars
Then comes the stroke of midnight, seriously the timing of the NCAA Frozen Four in Washington DC happens to same time the Masters takes center stage. Granted nothing will trump the story lines or the traditions that is the Masters, but where else are you going to see a 16 seed have the chance to go all the way. You know they didn't get there playing some b-class school, after all this is hockey. After starting their season 1-5 they grind their way to a record of 20-15-1 entering the tournament. Unlike the field of 64 that sees every 16 seed meet their fate of a No 1. warm up game go right by them like a tourist stop this BSU hockey team opening round game was up against overall No. 2 seed (No 1 in the four team regional bracket) Norte Dame. The Beavers going into the game versus the Fighting Irish were your biblical David v. Goliath. They didn't just throw one stone at the Irish, they put five past them to cement their first game of the tournament. They make school history in dramatic fashion taking down their brackets No. 1 seed. Good luck betting on that to happen in next years hopes tourney.
The next day still riding on their win they ended Cornell's season with another 4-1 blow out. Cornell even had the upper hand in this game, as they got one by BSU's goalie Matt Dalton. While it was only the second goal he had given up all tournament, it could have opened the flood gates for a Cornell team that averaged two or more goals in its wins this season. Yet Bemidji State matched Cornell's physical play with a line up that averages 180 lbs and has seven freshmen.
Much like any tournament it isn't all about what you did in the regular season, it is about getting hot at the right time. A team as hot as BSU right now can be dangerous on any ice rink. The brick walls they have standing in their way is having 11 days off from their last two games, and going up against a Miami (Ohio) squad that played solid hockey. The Redhawks have made an impressive run taking down the No. 3 overall seed Denver, and then beating Minn. Duluth. Hockey is however a long season, and at this point it is one more win and your in the Saturday Championship game vs. either Vermont or No 1 overall seed Boston U. It is hard to say what any of these teams will do after playing at such a high level to take 11 days off and deal with the media, their families, practices, coaches, friends, etc. It will be entertaining one way or another and teams that do have high seeding in this tournament have been put on notice. The only that matters at the end is scoreboard.
In post-script here I must speak to that while the masses will be doing most of their holy week praying at Amen Corner, i implore anyone to switch a bit, back and forth between the putts and pucks. I promise you'll see some stars of tomorrow starting great careers on the main stage. Still don't believe me Bemidji State's former goaltender Matt Climiejust made another successful start for the Dallas Stars
Thursday, April 2, 2009
MOVING
After living in the same house for the first 18 years of my life, I've moved 9 times in the past 9 years. Yeah that is NINE TIMES (cue Ed Rooney from Ferris Bueler's Day off... 9 times.) This is becoming like a spring cleaning tradition, and still I don't get rid of as much as I should. I've moved this many times not because I didn't like where I was living, hmm ok some were after 18 years I was ready to leave home, after my freshman year in the dorms I was ready to get a real apartment, and after a crappy apartment I was really ready to split a townhouse with my friends.
So since I last graduated from college last year, my sister has saved me from living on the streets as I try to make it. So i had had no problem sharing an apartment, yet in the economy that we are in now finds us in a house at the same price as the apartment we were renting. Plus the space is great, the dog Nico loves having a back yard.
It is amazing what thoughts go through your head as you move boxes down flights of stairs, on and off trucks, and figure out where things go. I'm sure these became my facebook status over the past few days, but they bare repeating. The first is that moving your stuff requires stuff to keep you moving. Typically this is coffee,food, water, food, beer, sleep, and more coffee to get moving. The second gem is that once you have completely moved, you can't move at all, yet its ok because UHall trucks are just big games of tetris.
I swear the next time I move, and I know eventually my nomad bloodlines will cause me to move again. I'm getting a POD unit and having someone else deal with it.
Thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
So since I last graduated from college last year, my sister has saved me from living on the streets as I try to make it. So i had had no problem sharing an apartment, yet in the economy that we are in now finds us in a house at the same price as the apartment we were renting. Plus the space is great, the dog Nico loves having a back yard.
It is amazing what thoughts go through your head as you move boxes down flights of stairs, on and off trucks, and figure out where things go. I'm sure these became my facebook status over the past few days, but they bare repeating. The first is that moving your stuff requires stuff to keep you moving. Typically this is coffee,food, water, food, beer, sleep, and more coffee to get moving. The second gem is that once you have completely moved, you can't move at all, yet its ok because UHall trucks are just big games of tetris.
I swear the next time I move, and I know eventually my nomad bloodlines will cause me to move again. I'm getting a POD unit and having someone else deal with it.
Thanks for reading.
J.J. Gilmore
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Poor Man's Internet... at what cost
Alright being poor sucks, no question there. Plenty of P B & J's and Mac N Cheese nights try to fill stomachs. However reaching out connecting to the world around us is costing more than ever. The cable company I was using was charging $90 a month for a cable/ internet connection. I know thats not bad at 3 dollars a day, but I know others with special features could pay up to $200 a month. Well my bank account finally got to the point that i needed to cancel my net, in fact the last two post on here were made possible thanks to a generous neighbor that let me tap into their wi-fi. Sure enough they are also hurting and cut their internet.
So what's a guy to do? Well the kinko's thing gets costly, and getting to the library takes too much time. So I'm using the "free" wifi at my apartment main office. Yeah right free these people already charge us $950 a month. Then just on top of that if you forget to get your plates renewed on time, they can tow your car (and already have done it to some people). I swear some people just don't get it. In these times they should be willing to work with people not punish them with harsh fines. Honestly my bank account has $200 in it right now, and that is just enough that I can eat, buy gas, and get ready to move the hell out of here. My tags can get changed later. Yet that's right the other side of the housing market is that we can, and as of next month will be renting a house, with out their bullshit take justice into apartment property management rules.
In closing today the lesson learned is, that if these business think they can nit pick, to nickel and dime us then they will find them selfs soon out of business. Which is sad because that is very easily avoided mistake, and as they start to lay people off as a result it all goes back to the economic theory that just one lay off can hurt a local economic environment.
Peace Out
J.J. Gilmore
So what's a guy to do? Well the kinko's thing gets costly, and getting to the library takes too much time. So I'm using the "free" wifi at my apartment main office. Yeah right free these people already charge us $950 a month. Then just on top of that if you forget to get your plates renewed on time, they can tow your car (and already have done it to some people). I swear some people just don't get it. In these times they should be willing to work with people not punish them with harsh fines. Honestly my bank account has $200 in it right now, and that is just enough that I can eat, buy gas, and get ready to move the hell out of here. My tags can get changed later. Yet that's right the other side of the housing market is that we can, and as of next month will be renting a house, with out their bullshit take justice into apartment property management rules.
In closing today the lesson learned is, that if these business think they can nit pick, to nickel and dime us then they will find them selfs soon out of business. Which is sad because that is very easily avoided mistake, and as they start to lay people off as a result it all goes back to the economic theory that just one lay off can hurt a local economic environment.
Peace Out
J.J. Gilmore
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Cheap Strategic Marketing ADD Cheap business ADD bad economy = CHEAP ADs
A sure fire sign that the dollar, yen, euro just isn't going as far as it use to... well look no further then the advertisement around you. Take a second look at some of the commercials and print ads that get thrust into your world. So much for using the hottest thing to come out of Hollywood to pitch the product, naw Every Day Joe Blow gets the job done. Especially when he/she can finally put that communication degree to good use as it cost them 4 years and half a million in debt. But the good news I hear the residual checks should help that spokes person pay off the student loans by age 75.
Or advertisers are losing the warm bodies and going with voice overs for commercials that lack as much in graphics as they do in creativity. Example numero uno The GAP and their Mannequins, or numero dos "Nanner Pus" some breakfast restaurant chain (see I can't even recall the name the commercial was that bad I didn't pay attention) either way mannequins with teeny bopper voices, or wires on a have eaten banana don't get the job done. They are not work my brain cells, my sells dollar, nor is it worth the airtime, or the investment two companies and business professionals have put into it.
In the mean time, people on the creative side of this industry are being laid off, while execs take the credit for closing the deal, Hmm I always thought that TIVO would be the end of bad commercials. Yet now I think the bad economy can be blamed for this one too.
Or advertisers are losing the warm bodies and going with voice overs for commercials that lack as much in graphics as they do in creativity. Example numero uno The GAP and their Mannequins, or numero dos "Nanner Pus" some breakfast restaurant chain (see I can't even recall the name the commercial was that bad I didn't pay attention) either way mannequins with teeny bopper voices, or wires on a have eaten banana don't get the job done. They are not work my brain cells, my sells dollar, nor is it worth the airtime, or the investment two companies and business professionals have put into it.
In the mean time, people on the creative side of this industry are being laid off, while execs take the credit for closing the deal, Hmm I always thought that TIVO would be the end of bad commercials. Yet now I think the bad economy can be blamed for this one too.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Should We Stay or Should We Go
Should We Stay or Should We Go? That seems to be the question facing a lot of those I know through my eight degrees of separation. For example you know through previous post that I'm trying to figure out where I really belong, here, Air Force, trying to make sure I don't miss out on the right girl. My sister who I currently share an apartment with is trying to figure out where we live as our lease is up and the housing market is rougher than Hurricane swollen seas.
With in my love of sports, we've already seen Kurt Warner go through the back and forth with the AZ Cardinals. In all that a lot of questions had to be answered, how many premier years does he have left? how much will the contract be worth without offending him while paying a proven post season player? how does it effect the rest of the team?
Well the answer came when in typical male relationship science it came down to the team not wanting to admit it would come to terms one way or another, and Kurt was paid 24 million over the next two years. That still wouldn't have happened if Kurt didn't let his current team no he has no trouble flirting with other teams and contract offers. Especially when the first one to come calling is a NFC West division rival. So he'll make his money (half of which he'll end up giving to charity b/c he is that kind of guy) and still be a top 5 QB for the next couple of years, even being one of the best locker room guys ever and agreeing to give a few million back if that means the team keeps Q Boldin. So now the real work begins and trying to keep Q as a Cardinal needs to get done soon, and before the NFL draft the better.
However things just aren't looking up for the desert dogs. While they are beloved and trying to establish themselves, and finding the right chemistry in the locker room that leads to production on the ice. I was shocked how many proven players they moved this year at the trade deadline. Olli Jokinen and Dan Carcillo were growing a lot with this team, both contributed in many ways no more evident then the Shoot Out win over Atlanta this season. Yet you never know what happens in the NHL off-season and if they might be back. However the basic idea is right don't rely on young guns so much, get some sensational sophomores and mid aged talent that has 2-4 solid years under them and know how to play. Next year they will be back in the desert Shane Doan will have talent around him to take care of business at home and on the road. If they can put together a few more win streaks, and avoid the back breaking 10 game losing streak to start the second half of the season.
Finally I wish my next move was as easy as these players, I can't imagine getting paid to play and have that type of bank to fall back on in these economic times. I'm not a fool to think that they get every cent of a Million dollar deal, there is agents to pay, taxes to pay, and a lot is based on performance. Still that would be better than winning the lotto, imagine getting up and going to work everyday loving the sport you play and realizing how blessed you really are. Things are just a little more clear now that I'm 26, I'm a little older and wiser after a college degree, but if i could have just committed to one or two sports when I was a teenager, and not worry about wanting a car, or cool clothes, or parties, or going to the movies. It might be worth knowing my only way back to a normal life is by paying off my debt. The best way to do that and have honor in what I do is joining the US Air Force, and hopefully they will take me into their officer program.
OK its late, I'm not on deadline so your not getting a great finish to this rant. I'm going to bed, so I can catch the NHL game of the week on NBC at 9:30 am ( damn daylight saving times here in AZ ) Oh well nothing like hockey over breakfast.
Thanks for reading, Peace Out
J.J. Gilmore
With in my love of sports, we've already seen Kurt Warner go through the back and forth with the AZ Cardinals. In all that a lot of questions had to be answered, how many premier years does he have left? how much will the contract be worth without offending him while paying a proven post season player? how does it effect the rest of the team?
Well the answer came when in typical male relationship science it came down to the team not wanting to admit it would come to terms one way or another, and Kurt was paid 24 million over the next two years. That still wouldn't have happened if Kurt didn't let his current team no he has no trouble flirting with other teams and contract offers. Especially when the first one to come calling is a NFC West division rival. So he'll make his money (half of which he'll end up giving to charity b/c he is that kind of guy) and still be a top 5 QB for the next couple of years, even being one of the best locker room guys ever and agreeing to give a few million back if that means the team keeps Q Boldin. So now the real work begins and trying to keep Q as a Cardinal needs to get done soon, and before the NFL draft the better.
However things just aren't looking up for the desert dogs. While they are beloved and trying to establish themselves, and finding the right chemistry in the locker room that leads to production on the ice. I was shocked how many proven players they moved this year at the trade deadline. Olli Jokinen and Dan Carcillo were growing a lot with this team, both contributed in many ways no more evident then the Shoot Out win over Atlanta this season. Yet you never know what happens in the NHL off-season and if they might be back. However the basic idea is right don't rely on young guns so much, get some sensational sophomores and mid aged talent that has 2-4 solid years under them and know how to play. Next year they will be back in the desert Shane Doan will have talent around him to take care of business at home and on the road. If they can put together a few more win streaks, and avoid the back breaking 10 game losing streak to start the second half of the season.
Finally I wish my next move was as easy as these players, I can't imagine getting paid to play and have that type of bank to fall back on in these economic times. I'm not a fool to think that they get every cent of a Million dollar deal, there is agents to pay, taxes to pay, and a lot is based on performance. Still that would be better than winning the lotto, imagine getting up and going to work everyday loving the sport you play and realizing how blessed you really are. Things are just a little more clear now that I'm 26, I'm a little older and wiser after a college degree, but if i could have just committed to one or two sports when I was a teenager, and not worry about wanting a car, or cool clothes, or parties, or going to the movies. It might be worth knowing my only way back to a normal life is by paying off my debt. The best way to do that and have honor in what I do is joining the US Air Force, and hopefully they will take me into their officer program.
OK its late, I'm not on deadline so your not getting a great finish to this rant. I'm going to bed, so I can catch the NHL game of the week on NBC at 9:30 am ( damn daylight saving times here in AZ ) Oh well nothing like hockey over breakfast.
Thanks for reading, Peace Out
J.J. Gilmore
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Good-Bye to a Legend: Paul Harvey 1918-2009
Today and everyday for this point radio air waves will not sound as good and pure as they once did. Paul Harvey the legendary Newscaster, and talk show host has died, he was 90. His time on this plant was spent refining his craft, and helped shape radio and television journalism to what it is today. He is one of the reasons I love journalism, and went after my degree in it. I dont' want to try to talk about him as if I knew him, but I think we all knew a little bit about Mr. Harvey. Every morning his newscast was insightful and his mid-day second story was touching. I consider myself luck to have lived in an age where he showed us how to report correctly, and use our voice to connect to an audience. As Paul would say... "and know you know the rest of the story".
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Hawaiian Burger for Lunch
OK, so I lied BFD! I am going to talk about what I had for lunch on this blog, b/c 1 I can, and 2 it sums up my a part of my life right now.
So after working from 8am to 1pm I finally thought ok I'm taking a break, and eating some real food. Not the typical WELCOME TO FAST AZZ FOOD JOINT WOULD U LIKE FRIES WITH THAT. No, I saw a themed burger place and went for it, good thing was this was Margaritaville before someone took Jimmy B's idea and turned it into a Corp Chain. So there I am, all my favorite things surround me a little Bob Marley on the jukebox, a Spring Training Game on the TV, a real grill, and of course booze in the blender. The bar stocked with Captain, Crown, Corona, and other booze that streached for as far as the eye could C, but can't touch remember this is a working lunch.
Yet back to the point at hand, it all reminded me of a distant memory of my last trip to the beach. A trip I was able to share with friends, and wish every day could be like that. Yet then I snap back to reality and realize that I'm a broke fresh out of college adult, and every lender in the world wants their money back with interest. (After all it is my generation that will have to save us from the recession before it turns into a great depression) I step outside and see the desert mountains of Arizona on all sides of me, and I remember I'm no longer just 5 hours away from a friend who could BS with me about the one day we retire to a sunny beach front property, No I'm 25 hours from them, but 5 hours from the water that I still can't see b/c tomorrow is payday and after all I owe, I'll be lucky to afford a water balloon.
So what now, as President Obama did say "we must pick ourselves up by our boot straps, and begin the work of rebuilding America". Alright back to work for me for now, granted what i do is nothing that noble for a 8am-8pm job Mon-Sat. Yet it pays the some of the big bills and maybe one day I'll see my friend and that beach again.
So after working from 8am to 1pm I finally thought ok I'm taking a break, and eating some real food. Not the typical WELCOME TO FAST AZZ FOOD JOINT WOULD U LIKE FRIES WITH THAT. No, I saw a themed burger place and went for it, good thing was this was Margaritaville before someone took Jimmy B's idea and turned it into a Corp Chain. So there I am, all my favorite things surround me a little Bob Marley on the jukebox, a Spring Training Game on the TV, a real grill, and of course booze in the blender. The bar stocked with Captain, Crown, Corona, and other booze that streached for as far as the eye could C, but can't touch remember this is a working lunch.
Yet back to the point at hand, it all reminded me of a distant memory of my last trip to the beach. A trip I was able to share with friends, and wish every day could be like that. Yet then I snap back to reality and realize that I'm a broke fresh out of college adult, and every lender in the world wants their money back with interest. (After all it is my generation that will have to save us from the recession before it turns into a great depression) I step outside and see the desert mountains of Arizona on all sides of me, and I remember I'm no longer just 5 hours away from a friend who could BS with me about the one day we retire to a sunny beach front property, No I'm 25 hours from them, but 5 hours from the water that I still can't see b/c tomorrow is payday and after all I owe, I'll be lucky to afford a water balloon.
So what now, as President Obama did say "we must pick ourselves up by our boot straps, and begin the work of rebuilding America". Alright back to work for me for now, granted what i do is nothing that noble for a 8am-8pm job Mon-Sat. Yet it pays the some of the big bills and maybe one day I'll see my friend and that beach again.
Friday, February 20, 2009
First thoughts are not always best.
Alright so I need an outlet and this is going to be it! This blog will not be just a daily journal of how bad my rush hour commute was, or what I ate for lunch. No this will be my insight on events around me, and if it happens to get personal then so be it. Maybe we'll get lucky and with a little practice I'll have the voice of Rick Reilly, or the humor of Calvin and Hobbs. So now that's settled, why should I do this? Shouldn't a recent journalism grad from one of the nations top programs be at some small newspaper making a name for himself in the field. Well in the perfect world maybe, and in that world student loans could be consolidated and affordable to payback.
(Ah you see there is a stroke of genius, instead of banking and lending institutions going crazy like a Chimp in Connecticut they could find the finances to consolidate all of a persons student loans, not just try to drive college students further below the poverty line. I guarantee there is a need for this service, and if I had the means to do this for others like me I would, however my lenders have already taken my lifesaving's and misspent them... Speaking of good ideas, this isn't my only one, you should hear my mass transit idea that uses Bullet Trains on natural energy, but your going to have to pay for the rights to that.)
Now that we are all off and running I hope the next post can be getter then the first. I might even show off my favorite photos, as my photojournalism skills can only do so much with the technology involved and continuously dry desert.
Thanks for reading
-J.J. Gilmore.
©, Josh Gilmore, 2009
(Ah you see there is a stroke of genius, instead of banking and lending institutions going crazy like a Chimp in Connecticut they could find the finances to consolidate all of a persons student loans, not just try to drive college students further below the poverty line. I guarantee there is a need for this service, and if I had the means to do this for others like me I would, however my lenders have already taken my lifesaving's and misspent them... Speaking of good ideas, this isn't my only one, you should hear my mass transit idea that uses Bullet Trains on natural energy, but your going to have to pay for the rights to that.)
Now that we are all off and running I hope the next post can be getter then the first. I might even show off my favorite photos, as my photojournalism skills can only do so much with the technology involved and continuously dry desert.
Thanks for reading
-J.J. Gilmore.
©, Josh Gilmore, 2009
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