In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm rating the traditional food 1 to 10. I'm an extremely picky eater, so my eating habits are a bit unconventional.
10. Yams. sick.
9. Cranberry sauce. It is a strong belief of mine that all berry's should be left in-tacked. No jams. No sauces. Especially when it comes from a can.
8. Turkey. I hate turkey. Come to think of it I'm not a fan of eating any type of bird. Chicken, turkey, duck, and pheasant are all unappetizing. It's to dry and only once in a great while does it taste even remotely good.
7. Gravy. Gravy's only one step up from turkey because I only eat the two together and I only do this when I have to. Just like turkey, gravy can be made very well or it can turn out like a totally disaster.
6. Rolls. Does this really need to be explained? Who doesn't like rolls?
5. Vegetables. Corn, green beans, carrots, or squash, whatever tickles your fantasy, they're all good.
4. Pecan pie. This was my Thanksgiving desert of choice until I warmed up to #3.
3. Pumpkin pie. The one task my dad has on Thanksgiving is to make the pies. He's the "pie man." Since I was the oldest out of my sisters I always helped him out. I always helped him but I never actually ate what we made. It looked gross. After 21 years of having a piece set in front of me by him I finally started to like it. Now, I'm obsessed.
2. Stuffing. The only downside to this food is that it was in #8.
1. Mashed potatoes. 100% hands down this is my favorite Thanksgiving food. I love carbs, so its no surprise that this is my top choice. I like mine with a dollop of butter and some salt and pepper. Mashed is my favorite style of potato, proceeding baked and French fried.
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17th, 2008 - Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
November 12, 2008 - Flip-flops and bikinis…the basketball essentials
Everyday for three months I played basketball. It wasn't in a gym or in the park or even on a court for that matter. It was in my backyard.
It was the summer after everyone had got their drivers licenses. I'd already totaled my car, so I always had to call up my best friend Megan to come over and hang out. 
We'd grown up together; first grade school, then middle school and finally high school. In the summers we played on the same club basketball team.
She'd pull up in her mom's purple minivan with Nelly blasting from the open windows. I had a pool in my backyard, so the first thing we'd do is get in our bikinis and hop in. We'd get cool and do all those dumb water games like Marco polo and handstand contests.
After awhile we'd get out, slip on our flip-flops and head for my cul-de-sac. My dad had put a basketball hoop at one end of it just barely touching the grass. The only line we used was stick we'd taped down to the ground about where the free-throw line should be.
Meg and I would play for hours. One-on-one. Horse. Round the world. When we'd get hot we'd jump in the pool for a few minutes, get back out and play again. It was a blast. We did it everyday.
She plays in college now at a small D-3 school in Wisconsin. When I called her up to ask her what her favorite memory of the sport was, her answer surprised me. It wasn’t winning the only conference championship ever in our high school's history. It wasn’t becoming a captain as a junior. It wasn’t even getting a scholarship to play ball. Her best memory was our summer one-on-one's. Our flip-flops and bikinis.
Monday, November 10, 2008
November 11, 2008 - Glog - Iowa vs. Penn State
Penn State vs. Iowa
I’m currently in Green Bay for the Wisconsin State volleyball tournament, so unfortunately I can’t make the Penn State vs. Iowa game. It’s been the most talked about event for the past couple weeks and frankly it sucks that I’m missing it.
I DVR’d the game, so I can watch it on Monday when I get back.
So without further ado here is: Penn State vs. Iowa.
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It’s almost like a fairy tale that Joe Pa is finally getting an underdog season after so long.
According the announcer “the fur and feathers [are] set to fly.”
On second thought. I’m kind of glad I’m not there. To cold.
Bob Griese and Brad Nessler are the announcers. Both are looking snazzy in black trenches. They look like FBI agents.
Joe Pa is coaching from the box for the fifth week in a row.
The Sling Box commercial is hilariously funny. The Dr. Pepper one, not so much.
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First Quarter
15:00 – Kickoff. It’s so windy that they have to hold the ball on the tee.
14:56 – Clark get’s leveled on the first play and then again on the second. Both passes are incomplete. It’s a good start for the Hawks.
14:42 – The third play of the game and Penn State fumbles...maybe. It’s being reviewed.
After review: 4th down Penn State. Punting out of the end zone. This should be interesting.
14:29 –Mitch King needs to cut his hair. It makes me want to grow my hair out again.
14:05 – Touchdown Iowa!!!! It only took three plays to shut down Penn State and then only two Greene running downs for Iowa to score.
Hold on. The fire alarm is going off. Be right back.
Sorry. To many candles.
13:03 – Evan Royster runs for Penn State’s first first down. They should take a cue from Iowa and run it more often. The wind is too strong (gusts up to 30 miles per hour) to throw.
12:14 – “Iowa is home cookin’ with Shawn Greene.”
11:12 – Penn State gets another first down. Once again it was done by Royster‘s running.
10:10 – Second and 2. Derrick Williams makes a reception for the first down. Penn State’s on the 38 yard line in Iowa territory.
They’re showing King getting his team pumped up before the game.
8:19 – Second and 10. Royster runs it again to the 19. He’s now rushed for 1,000 yards this season.
8:05 - Third and 4 Penn State. This is big. First down Penn State. They ran it again. Penn State is now in the red zone where they’re 44/47.
6:33 – Clayborn hits the runner in the backfield. It’s now Third and goal Penn State.
5:40 – The pass into the end zone is incomplete but there’s a flag on the pay. Pass interference Iowa. The ball is now on Iowa’s 2-yard line.
4:47 – Third and goal. Royster is hit in the backfield again. The most important three plays yet for Iowa and they come up big on all of them. Penn State will kick the field goal.
4:11 - Iowa 7 Penn State 3
Who would have thought that Ronald Reagan ate at the Hamburg Inn? Not me. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. President Bush came to my hometown in Wisconsin and went to the small candy shop there. It was a huge deal. Tons of secret service everywhere.
4:06 - O’Meara takes the kickoff out to the Iowa 39.
3:27 – Greene runs the ball on Second and 2. He didn’t gain anything.
2:40 – Stanzi throws the ball out of bounds after some pressure from the Penn State defense. Iowa’s forced to punt
Commercial time – I like Michael Phelps but he’s getting a bit old. How many advertisements is he doing?
2:38 – Donahue just kicked it into the crowd. It’s spotted at the 25-yard line of Penn State.
2:04 – Penn State has 7 first downs to Iowa’s 2 today. William’s has really become the work horse for Penn State’s running game.
1:23 – Second and 4. Royster runs for another first down.
00:12 – Williams runs for a Penn State first down to end the quarter. Iowa is still leading 7 to 3.
If I see this Dr. Pepper commercial one more time I’m going to scream.
Second Quarter
14:57 – Clark ran it for the first down. Nice start for Penn State.
It seems a bit unfair that Iowa gets little sideline heaters and Penn State doesn’t. The advantage of being the home team.
13:45 – Clark completes a pass to Butler for a Penn State first down. The ball’s now on Iowa’s 15-yard line.
13:12 – Incomplete pass but there’s a holding penalty on Fletcher. First down for Penn State again.
12:36 – Touchdown Penn State!!! Royster ran it in for the score to take the lead. They kick the extra point for the lead.
Penn State 10 Iowa 7
12:27 – Hampton runs the kick back to the 31-yard line of Iowa territory.
12:15 – I suck at the Aflac Trivia questions. I never get them. Never even close.
11:29 – Nice blocking by the Iowa line. Greene has huge holes to run through. The running game is going to need to stay as good as it has been all season to win this game.
10:00 - Greene runs it out to the 39-yard line to make it third and 2.
9:45 – A defensive lineman for Penn State slaps the ball out of Stanzi’s hands. The quarterback jumps on top of it, but it’s now fourth and 4 for Iowa. They’ll have to kick.
9:06 – Penn State works it to their 10-yard line.
8:26 – Royster makes picks up another first down.
7:05 – Clark competes a pass to Williams. He’s all over the place. Running. Catching. The guy seems like he’s almost unstoppable.
Nile Kinnick is the answer to the Aflac trivia question. Who would’ve known?
5:51 – Clark scrambles yet again. He’s had a lot of pressure on him today. Iowa is doing a really nice job of keeping him on his toes and disrupting the passing plays.
4:45 – Clark throws it away again to make it second and 10.
4:09 – Penn State has ran 30 rushing plays and only 11 passing. The play calling is paying off for them.
3:27 – Clark completes a first down pass. Another long drive by Penn State has again ended up deep in Iowa territory.
3:00 - Clark completes another pass. He had all day. Happy feet. Happy feet.
1:42 – Royster is tackled by Edds short of the first down. Holding on the Nittany Lions. It’s now second and 19.
1:13 – Clark has immense pressure and is force to through it away. King is all up in Clark’s grill.
1:00 – It’s fourth and 10. Penn State will attempt a field goal from the 31-yard line. It’s good.
Penn State 13 Iowa 7
00:51 – Timeout Iowa. Great more commericals.
Iowa’s fans look just as I suspected. They’re a weird mix of green and black. This would be the result of two unsuccessful attempts to get everyone to dress in the same color. Green representing Iowa running back Shawn Greene. Black to rival Penn State’s famed white out. Neither one worked to well.
0028: Iowa’s going for it. Stanzi completes a pass to make it a first down near the Iowa 50-yard line. Now there’s a timeout.
00:15 – Stanzi’s pass is tipped away from the Iowa receiver. It’s now second and 10.
00:11 – Koulianos catches Stanzi’s pass to put the ball in Penn State territory.
00:04 – Instead of Murray kicking the field goal, Iowa opts for a passing play. The quarter ends in a Stanzi sack.
At the end of the first half it’s: Penn State 13 Iowa 7
I’m going to get some pizza from the kitchen. Yumm. Maybe I’ll run down to the gas station and get a diet coke. Diet Coke’s the only think in this world that I truly need. It’s an addiction and it’s been going on for some year now.
Fast-forward to the second half. Here we go:
Third Quarter
15:00 – Hampton is brought down around the 20-yard line of Iowa.
14:51 – Brodell makes the catch at the 24-yard line to make it second and 4.
13:51 - Penn State has completely dominated the time of possession so far. 23:30 minutes to 6:30 minutes. Wow. This has allowed for 47 Penn State plays and only 15 Iowa ones. You’d think we’d see more of difference in the score looking at those stats.
13:30 – Iowa picks up a first down.
13:05 – Stanzi just though an interception. He was aiming for a one black jersey in a sea of white. It’s Penn State ball on the 30 of Penn State.
12: 59 – 17-yard pickup by Penn State. It looks like they’re going to drive it down just like they did in the first half.
11:58 – Second and 9. Royster is hit in the backfield yet again by Mitch King. He’s small but quick.
11:11 – Clark gets a pass off, but it’s short of the first down. It’s forth and 6.
10:35 – Penn State kick’s the field goal to make it 16 to 7.
I wonder who invented DVR. I mean it’s really quite amazing. My parents just got it for their tv. They love it. My mom would marry the guy who invented it.
They just showed the kicker hiding between a bunch of tv equipment trying to get out of the wind. He’s all wrapped up in a blanket and parka looking thing. Haha. I’d be right there next to him.
10:16 – The kick return gets out to about the 30-yard line of Iowa.
9:34 – Greene’s run’s get a few yards, but not enough for a first down. Penn State has really done a nice job of containing him today. He hasn’t been as big of a presence as he normally is.
8:47 – Stanzi throws for another first down. It’s a pick up of 9. Stanzi had a lot of open room to throw due to the rush.
8:31 – Stanzi makes a big throw to Stross to move it to the 39 yard line of Penn State.
7:47 – Greene runs it for 7 yards. Iowa’s gaining a lot of momentum. This is Iowa’s longest drive with 6 plays.
7:14 - Maybin comes in for Penn State to stop Greene in the backfield.
6:28 - Koulianos catches for another first down.
5:41 – Stanzi’s throw is almost intercepted by Sargent. That would have been an absolute heartbreaker for Iowa.
Josh Gaines for Penn State rolled his ankle a couple plays ago and is now trying to loosen it up on the sidelines.
4:55 – Third down and long. Stanzi goes deep to Koulainos for the….TOUCHDOWN!!! He was wide open. He just walked right into the end zone. The extra point is good. The gap is now narrowed to make it Penn State 16, Iowa 14.
That touchdown was huge. This drive was a huge momentum switch from Penn State to Iowa.
4:39 – Clark’s throw is dropped to make it second and 10.
4:02 – Third and 6 on the Penn State 40. Clark is almost sacked, but he throws it as he’s going down and Iowa’s King almost gets an interception.
3:37 – The Penn State punt ends up at the Iowa 16.
3:33 – Greene picks up 5 yards.
2:57 – Iowa rushes Greene again, who gets a first down. The momentum has really changed to Iowa. The fans are all pumped up. It’s so loud in there.
2:27 – Iowa fumbles it and Penn State recovers. There’s a flag on the play. It’s on Iowa. That’s a huge blow to Iowa. Now Penn State has it in Iowa territory.
2:19 – Royster runs it within the 20-yard line. He run’s it again for the first down.
1:16 – Royster again. Penn State’s now on the 9-yard line.
00:35 – TOUCHDOWN by Williams. He had a huge hole to run through and it’s all because both Williams and Royster have been running so well today. Either one could have gotten the ball. It’s now 23 to 14 Penn State.
Bathroom break.
00:29 – After the kick Greene gets the handoff to make it second and 7.
It’s freezing in my apartment. I feel like I’m actually at the game. I’m wearing two pairs of socks, sweatpants and a sweatshirt. On top of that I’m wrapped in a blanket like the Penn State kicker. Apparently my roommates don’t believe in turning the heat on. To expensive. I mean once it drops blow 30 it’s gotta stop. I’m pretty sure that’s when hypothermia sets in.
Fourth quarter
14:51 – Moeaki runs it for Iowa. That’s a name I haven’t heard tonight. He got a first down.
14:20 – Back to Greene. He gets a gain of 3.
13:34 – It’s now fourth and 7. Iowa will be punting after two incomplete passes.
13:23 – The punt takes a nice Iowa roll deep into Penn State territory.
OMG this thing is long. If you are saintly enough to get though this I’ll bring you a cookie on Thursday. ☺
13:17 – Royster is stopped for little game.
Some Iowa student is wearing a Gang Greene t-shirt. That’s attractive.
12:35 – Clark goes deep to Norwood but it’s tipped up and incomplete.
12:27 – Penn State kicker Boone doesn’t get off a very good kick. It ends up at the Penn State 45-yard line.
11:42 – Greene gets nowhere once again. Godric from Penn State has been on him like white on rice all day.
10:56 – Stanzi completes it to tight end Brandon Myers for the first down. The tight ends have been virtually non-existent today.
9:49 – Greene has a great run to make it first and goal for Iowa.
9:48 – Greene runs it again and gets in for the touchdown!!! He doesn’t look like he’s in the best shape though after the points. He’s a little shaken up.
It’s now Penn State 23 Iowa 21. It’s a ballgame folks.
9:20 – Iowa’s kick is returned to the 26-yard line of Penn State.
9:14 – Royster only picks up three. Penn State is going to need to pick up some more points to seal the deal.
8:32 – Royster’s run is just short of the first down. It’s third and 1.
7:49 – Royster tries to run it again, but he’s stuffed at the line. With the clock running down and the crowd as loud as it can get, everything was going against Penn State.
6:58 – On the punt, Sandeman from Iowa got a piece for the kicker. It’s a roughing the passer foul to give the ball back to Penn State.
6:45 – Green for Penn State runs for the next first down.
6:19 – Williams throws the ball to link up with the tight end, Shuler to get yet another first down. That’s big. Penn State is now at the Iowa 25-yard line.
5:07 – Penn State is stuffed on the next two consecutive plays. It’s third and 14.
4:31 – Clark completes a pass, but there’s a flag down. Holding on the offense. Third and 24.
4:00 – Clark down the middle and it’s intercepted by Iowa. The wind really got under that one. It’s Iowa ball on the 30-yard line in Iowa territory.
3:11 – Greene drops the pass from Stanzi to make it third and 15.
2:59 – Stanzi’s throw is incomplete but it’s going to be pass interference on the defense. Automatic first down. That’s a big mistake. There was no way that Iowa was going to pick up that play. Penn State just handed the first down to them.
2:22 – Stanzi’s throw to Myer is a first down. Sorry this is so play by play, but it’s so crazy. Everything keeps happening.
1:43 – The crowd goes quite as the pass by Stanzi is almost intercepted.
1:40 – Greene just dropped his second pass in the quarter. It’s third and 10. Iowa needs a first down now.
1:37 – Myer’s comes up big again on another pass from Stanzi. He fought for that first down, dragging his tacklers a bit.
1:06 – My hands are cramping up from typing so fast. Stanzi completes another pass to Koulianos. It’s first and 10 Iowa.
1:01 –Greene gets a couple yards. Iowa timeout. It’s under a minute now.
I’m stuffing my face trying to eat my cold food for a second. Usually it’s more calm so I can take a couple bite now and then.
00:18 – Stanzi throws to Koulianos for the first down and Koulianos’ 7th catch of the day.
00:11 – Greene tries to rush the ball but he’s stopped in the backfield. Iowa takes a timeout. It looks like Iowa City native Daniel Murry is going to get his ten seconds of fame and try to kick a field goal for Iowa.
00:06 – Green picks up three more yards and puts the ball more in the center of the field.
It’s third and 9. Daniel Murry will kick the field goal. Penn State calls a timeout in an attempt to ice him. We’ll see if it works.
Murry is one of 7 players on the Iowa roster from Iowa City. He’s a sophomore.
Here’s the 31 yard kick….. it’s goooooooood!!!!!!
Iowa’s going to win 24 to 23. The fans are going crazy and running onto the field but there is still 01 seconds left. Now everyone scatters to get off the field.
There’s a kickoff from the 15-yard line. It’s a squib. Iowa recovers and wins.
Everyone’s storming the field while the band plays “In heaven there is no beer.” This is Iowa’s first top ten upset since 1990. It’s a stunner.
Final score:
Iowa 24
Penn State 23
Friday, November 7, 2008
November 7th, 2008 - David Beckham
Fifth player review - David Beckham
He's arguably the most known player in soccer. He has always been a good scorer and a fan favorite. Among his many accomplishments he has been captain of England's national team, scored goals in three different FIFA World Cups and played in England, Spain and America.
After finishing up at Real Madrid Beckham did the unthinkable. He went to America to play soccer. Of course there was some money involved. He signed a contract with the LA Galaxy where he could make an approximately $250 million within his 5 year contract.
Even though he's playing in the U.S., Beckham still misses Europe. On October 30th Beckham confirmed that he will be playing for AC Milan on loan from his U.S. club.
Does this mean that Beckham wishes he was back in Europe? Does he regret selling his soul to the Americans? I think he does. He's seen the style of MLS soccer and it doesn't compare to the European. The money's great, but if the competition sucks it's not worth it.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
November 6th, 2008 - UEFA Championship league
The group stages of the UEFA Championship league has been going on since mid September but has been settled yet. This tournament is the ultimate clashing of titans. The group stage ends in on the 10th of December, so this is a perfect midway point to scout out what's happening in the groups. Below is a tidbit about the leaders of the groups and what to look for.
Group A
Group B
Internazionale- Although Internazionale is the current top club in group B (and rightfully so), it may not last for long. Any one of the clubs could ultimately win the group. The matchups have ended in multiple ties, and wins and losses for all clubs. Internazionale's tie with Anorthosis this past Tuesday shows that even though Internazionale is the leader right now, the winning position could ultimately go to anyone.
Group C
Barcelona- Throughout group play so far two teams have dominated,
Group D
Atletico and
Group
Man.
Group F
Lyon and Bayern - Like many other groups there is a tie for the lead. I have to say I'm a bit surprised that Bayern has done as well as they are, but I'm glad
Group G
Arsenal - Arsenal is leading but the group is in a tight race for the lead. I'd expected Arsenal to do better than they have, but their big players haven't delivered as much as they should have. They've made good opportunities for themselves, however they haven't been able to capitalize. I think they'll inevitably win the group, but they need to pull their team together.
Group H
Juventus - The standings in this group are really surprising to me. I expected Real Madrid to be closer in points to Juventus or even flip flopped, but not 4 points down. The fact that Real Madrid lost twice to Juventus shows just how overrated they really are. In the end Del Piero is just too good. I'm surprised that things played out how they did, but I can't say I'm not pleased.
