The new monsters of the Midway? ummm no. A win is a win is a win? Yes. The Hawkeyes faced a game Northern Illinois Huskies squad and were able to leave with n 18-17 decision.
Damon Bullock's 23 yard scamper on 3rd and 8 with 2:15 remaining provided the winning points for Iowa (1-0). NIU (0-1) had played a Norm Parkeresque bend but no break defense only allowing 4 Mike Meyer field goals before the Bullock run.
Time to look at the positives and negatives of this game.
Areas needing improvement
There were some differences in the O and D under new coordinators Greg Davis and Phil Parker. There will also be some growing pains. To play devil's advocate, though, the rub against old coordinators Norm and Ken was predictability. Maybe Greg Davis wants to save a couple wrinkles for ISU, but this offense had patterns of their own until the 2:15 mark. Running the ball was solid. Then Iowa decided to go with a steady diet of failed play action on 1st down, incomplete pass on 2nd down, followed by sack for loss on 3rd down. Not having the benefit to see the game live or a wider view of the pass patterns, it seemed as not a lot was vertical. It seemed to be a lot of West Coast. Maybe that is a product of the WR not getting open. Maybe its design. third down efficiency lacked because of it. Things to work on in practice.
The defense played with an edge. I am not going to nitpick on their efforts.
Special Teams saved the day as well. I would like, however, Mike Meyer to look a little more confident when kicking field goals. He looks like a deer in headlights as he is lining it up.
Areas needing Praise
Greg Davis answered my plea to run off tackle on the final TD drive on first down. It went for no gain. 2nd down wasn't much better leaving 3rd and 8. Davis was aware of NIU and their blitzing on 3rd down as he went totally off script and back to off tackle for the game winner. That was a breath of fresh air and it paid off.
Against mainly MAC opponents, NIU did average 476 yards a game last year. No matter who, that is a lot. They gained a grand total of 201 Saturday. 73 of course came on one scamper. And although Jordan Lynch outran everyone and that is a little disconcerting, the defense played well. KUDOS. Phil Parker is playing a little tougher up front and going away from the ol bend don't break. I like it. Mike Meyer, he of the fear instilling institute, did do a good job connecting on 4-5 fg attempts. Micah Hyde and greg garmon were solid in returning kicks. Connor kornbrath was great in his debut and Wienke added a 43 yard punt. Greg Castillo of course had the save of the game, pinning NIU at the 1. Special teams gets a gold star.
Damon Bullock made the most of his opportunity. Keep him healthy!
So, Iowa wins 18-17. Vandenberg gets a road win to start off the season. Iowa State awaits at Kinnick, 2:30 next Saturday. If Iowa is going to go to 2-0. . . they need to keep the defense rolling, fine tune the offense and score more touchdowns than field goals. We will talk more about this during the week in our Vlog.
Week one, much like week one in 2009, took a fantastic finish, but came out a W. Here is to 2012. 1-0
Next weeks ISU-Iowa recap will come on Sunday next week.
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Sunday, September 2, 2012
Iowa Hawkeye preview-- 2012
When we last left the Iowa Hawkeyes, they were leaving Arizona after a 31-14 loss to Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl and we saw Marvin McNutt narrowly escape a way ward ESPN Camera. Eight months later, The Hawkeyes are minus the graduated McNutt, both top coordinators and some more running backs (SHOCKER). For the Hawkeyes to top last year's season, they need to overcome the loss of the graduates, transfers and coaches. Can they? Yes. As we have seen in the past, when not much is expected of the Hawks, they can surprise. That and a schedule designed for them is key to the resurgence.
Now, this could still work out like the 2007 season, when a young team got spanked by Indiana and got field goaled to death by Iowa State and had their bowl hopes dashed by Western Michigan at home no less. With the pressure on Coach Ferentz and the coaching staff I do not see a repeat. let's take a look at the hawks and then breakdown their schedule.
Offense (new offensive coordinator Greg Davis)
QB:
The key to success this season may be the defense as a whole stopping some teams, but number two then is James Vandenberg. Vandenberg has the tools, the experience and the confidence in himself. What he lacks are tested running backs, a do-everything wide receiver, and a shutdown defense. Vandenberg only has 4 road games this year, which is key since he has only one road win on his record (Purdue). Vandenberg will flourish in greg Davis's system. Will it make him Colt McCoy? maybe not, but maybe Major Applewhite. I expect big things from James VB.
RB:
NEXT! All kidding, conspiracy theories and AIRBHG aside, in the Greg Davis system, this just needs to be serviceable. . . Freshman Barkley Hill went down at the end of the last Saturday practice. he is out. DeAndre Johnson got kicked off after multiple infractions. He is out. Damon Bullock has 20 career rushing yards. he leads the pack. I like Greg Garmon. Yes this is steep praise, but he reminds me of a young Eric Dickerson. He does run high and he is thin, but elusive. Garmon must stay healthy. At a minimum think young Sedrick Shaw. Highlight time. Michael Malloy also backs this position up. At Fulback, youth also reigns with Mark Weisman and Brad Rogers.
Ends and Receivers:
More reason for optimism. Yes, McNutt is gone. But now is the time for Keenan Davis. Keenan Davis has all the talent; can he make the next step? Especially, considering teams will look to double him. In the Greg Davis davis scheme, look for multiple looks to get the ball in his hands or to look to the capable Kevonte Martin-Manley. Devote all the coverage to the outside? The Vandenberg will have my choice as All Big Ten candidate CJ Fiedorowicz running the seams making a mismatch of linebacker and safety. This is a strength.
OL:
Reilly Reiff is gone. Adam Gettis also was drafted. Iowa, though for what seems is the 15th straight year, has a Ferentz on the line. James Ferentz anchors this group. He is tutored by his bro, Brian. I am not as worried about the OL as they can come together and if Iowa does use a Texas style of more shotgun and quick hitting plays, they will not be as dependent on long sustained blocks.
Kicking game:
As of press time, the Punter for herky's crew is Freshman Connor Kornbrath. John Wienke who had been a backup QB and did punt in high school is the backup. Yeah this could be an issue. I have never been a big fan of Mike Meyer as a placekicker, but one could do worse. He is at a 70 percent clip. He can kick with some distance. Serviceable will work.
DEFENSE (New defensive coordinator Phil Parker)
DL: OH BOY. . . Its Young up the middle with Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis has been hassled with injuries. His stepping up and into the hole is going to be paramount. The line will be a rotation, to keep everyone fresh and Steve Bigach, Dominic Alvis, and Joe Gaglione will be counted on to hold their spots down.
LB: This may be the busiest position on the team. Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and personal fave James Morris will have their hands full. This is the year where Morris shows all of his talent. The D will ride on his health.
DB: Micah Hyde! LB may be the busiest, DB will be the most exciting. BJ lowery is good. Tom Donatell and Tanner Miller are good at safety, and my sleeper pick for breakout star this year is Nico Law. Last year I whiffed with M'Kail Mccall, he of the first game injury then getting himself booted before leaving. Nico Law will bring back memories of Bob Sanders. He will be fun to watch. I think Hyde takes things to the next level and is definitely all B1G.
Return game:
Just don't fumble. I wish it wasn't such valuable performers as Hyde, Martin-manley and Bullock, but they will provide workmanlike performances.
Coaching:
Sure, there are new coordinators, but they are still under the reins and reign of Kirk Ferentz. Things do need to be a little less stodgy if Iowa plans to compete on both sides of the ball. A little unpredictability would be nice even if it is replacing draw plays with bubble screens.
Predictions:
9/1-- Northern Illinois . . . Iowa 37 Northern Illinois 33 Lots of growing pains in this one, but a win is a win is a win at Kinnick East. The fans help the Hawks take this one.
9/8-- Iowa State . . . Iowa 23 Iowa State 20 ISU keeps this one close and makes it a game at the end, but Iowa holds on. Bring on the CyHawk Trophy!
9/15-- Northern Iowa . . . Iowa 38 Northern Iowa 20 UNI fans keep frothing about an upset. Not in week 3. Not at Iowa. Not after just playing ISU. if I am wrong, I will be happy to admit it and will don an UNI cap for a day. I am not worried. Iowa has too much on offense for UNI.
9/22-- Central Michigan . . . Iowa 34 Central Michigan 20 Well if this was CM of a few years ago with Dan Lefevour and Antonio brown Iowa would be in trouble. This is a veteran team, but of the 3-9 variety. Still should be entertaining.
9/29-- Minnesota. . . Iowa 24 Minnesota 17 Watch out for the ONSIDE KICK! I will be glad to see Shoelace lite (Marqueis Gray) finally graduate. I hope Iowa wins by 40 in this, but I think it will be close.
10/13-- at Michigan State. . . Michigan State 30 Iowa 28 Iowa has the easy schedule year and if they wanted a 2009esque year this is a must win. I see a valiant effort falling short as one of Mike Meyers missed field goals on the year costs the Hawks. Win this and the Hawks may be undefeated until the next time they are in Michigan.
10/20-- Penn State. . . Iowa 17 Penn State 10 Say what you want about the Nittany Lions. They will play hard each week. Iowa has to reach deep to become bowl eligible.
10/27-- at Northwestern. . . Iowa 27 Northwestern 21 Another game that will not be a cake walk. Of course coach pat circles this one on the calendar each year. Iowa goes in and gets out of there . . . for a change with a W.
11/3-- at Indiana. . . Iowa 44 Indiana 19 Another week to get the team clicking. Hopefully the offense can put up some numbers. A big week for CJ is my thought.
11/10-- Purdue. . . Iowa 37 Purdue 13 This one will get the Hawk fans really clamoring about Bowl destinations.
11/17-- at Michigan. . . Michigan 31 Iowa 21 Shoelace! Revenge is on the mind of the Wolverines and they deliver in the Big House.
11/23--Nebraska. . . Nebraska 27 Iowa 20 Black Friday and just can't score enough against the Black shirts
1/1/13-- Auburn in the Gator Bowl. Iowa 33 Auburn 30 (OT) I hate to agree with the Register's Randy Peterson, but this is a juicy matchup against Chizik and Iowa would be in a better bowl if they can beat Michigan, Mich. st. or the Huskers. They probably won't so its off to the gator bowl.
Iowa 10-3. If this happens, look for big expectations for 2013, even if it does mean Cody Sokol or Jake Rudock at QB.
Remember to follow @cyhawkthoughts @chucku24 and cyhawkthoughts on facebook for the latest news and views.
CHUCK UTECH
Now, this could still work out like the 2007 season, when a young team got spanked by Indiana and got field goaled to death by Iowa State and had their bowl hopes dashed by Western Michigan at home no less. With the pressure on Coach Ferentz and the coaching staff I do not see a repeat. let's take a look at the hawks and then breakdown their schedule.
Offense (new offensive coordinator Greg Davis)
QB:
The key to success this season may be the defense as a whole stopping some teams, but number two then is James Vandenberg. Vandenberg has the tools, the experience and the confidence in himself. What he lacks are tested running backs, a do-everything wide receiver, and a shutdown defense. Vandenberg only has 4 road games this year, which is key since he has only one road win on his record (Purdue). Vandenberg will flourish in greg Davis's system. Will it make him Colt McCoy? maybe not, but maybe Major Applewhite. I expect big things from James VB.
RB:
NEXT! All kidding, conspiracy theories and AIRBHG aside, in the Greg Davis system, this just needs to be serviceable. . . Freshman Barkley Hill went down at the end of the last Saturday practice. he is out. DeAndre Johnson got kicked off after multiple infractions. He is out. Damon Bullock has 20 career rushing yards. he leads the pack. I like Greg Garmon. Yes this is steep praise, but he reminds me of a young Eric Dickerson. He does run high and he is thin, but elusive. Garmon must stay healthy. At a minimum think young Sedrick Shaw. Highlight time. Michael Malloy also backs this position up. At Fulback, youth also reigns with Mark Weisman and Brad Rogers.
Ends and Receivers:
More reason for optimism. Yes, McNutt is gone. But now is the time for Keenan Davis. Keenan Davis has all the talent; can he make the next step? Especially, considering teams will look to double him. In the Greg Davis davis scheme, look for multiple looks to get the ball in his hands or to look to the capable Kevonte Martin-Manley. Devote all the coverage to the outside? The Vandenberg will have my choice as All Big Ten candidate CJ Fiedorowicz running the seams making a mismatch of linebacker and safety. This is a strength.
OL:
Reilly Reiff is gone. Adam Gettis also was drafted. Iowa, though for what seems is the 15th straight year, has a Ferentz on the line. James Ferentz anchors this group. He is tutored by his bro, Brian. I am not as worried about the OL as they can come together and if Iowa does use a Texas style of more shotgun and quick hitting plays, they will not be as dependent on long sustained blocks.
Kicking game:
As of press time, the Punter for herky's crew is Freshman Connor Kornbrath. John Wienke who had been a backup QB and did punt in high school is the backup. Yeah this could be an issue. I have never been a big fan of Mike Meyer as a placekicker, but one could do worse. He is at a 70 percent clip. He can kick with some distance. Serviceable will work.
DEFENSE (New defensive coordinator Phil Parker)
DL: OH BOY. . . Its Young up the middle with Carl Davis and Louis Trinca-Pasat. Davis has been hassled with injuries. His stepping up and into the hole is going to be paramount. The line will be a rotation, to keep everyone fresh and Steve Bigach, Dominic Alvis, and Joe Gaglione will be counted on to hold their spots down.
LB: This may be the busiest position on the team. Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and personal fave James Morris will have their hands full. This is the year where Morris shows all of his talent. The D will ride on his health.
DB: Micah Hyde! LB may be the busiest, DB will be the most exciting. BJ lowery is good. Tom Donatell and Tanner Miller are good at safety, and my sleeper pick for breakout star this year is Nico Law. Last year I whiffed with M'Kail Mccall, he of the first game injury then getting himself booted before leaving. Nico Law will bring back memories of Bob Sanders. He will be fun to watch. I think Hyde takes things to the next level and is definitely all B1G.
Return game:
Just don't fumble. I wish it wasn't such valuable performers as Hyde, Martin-manley and Bullock, but they will provide workmanlike performances.
Coaching:
Sure, there are new coordinators, but they are still under the reins and reign of Kirk Ferentz. Things do need to be a little less stodgy if Iowa plans to compete on both sides of the ball. A little unpredictability would be nice even if it is replacing draw plays with bubble screens.
Predictions:
9/1-- Northern Illinois . . . Iowa 37 Northern Illinois 33 Lots of growing pains in this one, but a win is a win is a win at Kinnick East. The fans help the Hawks take this one.
9/8-- Iowa State . . . Iowa 23 Iowa State 20 ISU keeps this one close and makes it a game at the end, but Iowa holds on. Bring on the CyHawk Trophy!
9/15-- Northern Iowa . . . Iowa 38 Northern Iowa 20 UNI fans keep frothing about an upset. Not in week 3. Not at Iowa. Not after just playing ISU. if I am wrong, I will be happy to admit it and will don an UNI cap for a day. I am not worried. Iowa has too much on offense for UNI.
9/22-- Central Michigan . . . Iowa 34 Central Michigan 20 Well if this was CM of a few years ago with Dan Lefevour and Antonio brown Iowa would be in trouble. This is a veteran team, but of the 3-9 variety. Still should be entertaining.
9/29-- Minnesota. . . Iowa 24 Minnesota 17 Watch out for the ONSIDE KICK! I will be glad to see Shoelace lite (Marqueis Gray) finally graduate. I hope Iowa wins by 40 in this, but I think it will be close.
10/13-- at Michigan State. . . Michigan State 30 Iowa 28 Iowa has the easy schedule year and if they wanted a 2009esque year this is a must win. I see a valiant effort falling short as one of Mike Meyers missed field goals on the year costs the Hawks. Win this and the Hawks may be undefeated until the next time they are in Michigan.
10/20-- Penn State. . . Iowa 17 Penn State 10 Say what you want about the Nittany Lions. They will play hard each week. Iowa has to reach deep to become bowl eligible.
10/27-- at Northwestern. . . Iowa 27 Northwestern 21 Another game that will not be a cake walk. Of course coach pat circles this one on the calendar each year. Iowa goes in and gets out of there . . . for a change with a W.
11/3-- at Indiana. . . Iowa 44 Indiana 19 Another week to get the team clicking. Hopefully the offense can put up some numbers. A big week for CJ is my thought.
11/10-- Purdue. . . Iowa 37 Purdue 13 This one will get the Hawk fans really clamoring about Bowl destinations.
11/17-- at Michigan. . . Michigan 31 Iowa 21 Shoelace! Revenge is on the mind of the Wolverines and they deliver in the Big House.
11/23--Nebraska. . . Nebraska 27 Iowa 20 Black Friday and just can't score enough against the Black shirts
1/1/13-- Auburn in the Gator Bowl. Iowa 33 Auburn 30 (OT) I hate to agree with the Register's Randy Peterson, but this is a juicy matchup against Chizik and Iowa would be in a better bowl if they can beat Michigan, Mich. st. or the Huskers. They probably won't so its off to the gator bowl.
Iowa 10-3. If this happens, look for big expectations for 2013, even if it does mean Cody Sokol or Jake Rudock at QB.
Remember to follow @cyhawkthoughts @chucku24 and cyhawkthoughts on facebook for the latest news and views.
CHUCK UTECH
Monday, June 11, 2012
40 til 40 June 10, 2012 "THE FINALE"
Wow. Can't believe the time is here. Tuesday, June 12, is the day. WOW.
Thank you all for reading, commenting, sharing and being a part of my life as we approach 40 years on earth. Who knew I would get almost 2,000 hits in over a month of stories.
I have had so many experiences and I couldn't have had them without all of you and really have enjoyed sharing.
I hope I get to do a 50 til 50 and so on. Not sure if I am halfway home in my journey or over halfway home. I just know that I will continue living each day as I always have. Turning over every rock. making sure if there is an experience I want to pursue, I do.
Tomorrow, I get to have my "so you are turning 40 physical." I promised my Dad I would have the prostate test. His Dad, my Grandfather had Prostate cancer so it is a worry in the family, but if My Dad doesn't have it yet, then I may be ok for awhile. Never hurts to check. "MOON RIVERRRRR!"
I will make sure I spend time with all of my family and friends. You all are soooo important to me.
I will still run 5K races. I am not sure I will ever do an 8k again. not really built for that or longer. My team at work is going to do one in October, I will do the State Fair 5K in November. My goal is to run my age.
I will still do standup comedy. Sure my shows have declined more to corporate gigs the last couple years, but I have some great gigs coming up this summer and I am reinvigorated. If there was only more time in the day.
I will continue announcing roller derby. Hells Yes! I love Roller Derby and all of the friends it has introduced me too. Mid-Iowa Rollers are currently 7-0. I wish I was going to be there next week in KC as they take on the KC roller warriors. You bet though I will be there for regionals and beyond!
Service work will continue. Giving back to those who need help is a huge priority.
So, there we go. Hey all, please be well. Do well. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. You all have shaped my life.
Here is to the next 40!
CHUCK U.
Thank you all for reading, commenting, sharing and being a part of my life as we approach 40 years on earth. Who knew I would get almost 2,000 hits in over a month of stories.
I have had so many experiences and I couldn't have had them without all of you and really have enjoyed sharing.
I hope I get to do a 50 til 50 and so on. Not sure if I am halfway home in my journey or over halfway home. I just know that I will continue living each day as I always have. Turning over every rock. making sure if there is an experience I want to pursue, I do.
Tomorrow, I get to have my "so you are turning 40 physical." I promised my Dad I would have the prostate test. His Dad, my Grandfather had Prostate cancer so it is a worry in the family, but if My Dad doesn't have it yet, then I may be ok for awhile. Never hurts to check. "MOON RIVERRRRR!"
I will make sure I spend time with all of my family and friends. You all are soooo important to me.
I will still run 5K races. I am not sure I will ever do an 8k again. not really built for that or longer. My team at work is going to do one in October, I will do the State Fair 5K in November. My goal is to run my age.
I will still do standup comedy. Sure my shows have declined more to corporate gigs the last couple years, but I have some great gigs coming up this summer and I am reinvigorated. If there was only more time in the day.
I will continue announcing roller derby. Hells Yes! I love Roller Derby and all of the friends it has introduced me too. Mid-Iowa Rollers are currently 7-0. I wish I was going to be there next week in KC as they take on the KC roller warriors. You bet though I will be there for regionals and beyond!
Service work will continue. Giving back to those who need help is a huge priority.
So, there we go. Hey all, please be well. Do well. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart. You all have shaped my life.
Here is to the next 40!
CHUCK U.
40 til 40 June 9, 2012 "Chicago Blackhawks"
2 years ago... The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. The first one in my lifetime. Maybe the last. I had a ticket to game 7 at Chicago. some people were bummed I didn't get to go. I am not. I am glad they won! One never knows with my luck going to sporting events.
Like most of my team allegiances, I was born into it. My Grandparents were Blackhawk fans and attended games. TV access to the Hawks in Iowa was nil until cable for a long time. Thanks Wirtz family.
But like a lot of Blackhawks fans, Denis Savard was my favorite. the guy was the man. the Spinorama!
My dad got me a hockey stick when I was 8ish. I would try to emulate the Spinorama. I wasn't as good.
My five favorite moments as a Blackhawks fan.
5. Detroit SUCKS! My first Blackhawks game in person was January 05, 2003. The Blackhawks were winning a defensive struggle against the Wings 3-1 I think late in the 3rd. Then My favorite Hawk at the time Bob Probert started a Detroit Sucks cheer. Next thing I know The Wings won 4-3 in ot. the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of my first game at the UC was awesome!
4. The press conference. I am lucky enough to have a friend on the inside, Adam Kempenaar. He has allowed me access to see my favorite hockey announcer, Gary Thorne and a great moment after the Blackhawks lost in 2007 at home to the Wild. I got to hang out and be a dude at the Press conference. Denis Savard, my man was the coach at the time. It was an awesome moment.
3. The Blackhawks convention 2010. A month after winning the cup, We went to the Chicago Hilton for the convention. (Thanks again, Adam) Seeing Steve Larmer, meeting Tony Esposito was classic. The buzz was immense.
2. The Blackhawks win! Patty Kane, sneaking in the Game 6 winner set off a wild celebration in the Utech house. Granted I was delayed 5 seconds knowing if it was in! What a great feeling. Again, who knows if they will ever get there again. I will always cherish that.
1. The Winter Classic... 2009. Sure Detroit beat Chicago again. But Suzy went with me (awesome) Blackhawks hockey on New Year's Day (Awesome) and it was at Wrigley (Trifecta). It was a little cold, but nothing that warming up downtown with some Dunkin Donuts coffee and then a Mid Villa Pizza couldn't cure. Wonderful memories
I hope the Blackhawks in the future just make some goaltending changes. I doubt they will, but although I was a huge Corey Crawford supporter, I am ready for him to be done. Maybe I am wrong and it will be another stanley cup in 2013!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
40 til 40 June 08, 2012 "short story time"
only 2 blogs left after today. Tomorrow's spotlights my favorite hockey team. Sunday's will be a finale.
Today will be a blog consisting of short stories...
Steve Dixon-- Back in 1993, Mike Harrelson and I went to a Saturday night Iowa Cubs game. It was after the stadium was flooded. We sat right behind the Louisville Bullpen down the first baseline. $5. Ahh the good ole days. so a foul ball comes down the line to the bullpen. Steve Dixon a reliever for the Redbirds fielded the screamer. Now this was pre strike when baseball players weren't as forthcoming giving out baseballs to the crowd. Dixon got the ball and faked an underarm throw to the crowd and kept it. That set me off. I was a couple beers in and I let him know that it wasn't cool. He looked to see who was berating him. When he saw it was me he started laughing, "come on Slim"
I then started in again and we traded barbs back and forth. Most of mine involved him wearing the light blue Uni's and him commenting on my hotdog intake when he hit the game winner, "Slim... I do remember you now... I saw the news coverage when this place flooded. You are a hero slim... 8 people rode your back to safety." I tipped my cap and was fairly quiet until one of Des Moines' finest escorted us to the Left Field.
I saw him a few more games that year and next then in 1995 he was on the I cubs. I went to see him and he said, "Hey Slim, they let you out?"
Hellbilly Hoedown-- So in 2006 there was a great party in Washington, Iowa -- Friends put it on. They got a band, I was to tell some jokes, and there was going to be a ton of beer and jello shots. One person in the group, we will call him "Mike" decided to start taking the 400 or so jello shots over to the groups of people. He was a great sport. he did a shot with each group. Now I was told ahead of time that the shots were potent. I had my own issues as I did a few before getting up to tell jokes. Never again. I was messed up. I was telling jokes twice and using punchlines from some jokes to end others. it was a mess.
I ended that trainwreck with one joke I could remember. I was heading out to my truck afterwards to gather the rest of my camping gear when I heard some moaning. Not passionate moaning, sick cow moaning... I look over and there is "Mike" rolling on the ground. The 20 plus shots of Jello I estimate he did finally caught up with him. He was speaking in tongues I have never heard before. Thank goodness he woke up a few hours later no worse for wear. Roller Derby girls like to have a lot of jello shot partys. I am leery due to thinking back about my gig and poor mike rolling around in circles.
Dannie Tee---The March 17, 2007 gig I did with Dannie Tee and others was awesome. We rocked the crowd. Afterwards Dannie sold some shirts and I sold some too and I then went to load my car. I went back in and the bar owner asked a favor. "Some boys are getting rowdy, would you mind walking Dannie Tee out to his car?" Now Dannie Tee is like 6'4" and a built guy. He is African-American. I am pretty sure he could handle this on his own. I went up to Dannie and said, "Let me know when you leave man... I was asked to escort you out to maintain your safety." He smiled, "What? They want you to escort me out?"
In the end nothing happened.
Today will be a blog consisting of short stories...
Steve Dixon-- Back in 1993, Mike Harrelson and I went to a Saturday night Iowa Cubs game. It was after the stadium was flooded. We sat right behind the Louisville Bullpen down the first baseline. $5. Ahh the good ole days. so a foul ball comes down the line to the bullpen. Steve Dixon a reliever for the Redbirds fielded the screamer. Now this was pre strike when baseball players weren't as forthcoming giving out baseballs to the crowd. Dixon got the ball and faked an underarm throw to the crowd and kept it. That set me off. I was a couple beers in and I let him know that it wasn't cool. He looked to see who was berating him. When he saw it was me he started laughing, "come on Slim"
I then started in again and we traded barbs back and forth. Most of mine involved him wearing the light blue Uni's and him commenting on my hotdog intake when he hit the game winner, "Slim... I do remember you now... I saw the news coverage when this place flooded. You are a hero slim... 8 people rode your back to safety." I tipped my cap and was fairly quiet until one of Des Moines' finest escorted us to the Left Field.
I saw him a few more games that year and next then in 1995 he was on the I cubs. I went to see him and he said, "Hey Slim, they let you out?"
Hellbilly Hoedown-- So in 2006 there was a great party in Washington, Iowa -- Friends put it on. They got a band, I was to tell some jokes, and there was going to be a ton of beer and jello shots. One person in the group, we will call him "Mike" decided to start taking the 400 or so jello shots over to the groups of people. He was a great sport. he did a shot with each group. Now I was told ahead of time that the shots were potent. I had my own issues as I did a few before getting up to tell jokes. Never again. I was messed up. I was telling jokes twice and using punchlines from some jokes to end others. it was a mess.
I ended that trainwreck with one joke I could remember. I was heading out to my truck afterwards to gather the rest of my camping gear when I heard some moaning. Not passionate moaning, sick cow moaning... I look over and there is "Mike" rolling on the ground. The 20 plus shots of Jello I estimate he did finally caught up with him. He was speaking in tongues I have never heard before. Thank goodness he woke up a few hours later no worse for wear. Roller Derby girls like to have a lot of jello shot partys. I am leery due to thinking back about my gig and poor mike rolling around in circles.
Dannie Tee---The March 17, 2007 gig I did with Dannie Tee and others was awesome. We rocked the crowd. Afterwards Dannie sold some shirts and I sold some too and I then went to load my car. I went back in and the bar owner asked a favor. "Some boys are getting rowdy, would you mind walking Dannie Tee out to his car?" Now Dannie Tee is like 6'4" and a built guy. He is African-American. I am pretty sure he could handle this on his own. I went up to Dannie and said, "Let me know when you leave man... I was asked to escort you out to maintain your safety." He smiled, "What? They want you to escort me out?"
In the end nothing happened.
Friday, June 8, 2012
40 til 40 June 06, 2012 "Iowa Sports teams"
just a few blogs left...
I love pro sports. Iowa has nothing in the big 4 leagues. they do have the Hawkeyes, Bulldogs, Panthers and Cyclones...
Iowa though has had and still has a great crop of pro teams at lower levels. Here are some of my favs through the years.
Iowa Cornets.. Womens Pro basketball, before the ABL and WNBA actually did come through Iowa. Molly Machine Gun Bolin was lights out. Ahh the late 70s.
Newton Nite hawks... Semi Pro football at its best. Champions too. Right outve Newton. These are the earliest memories I have pretty much. Heading to Woodland or to HA Lynn. Mr. Wisgerhof was the punter, Mr. Henry was a lineman. I still have the football card set. An old timer offered me $100 bill not too long ago for it. NOPE
Des Moines Buccaneers...Yeah Des Moines had the stars and Chops... and I saw that hockey and it was good. But give me Des Moines Buc Hockey anytime. These 18 year old kids are great. Coach Ferguson needs a street named after him in Des Moines. Seriously. All of those victories, titles.... come on. No bad seats in the Madhouse. I have yet to catch a puck. someday.
Iowa Barnstormers-- old version-- I am not a homer-- they were just more fun. The games were more fun. And Bill McCabe was a referee. Oh Yeah Kurt Warner was pretty EFFING GOOD. the new games are too loud, too boring, and the fans aren't as savvy
Iowa Cubs-- I cannot name how many Cubbies Ive seen make their way through... or end it like Rod Beck did when he would hang out at the camper. Sec Taylor is now principal park and the setting is awesome. Day Baseball June 12. Thats where I will be. I have gotten a couple foul balls. Yes. i kept them.
Iowa Energy--Yeah we are season ticket holders, but this is fun. Fun promotions, team access. They are everywhere and have high quality folks on staff and on the team. Moses Ehambe is class. Katie our ticket lady just got a job with the New Orleans Hornets, but she was class. Of Course we have huge respect for Jerry Crawford. His Dad sits by us and he is the best. In a few years I hope Suzy joins their dance team called the Spark Plugs.
Fun times
I love pro sports. Iowa has nothing in the big 4 leagues. they do have the Hawkeyes, Bulldogs, Panthers and Cyclones...
Iowa though has had and still has a great crop of pro teams at lower levels. Here are some of my favs through the years.
Iowa Cornets.. Womens Pro basketball, before the ABL and WNBA actually did come through Iowa. Molly Machine Gun Bolin was lights out. Ahh the late 70s.
Newton Nite hawks... Semi Pro football at its best. Champions too. Right outve Newton. These are the earliest memories I have pretty much. Heading to Woodland or to HA Lynn. Mr. Wisgerhof was the punter, Mr. Henry was a lineman. I still have the football card set. An old timer offered me $100 bill not too long ago for it. NOPE
Des Moines Buccaneers...Yeah Des Moines had the stars and Chops... and I saw that hockey and it was good. But give me Des Moines Buc Hockey anytime. These 18 year old kids are great. Coach Ferguson needs a street named after him in Des Moines. Seriously. All of those victories, titles.... come on. No bad seats in the Madhouse. I have yet to catch a puck. someday.
Iowa Barnstormers-- old version-- I am not a homer-- they were just more fun. The games were more fun. And Bill McCabe was a referee. Oh Yeah Kurt Warner was pretty EFFING GOOD. the new games are too loud, too boring, and the fans aren't as savvy
Iowa Cubs-- I cannot name how many Cubbies Ive seen make their way through... or end it like Rod Beck did when he would hang out at the camper. Sec Taylor is now principal park and the setting is awesome. Day Baseball June 12. Thats where I will be. I have gotten a couple foul balls. Yes. i kept them.
Iowa Energy--Yeah we are season ticket holders, but this is fun. Fun promotions, team access. They are everywhere and have high quality folks on staff and on the team. Moses Ehambe is class. Katie our ticket lady just got a job with the New Orleans Hornets, but she was class. Of Course we have huge respect for Jerry Crawford. His Dad sits by us and he is the best. In a few years I hope Suzy joins their dance team called the Spark Plugs.
Fun times
40 til 40 June 07, 2012 "Must see in Iowa"
I probably missed some things, but here is alist of some must stop spots in random order in Iowa
Goldfield cheese Mart... Goldfield Iowa- Iowa ain't Wisconsin when it comes to cheese. But if you aren't in Newton. This is the best cheese. Way up on Highway 3-- not real convenient-- who cares. Its awesome
Ezzy's... Atlantic-- try the Ezzy burger
Field of Dreams... Dyersville-- If you build it. It was awesome to walk out of the corn
whitey's Ice cream. . . anywhere Quad Cities-- Love the Whitey's Ice Cream
Canteen Lunch in the alley... Ottumwa-- The best sandwiches. A little horseshoe counter 3 ladies serving loose meat sandwiches. Yes, its where Roseanne based her diner off of. The pie is good too
Loess Hills Western Iowa... There are plenty of great parks in Iowa. Red Rock, Saylorville, etc... Loess Hills is my favorite. Not crowded. Great place to get away and just... get away
Van's Liquor East Dubuque Ill--Ok not in Iowa but darn close. I love this liquor store. They are open at 6 am every day. They have great service, sell Berghoff. Awesome.
Tailgating in Iowa City --well the magic Bus is gone... But I love Iowa City Tailgating
Cable car dubuque-- Love taking that ricketty cable car up the side of a hill in Dubuque
Dayton's Meat market Malcom, Iowa These guys do meat right
Peg's Place Harvey, Iowa The bar is about all Harvey has to offer, its gravel to get there. Its well worth walking in.
Crystal Cave Dubuque County I love caves-- especially in the summer.
Music Man Museum Mason City, IA 76 Trombones! This museum is awesome. it has a wells fargo wagon, wonderful staff, great memories
Maytag Blue Cheese factory Newton-- Awesome . The best cheese. And not just saying it cuz Im a newton guy
The Cove Tipton exit Well the ol dinosaur restaurant at exit 268 is gone. But it was a favorite. They always had great food and the best supply of hawkeye stuff.
Beulah at Washington Wal Mart Well I don't know if Beulah is still there, but she is a legend. Accident free for 20 years. She is not the quickest. She ain't the sweetest. But she was a must see when I was down at Washington. And washington has a lot to offer... Hellbilly hoedowns. liquor delivery...
Goldfield cheese Mart... Goldfield Iowa- Iowa ain't Wisconsin when it comes to cheese. But if you aren't in Newton. This is the best cheese. Way up on Highway 3-- not real convenient-- who cares. Its awesome
Ezzy's... Atlantic-- try the Ezzy burger
Field of Dreams... Dyersville-- If you build it. It was awesome to walk out of the corn
whitey's Ice cream. . . anywhere Quad Cities-- Love the Whitey's Ice Cream
Canteen Lunch in the alley... Ottumwa-- The best sandwiches. A little horseshoe counter 3 ladies serving loose meat sandwiches. Yes, its where Roseanne based her diner off of. The pie is good too
Loess Hills Western Iowa... There are plenty of great parks in Iowa. Red Rock, Saylorville, etc... Loess Hills is my favorite. Not crowded. Great place to get away and just... get away
Van's Liquor East Dubuque Ill--Ok not in Iowa but darn close. I love this liquor store. They are open at 6 am every day. They have great service, sell Berghoff. Awesome.
Tailgating in Iowa City --well the magic Bus is gone... But I love Iowa City Tailgating
Cable car dubuque-- Love taking that ricketty cable car up the side of a hill in Dubuque
Dayton's Meat market Malcom, Iowa These guys do meat right
Peg's Place Harvey, Iowa The bar is about all Harvey has to offer, its gravel to get there. Its well worth walking in.
Crystal Cave Dubuque County I love caves-- especially in the summer.
Music Man Museum Mason City, IA 76 Trombones! This museum is awesome. it has a wells fargo wagon, wonderful staff, great memories
Maytag Blue Cheese factory Newton-- Awesome . The best cheese. And not just saying it cuz Im a newton guy
The Cove Tipton exit Well the ol dinosaur restaurant at exit 268 is gone. But it was a favorite. They always had great food and the best supply of hawkeye stuff.
Beulah at Washington Wal Mart Well I don't know if Beulah is still there, but she is a legend. Accident free for 20 years. She is not the quickest. She ain't the sweetest. But she was a must see when I was down at Washington. And washington has a lot to offer... Hellbilly hoedowns. liquor delivery...
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
40 til 40 June 05, 2012 "Mantuna"
I was reminded of this story today and I guess stories of the great state of Iowa will have to wait until tomorrow.
Back in the late 90s, I was trying to be healthy. During one instance I decided to have each lunch consist of a can of tuna, with carrots and celery.
Needless to say, it worked, until I got Effing tired of tuna. so to mitigate tuna boredom, I started mixing in flavors... ketchup, mustard, mayo, dorothy Lynch, salsa I tried a lot.
My favorite-- well it was when I mixed a can of Chicken of the Sea with ManWich. Now that was good stuff. I started making batches of it. Eventually though it got old too and I would just have it occasionally as a treat.
Fast forward a couple years. It was food day at the phone company. I thought, "What a great time to expose everyone to the taste treat of Mantuna!" I never was chip guy. I enjoyed and still enjoy making items for food day.
I mixed up a batch and set it our with all of the other entrees. My lunch was at noon, so I had to wait as all the early lunch people went ahead. I hoped they would save some mantuna for me. I heard also someone brought BBQ Pork-- Happy Days! I will have both.
about 1130, I was advised that the BBQ Pork didn't taste right. I will be the judge of that, but a few people whispered that it sucked and tasted rancid so they wouldn't offend who may have brought it in. So the clock struck 12 and I hustled downstairs for food. As I am getting a deviled egg and some cheesy potatoes I notice my Mantuna is half gone. I put a huge scoop on my plate. As I do it, A guy coming back for seconds said I must be brave to try the not so good bbq pork. I said, "Where?" he said it was what I grabbed.
"That ain't pork. Thats MANTUNA!"
And that officially ended my bringing Mantuna to food days.
Back in the late 90s, I was trying to be healthy. During one instance I decided to have each lunch consist of a can of tuna, with carrots and celery.
Needless to say, it worked, until I got Effing tired of tuna. so to mitigate tuna boredom, I started mixing in flavors... ketchup, mustard, mayo, dorothy Lynch, salsa I tried a lot.
My favorite-- well it was when I mixed a can of Chicken of the Sea with ManWich. Now that was good stuff. I started making batches of it. Eventually though it got old too and I would just have it occasionally as a treat.
Fast forward a couple years. It was food day at the phone company. I thought, "What a great time to expose everyone to the taste treat of Mantuna!" I never was chip guy. I enjoyed and still enjoy making items for food day.
I mixed up a batch and set it our with all of the other entrees. My lunch was at noon, so I had to wait as all the early lunch people went ahead. I hoped they would save some mantuna for me. I heard also someone brought BBQ Pork-- Happy Days! I will have both.
about 1130, I was advised that the BBQ Pork didn't taste right. I will be the judge of that, but a few people whispered that it sucked and tasted rancid so they wouldn't offend who may have brought it in. So the clock struck 12 and I hustled downstairs for food. As I am getting a deviled egg and some cheesy potatoes I notice my Mantuna is half gone. I put a huge scoop on my plate. As I do it, A guy coming back for seconds said I must be brave to try the not so good bbq pork. I said, "Where?" he said it was what I grabbed.
"That ain't pork. Thats MANTUNA!"
And that officially ended my bringing Mantuna to food days.
40 til 40 June 04, 2012 "Mormons"
Since there is a popular play out there and the Republican nominee for President apparently will be a Mormon, I thought I would blog about the time they came to visit me in Newton.
First, One has to get a visual of the house I rented at the time. This was late 90s. I lived on the corner of the 700 block of East 10th street south. Huge corner lot. perfect for grapes and a vegetable garden. not ideal for mowing. on the huge corner lot was a tiny house. that shack might have been 500 square feet. Tiny living room then a bedroom that was just large enough for a queen bed to squeeze in without room on either side. then a tiny kitchen and a shed.
It was only 250 a month so it was cheap, and I had a cat at the time, Tumor, who was rescued from the country. Tumor was named after her Mom -- a tiger striped cat with a tumor on her leg.
Life was good at that house. wasnt much (pretty crappy actually) but I enjoyed the wood paneled walls and the antique heater. It didn't have ac, but the mangriches surprised me with one during a summer. They kept me busy one night and Zach hickman went and installed it-- pretty cool.
so I was hanging out one summer night when I got a knock at the door.
It was two Gentlemen from the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. I will use LDS. So both of the gentlemen went by Elder and then their name. I invited them in. I chalk this up to "Try everything once." Why not. They explained what LDS was about and asked about my faith. I had just gotten done recently with service work so I was all about talking about missionary stuff and service.
They gave me a bible and then they read some uplifting passages. I asked some questions, Like "who actually does let you in?" They replied that alot of times its younger people expanding their horizons and older people that want to discuss faith. Fair enough. I wanted to ask if it was true if they wore special underwear but I chickened out.
All right. Time to pray. so here are the 3 of us. crammed in my tiny living room. with the two of them on the couch and me on my Sega video game chair (a faux leather black chair with no legs). We were holding hands and praying when one of the elders asked that I be blessed. Also to bless all I have and my home. he then looked at the shanty and started chuckling.
I am always one to snicker during prayer due to nervous energy. I bust out. I liked my house and my stuff. but I am realistic. The place was not much. no need to sugar coat . Elder regained his composure and finished his prayer. They then thanked me and wanted to schedule more visits.
More visits? No I am good. Nothing against the faith and their mission, I appreciate it, but once is good. I said to stop by, and if I was around we could do that again. It was hard a couple times being quiet as they knocked on the door subsequently. Oh well.
I haven't had an opportunity since and I do not think I would entertain the idea again, but I am glad I did. I appreciate what they do and their commitment.
I can't wait to go see Book of Mormon when it comes to DSM.
First, One has to get a visual of the house I rented at the time. This was late 90s. I lived on the corner of the 700 block of East 10th street south. Huge corner lot. perfect for grapes and a vegetable garden. not ideal for mowing. on the huge corner lot was a tiny house. that shack might have been 500 square feet. Tiny living room then a bedroom that was just large enough for a queen bed to squeeze in without room on either side. then a tiny kitchen and a shed.
It was only 250 a month so it was cheap, and I had a cat at the time, Tumor, who was rescued from the country. Tumor was named after her Mom -- a tiger striped cat with a tumor on her leg.
Life was good at that house. wasnt much (pretty crappy actually) but I enjoyed the wood paneled walls and the antique heater. It didn't have ac, but the mangriches surprised me with one during a summer. They kept me busy one night and Zach hickman went and installed it-- pretty cool.
so I was hanging out one summer night when I got a knock at the door.
It was two Gentlemen from the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. I will use LDS. So both of the gentlemen went by Elder and then their name. I invited them in. I chalk this up to "Try everything once." Why not. They explained what LDS was about and asked about my faith. I had just gotten done recently with service work so I was all about talking about missionary stuff and service.
They gave me a bible and then they read some uplifting passages. I asked some questions, Like "who actually does let you in?" They replied that alot of times its younger people expanding their horizons and older people that want to discuss faith. Fair enough. I wanted to ask if it was true if they wore special underwear but I chickened out.
All right. Time to pray. so here are the 3 of us. crammed in my tiny living room. with the two of them on the couch and me on my Sega video game chair (a faux leather black chair with no legs). We were holding hands and praying when one of the elders asked that I be blessed. Also to bless all I have and my home. he then looked at the shanty and started chuckling.
I am always one to snicker during prayer due to nervous energy. I bust out. I liked my house and my stuff. but I am realistic. The place was not much. no need to sugar coat . Elder regained his composure and finished his prayer. They then thanked me and wanted to schedule more visits.
More visits? No I am good. Nothing against the faith and their mission, I appreciate it, but once is good. I said to stop by, and if I was around we could do that again. It was hard a couple times being quiet as they knocked on the door subsequently. Oh well.
I haven't had an opportunity since and I do not think I would entertain the idea again, but I am glad I did. I appreciate what they do and their commitment.
I can't wait to go see Book of Mormon when it comes to DSM.
Monday, June 4, 2012
40 til 40 June 3, 2012 "The marocca story"
I keep a marocca in my car at all times. Its good humor on long car trips playing the marocca to the music. People drive by doing a double take.
Plus now with the rules on texting and driving... the marocca is about the only thing I can do while driving.
It was the summer of 99. I was in Newton in my oldsmobile. I had gone to Subway. I was on my way out with my 2 pepperoni rounds with cheese mayo and onion when I saw my old pal Brian Hearl. He said, "Storms coming."
It was one of those ominous black line of clouds kind of storms and it was coming fast.
So as I exit Subway, drops of rain start pelting the windshield. I see a hispanic gentleman walking.
I asked if he wanted a ride.
"No Habla Anglais"
"Do you want a ride? Rain is coming."
"No Habla Anglais"
"Do you want a ride?"
"No Habla Anglais"
Rain started really falling.
"DO YOU WANT A RIDE!"
"ok"
So he is pointing where to go and conveniently, "Livin la vida loca" came on. My new hispanic friend spotted my marocca. He grabbed it and started palying letting out a shrill, "AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE!" He continued to play and yell as I pulled into his driveway, by Emerson Hough school. He then gave me my marocca and hit his chest Goonies style,"JORGE." I replied,"Chuck" and saw him scamper into his house.
One just never knows what may happen when you have a marocca in your car.
Plus now with the rules on texting and driving... the marocca is about the only thing I can do while driving.
It was the summer of 99. I was in Newton in my oldsmobile. I had gone to Subway. I was on my way out with my 2 pepperoni rounds with cheese mayo and onion when I saw my old pal Brian Hearl. He said, "Storms coming."
It was one of those ominous black line of clouds kind of storms and it was coming fast.
So as I exit Subway, drops of rain start pelting the windshield. I see a hispanic gentleman walking.
I asked if he wanted a ride.
"No Habla Anglais"
"Do you want a ride? Rain is coming."
"No Habla Anglais"
"Do you want a ride?"
"No Habla Anglais"
Rain started really falling.
"DO YOU WANT A RIDE!"
"ok"
So he is pointing where to go and conveniently, "Livin la vida loca" came on. My new hispanic friend spotted my marocca. He grabbed it and started palying letting out a shrill, "AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE!" He continued to play and yell as I pulled into his driveway, by Emerson Hough school. He then gave me my marocca and hit his chest Goonies style,"JORGE." I replied,"Chuck" and saw him scamper into his house.
One just never knows what may happen when you have a marocca in your car.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
40 til 40 June 02, 2012 "Where were you when"
I wasn't alive obviously for when Kennedy was shot or when Man walked on the Moon...
But Here's where I was during historical events. Where were you?
Feb. 22, 1980 US beats USSR in hockey. I was in bed. It was on tape delay. I didn't know they won until the next day.
March 30, 1981 President Reagan is shot. I was hanging out in 3rd grade when the Janitor Mr. Halter informed everyone.
April 12, 1983 Harold Washington became first black mayor of Chicago. Darned Jane Byrne. She shouldn't have let the Blues Brothers use her city. B ut I am sure glad she did.
January 28, 1986 Challenger explosion. I was at the doctors. I returned to school where we watched the news reports. Suzy was home sick and watched it live.
October 19, 1987 The US stock market crashed. I was unaware until I got home.
August 24, 1989 Pete Rose banned from baseball for life. I was at home and it was a major disturbance.
June 12, 1991 Bulls win NBA title. I watched at home. It was awesome.
April 29, 1992 LA riots. Sitting at home watching the city burn.
February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing. I was at work at the Newton Daily News. It was surreal.
April 19, 1995 OKC bombings. I was at work at Cyko wheels. Still can't believe an American could do that.
April 20, 1999 Columbine . I was at DMACC taking a class. My Mom was in Denver and her class was in lockdown.
Dec. 31 1999 Y2K Party at Nathan Riddle's. Nothing happened.
9/11/2001. I was at home getting ready for work. I shut the tv off because I was mad Michael Jordan had announced he was returning.
The last 10 years-- well thats still fresh.
But Here's where I was during historical events. Where were you?
Feb. 22, 1980 US beats USSR in hockey. I was in bed. It was on tape delay. I didn't know they won until the next day.
March 30, 1981 President Reagan is shot. I was hanging out in 3rd grade when the Janitor Mr. Halter informed everyone.
April 12, 1983 Harold Washington became first black mayor of Chicago. Darned Jane Byrne. She shouldn't have let the Blues Brothers use her city. B ut I am sure glad she did.
January 28, 1986 Challenger explosion. I was at the doctors. I returned to school where we watched the news reports. Suzy was home sick and watched it live.
October 19, 1987 The US stock market crashed. I was unaware until I got home.
August 24, 1989 Pete Rose banned from baseball for life. I was at home and it was a major disturbance.
June 12, 1991 Bulls win NBA title. I watched at home. It was awesome.
April 29, 1992 LA riots. Sitting at home watching the city burn.
February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing. I was at work at the Newton Daily News. It was surreal.
April 19, 1995 OKC bombings. I was at work at Cyko wheels. Still can't believe an American could do that.
April 20, 1999 Columbine . I was at DMACC taking a class. My Mom was in Denver and her class was in lockdown.
Dec. 31 1999 Y2K Party at Nathan Riddle's. Nothing happened.
9/11/2001. I was at home getting ready for work. I shut the tv off because I was mad Michael Jordan had announced he was returning.
The last 10 years-- well thats still fresh.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
40 til 40 June 01, 2012 "fav sports movie quotes"
"Yo Adrian"--rocky
"Hey bartender! Jobu needs a refill"--major league
"Cannonball Coming" caddyshack
"Hey Buttermaker"-- Bad news bears
"You're killing me smalls"-- Sandlot
"Friday Nights a great night for football"--last boy scout
"we're gonna run the old picket fence at em. . . now boys don't get caught watching the paint dry"--hoosiers
"Tanglefoot!"--pride of the yankees
"This sonofabitch is throwing a two hit shut out. he's shaking me off. You believe that shit. Charlie, here comes the deuce. and when you speak of me. speak well."--bull durham
"why are you smiling"--remember the titans
"Trick or treat"--searching for bobby fisher
"they're fast, they're big, they're dirty... plus they're fast."--Friday night lights
"Are you saying Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"--major league
"He was dentyne"--Hoosiers
"the point is can you win or lose like a man?"--Any given sunday
"I hate that bob barker"--Happy Gilmore
"He's the best quarterback since joe mantegna"--Waterboy
"If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball"--Dodgeball
"Ducks fly together"--Mighty Ducks
"avoid the clap...Jimmy Dugan"--League of their own
"you can do it"--Waterboy and like 6 other movies
"Treat me like Im the defensive end for Purdue"--Rudy
"Yeah Johnny!"--Karate Kid
"Rat Farts"--Caddyshack
"Tried the corner and missed"--Major League
"Please ask God to love him"--Brian's Song
'Hey coach, Howd you like my spin move" blue chips
"Thanks Harry" Days of thunder
"you never played for Charlie Comiskey" 8 men out
"Its Enrique Palazzo" Naked Gun
"Noonan!" caddyshack
"cmon Hobbs, knock the cover off the ball"--the natural
"REFUND!" --Breaking away
Ive never seen field of dreams. but I have heard theres a classic quote from there
"Hey bartender! Jobu needs a refill"--major league
"Cannonball Coming" caddyshack
"Hey Buttermaker"-- Bad news bears
"You're killing me smalls"-- Sandlot
"Friday Nights a great night for football"--last boy scout
"we're gonna run the old picket fence at em. . . now boys don't get caught watching the paint dry"--hoosiers
"Tanglefoot!"--pride of the yankees
"This sonofabitch is throwing a two hit shut out. he's shaking me off. You believe that shit. Charlie, here comes the deuce. and when you speak of me. speak well."--bull durham
"why are you smiling"--remember the titans
"Trick or treat"--searching for bobby fisher
"they're fast, they're big, they're dirty... plus they're fast."--Friday night lights
"Are you saying Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?"--major league
"He was dentyne"--Hoosiers
"the point is can you win or lose like a man?"--Any given sunday
"I hate that bob barker"--Happy Gilmore
"He's the best quarterback since joe mantegna"--Waterboy
"If you can dodge a wrench you can dodge a ball"--Dodgeball
"Ducks fly together"--Mighty Ducks
"avoid the clap...Jimmy Dugan"--League of their own
"you can do it"--Waterboy and like 6 other movies
"Treat me like Im the defensive end for Purdue"--Rudy
"Yeah Johnny!"--Karate Kid
"Rat Farts"--Caddyshack
"Tried the corner and missed"--Major League
"Please ask God to love him"--Brian's Song
'Hey coach, Howd you like my spin move" blue chips
"Thanks Harry" Days of thunder
"you never played for Charlie Comiskey" 8 men out
"Its Enrique Palazzo" Naked Gun
"Noonan!" caddyshack
"cmon Hobbs, knock the cover off the ball"--the natural
"REFUND!" --Breaking away
Ive never seen field of dreams. but I have heard theres a classic quote from there
40 til 40 May 31, 2012 "favorite memories of growing up in Newton, Iowa"
I love Iowa. I am glad my family movcd to newton when I was 3. They were looking for a town of about 10-12000. Indianola, Ankeny and Newton were the 3 finalists. My folks decided on Newton. Its interesting that Indianola are still the same size. Not Ankeny.
In the summer, Newton meant Lemonade in the shade. Ridiculous days (which were acxtually pretty cool). Time at maytag park. glad to see some of the old swings and items to jump on are still at the playground. the old popcorn stand by jupiter. choices... popcorn or a sno-cone... tough decision.
In the winter, it was seeing santa ringing the bell and of course the courthouse being lit up so big and bright we could see it from the interstate or from the colfax exit on I 80. Cheap winter entertainment also was going to high school basketball games and cheering on the cardinals. I wanted to be one of those kids.
The mall was cool too. It wasn't big but it could host a mean craft fair, or antique show. ahhh the old steakhouse. good food, until it almost burned the mall down.
Living by railroad tracks, my dad and I would walk down to the tracks and watch the trains go by. I would try to get a caboose wave. at times we were lucky and a passenger train or a circus train would go by. Now I also lived by the old bus station, but that was too close to skid row. I wasn't allowed to go by there.
I also had to have supervision when going to the old toys store since it was next to the shamrock bar. too dangerous. my argument was that hey the greasy pizza house ran by my neighbor dorothy was there. no.
Newton was a cool town to bike ride around. growing up that was fun. I had some mishaps though. Like on the way home from Jimmy Linden's house and I took the back way to avoid Trevor Langston's dog. Great Idea as the back way lead me into a guard rail and crashing my bike. Bruised ego and a lot of scrapes.
or the time I was biking to school in 9th grade. On 2nd ave I was admiring old Maytag plant one. that building is now DMACC. The thing seemed so cool. I just admired it. I forgot to look ahead and rode straight into the back of a pickup. Someone got a good laugh I am sure. I looked around to see if the coast was clear. the worst part was trying to unwedge my front tire from the pickup.
ahhh at least I can still get a haircut at the rialto.
In the last 30 years. there have been 4 different locations for Hy-Vee.
I wish they still had Henry's Hamburgers. and sirloin stockade.
Country Kitchen actually might have been my favorite place. They had coins to collect as a kid to turn in for cool toys. that was a goal in life. get cool toys. In a way, that mantra lives today.
What do you remember from Newton in your youth?
In the summer, Newton meant Lemonade in the shade. Ridiculous days (which were acxtually pretty cool). Time at maytag park. glad to see some of the old swings and items to jump on are still at the playground. the old popcorn stand by jupiter. choices... popcorn or a sno-cone... tough decision.
In the winter, it was seeing santa ringing the bell and of course the courthouse being lit up so big and bright we could see it from the interstate or from the colfax exit on I 80. Cheap winter entertainment also was going to high school basketball games and cheering on the cardinals. I wanted to be one of those kids.
The mall was cool too. It wasn't big but it could host a mean craft fair, or antique show. ahhh the old steakhouse. good food, until it almost burned the mall down.
Living by railroad tracks, my dad and I would walk down to the tracks and watch the trains go by. I would try to get a caboose wave. at times we were lucky and a passenger train or a circus train would go by. Now I also lived by the old bus station, but that was too close to skid row. I wasn't allowed to go by there.
I also had to have supervision when going to the old toys store since it was next to the shamrock bar. too dangerous. my argument was that hey the greasy pizza house ran by my neighbor dorothy was there. no.
Newton was a cool town to bike ride around. growing up that was fun. I had some mishaps though. Like on the way home from Jimmy Linden's house and I took the back way to avoid Trevor Langston's dog. Great Idea as the back way lead me into a guard rail and crashing my bike. Bruised ego and a lot of scrapes.
or the time I was biking to school in 9th grade. On 2nd ave I was admiring old Maytag plant one. that building is now DMACC. The thing seemed so cool. I just admired it. I forgot to look ahead and rode straight into the back of a pickup. Someone got a good laugh I am sure. I looked around to see if the coast was clear. the worst part was trying to unwedge my front tire from the pickup.
ahhh at least I can still get a haircut at the rialto.
In the last 30 years. there have been 4 different locations for Hy-Vee.
I wish they still had Henry's Hamburgers. and sirloin stockade.
Country Kitchen actually might have been my favorite place. They had coins to collect as a kid to turn in for cool toys. that was a goal in life. get cool toys. In a way, that mantra lives today.
What do you remember from Newton in your youth?
40 til 40 May 30, 2012 "Favorite Cartoons"
Top 5 saturday morning Cartoons.
I really enjoyed cartoons as a kid. I was lucky enough to have access to great live action kids shows. Floppy... Magic Window... Dolph Pulliam on Sunday mornings... When we were in Chicago we had access to Bozo and Ray Raynor and some good stuff locally on the weekends. Saturday morning cartoons though. Awesome. I couldn't wait to get up.. have some cereal and watch cartoons.
Here are my favs
Honorable mention goes to the Charlie Brown Nighttime specials and the movie Animalympics. Johnny QAuest when I wa
Dungeons and Dragons. -- Yeah I played. I also liked the cartoon. good stuff.
Dynomutt and Blue Falcon. -- Any cartoon that the main character goes by BF makes me laugh. One of my cherished toys when I was 5 was a dynomutt figure with a parachute attached. still got it. I would wrap that up and toss it and watch the chute open. Easily entertaining. But that was a cool show.
Hong Kong Phooey -- "Number one super guy" Loved Hong Kong phooey. At times I got a little tired of how bumbling he was, but spot was always there to the rescue. any super hero voiced by Scatman Crothers is awesome.
Superfriends-- Over the years-- super friends reincarnated in a few different forms. Didn't matter to me. Superman, batman, wonder twins, wonder woman... It was all good. Wonder twin powers activate. shape of ... a bucket. form of... water. They were tough. On rare occasions Green lantern would get in the mix. that was awesome. I did have Aqua man Underroos. That guy could talk to the fishes.
Scooby Doo-- "And I wouldve gotten away with it if it wasn't for those meddling kids and their dog" Casey Kasem as shaggy, Don Messick as scooby. Don Messick also voiced Scrappy. I am not talking about scrappy though. No the old scooby Doo's with the scary house in the opening. Some of the other spinoffs weren't bad like when they hung out with Don knotts and tim conway or the harlem globetrotters. Curly Neal really had good tricks on cartoon. The original was the best.
I really enjoyed cartoons as a kid. I was lucky enough to have access to great live action kids shows. Floppy... Magic Window... Dolph Pulliam on Sunday mornings... When we were in Chicago we had access to Bozo and Ray Raynor and some good stuff locally on the weekends. Saturday morning cartoons though. Awesome. I couldn't wait to get up.. have some cereal and watch cartoons.
Here are my favs
Honorable mention goes to the Charlie Brown Nighttime specials and the movie Animalympics. Johnny QAuest when I wa
Dungeons and Dragons. -- Yeah I played. I also liked the cartoon. good stuff.
Dynomutt and Blue Falcon. -- Any cartoon that the main character goes by BF makes me laugh. One of my cherished toys when I was 5 was a dynomutt figure with a parachute attached. still got it. I would wrap that up and toss it and watch the chute open. Easily entertaining. But that was a cool show.
Hong Kong Phooey -- "Number one super guy" Loved Hong Kong phooey. At times I got a little tired of how bumbling he was, but spot was always there to the rescue. any super hero voiced by Scatman Crothers is awesome.
Superfriends-- Over the years-- super friends reincarnated in a few different forms. Didn't matter to me. Superman, batman, wonder twins, wonder woman... It was all good. Wonder twin powers activate. shape of ... a bucket. form of... water. They were tough. On rare occasions Green lantern would get in the mix. that was awesome. I did have Aqua man Underroos. That guy could talk to the fishes.
Scooby Doo-- "And I wouldve gotten away with it if it wasn't for those meddling kids and their dog" Casey Kasem as shaggy, Don Messick as scooby. Don Messick also voiced Scrappy. I am not talking about scrappy though. No the old scooby Doo's with the scary house in the opening. Some of the other spinoffs weren't bad like when they hung out with Don knotts and tim conway or the harlem globetrotters. Curly Neal really had good tricks on cartoon. The original was the best.
40 til 40 May 29, 2012 "I rode with a pimp"
So life is great in your 20s. not a lot of responsibility, missteps can be covered up by capricious youth, and yet people in there 20s think they have done and seen all. Well one January night in the late 90s, I think I saw too much.
Omaha used to be an epicenter of fun for our group. Elizabeth Mangrich (Now Dr. Hickman) was going to school at Creighton and her boyfriend Zach would drive me down to Omaha for weekends in the big city. Our Sioux City friends would take the drive down and we would meet in this old haunted house Elizabeth shared with a few roomies.
Of the zillions of times I indulged with this group, only twice was I overindulging. Once was at Bryan Hendrickson's wedding when the gang had to load me in a rickshaw in Austin Texas to go back to my hotel (thanks zach and company for finding the smallest rickshaw guy to haul me around.
The other was this day. it started off innocent enough. We went to Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.
Love the Penguins. I could sit there all day. Fun times.
After the zoo, I felt a little under the weather. headache and perhaps a cold coming on. I went down to the lowest of the I think 5 levels in the house. and took a nap. Of course my day got no better when a speaker fell on me that was on top of the couch. Headache did not get better.
So about 7 I woke up and decided Nope-- I am staying in tonight. Grown up decision time.
I am sticking to my guns too. No going out.
I tell the gang of my decision and zach Hickman retorts, "You are going out and you are partying like a rock star"
"No."
"You are going out and you are partying like a rock star"
"Ok"
We hit the local Underwood tap and then it was off to Old market. A few more places. same mantra. Now the tap had ice cold Jager and that was back when I liked Ice cold Jager.
then some beer at billy Froggs then more beer and more shots.
Feeling good.
We were a group of 8 in 2 vehicles but 2 people split. so we turned into a group of 6 in one smaller car. And I was a big guy.
I have a great idea... I will get a cab. I see it on tv all the time-- too much to drink-- just get a cab-- The gang enlisted Paxton to stay with me as we headed to the Jay.
Well getting a cab at 1130 in Omaha is impossible. We were doing our best but no luck... finally we hear,"YOU BOYS WANNA RIDE?"
YES! We ran over to a big ol Caddy with no plates . Driving was this smilin African-American fella with a hat. Next to him was an African-American woman with blonde hair. As we went to the Jay, he kept the banter light. "You boys enjoying Omaha? Better tell you friends in Iowa the two nicest black folk gave you a ride in Omaha."
As we seemingly were getting closer to the jay, he asked, "You had any entertainment?"
just with our friends
"Well, check this out... I got a hotel room right up the road. I got this fine blonde hair black lady ready to take you both... what do you guys say?"
Silence
"Um." Paxton stammered"We got to see our friends"
yeah friends.
I ripped out a 10 buck bill and said thanks man. He nodded.
We ran out of the car
Whew.
Now it was really time for drinks.
Good friends-- those that make sure you pass out on your side after a big night.
Thanks everyone.
Omaha used to be an epicenter of fun for our group. Elizabeth Mangrich (Now Dr. Hickman) was going to school at Creighton and her boyfriend Zach would drive me down to Omaha for weekends in the big city. Our Sioux City friends would take the drive down and we would meet in this old haunted house Elizabeth shared with a few roomies.
Of the zillions of times I indulged with this group, only twice was I overindulging. Once was at Bryan Hendrickson's wedding when the gang had to load me in a rickshaw in Austin Texas to go back to my hotel (thanks zach and company for finding the smallest rickshaw guy to haul me around.
The other was this day. it started off innocent enough. We went to Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha.
Love the Penguins. I could sit there all day. Fun times.
After the zoo, I felt a little under the weather. headache and perhaps a cold coming on. I went down to the lowest of the I think 5 levels in the house. and took a nap. Of course my day got no better when a speaker fell on me that was on top of the couch. Headache did not get better.
So about 7 I woke up and decided Nope-- I am staying in tonight. Grown up decision time.
I am sticking to my guns too. No going out.
I tell the gang of my decision and zach Hickman retorts, "You are going out and you are partying like a rock star"
"No."
"You are going out and you are partying like a rock star"
"Ok"
We hit the local Underwood tap and then it was off to Old market. A few more places. same mantra. Now the tap had ice cold Jager and that was back when I liked Ice cold Jager.
then some beer at billy Froggs then more beer and more shots.
Feeling good.
We were a group of 8 in 2 vehicles but 2 people split. so we turned into a group of 6 in one smaller car. And I was a big guy.
I have a great idea... I will get a cab. I see it on tv all the time-- too much to drink-- just get a cab-- The gang enlisted Paxton to stay with me as we headed to the Jay.
Well getting a cab at 1130 in Omaha is impossible. We were doing our best but no luck... finally we hear,"YOU BOYS WANNA RIDE?"
YES! We ran over to a big ol Caddy with no plates . Driving was this smilin African-American fella with a hat. Next to him was an African-American woman with blonde hair. As we went to the Jay, he kept the banter light. "You boys enjoying Omaha? Better tell you friends in Iowa the two nicest black folk gave you a ride in Omaha."
As we seemingly were getting closer to the jay, he asked, "You had any entertainment?"
just with our friends
"Well, check this out... I got a hotel room right up the road. I got this fine blonde hair black lady ready to take you both... what do you guys say?"
Silence
"Um." Paxton stammered"We got to see our friends"
yeah friends.
I ripped out a 10 buck bill and said thanks man. He nodded.
We ran out of the car
Whew.
Now it was really time for drinks.
Good friends-- those that make sure you pass out on your side after a big night.
Thanks everyone.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
40 til 40 May 28, 2012 "Freedom"
Thanks all.
1. thank you to anyone past and present who has defended my freedom. I am so thankful to be here and do what I do because someone -- and in 99.99 % of all cases it was somone I didn't know, put their life on the line for our freedoms.
2. Quick Ba story. Yes, I blogged about him earlier, but one quick Ba story. If you want more-- ask me offline. we all have tons. Love that guy. So Ba again had MD and he would dog on me at times for being tubby. H e saw what he couldn't do and thought I should be healthier. I thought at times Ba milked it for the crowds. So we would have bets. one of the better ones was us racing from Glenda's kitchen at 1314 s. 13th ave E. to the tap which was about the 20th block of 1st ave. About a mile away. he had to get up and get to his chief Cherokee and drive there. I had to run.
Amazing how fast Ba was. and resourceful. he scooted to his vehicle and beat me. soundly. At best I was 1/2 mile a way.
Oh well. drinks were on me.
3. boobs. lets talk Twin Peaks in DSM. service was awful. Girls with attitudes wearing bikini tops essentially. Green chile parmesan wings were good. I sat by 3 strangers who liked me because I used Luis Aparicio and Tom Niedenfuer in the same sentence. made some new friends.
4. more freedom. There are some people out there that think a more socialistic approach is needed. things need to be spread evenly for all. Fundamentally I disagree. I am old school. In 94, I spent a few weeks which included my 22nd birthday, homeless. I camped at Mariposa for the most part and spent a couple nights at friends.
I would not have made it if it wasn't for capitalism. Or pulling myself up from my bootstrings. Or remembering that people fought for our freedom. They were in strange lands fighting for us. Life isn't perfect.But we make due. Work hard. treat people fair. Try to do the right thing.
So again. Thank you to our troops. I appreciate it.
1. thank you to anyone past and present who has defended my freedom. I am so thankful to be here and do what I do because someone -- and in 99.99 % of all cases it was somone I didn't know, put their life on the line for our freedoms.
2. Quick Ba story. Yes, I blogged about him earlier, but one quick Ba story. If you want more-- ask me offline. we all have tons. Love that guy. So Ba again had MD and he would dog on me at times for being tubby. H e saw what he couldn't do and thought I should be healthier. I thought at times Ba milked it for the crowds. So we would have bets. one of the better ones was us racing from Glenda's kitchen at 1314 s. 13th ave E. to the tap which was about the 20th block of 1st ave. About a mile away. he had to get up and get to his chief Cherokee and drive there. I had to run.
Amazing how fast Ba was. and resourceful. he scooted to his vehicle and beat me. soundly. At best I was 1/2 mile a way.
Oh well. drinks were on me.
3. boobs. lets talk Twin Peaks in DSM. service was awful. Girls with attitudes wearing bikini tops essentially. Green chile parmesan wings were good. I sat by 3 strangers who liked me because I used Luis Aparicio and Tom Niedenfuer in the same sentence. made some new friends.
4. more freedom. There are some people out there that think a more socialistic approach is needed. things need to be spread evenly for all. Fundamentally I disagree. I am old school. In 94, I spent a few weeks which included my 22nd birthday, homeless. I camped at Mariposa for the most part and spent a couple nights at friends.
I would not have made it if it wasn't for capitalism. Or pulling myself up from my bootstrings. Or remembering that people fought for our freedom. They were in strange lands fighting for us. Life isn't perfect.But we make due. Work hard. treat people fair. Try to do the right thing.
So again. Thank you to our troops. I appreciate it.
Monday, May 28, 2012
May 27, 2012 40 til 40 "High School"
Congratulations to all who graduated High School today and to all of my friends whose sons and daughters did.
High school.
Approximately 720 days of life. They seemed like 1440 (at least). Nowadays 720 days feel like 180. But that is what happens when one grows up.
Does anyone like high school? I don't know. I sure hated it. Maybe if I had gotten a 4.0 or was a star athlete it wouldve been cool. But no. High school was just 4 years of looking over my back.
My mom was an aide for the High school. Life sucked because if I took one step outta line I was warned that people would talk to my Mom. I hated being grounded for BS.
What was good about high school? Hmm. well. I had a few good teachers. I was in an improv group named graffitti for 4 years. That was awesome. Hilary Nuzum and Matt Adams and I were the first to be in Graffitti for 4 years. Newton Football. Newton baseball. crafty slippers. visit by Opal Snyder-- now a renowned author.
What I hated about High school. Life in a microscope. Micro management. We are being prepared for life. all the fundamentals.
Class of 90. Newton High. We were some cliquish sobs. Well maybe more time should be spent on interpersonal communication, ooh well. If I want to talk to people from school now I know how to reach them and vice versa. I do think it is interesting how people think everyone needs to be friends.
I am not friends with everyone I work with and even when people meet up for after work drinks its not like I talk or hang out with them all. I talk and hang out with who I want to and vice versa. I never drank or smoked om high school. that never puts anyone at the top of the list.
Class reunions. fun, but who gives a shit. Ive been called Charlie Hawkins enough the last 20 plus years and vice versa to know people can be morons. Just because we were both chubby and named Charley doesnt mean one cant call us by our real name. I got 3 years til 25th. I will be there. what else is there to do but see who has died, who has no hair and who has also gained100 pounds.
You know what I did like? Coach Rowray. He was a straight shooter
Coach Stoffers? no. didnt like that db.
If I had to give advice to the class of 16... Do your homework. Give a shit-- but not too much of one. If you get dumped... who cares its effing high school even though it feels like the end of the world. You think its the worst thing ever? no it gets worse. You don't get dumped? thats a good thing.
Am I proud of anything? Well I did underhand eggs at people my last day at high school. no one caught em and they all went splat. Mr. Hoffmeier sat me down and asked if I did it. I said, " I underhanded eggs at people who apparently can't catch." Not my fault. I got let go with a chiding.
high school. sometimes fun. sometimes hell. It does sound a little bit about day to day life.
welcome all to the real world.
High school.
Approximately 720 days of life. They seemed like 1440 (at least). Nowadays 720 days feel like 180. But that is what happens when one grows up.
Does anyone like high school? I don't know. I sure hated it. Maybe if I had gotten a 4.0 or was a star athlete it wouldve been cool. But no. High school was just 4 years of looking over my back.
My mom was an aide for the High school. Life sucked because if I took one step outta line I was warned that people would talk to my Mom. I hated being grounded for BS.
What was good about high school? Hmm. well. I had a few good teachers. I was in an improv group named graffitti for 4 years. That was awesome. Hilary Nuzum and Matt Adams and I were the first to be in Graffitti for 4 years. Newton Football. Newton baseball. crafty slippers. visit by Opal Snyder-- now a renowned author.
What I hated about High school. Life in a microscope. Micro management. We are being prepared for life. all the fundamentals.
Class of 90. Newton High. We were some cliquish sobs. Well maybe more time should be spent on interpersonal communication, ooh well. If I want to talk to people from school now I know how to reach them and vice versa. I do think it is interesting how people think everyone needs to be friends.
I am not friends with everyone I work with and even when people meet up for after work drinks its not like I talk or hang out with them all. I talk and hang out with who I want to and vice versa. I never drank or smoked om high school. that never puts anyone at the top of the list.
Class reunions. fun, but who gives a shit. Ive been called Charlie Hawkins enough the last 20 plus years and vice versa to know people can be morons. Just because we were both chubby and named Charley doesnt mean one cant call us by our real name. I got 3 years til 25th. I will be there. what else is there to do but see who has died, who has no hair and who has also gained100 pounds.
You know what I did like? Coach Rowray. He was a straight shooter
Coach Stoffers? no. didnt like that db.
If I had to give advice to the class of 16... Do your homework. Give a shit-- but not too much of one. If you get dumped... who cares its effing high school even though it feels like the end of the world. You think its the worst thing ever? no it gets worse. You don't get dumped? thats a good thing.
Am I proud of anything? Well I did underhand eggs at people my last day at high school. no one caught em and they all went splat. Mr. Hoffmeier sat me down and asked if I did it. I said, " I underhanded eggs at people who apparently can't catch." Not my fault. I got let go with a chiding.
high school. sometimes fun. sometimes hell. It does sound a little bit about day to day life.
welcome all to the real world.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
40 til 40 May 26, 2012 "Where's Berthead"
Friends. Moments in life get rough. but there are always friends.
Friends who have been through it all.
And then sometimes, random shit happens that no one else really grasps but its a great moment shared by friends.
So Erin Sharp and I one Saturday decided to head out to small town garage sale day-- its pretty cool when a whole town of 800 is having garage sales. One of the bbigger small towns, Colfax we decided to hit first.
On the way on 1st ave in Newton between old hy vee west and the ghetto laundromat we spotted something weird and yellow in the middle of the road. Erin was quick to avoid it, but she then stopped the car in the middle of the road and ran and got it.
It was. . .
the head of a "Bert" doll that had been cut off. Oh the stories we concocted as to Bert head's demise on our way to colfax.
Was it a vindictive little brother? a dryer accident at the laundromat? A kid who just loved bert too much?
Well Colfax was uneventful except for the "You Brack it You Buy it!" Sign
Monroe wasn't much better but I did get a sweet California Raisins coozie for a nickel and a 8 X 10 pic of Rufus R "Freight Train" Jones.
Clearly our most prized possession from the day was Bert head.
Now as a quick aside. . . My friends Zach and Bryan have been hiding a tape ball on each other for years. and it gave me an idea.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Amber Buster-Wallace to go to Villisca to spend a night at the site of the 1912 axe murders. do a little ghost hunting.
I took bert head with. I decided to place Bert head in the bag of someone else in our group. Kim Etter Messinger was the target.
And in the middle of waiting for ghosts. I hid Bert head.
For the next few years, Bert head made the rounds. He was a Christmas gift once, one time mixed in with supplies. after a few years, I opened up my glove box and there he was.
I know I last hid him in 08. Who knows where he is now-- But if You have seen him. . . continue the fun.
Friends who have been through it all.
And then sometimes, random shit happens that no one else really grasps but its a great moment shared by friends.
So Erin Sharp and I one Saturday decided to head out to small town garage sale day-- its pretty cool when a whole town of 800 is having garage sales. One of the bbigger small towns, Colfax we decided to hit first.
On the way on 1st ave in Newton between old hy vee west and the ghetto laundromat we spotted something weird and yellow in the middle of the road. Erin was quick to avoid it, but she then stopped the car in the middle of the road and ran and got it.
It was. . .
the head of a "Bert" doll that had been cut off. Oh the stories we concocted as to Bert head's demise on our way to colfax.
Was it a vindictive little brother? a dryer accident at the laundromat? A kid who just loved bert too much?
Well Colfax was uneventful except for the "You Brack it You Buy it!" Sign
Monroe wasn't much better but I did get a sweet California Raisins coozie for a nickel and a 8 X 10 pic of Rufus R "Freight Train" Jones.
Clearly our most prized possession from the day was Bert head.
Now as a quick aside. . . My friends Zach and Bryan have been hiding a tape ball on each other for years. and it gave me an idea.
I was lucky enough to be invited by Amber Buster-Wallace to go to Villisca to spend a night at the site of the 1912 axe murders. do a little ghost hunting.
I took bert head with. I decided to place Bert head in the bag of someone else in our group. Kim Etter Messinger was the target.
And in the middle of waiting for ghosts. I hid Bert head.
For the next few years, Bert head made the rounds. He was a Christmas gift once, one time mixed in with supplies. after a few years, I opened up my glove box and there he was.
I know I last hid him in 08. Who knows where he is now-- But if You have seen him. . . continue the fun.
40 til 40 May 25, 2012 "I got banned from ordering value meals at McDonald's"
Also known as "That's right, I'm the Fry Guy!"
Husky. Big boned. Portly. Jumbo. I have always been the big kid. Doesn't mean I haven't tried to stay fit at times.
Back in 1998, I decided to try the Atkins diet after the Cubs lost to the Braves. bacon is good. cheese is good. I augmented that with an hour of walking a night and I was down 50 pounds in no time (3 months).
Well I decided to treat myself the end of December since McDonalds had a deal on 20 piece McNugget value meals for 4.99. I went to the drive thru. The nuggets were carb enough so when I placed my order I said I want the value meal but no fries. "Sorry. can't do that" Why not? I just want a value meal but give the fries away.
"No."
"Please"
"No."
I went to the 1st window, and some of the regular Mc D people like sean mullen gathered. I asked again nicely but was denied.
At the 2nd window I was greeted by the nite manager. She said no. I stated that I am on atkins and would be happy again to pay for the fries but I didn't want to waste them. I was doing her a favor. She then went back to get my food. It seemed like an ungodly long period of time that they were waiting on my Mcnuggets. I guess they were going through the stupid human tricks.
I look up at the manager and she takes a large fry and shows them to me and puts em in my bag with a shit eating grin on her face.
I took the fries out-- looked at her and said "NO FRIES" I then dumped them all over the frozen parking lot. Her grin turned to astonishment and she tore to the exit.
I dropped the hammer in my olds and tore outta there.
Home. Finally time to just enjoy my mcnuggets... and sauce... "Wheres the effin bbq?" SUMBITCHES.
So I did what every person should do-- I called and asked for management.
"Hello?"
"Hi, I was just there and got McNuggets and you folks didn't give me any bbq sauce"
"Who is this?"
"YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS! IM THE FRY GUY!" You forgot my sauce!"
"You dumped fries all over"
"I said no fries"
"This is going nowhere-- from now on you are banned from getting value meals"
"FINE!" click
Which got me thinking. . .did they have my picture hanging up at drive thru? "Do not sell value meals to this guy."
truth be told I waited awhile before doing a value meal there.
Husky. Big boned. Portly. Jumbo. I have always been the big kid. Doesn't mean I haven't tried to stay fit at times.
Back in 1998, I decided to try the Atkins diet after the Cubs lost to the Braves. bacon is good. cheese is good. I augmented that with an hour of walking a night and I was down 50 pounds in no time (3 months).
Well I decided to treat myself the end of December since McDonalds had a deal on 20 piece McNugget value meals for 4.99. I went to the drive thru. The nuggets were carb enough so when I placed my order I said I want the value meal but no fries. "Sorry. can't do that" Why not? I just want a value meal but give the fries away.
"No."
"Please"
"No."
I went to the 1st window, and some of the regular Mc D people like sean mullen gathered. I asked again nicely but was denied.
At the 2nd window I was greeted by the nite manager. She said no. I stated that I am on atkins and would be happy again to pay for the fries but I didn't want to waste them. I was doing her a favor. She then went back to get my food. It seemed like an ungodly long period of time that they were waiting on my Mcnuggets. I guess they were going through the stupid human tricks.
I look up at the manager and she takes a large fry and shows them to me and puts em in my bag with a shit eating grin on her face.
I took the fries out-- looked at her and said "NO FRIES" I then dumped them all over the frozen parking lot. Her grin turned to astonishment and she tore to the exit.
I dropped the hammer in my olds and tore outta there.
Home. Finally time to just enjoy my mcnuggets... and sauce... "Wheres the effin bbq?" SUMBITCHES.
So I did what every person should do-- I called and asked for management.
"Hello?"
"Hi, I was just there and got McNuggets and you folks didn't give me any bbq sauce"
"Who is this?"
"YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS! IM THE FRY GUY!" You forgot my sauce!"
"You dumped fries all over"
"I said no fries"
"This is going nowhere-- from now on you are banned from getting value meals"
"FINE!" click
Which got me thinking. . .did they have my picture hanging up at drive thru? "Do not sell value meals to this guy."
truth be told I waited awhile before doing a value meal there.
40 til 40 May 24, 2012 "Grandparents"
My family is pretty personal stuff to me. They mean a lot. I am out of grandparents. so if you have grandparents give them a hug. If you are a grandparent, congratulations, give yourself a hug.
Yep. that is all. I love my Grandparents. I hate to say I had a favorite as I loved them all, but My Dod's Dad, "Papa" was the man. Papa is the reason I am a Packer fan. His house also was the site of many great childhood moments with my cousins. Back in the 70s and 80s, visits to the grandparents meant having fun. We made our own fun. He had a huge yard and basement. Imagination, world's greatest playmate.
I also was soooo lucky enough also to have an "Aunt" Helen and "Uncle" Bill. They were foster parents for My Mom and pretty much looked out for her since. They then were like grandparents for my sister and I. Their last name was Buchner, Pronounced like Buckner. Yes. essentially Bill Buckner.
They resided in the far south suburbs of Chicago. They were huge sports fans and enjoyed the Blackhawks especially. Memorial Day weekend is one of the weekends during the year that I would visit them. When they were younger they did a lot of work with the American Legion. as a veteran, Uncle Bill found it important to give back to those serving the Country. I couldn't agree more.
So tonight, this one is short and sweet. Hug your grandparents. Remember those who served our country.
Yep. that is all. I love my Grandparents. I hate to say I had a favorite as I loved them all, but My Dod's Dad, "Papa" was the man. Papa is the reason I am a Packer fan. His house also was the site of many great childhood moments with my cousins. Back in the 70s and 80s, visits to the grandparents meant having fun. We made our own fun. He had a huge yard and basement. Imagination, world's greatest playmate.
I also was soooo lucky enough also to have an "Aunt" Helen and "Uncle" Bill. They were foster parents for My Mom and pretty much looked out for her since. They then were like grandparents for my sister and I. Their last name was Buchner, Pronounced like Buckner. Yes. essentially Bill Buckner.
They resided in the far south suburbs of Chicago. They were huge sports fans and enjoyed the Blackhawks especially. Memorial Day weekend is one of the weekends during the year that I would visit them. When they were younger they did a lot of work with the American Legion. as a veteran, Uncle Bill found it important to give back to those serving the Country. I couldn't agree more.
So tonight, this one is short and sweet. Hug your grandparents. Remember those who served our country.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
40 til 40 May 23, 2012 "My car got stolen"
I shouldve probably checked with the Newton Police department to see if they had any leads before I wrote this. . .
When I was in high school I drove a sweet White Ford Fairmont Wagon. It was a good car. not aesthetically pleasing, but a good car. After that car and before my pickup (1993-2002) I didn't have the best luck, whether it be mechanical or otherwise.
So in 2000, I was in search of a new car. My 76 Olds was wearing down. A friend of a friend in Colfax had a 1985 Bonneville. low miles. great history. 1000 bucks.
Sold.
It was a good car. nothing fancy. but solid. In the beginning of 2002, I got home from work and parked in the driveway. It was a monday. I went to bed. . . Tuesday morning, I got up, got ready for work and went out to my car.
No Effing car.
Now its not like this was a honda or a toyota or something well chroniceld as being a thieves' fav. nope it was a red bonne with peeling paint. I started looking around the block. nope . behind the house. nope. Called friends to see if anyione was pulling a prank. no. and they were pissed as it was 630 am.
Called the cops. Reported it stolen. I appreciate the effort they put into it. took my statement. I went home. I noticed it was gone when it wasn't here.
They said they would be on the lookout but local gangs had been stealing cars as initiation and they felt I was probably targeted.
1. Gangs? what? Newton? I mean, I knew there was the creeping Death once, but that was like High school stuff. I didn't know Newton had aaah gang let alone gangs (plural).
2. really? targeted? a crappy bonnnville? with a union 76 ball on the antenna?
3. after what was I am sure a 2 plus week exhaustive search I got a call from the police. "Hey a farmer found your car in a field 5 miles south of Reasnor. you can pick it up at Barneys" I guess they already had dusted for prints and swept for fibers.
Thanks. I go get my car and $250 effing bucks later I am on my way. But thats interesting. There is like 3 acres of cornstalks sticking out from the under carriage. 1st gear is gone. the inside was destroyed.
I called the police a week later to see if there was any headway and to paraphrase they thought I should be happy I had my car back.
That time without a car made me really appreciate what I had. Friends stepped up -- taking me to the store if I needed or to and from work. I will never take that for granted.
And I make sure my car is locked and I have the keys :)
When I was in high school I drove a sweet White Ford Fairmont Wagon. It was a good car. not aesthetically pleasing, but a good car. After that car and before my pickup (1993-2002) I didn't have the best luck, whether it be mechanical or otherwise.
So in 2000, I was in search of a new car. My 76 Olds was wearing down. A friend of a friend in Colfax had a 1985 Bonneville. low miles. great history. 1000 bucks.
Sold.
It was a good car. nothing fancy. but solid. In the beginning of 2002, I got home from work and parked in the driveway. It was a monday. I went to bed. . . Tuesday morning, I got up, got ready for work and went out to my car.
No Effing car.
Now its not like this was a honda or a toyota or something well chroniceld as being a thieves' fav. nope it was a red bonne with peeling paint. I started looking around the block. nope . behind the house. nope. Called friends to see if anyione was pulling a prank. no. and they were pissed as it was 630 am.
Called the cops. Reported it stolen. I appreciate the effort they put into it. took my statement. I went home. I noticed it was gone when it wasn't here.
They said they would be on the lookout but local gangs had been stealing cars as initiation and they felt I was probably targeted.
1. Gangs? what? Newton? I mean, I knew there was the creeping Death once, but that was like High school stuff. I didn't know Newton had aaah gang let alone gangs (plural).
2. really? targeted? a crappy bonnnville? with a union 76 ball on the antenna?
3. after what was I am sure a 2 plus week exhaustive search I got a call from the police. "Hey a farmer found your car in a field 5 miles south of Reasnor. you can pick it up at Barneys" I guess they already had dusted for prints and swept for fibers.
Thanks. I go get my car and $250 effing bucks later I am on my way. But thats interesting. There is like 3 acres of cornstalks sticking out from the under carriage. 1st gear is gone. the inside was destroyed.
I called the police a week later to see if there was any headway and to paraphrase they thought I should be happy I had my car back.
That time without a car made me really appreciate what I had. Friends stepped up -- taking me to the store if I needed or to and from work. I will never take that for granted.
And I make sure my car is locked and I have the keys :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
40 til 40 May 22, 2012 "I rode a Bull"
Well Later on in the month became now
In 2000, I was on a church service trip to Dallas. Bryan Hendrickson, our buddy, had been there a couple years as a teacher. So we did work down with him and enjoyed his swimming pool.
Bryan, Sarah Mangrich and I were allowed one night out so we went to a dance club. The promise was it wouldn't affect our work. Nope. no problem
At the dance club, the place, it was huge. Texas style. They had a mechanical bull, too.
Never one to back away, I wanted some of that bull. $20 no problem.
Now in 2000, I probably weighed 500 pounds. But I was getting on the bull.
One thing I hadnt counted on was the padding. good to be safe I guess. I sunk in like crazy. Bryan was there to help me on the bull as was this little 5'4" cowboy. He pointed at his bony thigh and said, "OK big boy, Just step right here and we will get you on the bull." So I did. he pushed. Bryan pulled. From the casual observers standpoint it probably looked like 2 2 dudes help me hump a bull from behind.
No luck. I fell to the ground. "This time cowboy came up to me and cupped his hands and said,"OK put your foot right here."
We tried again. By this time there was quite a crowd. I felt like I was stuck in a waterslide again.
I made it! Finally. OK. I grabbed on with one hand. the other I put up to a big sheer. Lane Frost style! Cowboy counted down. The bull went forward. I fell Off.
0.8 seconds! 20 minutes on 0.8 seconds off.
Oh well. I rode the bull.
In 2000, I was on a church service trip to Dallas. Bryan Hendrickson, our buddy, had been there a couple years as a teacher. So we did work down with him and enjoyed his swimming pool.
Bryan, Sarah Mangrich and I were allowed one night out so we went to a dance club. The promise was it wouldn't affect our work. Nope. no problem
At the dance club, the place, it was huge. Texas style. They had a mechanical bull, too.
Never one to back away, I wanted some of that bull. $20 no problem.
Now in 2000, I probably weighed 500 pounds. But I was getting on the bull.
One thing I hadnt counted on was the padding. good to be safe I guess. I sunk in like crazy. Bryan was there to help me on the bull as was this little 5'4" cowboy. He pointed at his bony thigh and said, "OK big boy, Just step right here and we will get you on the bull." So I did. he pushed. Bryan pulled. From the casual observers standpoint it probably looked like 2 2 dudes help me hump a bull from behind.
No luck. I fell to the ground. "This time cowboy came up to me and cupped his hands and said,"OK put your foot right here."
We tried again. By this time there was quite a crowd. I felt like I was stuck in a waterslide again.
I made it! Finally. OK. I grabbed on with one hand. the other I put up to a big sheer. Lane Frost style! Cowboy counted down. The bull went forward. I fell Off.
0.8 seconds! 20 minutes on 0.8 seconds off.
Oh well. I rode the bull.
40 til 40 May 21, 2012 "Faith Journey"
Since my blog journey is about halfway to the end, I figured it was a good time to talk about Faith Journey.
I am a proponent of doing service work. We are all in different predicaments. I would like to think that those predicaments were caused specifically by actions. You are in a good spot by doing good things or vice versa. Life isn't always that way. Stuff happens.
Sometimes those going through stuff need to vent or no others have been there and it doesn't last forever. As a youngster, I felt a strong need to help others. The best way to do it was through my church. Each summer they had summer service trips called "Faith Journey".
Faith Journey allowed me to help others and see the US. I was lucky enough to go on 13. Below are the sites and then a few memories.
1987 Houston
1989 Chicago
1990 Denver
1991 Kansas City
1992 Camp Courageous , Monticello Iowa
1993 Denver (to see the Pope)
1994 Camp Courageous , Monticello Iowa
1995 Minneapolis
1996 Smith, KY
1997 Springfield, Mo
1998 Detroit
1999 Denver, Via Cheyenne Wyoming
2000 Dallas
1989. Chicago. Fun times. There were just four guys on the trip, Brad Johnson, Dave Van Blair, the late great Larry Norcross and me. Our job in downtown chicago was to scoop a garage filled 6 feet high with rock. We would scoop it into the back of an old shell van. Then "Demolition" Dennis the driver would take back alleys at 45 mph to a location where we would dump the rock. It was a long hard 3 days. BUT AWESOME. We passed the time with the songs of 1989. Fine young cannibals. Milli Vanilli, Paula Abdul, and unfortunately NKOTB. Great times. Got to see wrigley for the first times. Father Michael Pfleger topped it all off with a great Sunday Sermon before we left.
1992. Camp Courageous. I wasn't sure at first about spending a week there as my singing of "We belong in the city" would attest" but it grew on me big time. Its awesome. Special thanks to Zach Hickman in 1994 for stealing our paddles when we were canoeing the Maquoketa River.
1993. Seeing the Pope. I liked John Paul II. It was cool seeing everyone pack old Mile High. A bunch of nuns were singing and rocking sister act style from the cheap seats.
1995. In Minneapolis it was interesting when people at a homeless shelter would , "you don't get being homeless." I would retort, "Actually, I do."
1996. Appalachia. Its like Justified but more southern. Amazing
1998. I loved going to detroit and also into canada. Fun times. The year I missed was to Miami. too dangerous my folks said. Others didn';t go to detroit for the same fears. It was great working on homes there.
1999. Met the late Taco John. John Turner. He created taco John's. Such a great guy.
2000. Rode a bull. more on that later on in the month
Due to bureaucracy and narrowmindedness, I stopped doing Faith Journeys after y2k. I could never do one now-- Back in the day, no walkmans were allowed. Now everyone is attached to a phone. I don't think I could deal.
I will always do service work, just will choose to do it with Suzy or small groups. maybe a medical mission trip to San Salvador if Mrs. Mangrich lets me ;)
I am a proponent of doing service work. We are all in different predicaments. I would like to think that those predicaments were caused specifically by actions. You are in a good spot by doing good things or vice versa. Life isn't always that way. Stuff happens.
Sometimes those going through stuff need to vent or no others have been there and it doesn't last forever. As a youngster, I felt a strong need to help others. The best way to do it was through my church. Each summer they had summer service trips called "Faith Journey".
Faith Journey allowed me to help others and see the US. I was lucky enough to go on 13. Below are the sites and then a few memories.
1987 Houston
1989 Chicago
1990 Denver
1991 Kansas City
1992 Camp Courageous , Monticello Iowa
1993 Denver (to see the Pope)
1994 Camp Courageous , Monticello Iowa
1995 Minneapolis
1996 Smith, KY
1997 Springfield, Mo
1998 Detroit
1999 Denver, Via Cheyenne Wyoming
2000 Dallas
1989. Chicago. Fun times. There were just four guys on the trip, Brad Johnson, Dave Van Blair, the late great Larry Norcross and me. Our job in downtown chicago was to scoop a garage filled 6 feet high with rock. We would scoop it into the back of an old shell van. Then "Demolition" Dennis the driver would take back alleys at 45 mph to a location where we would dump the rock. It was a long hard 3 days. BUT AWESOME. We passed the time with the songs of 1989. Fine young cannibals. Milli Vanilli, Paula Abdul, and unfortunately NKOTB. Great times. Got to see wrigley for the first times. Father Michael Pfleger topped it all off with a great Sunday Sermon before we left.
1992. Camp Courageous. I wasn't sure at first about spending a week there as my singing of "We belong in the city" would attest" but it grew on me big time. Its awesome. Special thanks to Zach Hickman in 1994 for stealing our paddles when we were canoeing the Maquoketa River.
1993. Seeing the Pope. I liked John Paul II. It was cool seeing everyone pack old Mile High. A bunch of nuns were singing and rocking sister act style from the cheap seats.
1995. In Minneapolis it was interesting when people at a homeless shelter would , "you don't get being homeless." I would retort, "Actually, I do."
1996. Appalachia. Its like Justified but more southern. Amazing
1998. I loved going to detroit and also into canada. Fun times. The year I missed was to Miami. too dangerous my folks said. Others didn';t go to detroit for the same fears. It was great working on homes there.
1999. Met the late Taco John. John Turner. He created taco John's. Such a great guy.
2000. Rode a bull. more on that later on in the month
Due to bureaucracy and narrowmindedness, I stopped doing Faith Journeys after y2k. I could never do one now-- Back in the day, no walkmans were allowed. Now everyone is attached to a phone. I don't think I could deal.
I will always do service work, just will choose to do it with Suzy or small groups. maybe a medical mission trip to San Salvador if Mrs. Mangrich lets me ;)
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
40 til 40 May 20th "Jerry Springer"
JERRY JERRY JERRY
So I had the perfect plan. See the Bulls one day, Blackhawks one day, then jerry Springer the next.
I got 4 tix for all events. My Grinnell friends Steve Anderson and Janelle Harklau were on board. 3 days in chicago in 2007. I couldn't find a fourth as this was a full year before Suzy. The 3 of us headed up to Chicago and actually nearly got in a car wreck on the way. There was a Des Moines Register article about this Des Moines family who lost their beloved Duck "Rick James" They felt Rick james was stolen. Who would do such a fowl thing?
I felt bad for that family. they had already lost their chicken, named nugget.
We were laughing so hard we nearly laughed right off I 80.
Night One. Bulls. One word of warning. when you get out of the Cab at the United Center, people will offer to take your pic by Jordan. Don't do it.
The Bulls won. to date, it is the only major pro game where my team has won. its the one of 1-19.
It was pre D rose and Ben Wallace was hurt, but Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon played well.
afterwards we got Tore up at Dick's last resort. We stayed on Michigan Ave at the Best western.
That was also the weekend the Bers beat the Saints to go to the super bowl. Chicago was buzzing.
We could hear it all from the hotel/
Night two Blackhawks. They lost. But my favorite part was after the game. Adam kempenaar got me the hookup to go see my Favorite blackhawk of all time, Denis Savard. He got me into the post game presser. there were 6 people there asking Denis questions at the podium and then lurker me in the background. It was awesome!
Afterwards we went back to Dicks last resort. It was fun both nights. The funny part in going from the hotel to the UC was we had the same Cabbie. George. Wow. lucky. so I got his # so he could just be our cabbie all weekend. He was awesome.
The next day was springer. The first sign of trouble that day was Steve mentioning to me his license was expired. We had the discussion before leaving but we werent sure what would happen.
Well security for Jerry is worse than an airport. and they wouldn't let Steve in. Poor guy. he had to sit out in his car. Janelle and I made it in. 30 minutes of xray and screening. an hour in a holding room where we were packed and had to watch days of our lives. Who knew, Marlena was still possessed.
After that we were ushered into the Springer set. it was a lot smaller than it appears. First their wrangler gives us our cues. ok. I can follow. then Jerry came out and did 10 minutes of stand up. Good stuff.
Finally its show time. we did not know what show we had tix for. It was, "I am not gay!" The first guest was a little dude who enjoyed wearing women's clothes. His family was on their accusing him of being gay. Now the question I get asked the most is if it is real. Yes. I think so. I think these people are starved for attention and just want a few seconds on tv. they are trying hard to make it a good show.
so that guy got beat up by his family. then the next segment which was just a gay love triangle.
All in all pretty lame. Q and A was lame and the girls showing off their assets weren't too impressive. So I thought I would ask a question. One of the guys in the 2nd bit had lost weight and was a real jerk so i was going to ask him when I lose weight if thats what I have to look forward to.
Didn't get the chance. as I stood to ask as Jerry came by all I heard was Go to the Pole! Go to the Pole.
Well When In Rome. so I went to the pole and danced. They gave me a cowboy hat to wear.
The mean dude on the stage called me koolaid man.
They had me stay up there. I guess the show was so lame. . . they had me close it out. I got to walk with their wrangler down the hallway and answer questions. I had seen the ending enough. I know people get scared as a dude jumps out. I forgot. In slo mo its pretty funny as He scares the crap outta me.
I then was returned to the crowd where I signed some autographs and took pics with some people-- see below-- random lady wanted a high school prom looking pic with me.
Afterwards. janelle and I found steve. He took a nap in his car. We then drove home in a snowstorm.
Fun times.
I called Adam to let him know what happened.
He said,"well I guess you can't run for public office now"
So I had the perfect plan. See the Bulls one day, Blackhawks one day, then jerry Springer the next.
I got 4 tix for all events. My Grinnell friends Steve Anderson and Janelle Harklau were on board. 3 days in chicago in 2007. I couldn't find a fourth as this was a full year before Suzy. The 3 of us headed up to Chicago and actually nearly got in a car wreck on the way. There was a Des Moines Register article about this Des Moines family who lost their beloved Duck "Rick James" They felt Rick james was stolen. Who would do such a fowl thing?
I felt bad for that family. they had already lost their chicken, named nugget.
We were laughing so hard we nearly laughed right off I 80.
Night One. Bulls. One word of warning. when you get out of the Cab at the United Center, people will offer to take your pic by Jordan. Don't do it.
The Bulls won. to date, it is the only major pro game where my team has won. its the one of 1-19.
It was pre D rose and Ben Wallace was hurt, but Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon played well.
afterwards we got Tore up at Dick's last resort. We stayed on Michigan Ave at the Best western.
That was also the weekend the Bers beat the Saints to go to the super bowl. Chicago was buzzing.
We could hear it all from the hotel/
Night two Blackhawks. They lost. But my favorite part was after the game. Adam kempenaar got me the hookup to go see my Favorite blackhawk of all time, Denis Savard. He got me into the post game presser. there were 6 people there asking Denis questions at the podium and then lurker me in the background. It was awesome!
Afterwards we went back to Dicks last resort. It was fun both nights. The funny part in going from the hotel to the UC was we had the same Cabbie. George. Wow. lucky. so I got his # so he could just be our cabbie all weekend. He was awesome.
The next day was springer. The first sign of trouble that day was Steve mentioning to me his license was expired. We had the discussion before leaving but we werent sure what would happen.
Well security for Jerry is worse than an airport. and they wouldn't let Steve in. Poor guy. he had to sit out in his car. Janelle and I made it in. 30 minutes of xray and screening. an hour in a holding room where we were packed and had to watch days of our lives. Who knew, Marlena was still possessed.
After that we were ushered into the Springer set. it was a lot smaller than it appears. First their wrangler gives us our cues. ok. I can follow. then Jerry came out and did 10 minutes of stand up. Good stuff.
Finally its show time. we did not know what show we had tix for. It was, "I am not gay!" The first guest was a little dude who enjoyed wearing women's clothes. His family was on their accusing him of being gay. Now the question I get asked the most is if it is real. Yes. I think so. I think these people are starved for attention and just want a few seconds on tv. they are trying hard to make it a good show.
so that guy got beat up by his family. then the next segment which was just a gay love triangle.
All in all pretty lame. Q and A was lame and the girls showing off their assets weren't too impressive. So I thought I would ask a question. One of the guys in the 2nd bit had lost weight and was a real jerk so i was going to ask him when I lose weight if thats what I have to look forward to.
Didn't get the chance. as I stood to ask as Jerry came by all I heard was Go to the Pole! Go to the Pole.
Well When In Rome. so I went to the pole and danced. They gave me a cowboy hat to wear.
The mean dude on the stage called me koolaid man.
They had me stay up there. I guess the show was so lame. . . they had me close it out. I got to walk with their wrangler down the hallway and answer questions. I had seen the ending enough. I know people get scared as a dude jumps out. I forgot. In slo mo its pretty funny as He scares the crap outta me.
I then was returned to the crowd where I signed some autographs and took pics with some people-- see below-- random lady wanted a high school prom looking pic with me.
Afterwards. janelle and I found steve. He took a nap in his car. We then drove home in a snowstorm.
Fun times.
I called Adam to let him know what happened.
He said,"well I guess you can't run for public office now"
40 til 40 May 19th, 2012 "Junior High"
There are 7 years of elementary in Newton and 4 years of High School. Sandwiched in between is junior high or what is now called Middle school.
When we moved to Newton I just missed going to old Washington school. Then I just missed going to Central Junior High . Berg Junior High was my destination. It was under construction in 7th grade. Really nice in 8th.
HMMMM what stands out in Junior High? school was school. PE class was cooler. except for square dancing. Junior high dances were ok. I liked standing around.
I think for the most part it was outside world events that happened that made more impact on me than 2 tweener years of education.
Space Shuttle blew up. Mr. Schwarz in 7th grade said he wanted to be the teacher who got to be on the shuttle. well after January 28, 1986. . . Glad he wasn't. I wasn't at school actually. others saw it live. I was at the doctor. I had sprained my knee slightly in the Junior high basketball game against ankeny the night before. I was getting checked out. The doctor told us the space shuttle blew up and my Mom uttered,"not the one with people."
Yes.
Seat belt law came into effect around that time. Monkees syndication. Officer mcPherren got shot here in town.
Favorite teachers-- 7th grade was probably Mr. Sprott and Mrs. Youngkin. 8th grade Mr. Roberts and Mr. Clayton. It was good to see Mr. Roberts out hanging at the complex from time to time watching us all play co ed softball.
I didn't hate any teachers. I didn't have Mrs. Mourlam the kissing bandit. Funny how she could get away with kissing students. Mrs. Petroff screwed me in the 8th grade spelling bee by pronouncing taciturn wrong. Oh well. I probably still wouldve missed. Chad Hurst gave me crap for not knowing it-- i said you spell it then.
I told my dad the word I missed and he made sure the Newton school system was aware of the mispronounciation.
i had industrial arts and home ec and still use the bag I made in home ec and the magazine rack in industrial arts.
otherwise thats about it. In those years, I was just happy to survive and advance.
When we moved to Newton I just missed going to old Washington school. Then I just missed going to Central Junior High . Berg Junior High was my destination. It was under construction in 7th grade. Really nice in 8th.
HMMMM what stands out in Junior High? school was school. PE class was cooler. except for square dancing. Junior high dances were ok. I liked standing around.
I think for the most part it was outside world events that happened that made more impact on me than 2 tweener years of education.
Space Shuttle blew up. Mr. Schwarz in 7th grade said he wanted to be the teacher who got to be on the shuttle. well after January 28, 1986. . . Glad he wasn't. I wasn't at school actually. others saw it live. I was at the doctor. I had sprained my knee slightly in the Junior high basketball game against ankeny the night before. I was getting checked out. The doctor told us the space shuttle blew up and my Mom uttered,"not the one with people."
Yes.
Seat belt law came into effect around that time. Monkees syndication. Officer mcPherren got shot here in town.
Favorite teachers-- 7th grade was probably Mr. Sprott and Mrs. Youngkin. 8th grade Mr. Roberts and Mr. Clayton. It was good to see Mr. Roberts out hanging at the complex from time to time watching us all play co ed softball.
I didn't hate any teachers. I didn't have Mrs. Mourlam the kissing bandit. Funny how she could get away with kissing students. Mrs. Petroff screwed me in the 8th grade spelling bee by pronouncing taciturn wrong. Oh well. I probably still wouldve missed. Chad Hurst gave me crap for not knowing it-- i said you spell it then.
I told my dad the word I missed and he made sure the Newton school system was aware of the mispronounciation.
i had industrial arts and home ec and still use the bag I made in home ec and the magazine rack in industrial arts.
otherwise thats about it. In those years, I was just happy to survive and advance.
40 til 40 May 18, 2012 "I sprained my ankle"
How does the saying go,"If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is there. . . does it make any sound?" Or however that is. Well, If Chuck Utech falls and no one sees, does he still make a sound?
YES.
Back at the end of 2000, my alternator went out of my car. Erin dropped me off at Jacobs electric to get my car then we were going to meet at Subway at lunch before heading back to work. I paid for my alternator and had to walk down a snow covered staircase. on the last step my foot buckled and I rolled up my ankle BIG time. I fell hard.
What thoughts go through a guy's head while lying on frozen pavement? "Hello up there! I seem to have fallen down a cliff. I'm still alive, but I'm very badly injured. I think my legs might be broken, but I'll try to stand" CRUNCH.
This was before I had a cell phone, so I had to figure out how to get to my car which was 10 feet away.
Stop drop and roll. Well I had already stopped and dropped. So I rolled to my car. I figured that was cooler than crawling. I pulled myself up in my car. and hobbled into . . . subway of course. I made plans. Well then I hobbled into work. I was sent to the hospital. Of course, I didn't go there I went to the clinic. Dr. Twyner was well known to dispense drugs. He had me go get an x ray. It was negative, just a sprain. Just a sprain was worth a muscle relaxer and 2 Pain killers Percoseth and vicodin. Those are the only vikes I like. I felt like Brett Favre for 2 weeks.
Of course now Dr. Twyner has gotten in trouble for his dispensing of meds. I had no idea back then. Just thought he was generous.
Ive been lucky enough to not be injured too much-- I got hit by a car once and was bruised. Ruptured an appendix, had tonsils out, broke my collarbone and broke a couple ribs at a roller derby after party. Thats it. Sprained ankle by far the most painful. Dr. T said I wouldve been in less pain had it been a clean break.
I will think of that next time while I am laying on the frozen pavement instead of Mustafa.
YES.
Back at the end of 2000, my alternator went out of my car. Erin dropped me off at Jacobs electric to get my car then we were going to meet at Subway at lunch before heading back to work. I paid for my alternator and had to walk down a snow covered staircase. on the last step my foot buckled and I rolled up my ankle BIG time. I fell hard.
What thoughts go through a guy's head while lying on frozen pavement? "Hello up there! I seem to have fallen down a cliff. I'm still alive, but I'm very badly injured. I think my legs might be broken, but I'll try to stand" CRUNCH.
This was before I had a cell phone, so I had to figure out how to get to my car which was 10 feet away.
Stop drop and roll. Well I had already stopped and dropped. So I rolled to my car. I figured that was cooler than crawling. I pulled myself up in my car. and hobbled into . . . subway of course. I made plans. Well then I hobbled into work. I was sent to the hospital. Of course, I didn't go there I went to the clinic. Dr. Twyner was well known to dispense drugs. He had me go get an x ray. It was negative, just a sprain. Just a sprain was worth a muscle relaxer and 2 Pain killers Percoseth and vicodin. Those are the only vikes I like. I felt like Brett Favre for 2 weeks.
Of course now Dr. Twyner has gotten in trouble for his dispensing of meds. I had no idea back then. Just thought he was generous.
Ive been lucky enough to not be injured too much-- I got hit by a car once and was bruised. Ruptured an appendix, had tonsils out, broke my collarbone and broke a couple ribs at a roller derby after party. Thats it. Sprained ankle by far the most painful. Dr. T said I wouldve been in less pain had it been a clean break.
I will think of that next time while I am laying on the frozen pavement instead of Mustafa.
Friday, May 18, 2012
40 til 40 May 17, 2012 "Go Cubs Go"
"Go Cubs Go"
PG-13 for language
33 years ago today, the Phillies beat the Cubs at Wrigley 23-22. Damn Mike Schmidt. It is a favorite game of mine to watch when it is on ESPN Classic. Last time it was, Mark Stein tried finding me to call and let me know. It was a great game and although the Cubbies lost, it is fun. Its also a metaphor for Cubs. Close but no cigar. Coincidentally, Chicago is playing Philly tonight. I am sure the schedulemakers had no clue of the significance, but I am watching the game. In true fashion the Cubs are down 4-1already.
Yes. I am a Cubs fan. My folks were Chicago Southsiders. My Dad is a huge White Sox fan. As fate would have it though, we lived briefly in South Carolina. the only baseball hat my folks could find me was a Cubs hat. So 2 year old Charley Utech became a Cubs fan. . .for life.
As a kid, my favorite baseball player was a non-Cub. . . Pete Rose-- Charlie Hustle. I wanted to play like him for the Cubs. Over the years, I have had a few favorite Cubs, some strolling through Des Moines on their way to Chicago.
Lets look at the Cubs through the years.
In the mid to late 70s, for me to watch the Cubs in Newton Iowa I had to rely on 3 things. Saturdays on NBC, Sundays when it would be on Channel 5 local or Monday Night Baseball on ABC. Monday Night Baseball during the summer with Howard Cosell was great. Sundays always began with a montage that featured Ivan Dejesus making a great catch at shortstop and Bill Buckner racing to first base to beat Pete Rose on a grounder by an eyelash. (thats always my exhibit A that it didn't matter on the grounder Mookie hit in 86 as Wilson wouldve beat Billy Buck to first.) The theme song for the clips was Disco inferno. Awesome.
The 79 Cubs really werent bad. Dave Kingman, Manny Trillo, Steve Dillard, Bruce Sutter and the gang were feisty. Sad to say they made it to August in a pennant race and that was awesome. In the early 80s excitement came in the form of the Chicago Cubs supplanting the White Sox as the affiliate here in DSM. That got multiplied exponentially when they started paying games here in Des Moines. I got to obtain autographs from young ryne sandberg, Leon Durham and others. Tim Blackwell, too.
early 80s Cubs sucked. Not much hope, but in 83 I was excited that Chuck Rainey was going to get a no hitter and I was going to see it at My Grandparents in Chicago. Then Eddie Milner screwed that up.
Lets talk about 1984. That was awesome. For the most part. I actually just want to talk about The Sandberg game and Rick Sutcliffe coming over for Mel Hall and Joe carter.
Lets also talk about how Major league baseball screwed the Cubs. Chicago was supposed to have 3 home games in the 84 playoffs. One was taken away for the betterment of tv. Thanks Fuckers. no I am not bitter.
Andre Dawson was awesome in 87. steroid free too. How is that for a segue?
88. Lights at Wrigley Field. NOOOOOOO . Suzy and family and friends got to see in person the first cub game with the lights on. I watched it on tv.
89 Cubs-- ahh the Boys of Zimmer. My first time in Wrigley. 1989 against the Phillies. John Kruk lead the Phils to a win. Ive never seen the Cubs win in person. . . Even when they played the I cubs
The other memory of 1989. Damn Will Clark reading Greg maddux's lips. "Fast ball." no world Series.
90s Cubs. . .well outside of having fun with college roomie peter hall naming old cubs at night and George Bell being traded for Sammy Sosa and Randy Myers going ninja on a fan not much to talk about until...
1998. This is probably my favorite Cubs Team. Gritty. feisty. Power, hitting, pitching. Brant Brown tried to lose it, but they Hung on. Yeah Steroid Sosa was cool and if I knew then what I know now. well I wouldn't have cheered so loudly for that cheating mo fo
the Braves dashed 98s hope, but there is always 2003, right?
I do not talk about 2003 much. I do not care if everyone would've gone for that foul ball. I would not have. All the joy as a cubs fan my whole life was dashed. It was ok if they blew and sporadically were good. I rooted for that win any given day to cheer go cubs go. Nothing was expected, but cherished. After 03, it was like winning wouldn't be enough. Every win just makes the weight of the world even greater. Closer to Play-offs and closer to the world series means more pressure. This is just a game.
I do not hate Bartman, but I hate what happened. I hate the anger I had then and still have now.
I think back to when I was a kid in the backyard. Baseball was fun and easy. joyful. That is gone.
I hope it comes back. I love baseball and I love the Cubs. These new Cubs remind me of glimpses of Cubs past Tony Campana as Bob Dernier, Ian Stewart as Lenny Randle. Chris Volstad as about 80 Crappy Cubs pitchers I could name. I will let Pete do that.
GO Cubs Go. Bring back that JOY
PG-13 for language
33 years ago today, the Phillies beat the Cubs at Wrigley 23-22. Damn Mike Schmidt. It is a favorite game of mine to watch when it is on ESPN Classic. Last time it was, Mark Stein tried finding me to call and let me know. It was a great game and although the Cubbies lost, it is fun. Its also a metaphor for Cubs. Close but no cigar. Coincidentally, Chicago is playing Philly tonight. I am sure the schedulemakers had no clue of the significance, but I am watching the game. In true fashion the Cubs are down 4-1already.
Yes. I am a Cubs fan. My folks were Chicago Southsiders. My Dad is a huge White Sox fan. As fate would have it though, we lived briefly in South Carolina. the only baseball hat my folks could find me was a Cubs hat. So 2 year old Charley Utech became a Cubs fan. . .for life.
As a kid, my favorite baseball player was a non-Cub. . . Pete Rose-- Charlie Hustle. I wanted to play like him for the Cubs. Over the years, I have had a few favorite Cubs, some strolling through Des Moines on their way to Chicago.
Lets look at the Cubs through the years.
In the mid to late 70s, for me to watch the Cubs in Newton Iowa I had to rely on 3 things. Saturdays on NBC, Sundays when it would be on Channel 5 local or Monday Night Baseball on ABC. Monday Night Baseball during the summer with Howard Cosell was great. Sundays always began with a montage that featured Ivan Dejesus making a great catch at shortstop and Bill Buckner racing to first base to beat Pete Rose on a grounder by an eyelash. (thats always my exhibit A that it didn't matter on the grounder Mookie hit in 86 as Wilson wouldve beat Billy Buck to first.) The theme song for the clips was Disco inferno. Awesome.
The 79 Cubs really werent bad. Dave Kingman, Manny Trillo, Steve Dillard, Bruce Sutter and the gang were feisty. Sad to say they made it to August in a pennant race and that was awesome. In the early 80s excitement came in the form of the Chicago Cubs supplanting the White Sox as the affiliate here in DSM. That got multiplied exponentially when they started paying games here in Des Moines. I got to obtain autographs from young ryne sandberg, Leon Durham and others. Tim Blackwell, too.
early 80s Cubs sucked. Not much hope, but in 83 I was excited that Chuck Rainey was going to get a no hitter and I was going to see it at My Grandparents in Chicago. Then Eddie Milner screwed that up.
Lets talk about 1984. That was awesome. For the most part. I actually just want to talk about The Sandberg game and Rick Sutcliffe coming over for Mel Hall and Joe carter.
Lets also talk about how Major league baseball screwed the Cubs. Chicago was supposed to have 3 home games in the 84 playoffs. One was taken away for the betterment of tv. Thanks Fuckers. no I am not bitter.
Andre Dawson was awesome in 87. steroid free too. How is that for a segue?
88. Lights at Wrigley Field. NOOOOOOO . Suzy and family and friends got to see in person the first cub game with the lights on. I watched it on tv.
89 Cubs-- ahh the Boys of Zimmer. My first time in Wrigley. 1989 against the Phillies. John Kruk lead the Phils to a win. Ive never seen the Cubs win in person. . . Even when they played the I cubs
The other memory of 1989. Damn Will Clark reading Greg maddux's lips. "Fast ball." no world Series.
90s Cubs. . .well outside of having fun with college roomie peter hall naming old cubs at night and George Bell being traded for Sammy Sosa and Randy Myers going ninja on a fan not much to talk about until...
1998. This is probably my favorite Cubs Team. Gritty. feisty. Power, hitting, pitching. Brant Brown tried to lose it, but they Hung on. Yeah Steroid Sosa was cool and if I knew then what I know now. well I wouldn't have cheered so loudly for that cheating mo fo
the Braves dashed 98s hope, but there is always 2003, right?
I do not talk about 2003 much. I do not care if everyone would've gone for that foul ball. I would not have. All the joy as a cubs fan my whole life was dashed. It was ok if they blew and sporadically were good. I rooted for that win any given day to cheer go cubs go. Nothing was expected, but cherished. After 03, it was like winning wouldn't be enough. Every win just makes the weight of the world even greater. Closer to Play-offs and closer to the world series means more pressure. This is just a game.
I do not hate Bartman, but I hate what happened. I hate the anger I had then and still have now.
I think back to when I was a kid in the backyard. Baseball was fun and easy. joyful. That is gone.
I hope it comes back. I love baseball and I love the Cubs. These new Cubs remind me of glimpses of Cubs past Tony Campana as Bob Dernier, Ian Stewart as Lenny Randle. Chris Volstad as about 80 Crappy Cubs pitchers I could name. I will let Pete do that.
GO Cubs Go. Bring back that JOY
Thursday, May 17, 2012
40 til 40 May 16, 2012 "GO HAWKS"
"Go Hawks"
I am going to spill something we all know. There are no NHL, NBA, NFL or MLB teams in Iowa. There are pro teams like the Cubs, barnstormers, or energy or Iowa Cornets that cultivate great talent like Greg Maddux, Kurt Warner, or Curtis Stinson, or Molly Bolin, but thats about it. Otherwise, following college sports is where its at.
I live in Iowa. I do root for UNI when Maurice Newby is throwing up a three to beat Missouri in 1990 or when Ali Farokmanesh made a similar shot to beat UNLV in 2010. I cheered for Elmer Robinson and ISU in 1986 as they beat Michigan. Of course we all cheered for Drake in 2008.
Iowa is the Hawkeye state and when it comes to the Number 1 team of choice, I am a Hawkeye fan. So many friends have gone there, cheered there, played there. I am just a fan. Thanks to Paxton Bennett I have a Kinnick Brick. Suzy made me an Iowa Christmas tree and decorated my bathroom in Black and Gold.Today's 40 til 40 reflects upon my favorite Hawkeyes or Hawkeye moments. Thanks to my buddy and fellow Hawkeye Historian Jim Bergeson for helping me relive memory lane.
Honorable mention-- Les Jepsen 1990 against Illinois in the car key game. Iowa sucked that year, but at least they won that game at the buzzer.
10. Artur Wojdat. WHO? Artur Wojdat. Swimming, late 80s. The dude was money. 10 time Big 10 Champ. 9 time NCAA Champ. He went to 2 Olympics. Stud.
9. Carpenter's. No not the singers. When I was a kid, summers were great. No school. all the baseball I wanted to play. and going over to Scott Carpenter's before practice. One never knew what Hawkeye players were gonna be there. Vince Brookins? Kenny Arnold? Mike "Tree" Henry? It was awesome. It is still cool too to hear Gary Dolphin mention the Late Doc Carpenter when talking about great Iowa fans.
8. Tate to Holloway, New Years 05. I thought it may be a springboard to huge things, and it wasn't but it was one of the best Hawkeye moments in the last decade. Hawks had this thing one until Jamarcus Russell lead LSU back. I had a ton of friends there. It was icy as all get out here. Tate turned what looked like terrible clock management into beauty as he went for it all and caught Holloway in stride. It was awesome. I like this clip because it has a little Ricky stanzi in it and the call from Gary Dolphin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o6f31AqZdM
7. 1980 Hawkeye basketball. I was 7 and a half, but a huge Hawkeye fan. Go Ronnie Lester, Special K and Kevin Boyle. I still say if Ronnie Lester doesn't get hurt they beat Louisville in the Final 4 and go to the Championship game. Fact is, Ronnie did get hurt. Last Final 4 team for Iowa . Good thing they are going back in a couple years.
6. 1985 Hawkeye Football. Whereas 80 hoops was about a team of guys that made the most of their talent collectively and overachieved... The world was expected of the 1985 Football Team. Larry Station, Chuck Long, Ronnie Harmon. . . They made the Rose Bowl and people give Hayden crap for not winning the big games. Wasn't his fault. Thank you Ronnie Harmon and your four fumbles. You can see them all here. http://www.lostlettermen.com/feature-did-iowas-ronnie-harmon-throw-the-86-rose-bowl/
5. 2002 Hawkeye Football. Now I thought 2002 Football would be good, but not as good as it turned out. Thank you Iowa for losing to ISU. Yes, that sucked, but it made them better and they showed resilience vs. Purdue, crushed Michigan and brought back excitement to the Fall. Dallas Clark was the man. Brad banks, too.
4. Hawkeye wrestling. 23 NCAA championships. 32 Big ten titles. Yeah, they are awesome. They Probably should be #1 but these are moments personal to me and #4 is about right. My favorite wrestlers were royce alger and Rico Chiapperelli. Right behind them are Jeff McGinness and Lincoln McIlravy. Dan Gable. Ever want to be motivated. Talk to Dan Gable, he will fire you up. Easily they are the most successful athletic program in Iowa.
3. RIP CMS #40. Ahhh Chris Street. Not sure if you knew how many people had you as the king of our Iowa Generation. The intensity, the hustle, the car accident. RIP.
2. 1987 Hawkeye Basketball. This is like a combination of the 85 football team, 02 football and 1980 hoops all in one. Taklent, depth, played as a team, yet just couldn't get past UNLV in the elite 8. Lets talk highlights. Winning at Arizona-- How about coming back from 23 down to beat Illinois? winning in Alaska? Hanging 100 on Indiana? (first time against a Bobby Knight team) Kevin gamble cooly beating OU? They are all great. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Aw0P_Em2cY
1. Marv Cook Game. Before Tate to Holloway there was Hartlieb to Cook. I listened to this in my room Iowa at OSU. My folks had signed up the family for saying a rosary before church that night. I decided there was no better time to say a rosary then on Iowa's final drive. Ive never said the Our Father and Hail Mary with so much gusto as I did with Iowa driving. Then Hail Mary came true as hartlieb hit Marv Cook. "Its an Iowa Touchdown! . . . "Ed Podolak is hugging and kissing me!" http://www.hawkeyelounge.com/showthread.php?t=84978
Here's to 40 more years of great Hawkeye memories
.
I am going to spill something we all know. There are no NHL, NBA, NFL or MLB teams in Iowa. There are pro teams like the Cubs, barnstormers, or energy or Iowa Cornets that cultivate great talent like Greg Maddux, Kurt Warner, or Curtis Stinson, or Molly Bolin, but thats about it. Otherwise, following college sports is where its at.
I live in Iowa. I do root for UNI when Maurice Newby is throwing up a three to beat Missouri in 1990 or when Ali Farokmanesh made a similar shot to beat UNLV in 2010. I cheered for Elmer Robinson and ISU in 1986 as they beat Michigan. Of course we all cheered for Drake in 2008.
Iowa is the Hawkeye state and when it comes to the Number 1 team of choice, I am a Hawkeye fan. So many friends have gone there, cheered there, played there. I am just a fan. Thanks to Paxton Bennett I have a Kinnick Brick. Suzy made me an Iowa Christmas tree and decorated my bathroom in Black and Gold.Today's 40 til 40 reflects upon my favorite Hawkeyes or Hawkeye moments. Thanks to my buddy and fellow Hawkeye Historian Jim Bergeson for helping me relive memory lane.
Honorable mention-- Les Jepsen 1990 against Illinois in the car key game. Iowa sucked that year, but at least they won that game at the buzzer.
10. Artur Wojdat. WHO? Artur Wojdat. Swimming, late 80s. The dude was money. 10 time Big 10 Champ. 9 time NCAA Champ. He went to 2 Olympics. Stud.
9. Carpenter's. No not the singers. When I was a kid, summers were great. No school. all the baseball I wanted to play. and going over to Scott Carpenter's before practice. One never knew what Hawkeye players were gonna be there. Vince Brookins? Kenny Arnold? Mike "Tree" Henry? It was awesome. It is still cool too to hear Gary Dolphin mention the Late Doc Carpenter when talking about great Iowa fans.
8. Tate to Holloway, New Years 05. I thought it may be a springboard to huge things, and it wasn't but it was one of the best Hawkeye moments in the last decade. Hawks had this thing one until Jamarcus Russell lead LSU back. I had a ton of friends there. It was icy as all get out here. Tate turned what looked like terrible clock management into beauty as he went for it all and caught Holloway in stride. It was awesome. I like this clip because it has a little Ricky stanzi in it and the call from Gary Dolphin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o6f31AqZdM
7. 1980 Hawkeye basketball. I was 7 and a half, but a huge Hawkeye fan. Go Ronnie Lester, Special K and Kevin Boyle. I still say if Ronnie Lester doesn't get hurt they beat Louisville in the Final 4 and go to the Championship game. Fact is, Ronnie did get hurt. Last Final 4 team for Iowa . Good thing they are going back in a couple years.
6. 1985 Hawkeye Football. Whereas 80 hoops was about a team of guys that made the most of their talent collectively and overachieved... The world was expected of the 1985 Football Team. Larry Station, Chuck Long, Ronnie Harmon. . . They made the Rose Bowl and people give Hayden crap for not winning the big games. Wasn't his fault. Thank you Ronnie Harmon and your four fumbles. You can see them all here. http://www.lostlettermen.com/feature-did-iowas-ronnie-harmon-throw-the-86-rose-bowl/
5. 2002 Hawkeye Football. Now I thought 2002 Football would be good, but not as good as it turned out. Thank you Iowa for losing to ISU. Yes, that sucked, but it made them better and they showed resilience vs. Purdue, crushed Michigan and brought back excitement to the Fall. Dallas Clark was the man. Brad banks, too.
4. Hawkeye wrestling. 23 NCAA championships. 32 Big ten titles. Yeah, they are awesome. They Probably should be #1 but these are moments personal to me and #4 is about right. My favorite wrestlers were royce alger and Rico Chiapperelli. Right behind them are Jeff McGinness and Lincoln McIlravy. Dan Gable. Ever want to be motivated. Talk to Dan Gable, he will fire you up. Easily they are the most successful athletic program in Iowa.
3. RIP CMS #40. Ahhh Chris Street. Not sure if you knew how many people had you as the king of our Iowa Generation. The intensity, the hustle, the car accident. RIP.
2. 1987 Hawkeye Basketball. This is like a combination of the 85 football team, 02 football and 1980 hoops all in one. Taklent, depth, played as a team, yet just couldn't get past UNLV in the elite 8. Lets talk highlights. Winning at Arizona-- How about coming back from 23 down to beat Illinois? winning in Alaska? Hanging 100 on Indiana? (first time against a Bobby Knight team) Kevin gamble cooly beating OU? They are all great. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Aw0P_Em2cY
1. Marv Cook Game. Before Tate to Holloway there was Hartlieb to Cook. I listened to this in my room Iowa at OSU. My folks had signed up the family for saying a rosary before church that night. I decided there was no better time to say a rosary then on Iowa's final drive. Ive never said the Our Father and Hail Mary with so much gusto as I did with Iowa driving. Then Hail Mary came true as hartlieb hit Marv Cook. "Its an Iowa Touchdown! . . . "Ed Podolak is hugging and kissing me!" http://www.hawkeyelounge.com/showthread.php?t=84978
Here's to 40 more years of great Hawkeye memories
.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
40 til 40 Magic Window vs. Floppy
This one is up for major debate, but if one isn't of a certain age or from Central Iowa, it won't make sense.
As a kid, one could watch a lot of cartoons. . . especially when Bozo show became mainstream. Us local kids had 2 main choices. Betty Lou's Magic Window, or Floppy. Now this isn't like some people were elvis people or others were Beatles people. but none were both. One Could be a Floppy person and a Magic Window person
Magic window-- Betty Lou's show has set the record for longest running kids show. Pretty darn cool. It had puppets, crafts and some decent shows. "Tales from the Riverbank" was solid. "Friends" taught me diversity about kids from other backgrounds. Magic window always ended with Felix the Cat.
The Floppy Show-- Duane Ellet would bring out his puppet Floppy and kids would tell Floppy Jokes. Interspersed was tom and jerry and other cartoons. The jokes are classics, "Why'd the man put the car in the oven." The thing with Floppy is that it was a big deal to be on the show--kinda like the Bozo show-- but without at home players. My sister got to be on there. Suzy also got to be on floppy. Me? Nope. Bitter?
YEP
and Duane Ellet passed away 25 years ago. SAD.
so I take both shows. They are parts of my life and upbringing that aren't coming back. For as much time as I spent in Chicago, I was exposed to Ray Raynor and Bozo and Frazier Thomas and they were great. . . but so many people got to see those.
These shows are owned by Central Iowans. It was ours.
If I had to take a pick-- I pick Betty Lou
Yes , it was a little more educational. and yes, I am still bitter I never got to be on Floppy.
As a kid, one could watch a lot of cartoons. . . especially when Bozo show became mainstream. Us local kids had 2 main choices. Betty Lou's Magic Window, or Floppy. Now this isn't like some people were elvis people or others were Beatles people. but none were both. One Could be a Floppy person and a Magic Window person
Magic window-- Betty Lou's show has set the record for longest running kids show. Pretty darn cool. It had puppets, crafts and some decent shows. "Tales from the Riverbank" was solid. "Friends" taught me diversity about kids from other backgrounds. Magic window always ended with Felix the Cat.
The Floppy Show-- Duane Ellet would bring out his puppet Floppy and kids would tell Floppy Jokes. Interspersed was tom and jerry and other cartoons. The jokes are classics, "Why'd the man put the car in the oven." The thing with Floppy is that it was a big deal to be on the show--kinda like the Bozo show-- but without at home players. My sister got to be on there. Suzy also got to be on floppy. Me? Nope. Bitter?
YEP
and Duane Ellet passed away 25 years ago. SAD.
so I take both shows. They are parts of my life and upbringing that aren't coming back. For as much time as I spent in Chicago, I was exposed to Ray Raynor and Bozo and Frazier Thomas and they were great. . . but so many people got to see those.
These shows are owned by Central Iowans. It was ours.
If I had to take a pick-- I pick Betty Lou
Yes , it was a little more educational. and yes, I am still bitter I never got to be on Floppy.
40 til 40 May 14, 2012 "Missy D"
"Missy D"
So last week I talked about Steve Karsten. A guy who was dealt a tough hand and he played it to the fullest.
This week It's Missy Douglas. She played hands to the fullest, also, but didn't know she needed to.
I met Missy in 2000. We started at Iowa Telecom together. It was a good training class. Soon, we found out she was also a big Iowa Hawkeye fan. We also had similar senses of humor
We became really good friends. SO in 2002 when I needed someone to pick me up in Rockford Illinois after surgery, she did. Ironically, It was Steve karsten who took me there. On the way home, there wasn't much on so we listened to rock falls vs. sterling high Girls b ball and were making our own jokes. Of course I had her stop at arthurs deli there. I had a spoonful of soup
Missy passed away while working in 2008. She left behind so many friends and family. It made me cherish a couple instances and it makes me appreciate every moment of my life going forward.
People ask me why I live for each moment. Missy and Steve. I do not know what may happen tomorrow. I am living it up today. They literally are a major reason for why I am still here, and with them gone I live for three. I am not leaving any stone unturned.
I do not know if I believe in God, or luck or fate. I thought luck was being in the right place at the right time. Opportunity meeting preparation. Steve said sometimes Shit just happens. I don't know. Here is what I do know. It was the end of my second week at my job at a major bank. That Friday the big boss Mike made a decision, one to have us leave an hour early. so I left at 4 pm to go back to Newton. For some reason I took the scenic route (porn in the corn exit) and 1st avenue through town.
Thank goodness, as Missy was at Git N Go fueling her car. Instead of a honk, I decided to stop and say hi. Glad I did. we talked for less than 3 minutes, but it was my last conversation with her as she passed away a few days later. So, thank goodness Mike sent us home. Thank goodness I took a way home I usually didnt go. Thank goodness I stopped and talked. Now maybe it is Thank God. I do not know. I just know any of us as Missy's friends would give anything for one more conversation with her, one laugh, one more Hawkeye game, one concert. . . Anything.
Rest in Peace my friends.
So last week I talked about Steve Karsten. A guy who was dealt a tough hand and he played it to the fullest.
This week It's Missy Douglas. She played hands to the fullest, also, but didn't know she needed to.
I met Missy in 2000. We started at Iowa Telecom together. It was a good training class. Soon, we found out she was also a big Iowa Hawkeye fan. We also had similar senses of humor
We became really good friends. SO in 2002 when I needed someone to pick me up in Rockford Illinois after surgery, she did. Ironically, It was Steve karsten who took me there. On the way home, there wasn't much on so we listened to rock falls vs. sterling high Girls b ball and were making our own jokes. Of course I had her stop at arthurs deli there. I had a spoonful of soup
Missy passed away while working in 2008. She left behind so many friends and family. It made me cherish a couple instances and it makes me appreciate every moment of my life going forward.
People ask me why I live for each moment. Missy and Steve. I do not know what may happen tomorrow. I am living it up today. They literally are a major reason for why I am still here, and with them gone I live for three. I am not leaving any stone unturned.
I do not know if I believe in God, or luck or fate. I thought luck was being in the right place at the right time. Opportunity meeting preparation. Steve said sometimes Shit just happens. I don't know. Here is what I do know. It was the end of my second week at my job at a major bank. That Friday the big boss Mike made a decision, one to have us leave an hour early. so I left at 4 pm to go back to Newton. For some reason I took the scenic route (porn in the corn exit) and 1st avenue through town.
Thank goodness, as Missy was at Git N Go fueling her car. Instead of a honk, I decided to stop and say hi. Glad I did. we talked for less than 3 minutes, but it was my last conversation with her as she passed away a few days later. So, thank goodness Mike sent us home. Thank goodness I took a way home I usually didnt go. Thank goodness I stopped and talked. Now maybe it is Thank God. I do not know. I just know any of us as Missy's friends would give anything for one more conversation with her, one laugh, one more Hawkeye game, one concert. . . Anything.
Rest in Peace my friends.
Monday, May 14, 2012
May 13, 2012 "Munchies"
"Munchies"
So, before we get started here, I will ask a question. . . Kind of an informal poll. When someone says, "Pick up some munchies." What does that mean to you?
So, I enjoy sports. We know this. I also enjoy fantasy sports. As a kid... I invented a college basketball game using the Big 10 conference players. I had to only do 9 teams because Otherwise Iowa wouldve always won.
I also played strato matic baseball and APBA football and baseball, Another way for me to hone my announcing skills calling all the action.
As I grew older and rotisserie baseball and football came into vogue, I jumped onto those.
Today, I am in two baseball leagues, 3 football leagues and one college basketball league (not including tourney pools that I lose to Suzy).
One of the baseball leagues I am in I was invited into in 1998. Pioneer Baseball League. It was a group of guys with ties to Grinnell College. Adam kempenaar got me in. The first year I was one-one hundredth of a point in batting average from winning. Damn you Mo Vaughnn. Really Haven't done well since. But I have fun and have made some lifetime friends. before the majority of the guys got married and had kids, we used to all meet in Chicago for the annual draft/auction. It was our version of an owners meeting and a couple days of fun with friends in Chicago. The guys are great. The cast has changed some over the years but since 1998 it has included lawyers, playwrights, ad execs, media rep for an NHL team, world travelers and me.
Today's blog reflects on two memorable stories from those get togethers. The first happened in 2000, I believe.
Adam and denny Davis and I were in Adam's car on the way to Chicago. Jason Bent was kind enough to host most of the get togethers. On our way to his place-- and at the time-- that one was in a cool apartment overlooking the Lake. . . Adam took Denny and I to Arthurs Deli in Rock Falls. I had been to the Arthurs deli in Rock Island when I was in college, and hadn't been back. Great deli sandwiches and bagel chips. Soup is good too. Its a good point in the trip also to get gas and there is an obligatory stop at the Mobil station we hit also across the street.
Food. Yum. done. Time to get gas. Now, two things. . . One, we were on fumes when we coasted into Rock Falls. Two, gas was cheaper then. . . Probably just over a buck a gallon.
At the Mobil, Adam stopped and started pumping gas. . . Denny and i went in to get a water and a paper. As we were checking out, I told the cashier I was getting the gas for the red car and pointed to Adam. The cashier said, "Ok $8.79." "For everything?" "Yep"
Ok, then. something didn't seem right so I paid and as we paid Adam walked in and we asked why he got very little gas, "I filled it up and used pay at pump" (I had never used pay at pump-- new concept to Chuck utech.) So the next question was, Whose gas did we buy? Well there was another red car we didn't see but the cashier did and she put in $5 worth. The cashier was laughing at us and offered to give me my $ back. I declined and said, no its a good deed, we are on our way" Well the cashier wanted the good deal to get mention so she saw the lady whose red car we topped off and told her we paid for her gas.
Stoically, the lady looked at her and flatly said, "ok." and moved on. The cashier was crushed. I don't know if she thought we deserved a parade for $5 in gas or what but the look on her face was priceless. Denny and I couldn't stop laughing as to how this all played out. Great times in Rock Falls.
#2
A few years later we found our way back to Chicago. Jason had a new place and I couldn't believe that gas was near $2.
After our auction for our baseball teams, we were playing some poker. . . tournament style. I got knocked out fairly early and volunteered to make a run for snacks. I asked for any requests. "Pick up some munchies" Eric Baker and I made a two block walk in the rain to a gas station and got some food.
I picked up pretzels, chips, popcorn. When I got back the guys asked, "Where's the Munchies?" What do you mean I got all SORTS of Munchies. Well where I come from munchies means snacks of varying types. Not Brand name Munchies. After a few minutes of ribbing, I made the executive decision that I better settle this or prepare for a night of "I wish I had some munchies"
back in the rain for a 2 block walk to the gas station and munchies purchasing.
This is an inside joke with our crew that still gets play today. Whenever someone is moving that is the standard line for a housewarming gift. I will bring the Munchies.
Lifes like that .communication is key. What is important to one person isn't to someone else. What is one thing to a person is different to another. What I enjoy is that we were able to make the most out of each situation. Those little things are important to us.
So, before we get started here, I will ask a question. . . Kind of an informal poll. When someone says, "Pick up some munchies." What does that mean to you?
So, I enjoy sports. We know this. I also enjoy fantasy sports. As a kid... I invented a college basketball game using the Big 10 conference players. I had to only do 9 teams because Otherwise Iowa wouldve always won.
I also played strato matic baseball and APBA football and baseball, Another way for me to hone my announcing skills calling all the action.
As I grew older and rotisserie baseball and football came into vogue, I jumped onto those.
Today, I am in two baseball leagues, 3 football leagues and one college basketball league (not including tourney pools that I lose to Suzy).
One of the baseball leagues I am in I was invited into in 1998. Pioneer Baseball League. It was a group of guys with ties to Grinnell College. Adam kempenaar got me in. The first year I was one-one hundredth of a point in batting average from winning. Damn you Mo Vaughnn. Really Haven't done well since. But I have fun and have made some lifetime friends. before the majority of the guys got married and had kids, we used to all meet in Chicago for the annual draft/auction. It was our version of an owners meeting and a couple days of fun with friends in Chicago. The guys are great. The cast has changed some over the years but since 1998 it has included lawyers, playwrights, ad execs, media rep for an NHL team, world travelers and me.
Today's blog reflects on two memorable stories from those get togethers. The first happened in 2000, I believe.
Adam and denny Davis and I were in Adam's car on the way to Chicago. Jason Bent was kind enough to host most of the get togethers. On our way to his place-- and at the time-- that one was in a cool apartment overlooking the Lake. . . Adam took Denny and I to Arthurs Deli in Rock Falls. I had been to the Arthurs deli in Rock Island when I was in college, and hadn't been back. Great deli sandwiches and bagel chips. Soup is good too. Its a good point in the trip also to get gas and there is an obligatory stop at the Mobil station we hit also across the street.
Food. Yum. done. Time to get gas. Now, two things. . . One, we were on fumes when we coasted into Rock Falls. Two, gas was cheaper then. . . Probably just over a buck a gallon.
At the Mobil, Adam stopped and started pumping gas. . . Denny and i went in to get a water and a paper. As we were checking out, I told the cashier I was getting the gas for the red car and pointed to Adam. The cashier said, "Ok $8.79." "For everything?" "Yep"
Ok, then. something didn't seem right so I paid and as we paid Adam walked in and we asked why he got very little gas, "I filled it up and used pay at pump" (I had never used pay at pump-- new concept to Chuck utech.) So the next question was, Whose gas did we buy? Well there was another red car we didn't see but the cashier did and she put in $5 worth. The cashier was laughing at us and offered to give me my $ back. I declined and said, no its a good deed, we are on our way" Well the cashier wanted the good deal to get mention so she saw the lady whose red car we topped off and told her we paid for her gas.
Stoically, the lady looked at her and flatly said, "ok." and moved on. The cashier was crushed. I don't know if she thought we deserved a parade for $5 in gas or what but the look on her face was priceless. Denny and I couldn't stop laughing as to how this all played out. Great times in Rock Falls.
#2
A few years later we found our way back to Chicago. Jason had a new place and I couldn't believe that gas was near $2.
After our auction for our baseball teams, we were playing some poker. . . tournament style. I got knocked out fairly early and volunteered to make a run for snacks. I asked for any requests. "Pick up some munchies" Eric Baker and I made a two block walk in the rain to a gas station and got some food.
I picked up pretzels, chips, popcorn. When I got back the guys asked, "Where's the Munchies?" What do you mean I got all SORTS of Munchies. Well where I come from munchies means snacks of varying types. Not Brand name Munchies. After a few minutes of ribbing, I made the executive decision that I better settle this or prepare for a night of "I wish I had some munchies"
back in the rain for a 2 block walk to the gas station and munchies purchasing.
This is an inside joke with our crew that still gets play today. Whenever someone is moving that is the standard line for a housewarming gift. I will bring the Munchies.
Lifes like that .communication is key. What is important to one person isn't to someone else. What is one thing to a person is different to another. What I enjoy is that we were able to make the most out of each situation. Those little things are important to us.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
40 til 40 May 12, 2012 "Chicago Bulls"
"Chicago Bulls"
The second part of Double blog Friday is my favorite now eliminated NBA team the Chicago Bulls.
I have been a fan of the Bulls for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, there wasn't a whole lot to cheer for, But I liked Dave Corzine, Reggie Theus and the late Norm Van Lier.
Of course Bulls fortunes changed forever when Michael Jordan was picked 3rd in the 1985 draft.
It makes it interesting being a team's fan too when they win it all 6 times in 8 years but really sucked leading up to it and outside of one run to a conference Championship final, have sucked since.
The Blackhawks and Packers have made the Play-offs more over the last 30 years, but have half the World titles between them in that time.
It's a tough question to ask and one for life. . . What is better, sustained excellence over time with limited trips to the pinnacle. . . OR. . . Major accomplishments for a decade sandwiched in between decades of mediocrity?
In the working world, business would take option A. High level of achievement consistently will beat sporadic trips to the mountain top. In other avenues, Championships are what people remember.
I won't ever trade away the Bulls titles. I know where I was for all of them. I do wish, they could sustain excellence a little better.
Me, I just want a team that is at the party (play-offs). If they are in the door, anything can happen. We saw that with Philly this year. They got in the door and now they are playing Boston.My favorite Bull I never saw play or coach. The Late Johnny "Red" Kerr. What a talent. He was a great announcer and the target of Michael Jordan's pre game chalk ritual. Stacey King is fun, but he's no red Kerr or even Norm Van Lier.
Also-- the Bulls made popular "Rock and Roll Part two" and they have the best introduction tune, "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project. It also worked as a great intro song for me and Suzy as we entered our wedding reception.
Next years Bulls team will be different. Maybe Iowa Native Kirk Hinrich returns. Maybe Iowa native Kyle Korver leaves. Who knows when Derrick Rose will be back. Maybe Reggie Theus could come back.
The second part of Double blog Friday is my favorite now eliminated NBA team the Chicago Bulls.
I have been a fan of the Bulls for as long as I can remember. Back in the day, there wasn't a whole lot to cheer for, But I liked Dave Corzine, Reggie Theus and the late Norm Van Lier.
Of course Bulls fortunes changed forever when Michael Jordan was picked 3rd in the 1985 draft.
It makes it interesting being a team's fan too when they win it all 6 times in 8 years but really sucked leading up to it and outside of one run to a conference Championship final, have sucked since.
The Blackhawks and Packers have made the Play-offs more over the last 30 years, but have half the World titles between them in that time.
It's a tough question to ask and one for life. . . What is better, sustained excellence over time with limited trips to the pinnacle. . . OR. . . Major accomplishments for a decade sandwiched in between decades of mediocrity?
In the working world, business would take option A. High level of achievement consistently will beat sporadic trips to the mountain top. In other avenues, Championships are what people remember.
I won't ever trade away the Bulls titles. I know where I was for all of them. I do wish, they could sustain excellence a little better.
Me, I just want a team that is at the party (play-offs). If they are in the door, anything can happen. We saw that with Philly this year. They got in the door and now they are playing Boston.My favorite Bull I never saw play or coach. The Late Johnny "Red" Kerr. What a talent. He was a great announcer and the target of Michael Jordan's pre game chalk ritual. Stacey King is fun, but he's no red Kerr or even Norm Van Lier.
Also-- the Bulls made popular "Rock and Roll Part two" and they have the best introduction tune, "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project. It also worked as a great intro song for me and Suzy as we entered our wedding reception.
Next years Bulls team will be different. Maybe Iowa Native Kirk Hinrich returns. Maybe Iowa native Kyle Korver leaves. Who knows when Derrick Rose will be back. Maybe Reggie Theus could come back.
40 til 40 May 11, 2012 "Stuck in a Waterslide"
"I got stuck in a waterslide"
Ahhhh Kansas City. Gates BBQ, CoolCrest MiniGolf, and Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun. Its a great city just 3 hours away.
Back in the day, before Adventureland here had a water park, the best one around for the drive was Oceans of Fun. Worlds of Fun was sure a better park for the rides. . .One was able to go and do one, or both. Yeah I know Wacky waters by Davenport was cool, but its gone.
So, one summer day in 2000 I found myself at Oceans of Fun. I love a good waterslide. Oceans of Fun has some great ones. Tall slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, they got it.
I decided I wanted to get some exercise and travel up 4 flights of stairs and then hurl my big body down a water chute. 5 seconds of FUN!
Time to ride! The slide is a 2 shooter with a slide on each side of the life guard that goes straight down. The slides are connected in between by a little lattice wood piece. I line up, take a deep breath and assume the position waiting for the 19 year old kid to give me the signal to go.
"GO"
I take off. and 5 feet down the slide I am wedged in like a square peg in a round hole. I looked back at lifeguard kid and said, "STUCK." Now I give the lifeguard credit because quite easily he could have replied, "No shit." It probably looked odd as this large dude was stuck with his arms just flailing around. "try scooting" NOPE. I wasn't going anywhere
By this time I was holding up the line. It was growing. I thought I could hear a faint chant of "Free Willy."
Time for resolution. Lifeguard said--"Try to get to the middle."
Its funny what you think about when you are stuck 40 feet up in the air. "Is this how I die?" Is there anything soft to land on?" "Geez I am effing hungry." That does worry me when I do finally die. I don't want to see it coming. That anticipation sucks.
so here we go. Deep breath.
I rocked back and forth and popped myself onto the lattice. CREAK, CREAK, I slowly climbed to the top as the wood slats held out. I got to the top and apologized and thanked the dude.
"Next time I will lube myself up"
Ahhhh Kansas City. Gates BBQ, CoolCrest MiniGolf, and Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun. Its a great city just 3 hours away.
Back in the day, before Adventureland here had a water park, the best one around for the drive was Oceans of Fun. Worlds of Fun was sure a better park for the rides. . .One was able to go and do one, or both. Yeah I know Wacky waters by Davenport was cool, but its gone.
So, one summer day in 2000 I found myself at Oceans of Fun. I love a good waterslide. Oceans of Fun has some great ones. Tall slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, they got it.
I decided I wanted to get some exercise and travel up 4 flights of stairs and then hurl my big body down a water chute. 5 seconds of FUN!
Time to ride! The slide is a 2 shooter with a slide on each side of the life guard that goes straight down. The slides are connected in between by a little lattice wood piece. I line up, take a deep breath and assume the position waiting for the 19 year old kid to give me the signal to go.
"GO"
I take off. and 5 feet down the slide I am wedged in like a square peg in a round hole. I looked back at lifeguard kid and said, "STUCK." Now I give the lifeguard credit because quite easily he could have replied, "No shit." It probably looked odd as this large dude was stuck with his arms just flailing around. "try scooting" NOPE. I wasn't going anywhere
By this time I was holding up the line. It was growing. I thought I could hear a faint chant of "Free Willy."
Time for resolution. Lifeguard said--"Try to get to the middle."
Its funny what you think about when you are stuck 40 feet up in the air. "Is this how I die?" Is there anything soft to land on?" "Geez I am effing hungry." That does worry me when I do finally die. I don't want to see it coming. That anticipation sucks.
so here we go. Deep breath.
I rocked back and forth and popped myself onto the lattice. CREAK, CREAK, I slowly climbed to the top as the wood slats held out. I got to the top and apologized and thanked the dude.
"Next time I will lube myself up"
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