Why Northern Illinois Going to the Orange Bowl is Awesome

This New Year's Day, I will be proudly watching my favorite College Football team, the Northern Illinois University Huskies play Florida State on ESPN in the Orange Bowl. Just typing that sentence is crazy and awesome because of all of the things that happened to lead up to this game.

For me, this story starts in 1997. I remember being in my room, watching college football on a Saturday when my mom walked in and telling me what she thought was good news. My god-cousin, Vince Thompson, was getting a full ride to NIU. I remember feeling my face drop and if I was swearing back then, I'm sure the first words out of my mouth would have been "You gotta be fucking kidding, right?" but in '97, the first words I uttered was, "They Suck!"

Vince was a multi-sport star athlete and top student at St. Rita High School in Chicago, A Catholic League powerhouse for football (and the shithole I would end up stuck in a decade later) With his great grades and even better on-field numbers, I thought for sure he was a shoe-in to go to either Northwestern or Purdue (which made since because he was into engineering as well) or any other Big 10 or even Big East schools (When the Big East had decent football programs like Syracuse and Miami)

I found out later that he went to Northern for 2 reasons, It was a full ride and he was rejected from Northwestern and Purdue as far as athletic scholarships due to his size (As a Cornerback/Wide Reciever and Return man, he was only 5'7" and 155, very short and small for a D-Back going up against wideouts 6'2" and up)

Despite this, it was still going to be cool to finally get to go see some Division 1-A college football live. Me and my folks and my god-uncle and his wife would load our cars up with food, pop and booze and make the near 3-hour trip to DeKalb and watch the Huskies, well, Pretty much get their asses kicked every home game the first years in 98 and 99 (they were 0-11 in 1997) But this team started showing small improvements, They had some solid players such as WR P.J. Fleck (Who ended up having a cup of coffee with the 49ers for a year) and O-Lineman Ryan Diem (Who went on to be a Super Bowl Champ with the Colts) They also had a power run game led by Thomas Hammock, who would have been a serviceable back on Sundays had he not had a heart condition that ended his career. My Cousin wasn't too bad either, Leading the Mid-American Conference one season with 5 Interceptions and was mentioned as a player to watch out for in 2002 for the Nagurski Award.

The Huskies had started to win a few games here and there along the way, and once Vince graduated from NIU in '03, they had a blueprint to draw with for the future. Power running football with a solid defense that can make key stops and takeaways. They made a big jump and splash in 2003, beating Maryland at home in OT on regional TV, then beating ranked Alabama on the road (No easy task the last 20 years) and also beating Iowa State. It was weird to finally see NIU games on TV every other weekend and hear ESPN mention them in the polls and on broadcasts. They even cracked the bottom of this newfangled system they call the Bowl Championship Series for a week. Then they lost some conference games late and that was the end of it. The 2003 team went 10-2 and didn't even get invited to a bowl game. All of the hard work and dedication those men put in went for nought.

However, Under the leadership of Coach Joe Novak, this club kept winning and eventually made it into some mid-level bowl games. They were turning out some key players too such as Running Backs Garrett Wolfe and Michael Turner, both having good careers in the NFL. They hit a bump in the road and had a bad year in 2007 and Novak decided it was time for a change. He retired and the team signed long time successful coach at Southern Illinois, Jerry Kill.

J. Kill made a significant impact right off the bat in DeKalb. They made it to 3 straight bowl games and was now mentioned year after year in the Chicagoland area right along with the Northwestern's and Illinois's of the state. After dropping the 2010 MAC Title game, and 2 weeks before a bowl bid, Jerry Kill took off and left to go to Minnesota (Big mistake on his part and the Gophers part) and ended up signing coach Dave Doeren to head the team.

Doeren finally did what J.Kill couldn't and Joe Novak never could have imagined in 2 seasons. NIU finally won the MAC Championship Game last season, beating Ohio on a last second field goal. They finished 11-3 and won another bowl game. This season, with the arm and legs of QB Jordan Lynch, The Huskies, after dropping a close game against Iowa at Soldier Field, went on an absolute assault, crushing everyone the rest of their season, winning a second straight MAC Title, and because of how bad a ton of big schools were this year along with good programs facing bowl bans, The Dog finally got it's shot. Northern Illinois is about to play a meaningful New Year's Day Bowl Game versus a big conference school.

So while Kirk Herbstreit can be a conceited prick and think that this game is a "Joke" match-up, the System that he and so many of these brainless assholes in college football thinks works to pick a National Champion, is why NIU is in the Orange Bowl. But in reality, it's way more than that. It was the work of Tons of Players, Coaches and Staff from the last 15-16 seasons that made this happen. Guys who went un-noticed and never made a dent in any draft talks, Guys like Doug Free, Dan Sheldon, Vinson Renyolds, Steve Azar, Chandler Harnish, Benji Peacock, Chris Finlen, Marlon Rucker, Darrell Hill and Vince Thompson. Guys who weren't exactly Blue-Chip recruits or 1st Round Picks, but  men who played their hearts out and transformed a shitty football program at a western suburban college outside of Chicago, into a school that could change the landscape of midwestern football in the 21st Century. This bowl game is for those guys who worked and bled and made strides but never made it this far. And while my God-Uncle is no longer here on earth with us, I know he'll be looking down in Miami January 1st, wearing his Huskie fleece pullover, watching what none of us ever thought would happen back in 1997.

Grab Bag #16: Boxing, Booze and Broads. Yeah. I like that combo.

* This Saturday, Boxing Great Manny Pacquiao is facing Juan Manuel Marquez for the 4th time in their epic rivalry. This clash for modern boxing fans is our answer to the throwback slugfests of Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Duran or Arturo Gatti vs Mickey Ward. This will be a fight to watch. If you aren't into boxing, you should start watching with this fight. Or check out this cool video. And this video

* Holiday time is upon us, and you're probably gonna go home to see family or invite family over. And 9.9 out of 10 families are fucking crazy, Here's something to ease the insanity (maybe)

*Rangpur Rickey
- 2 Shots Tanqueray Rangpur (Lime) Gin
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 1/ 2 ounce simple syrup
- dash of Soda Water

Build in a rocks glass and serve with a Lime Wedge

*Johnnie Walker Black Label Neat
- 1 1/2 shots Johnnie Walker Black Label
Pour in a glass and serve with a side glass of water


*Baileys Spiced Cake Martini
2 Shots Bailey's Hazelnut
1 shot Smirnoff Iced Cake Vodka
1 sprinkle Nutmeg

Shake and strain into martini glass, sprinkle with nutmeg


*Speaking of wonderful and tastey things, (Send the kids out of the room) I always like to recap what I've done after I get through having sex. So last week, I was with this girl, running my usual routine and I realised some more observations:

1: I get the appeal of Doggy Style, but I'm not overly crazy about it. As a larger gentleman, either I have to get into this weird Victory / Tebowing pose or I have to just push her down like a ramp and it's  just not as fun as porn makes it out to be.

2. I use regular ribbed condoms, they work for their dual  purposes and feel nice, But I understand flavored condoms. It's weird when you're banging and then when you switch positions, you take a small break by going back down on her and you taste straight plastic

3. Smile! and Laugh! Sex is so much fun, why would you not laugh a little bit? I know whenever I'm having a great time, I'm all smiles and giggles.


*Hey wanna get me something for X-mas? This would be awesome!

Talk to ya later, Boneless Wings conclusion coming this weekend (Get Excited!)

Musical Stuff: Bands and Songs to Check Out

Here's some music I've been listening to lately

For those of you who like Pop-Punk like Paramore and VersaEmerge, Check out this Chicago band called Farraday.

Here's the video for "Put Me on the Next Plane"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vm0EcCELrEA

Another song that I heard recently that is now stuck in my head is "True Affection" by The Blow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyWoZD5xfM8

It's been around for a while, but I never knew who made it until recently 

One of my favorite rappers out right now is Kendrick Lamar, He murders this beat on his new album.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onTSVTLUOh0

I saw a new commercial for these new awful flavored vodkas created to get hot chicks drunk and I recognized the awesome voice in the song. It's the wonderfully talented, highly underrated Angela McClusky, the song is called "Sometimes" and it's not released yet, but, her new EP, "Lambeth Palace" is out. Here's a track from it called "Take Me Out Tonight": 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xak6KJmq6c8

A Rant: Thanksgiving in Black & White

So, Thursday is Thanksgiving, and for the 1st time, I will be cooking for the holiday as a result of staying in town and not flying home. I am grilling turkey breasts (because it's not blizzard like conditions yet) and I'm doing sweet potatoes and a corn dish that is a newer family tradition of mine.

Since Thanksgiving is a family holiday, many folks cook traditional fare related to their heritage of sorts. For example, I grew up with traditional southern black foods like Chit'lins (Chitterlings for you non-coloreds) and Collard greens as part of dinner. Lots of folks find that really weird (I do too. There's no real reason to choose to eat pig intestines, it made sense 200 years during slavery).

Upon looking up ideas for side dishes online, I noticed a lot of cranberry everything. I just find it funny no one gives a shit about cranberries outside of juice with vodka until this weekend, and then everyone and they mama wants to buy that damn can of cranberry sauce or make a cranberry chutney topping something. Then there's the, as I call them, "one-off" Vegetables. Shit like parsnips and brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Basically vegetables that you hear kids feeding to their dogs off the plate. Growing up, None of my friends ate any of this stuff for Thanksgiving. Mashed potatoes is a regular every day staple in most homes. (I grew up with baked potatoes) Macaroni and Cheese is a big thing in my family,  Sweet Potatoes are a yearly staple as well. Most of my (white) friends say they don't care for sweet potato pies or whipped sweet potatoes. And I realised, once I looked up other recipes, that some jackass back in the day thought adding marshmallows to them would be a great idea. Wrong. All you need is butter, sugar, nutmeg and some vanilla extract. That's it. No cinnamon, No whipped cream and No Fuckin Marshmallows!

And what is the obsession with Stuffing and Casserole? Nothing sounds worse than dry ass cornbread mixed with veggies shoved in a turkey's hole. And it's not much better shoved in a baking pan either. Green beans were ment to be either boiled or fried and salted, not thrown in an oven with cheese and canned onion peels (don't even get me started with those flavorless pieces of nothing)

Whatever you and your family chow down on this Thanksgiving, I wish you all a safe, fun, and tastey holiday weekend. Watch some football and for fuck's sake, No Marshmallows!

Grab Bag #15: Give Up Your Clothes, Drink in Lakeview and Recapping The Election

Hello, sorry for being gone so long. Been with family in Chicago.

* As you all know, Hurricane Sandy kicked the shit out of the northeast corridor a couple weeks ago (thoughts and prayers with all affected, especially any of my readers out there)
Of course the Red Cross is asking for your financial contributions, but these people have lost EVERYTHING. So one thing I have plenty to donate and I'm sure a lot of you do as well is Clothing.

I am donating clothes from here in Chicago, as well as when I get back to Minnesota. So I'm asking everyone to take the time and look in your closets and dressers and get out some of those shirts and pants and stuff you haven't worn in awhile and help some people out. I'm looking to see which organizations are taking donations straight to the Northeast area. I'm guessing either Red Cross or Salvation Army (Call your local location and ask)


* Being up here in Chicago for way too long For the last week+ I went to some bars over in the Lakeview area. One great spot located on the corner of Sheffield & Wellington called DMK Burger Bar, a Nebraska Cornhusker bar called Kirkwood Bar and an All-Ohio bar called Vaughan's Pub. I recommend visting all 3 of these spots if you are around the North Side of town.

* So, we have our President back in office. Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney to retain the title last night. Here are some key points from the election coverage I noticed:

- If you watched WGN in the Chicago area or WGN America last night after the victory was announced, Melanie Griffith was being interviewed and she dropped the F-bomb last night on live TV (she said she was Fucking Excited) few people caught it, @bakeanddestroy mentioned it on her Twitter and there doesn't seem to be any video of it online, but it happened.

- I don't watch a ton of financial television networks and especially haven't watched Bloomberg TV since it was a DirecTV only channel and I had a shitty H.S project involving Overseas Stocks (long story) but I watched most of the election coverage on here and I enjoyed hearing the financial aspect of  how the election would affect the nation.

...Did you really buy that above? hahahah, I watched and found my new television crush Trish Regan. With those green eyes and that whiskey-cigarette voice. I actually paid attention to most of whatever they were talking about.

- Wolf Blitzer didn't seem as racist as usual last night. Still not a fan. Asshole.

Ok, enough election talk. Have a good day. And don't forget, Barack still runs the military, if you want that beef

hiatus...

Over the last several months, I have been trying to work on building myself back within the local music scene. I had gone back to writing poetry and working on my compilation of basslines and poems, titled "BassPoetry" and I have also tried to start up or work with some new artists and projects in the area.

While I understand the task of starting up from scratch, I realised recently that my heart and motivation for music is no longer what it once was. After my stepping down from my old project, I realized that the amount of work that I have put into music over parts of nearly 14 years have never came close to being reciprocated. That goes the same for the artists in which I have managed.

At 23, I realise that while there is a lot of life left to live, time is running short as to building a career and a path for the future. So I am talking this time to announce my indefinite leave of absence from the world of music. While I know that being in one city doesn't mean a career can't be formed somewhere else, I know that if I can't keep motivated and find people fully dedicated to music in a city that is known for a so-called strong music scene, then it would be more of a headache to try and pull it off anywhere else.

I know a few people will be disappointed to hear this news, mostly my family, who never had the chance to see me perform live, for which I am truly sorry for. And to the people who I'm currently working with on a social media capacity, I do apologize for this sudden dismissal from my work, but I will work with you all to make the transition smooth and easy.

It is time for me to move into a new chapter of life, and sadly, peforming and recording music seems far away from that new chapter. Perhaps at some point in life, music will find it way back in on a perfomance level, but I have other things I need to work on in the coming months.

In closing, I would like to thank every single person who has ever heard me perform live or in recording, all of you who have supported me in my 14 years of playing music, you mean the world to me and I thank you so much for enjoying the ride.

Alex B. Smith

Obvious Relationship Advice for the Oblivious

People have always come to me for different types of advice, but I was always stunned with people would ask me about advice with relationship and dating. People who know me well have heard of my string of luck in that department but yet people still ask me.

Well some shit that I've seen and have been involved with I can tell you about, but this shit is so damn obvious, that honestly, you should already see this if you are paying attention.

Situation #1 involves people I know from out of town. A guy I know (We'll call him Boyfriend for chart purposes) is dating a lady (Girlfriend) in which they work together (hardly ever a good thing to begin with). However, it's quite clear that the said lady really  likes another dude (Gentleman) who is also a co-worker at their office. It's now to the point of where when they all hang out after work, Girlfriend has a few too many and starts hitting on Gentleman, which rightfully pisses off Boyfriend, but Boyfriend gets mad at Gentleman instead of Girlfriend. 2 weeks ago, Gentleman and Girlfriend hang  out together at a bar. (Keep in mind, despite all of the flirting, Gentleman has Not slept with Girlfriend, which explains his chart name) Boyfriend gets furious and blows up Girlfriend's phone, which she isn't answering, eventually leaving Boyfriend to find Girlfriend at another mutual friend's house, where she was staying because she was too drunk to drive. Gentleman had left for the evening (avoiding the confrontation, he nearly fought Boyfriend at their job a month earlier) Boyfriend eventually picks up Girlfriend and they argue all the way home.

Advice For Boyfriend: It's pretty fucking clear that for your girlfriend to be hitting on another man that you work with and consider somewhat a friend, she obviously doesn't care about you as a boyfriend. And instead of getting pissed at Gentleman (Who could have become Asshole by fucking your GF) you should probably dump your Girlfriend.

Advice For Girlfriend: You need to get your shit together and fucking figure out who you really care about and want to be with. You are being rude to your boyfriend and dragging along Gentleman isn't cool, especially when he's being nice to you and as courteous as possible to Boyfriend.

Advice For Gentleman: You've done a nice job with the circumstance. Me, I'm an asshole and I would have banged Girlfriend's brains out, but you kept it classy. Personally, I would dodge this whole shitstorm and not bother with either one of them outside of work.


Situation #2 involves a Guy (Boyfriend) a Girl (Girlfriend) and an asshole (Asshole or Ass for short)
Boyfriend and Girlfriend have been dating for a little bit, and Girlfriend moves in recently. First weekend she's in town, she meets Asshole and they become friends. Asshole at first doesn't know that Girlfriend has said title. He however does find out upon meeting Boyfriend and now he becomes an Ass. Boyfriend has made it very clear that he is a jealous and passive person and now Asshole smells blood. He keeps texting Girlfriend, who is oblivious to the fact that Ass is hitting on her. Asshole goes out to the bars with both BF and GF and basically plays what I like to call Two-Way Flirting. He goes on the offensive by making contact with Girlfriend every chance he can and plays defense by keeping Boyfriend at bay (usually with friendly conversation and alcohol) In fact, Asshole had a perfect opportunity to be a real dick when he had Girlfriend at his spot drunk and Boyfriend was upset about it and nearly left her there in a fit of rage. However, Asshole isn't trying to be Creeper, he actually likes Girlfriend and so he pumped the brakes at that point. One night un-related, Boyfriend and Girlfriend have an argument which leads to a break-up (temporary one at that but still) Asshole hears this news and basically alters his style to a more classic approach. However, before Asshole has a chance to be more legit about the situation, they get back together. Eventually Asshole starts to feel bad and he talks to Girlfriend about what he's been doing, she's upset about it and tries to get past it and wants to just be friends with Asshole.

Advice For Boyfriend: You need to man the fuck up and realise when someone is macking on your girl. While Asshole didn't succeed, one day, another dude just might step up and say/do the right shit to steal her off your arm. You never even called out Asshole or try to fight Asshole or anything. It's not robbing the safe in the bank if you leave the keys on the table. Your girlfriend probably deserves better, like a dude who will pay attention to her and not just flip out like a 5 year old girl. Be lucky Girlfriend loves you and is still with you. Don't get mad. Do better.

Advice for Girlfriend: You kept everything honest with everyone, which is what you were supposed to do. I would say just be a little more attentive to guys who come around you in the future. And probably you should ask yourself, How attentive is my Boyfriend, and why didn't he do anything if he realised what Asshole was doing. Not to get all medieval or anything but shouldn't boyfriends try to protect their girlfriends?

Advice for Asshole: You walked into a trap of sorts at the beginning, the classic "You can't tell if they are really seriously dating or not" But once you found out what was up, something bad snapped in you. It happens. Like I said to Boyfriend, it's nor robbery if you leave the safe keys on the table, you took a  long shot bet on a woman you liked and it failed. Dust yourself off and try someone else and don't be an asshole like that. Go search for single women (MUCH Easier said than done, but you can't go buying cars out of people's garages)


So yeah, that's my Obvious advice for now. If anyone else has any situations or stories they want to e-mail to me and I can review them with my advice, send it to me at courtsideseatstohell@gmail.com

Are Sports Fans Becoming Too Sensitive??

Now, In previous posts, I have talked about the sensitivity of people in life, mostly with the modern and future generations and how they have been raised. But now, I'm asking this question to the sports fans of the world. Are fans becoming too sensitive?

Recently, there were fan incidents in Atlanta (Braves bad call leading to garbage being thrown on the field) and Kansas City (Chiefs fans booing/cheering QB Matt Cassel when injured) and the Refgate Response from Green Bay (Packers whining about that call, threatening to riot allegedly)

Then, There's West Virginia.

Let it be known that I do not like the Mountaineers. I always lose money when I bet on or against them, their uniforms are ugly and I don't really care for that region personally (Ohio Valley) and I have a good friend from H.S. who attends WVU and while I know he's a good person, not much can be said for a lot of the other students based on the numerous reports I hear from writers and sports personalities and other fans who have been there and heard tons of degrading comments, racist comments and other general rude showings that they use to create their home field advantage.

2 weekends ago, WVU pulled out an exciting 48-45 win over Big 12 opponent Texas down in Austin. Back in Morgantown, Mountaineer kids started to light couches on fire, flip cars, toss garbage, the whole nine riot yards. I've never understood this behavior in any capacity, but especially during a Win? What is burning your cheap dorm furniture going to prove to anyone, other than you not having a place to pass out on next weekend?

Last week, the Mountaineer express, led by Heisman Hopeful QB Geno Smith, came to a screeching halt at the unlikely hands of Texas Tech, pretty much putting a dent into their hopes of a B(C)S Title Game. I haven't heard of any of the same violent rioting news after this crushing loss, but one can only assume some minor incidents took place.

Now this weekend, Top 5 and legit Title contender Kansas State strolls into Morgantown for what was already going to be an interesting game to watch on the field, but now might be something to witness around the stadium as well. This week, a fan forum (www.goEMAW.com) has come, if not under fire, but under the spotlight over a series of posts regarding comments over this week's matchup. A lot of different things were said, mostly joking about West Virginia's rural location, stereotypical "Drunken Meth-headed Toothless Cousin-Fuckin' Hillbilles" type of chatter that is purely satirical and to me personally, quite entertaining to read. Apparently, word got around to some WVU fans that their team was being trashed-talked on an opponent's forum (OOOH What a fucking shocker!) and they went in for blood. People lined the forum with threats of violence, attacks against a former prominent member of the board who tragically passed from cancer, and one lady even went so far as to string together quotes from the thread and write a Cease & Desist style letter to the Head of the NCAA. Let me repeat that, The HEAD of The NCAA!

How can a big, bad, rowdy group of proud Mountaineer fans go from burning couches and claiming titles one weekend to getting angry (or Butthurt, as so many on the forum claimed) about trash talk that  honestly isn't even new or clever or really hurtful (unless you are one of the above mentioned stereotypes, in which case it's true).

People don't seem to understand trash-talk anymore in sports. The whole thing is to get into someone's head so that the goal at hand isn't as easy to achieve. Gregg Williams said it best, "A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on victory." That same mentality is active with fans just as it is players. All the time you hear road teams say we want to take the crowd out of the game. They matter just as much as the players on the field do. So with that being said, trash talk is fine and necessary for sports. It's when people want to start taking the shit that is being said personally and then things get out of line.

The passion and camaraderie of College Football is what makes it such a special and wonderful event. and people show their passion for the game and want to brag about their team and want to get their boys (and girls Title IX) fired up for the game. Taking a comment said on an opponent's fan forum so hard that you write the top suit of a top sports organization? Guess what, WVU fan who wrote that, I'm sure that the NCAA head did This with the print-out of your letter. There are over 100 Division 1-A (because I refuse to call 1-AA anything different) schools who play football, and probably have fan forum with the same kind of shit talk and chatter. Is it childish? Slightly. Are people living and dying from it, More than likely, No.

Which brings me to my next point of the fact that I am hearing that Police in Morgantown are going to be on super high alert, not just for the couch-burning, but to make sure the safety of the Kansas State fans won't be compromised. Really? I'm all for going to an opposing venue to support my teams, and I get that if you talk shit to the wrong people or cross the line at a game, you may get dealt with outside afterwards. But that's only fine if you Cross The Line. I feel that people who aren't even involved with this whole back-and-forth mess, simple casual fans making a trip to a stadium, are going to be overly harassed and possibly injured because of the harshness of this "kerfuffle" (someone else's term, not mine)

People want to slam Soccer supporters in England for their violent behavior in matches, but like everything in life there is a code that is followed. If you wanna have a good old fashioned smack-talk session and just leave it between the game, that's all fine and dandy. And if you want to take it to another level and push it to an engagement of fisticuffs, there's a group or two who will happily oblige to that as well. But when you have casual fans and families around, those are people to leave alone and let them watch the game. I understand this concept, being in all three groups at some point in time as a sports fan. Everyone has to know their stance and respect that.

In closing, my family taught me to take shit just as well as you can dish it out. And I think some fans around the nation, not just Morgantown, aren't getting that memo. Suck It Up! (and accept this ass-whuppin Colin Klein and the Wildcats are gonna give ya Saturday night)

Grab Bag #14: Fall Time Drinks, Home Shopping Hilarity and some Food Porn (the good kind)

* So, one thing I like to do year-round is change up what I'm drinking. Here are 3 tasty beverages to sip on while it starts to get cooler outside:

Boulevard

2 oz rye whiskey (I like Bulleit Rye)
1/2 oz Grand Marnier® orange liqueur
1/2 oz dry vermouth

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with flamed orange peel, and serve

Cider Punch

1 1/2 qt hard cider
4 oz Drambuie® Scotch whisky
4 oz dry sherry
2 oz lemon juice
8 oz club soda
3 cored, thinly sliced apples
1 tspgrated nutmeg

Place the cider, Drambuie, sherry, lemon juice and club soda into a large punch bowl, and stir well. Add a large block of ice, then add the slices of apple. Sprinkle nutmeg across the top, and serve. Makes 18 (6-ounce) punch cups.

Bourbon Blackhawk

2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 oz sloe gin
1 maraschino cherry

In a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes, combine the bourbon and sloe gin. Stir and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the cherry.

* Have you guys seen this shit? a lady selling some crap on QVC apparently faints on Live TV and her co-host just keeps talking and selling whatever crap they were getting rid of. Video of it HERE

This is right up there with some of the best home shopping bloopers of all time, like these
Retro Ladder Fail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhMfzc9RbU

Sword Fail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2EQWCpnIR8

Another Ladder Fail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC70vdm4Al0

* Today, I bought myself and my mom a ton of quality meat and seafood from Omaha Steaks. Their Website is basically a hardcore food porn site for carnivores

The One and Only Post I'll Ever Write About The WNBA, I Promise

Ok, so one event you didn't notice happening this week unless you are a degenerate gambler (cough, cough) or you have a family member involved is the start of the WNBA Playoffs. Now, I can't call myself a fan of this league. I was pissed at the lame name choice of the Chicago Sky, and even more upset that we ended up with Denver Nuggets colors. The lack of dunking from women taller than me is absurd. The amount of passing in a play reminds me of 4th grade "Everyone Touch The Ball" rules. This league needs fixing to become credible.

Of all the criticism these women get, the harshest (and unfortunately, the most truthful) is that most of them aren't exactly runway models in the visual department. While that is an unfair balance, considering you're seeing them in full game action (where looks mean jackshit) there actually are some good looking women in the league. Here's my list of 5 WNBA Players I'd Watch:

1. Lauren Jackson (Center - Seattle Storm)

They call her the "Thunder from Down Under", and I could go off on a tangent that would be classless even for Courtside Seats to Hell standards. But this Aussie beauty has been tearing up the court on the pro ranks since she was 16. With 2 WNBA Titles, 3 MVP Trophies and a host of records under her belt, L. J. has mad skills on the court. This is one tall glass of water I would gulp down anyday of the week (Did I mention she's 6'5")

2. Sammy Prahalis (Guard - Phoenix Mercury)

One of those random winter nights when I'm drunk at home flipping through channels at night, I remember stopping on ESPN2 and seeing this short, raven-haired chick raining 3's like it was NBA Jam Tournament Edition. Upon further review (Google search) I learned about Miss Samantha Prahalis, then Ohio State guard, who at the time was dating Buckeye Stud turned mediocre NBA body Evan Turner. Nowadays, Sammy is hooping in the Desert with the Phoenix Mercury.

3. Leilani Mitchell (Guard - New York Liberty)

OK, I'm gonna be flat out honest with you guys, I didn't learn about her until researching this topic 30 minutes before typing this, but I'm really upset that the Liberty just got swept out of the playoffs now after seeing her. This Australian-Indian-Filipino blend of beauty led the WNBA in 3-Point Percentage one season, and according to Wikipedia, "She developed a strong fan following and a reputation for fearlessness in grabbing loose balls and occasionally driving to the basket." I'd gladly take a charge in the paint from her.

4. Brittany Jackson (Guard - Atlanta Dream)

Another player I'd never heard of but will be keeping my eyes on, Miss Jackson is shooting from beyond the arc down in the ATL after playing 4 years under the Legendary Pat Summit. She also doubles time as a model. I would type more but I'm too busy browsing her photos

5. Candice Parker (Forward - Los Angeles Sparks)

Miss Parker is one of the few ladies in the WNBA to successfully complete a dunk in a game. That alone is worth watching, but she's quite the looker as well. Married to Brooklyn Net Sheldon Williams, this Chicago-Born gal grew up idolizing Ron Harper (who looked more like a WNBA player late in his career)

So there you have it, basically the Starting 5 I would run out if I had the revenue-sucking task of operating a WNBA franchise. I don't even know how in the fuck I was able to spend nearly an hour of life talking about Women's Hoops. This only solidifies the fact that I am a sports junkie and that I should look for another dayjob that takes up more time of my life.

The funniest part of it all is that this started as a Facebook post about how women look better than men in basketball jerseys, Unless said man is actually playing basketball. To see grown (and usually overweight) men wearing basketball jerseys in the stands just screams Inferiority Complex to me. I think of Steve Brady from Sex and the City, trying for hours to hit a half-court shot at a ballyard in the park while wearing a practice reversable. If you are 13 or younger, walking around with your favorite NBA or NCAA team's jersey is cool and acceptable, but once you hit high school, that better be your name and number on the back of that shit.

One more great tidbit, I know every WNBA team name, even the ones who dont exist anymore (R.I.P Charlotte Sting & Cleveland Rockers)

Reciever Wins Jumpball, Every Time.

Ok, normally, I won't do game reviews on this blog, but due to the overwhelming response from Twitter and Facebook, I will give you my two cents on last night's Packers-Seahawks ending and the Replacement Refs in the NFL..

Unless you live under a rock or you are too busy (I.E. Lame, Un-American) to follow what's going on in the National Football League, the normal referees are on strike, bitching about not being paid enough (NFL owners are assholes) and so the current replacement refs are from Small College divisions, Top High School states, and even that kinda-hot, kinda-shitty Lingerie Football League

That being said, they are missing a shit ton of calls in the first 3 weeks of the season. They aren't used ot the pace of the league and I knew more about the NFL rulebook when I was 6 then most of these Foot Locker employees know now on the field.

Cut to last night's Monday Night Football match-up between the Green Bay Packers (suck) and the Seattle Seahawks (really shitty team). Seattle wins 14-12 on a Hail Mary Pass by Russell Wilson completed to wideout Golden Tate. What comes down as jumpball, the pass is caught by both Tate and   Packers Cornerback M.D Jennings, and insanity ensues:

After the game, Millions of Packer fans and Packer bettors and people who think they know football wIn Monday's game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, Seattle faced a 4th-and-10 from the Green Bay 24 with eight seconds remaining in the game.


This is the Official Statement From The NFL (anyone who was with me at Wild Tymes last night heard me say the exact same thing damn near word-for-word)


Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a pass into the end zone. Several players, including Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate and Green Bay safety M.D. Jennings, jumped into the air in an attempt to catch the ball. 

While the ball is in the air, Tate can be seen shoving Green Bay cornerback Sam Shields to the ground. This should have been a penalty for offensive pass interference, which would have ended the game. It was not called and is not reviewable in instant replay. 

When the players hit the ground in the end zone, the officials determined that both Tate and Jennings had possession of the ball. Under the rule for simultaneous catch, the ball belongs to Tate, the offensive player. The result of the play was a touchdown. 

Replay Official Howard Slavin stopped the game for an instant replay review. The aspects of the play that were reviewable included if the ball hit the ground and who had possession of the ball. In the end zone, a ruling of a simultaneous catch is reviewable. That is not the case in the field of play, only in the end zone. 

Referee Wayne Elliott determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the call on the field, and as a result, the on-field ruling of touchdown stood. The NFL Officiating Department reviewed the video today and supports the decision not to overturn the on-field ruling following the instant replay review. 

The result of the game is final. 

Applicable rules to the play are as follows: 

A player (or players) jumping in the air has not legally gained possession of the ball until he satisfies the elements of a catch listed here. 

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3 of the NFL Rule Book defines a catch: 

A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) if a player, who is inbounds: 

(a) secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and 

(b) touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and 

(c) maintains control of the ball long enough, after (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, to enable him to perform any act common to the game (i.e., maintaining control long enough to pitch it, pass it, advance with it, or avoid or ward off an opponent, etc.). 

When a player (or players) is going to the ground in the attempt to catch a pass, Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 states: 

Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete. 

Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states: 

Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.ent to the Facebook and the Twitter and said, "That was an interception, what a fucking garbage call, dumb fake refs!"


What the Real Missed call here is Tate Pushing down Green Bay safety Sam Shields, which should have been offensive pass interference, leading to a 15 yard backpedal, which would have probably ended the game 12-7 Packers final.

But the deal is, from the 4 camera angles repeated Ad Nauseam on ESPN, 2 angles show the interference, 2 don't. The regular officials wouldn't have made a difference here. They only have one set of eyes per person and could have missed that call just as well. Instant Replay, you ask? Can't challenge the ruling of a penalty.

So while I agree with everyone about how bad these crackerjack referees are, I don't want to hear anything else about "It was an interception" because it wasn't. If you want to be mad about something, get mad about the Packer O-Line letting Aaron Rodgers lay on his back the whole first half, or the fact that they don't have a decent run game

For the record, I bet the Under in this game. #Winning.

Grab Bag #13: Lots of Stuff

Sorry that's it's been so long since I've posted on here (with the exception of my College Football Polls)

I have been busy struggling with losing my bets and out drinking, as usual. But there has been lots going on, so let's catch up right quick:

* I'm getting my feet back into the door in the world of music, I am working with some musicians on a blues project here in St. Paul and also doing some session gigs as well. This comes in perfect timing with me about to buy a new Bass Guitar this month. I will keep you guys posted on any shows I ever do right here on the blog.

* I don't know how me or my friends or anyone who likes real fuckin Rap missed this last Killer Mike album, "R.A.P".  This has to be one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. My favorite track right now is "Untitled" but you can listen to the entire album HERE

*Coming up soon will be my 2012 Election Preview. It's one of two times I will talk about the Race for President. Remember this Isn't CNN or Fox News, but keep an eye out for it within the next month.

* Fall is officially here in town, weather-wise. Time to turn off the A.C and dry clean those comforters. Here's a Whiskey to try out and I'll leave you with an awesome recipe for one of my favorite cold-weather dishes, and the closest thing to soup that I'll ever eat, Chili!



Total recipe time: 2-2-3/4 hours
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds Ground Round
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Paprika
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small bag of yellow and white corn
1 medium jalapeño pepper, minced (with seeds)
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) chili-seasoned diced tomatoes

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown 1/2 of beef; remove from stockpot. Repeat with remaining beef. Remove beef from stockpot. Season with salt, pepper and paprika, as desired. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil, onion and jalapeño pepper to stockpot. Cook and stir 5 to 8 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Return beef and juices to stockpot. Add tomatoes and corn; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hours or until beef is fork-tender.

Never Forget...

11 Years ago on a Tuesday, our lives were changed forever. I just want to thank all of the men and women in the military, firefighters, medical staff and police of this nation, who take on the tasks of keeping all of us safe. And thoughts are with those who perished on that terrible day in New York. #neverforget #9-11-01


If You Know A Soldier, Or Even See One Out Today at a Bar or Restaraunt, Buy that Man or Woman a Drink. Cheers those who make our lives what they are today. For me to even be able to write this blog you are reading, people sacrificed everything to protect us and our nation. Never Take That For Granted!