IMUS vs. RUTGERS (Pay Per View)

Ok, I may get fried for this....but I cannot stand any more of the press on the comments made by Old Man Imus (who is a moron to begin with) towards the "nappy headed ho's" on Rutgers' WBBALL team.

Was Imus wrong to say this, sure. In today's society (let me re-phrase), With today's media knocking at every door possible...one that serves the public domain (radio, media, sports, TV, Internet, etc) cannot say insensitive things about race, gender, or even religion without expecting backlash, fines, and public humiliation. I will stand up now and say that I am not sure all of these things are justified.

Imus, I will repeat is a moron. He has used poor taste and lacked tact his whole career (you don't need to know this directly, just read other quotes that came from his mouth in the last few years) - example "My goal is to goad people into saying something that ruins their life."

Guess what Imus, your life isn't ruined, but your career may be.

My problem with all of this is not so much targeted at what Imus said (although in poor taste) but how our media reacted to it, and how every damn person remotely close to this story is trying to grab marketing points and opportunities. Sure, Imus owed the girls and the school and apology...no questions asked. Imus also should have been suspended, easy, and fined if you ask me. Be clear, Imus was not fired because of what he said though. Imus was fired because the media broke this thing so wide open that his sponsors (many of them with him for years) were forced to step away, as to not be affiliated with the past comment, that was already apologized for.

I am not endorsing Imus (please be clear on that), the guy has been an asshole many times. He got his due I am sure of it. However, too many times our media plays this very same role and hurts people that made mistakes...mistakes we all make everyday, just not on TV or the radio. Our media has made issues of race. religion, and gender even more sensitive every day. These issues and biases, prejudices, stereotypes, etc will always be present...but they would not be nearly as evident in public forums if our media could sit on it a few times.

Other schools were getting press as follow up to this event (that's what it is now), Cal Ripken made the news for cancelling his appearance to the Imus show, next Oprah will have the girls on her show to bring it all back to a head again. I am sorry for them, someone called them a name...but the real story should have been UT's winning of the NCAA Tourney, and the only real press they got was when coach Summit was interviewed about Imus' comments and asked her perspective.

Bottom line, poor comment and our national media groups are the world's most profitable prostitutes...

My advice to the Rutger girls...use this situation as a lesson that there will be assholes all the way along the path of your life...and each asshole will look different. At the end of the day, you choose to keeping moving forward, or to look deeper into the asshole. If you spend your time looking at assholes, you'll miss out on all the great people walking with you, and those you haven't yet met.

My advice to Imus...I have none. You have been provided advice numerous times I am sure, and because you are one of the assholes along the path now for many, I hope you don't even generate a glance.

My advice to all of us...if you really want to be viewed as a good person and enjoy life, don't show your asshole to generate 15 minutes of fame, people may look, but they most surely will not like what they see!!!

A Better NFL (Ghosts Get Pac-Man and Henry)

Here's a great read folks....(http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2832015)

Too bad the executives for MLB and the NBA won't be visiting my blog. I am so thrilled with this decision by commissioner Goodell and his team. The message being sent to professional athletes in the NFL is now clear. Don't mess with the NFL!

Let's be honest now for a second...pro athletes of all kinds are treated differently. They have killed other motorists while drunk (Leanord Little, St. Louis Rams), allegedly made cocaine deals over the phone (Jamal Lewis, Cleveland Browns), been caught with multiple DUI's/DWI's, possession of drugs, reckless driving, even murder (Rae Carruth, Carolina Panthers).

More and more you see these young kids coming out of college, many of them early, to huge contracts for millions of dollars based on 'potential'. Michael Jordan was on Oprah not long ago with his pal Charles Barkley and echoed this. Back when Michael and Charles came into the NBA you were paid the going rate, no more, no less until you proved your worth. Now owners, corporate sponsorship directors, and everyone else who makes a dime off the brands (MLB, NBA, NFL, etc) are first in line to throw money at a 21 year old who has done nothing but excel on a field, court, or diamond with his/her PEERS.

Dexter Manley used to be the butt of a lot of jokes about reading skills (or lack of) for a man in his mid-20's. Dexter, of course wasn't alone in the 80's when this was a big problem. Guess what, he wouldn't be alone now either. Colleges, even high schools push these kids through too. Hell, high school coaches all over the US have been found helping great athletes along, most likely to be next in line for a payback should he/she make it big. Another big problem is the paychecks these kids get. I would really like to see one of the major prefessional organizations take a stab at an incetive based payroll system where each position is based a base salary and you are then paid based upon your performace (like all of us real world folks). Heck, if Peyton Manning doesn't throw a TD in 4 games, he still gets millions. Should Tom Brady trip over his three girlfriends and two bastard children, break his right arm, he still gets millions. If Michael Strahan has surgery to narrow his GAP, and he comes out of surgery less arrow-dynamic, he still cashes in. If I don't close a contract or two in a year, I lose my job. If I get hurt, I get 60% of my pay to live on. If I rape a chick in Colorado, she isn't going to settle out of court and my wife isn't going to stick around to have more kids....(mainly cuz I can't afford a $40K ring or a closet full of designer shoes).

Now, I am not going to get all Al Gore (my thoughts on Global Warming for another day) and think we are going to fix a problem with a few fancy seminars and some comedic reality, but I do think that the problem can only be fixed from the top down. The NFL is the first to take a serious position on combating the idiocy that seems to be growing with our pro athletes, our idols, and yes our public figured role models (Sorry Charles).

Being in the NFL is indeed a privilege, and not a right (Goodell)....all while being your damn job fellas. Part of your job is maintaining your respect in the public eye, whether you like it or not. Your code of conduct, even prior to today's decisions, states something to the affect that being an asshole will be cause for missing games, and hence your paycheck.

I am so excited about this footprint that Goodell is making. The NFL was on the verge of becoming the NBA, or even baseball before it's crack down on steroids. I have always said that the NFL was the best in show, and it still is. Goodell is simply taking out an insurance policy to make damn sure it doesn't stray.

For Pac-Man and Chris Henry....be happy that was all you got. The only reason I believe the punishment wasn't more "permanent" is because you were the examples. Tank Johnson, you're next (and you had no place in the Super Bowl, nor did Eugene Robinson years ago). Hopefully both players realize that this is a second (third, fourth, or whatever) chance to prove your worth.

My only changes to the punishment would have been to negate their contracts and make them lobby (once the punishment was completed) to negotiate a new contract after. Going without pay was nice, but let's ensure that the LAW takes the action they need to as well. Lord knows if I had been a part of a shooting and assault outside of MINXX when my group of friends was in Vegas last, I'd still be in Vegas. Lucky for Pac-Man, what happens in Vegas, doesn't always STAY in Vegas.

Thank you Mr. Goodell...clean them up, or ship them out....I am sure there's room for them in the NBA.

River Cat Easter Weekend....

This morning I wanted to touch on minor league baseball for a moment. During my visit to Sacramento this last week, I was searching for a home, and enjoying some local experiences (see previous post).

Taking a break from the home search, I attended the Sacramento River Cats' Opening Day game (they are the AAA team for the Oakland A's).

This was my first ever farm league game, and to my surprise it was a wonderful time. The stadium is fantastic, seats roughly 10-12K, and is nestled into downtown Sac with the Sac River Bridge in the background. A great setting. The River Cats happen to have the best attendance of all the teams in their division and I was surprised to see the place fairly full, with knowledgeable fans, budding families, and even a few old timers. The best seats in the house are only $20, and on Thursdays you get $1 dogs and $1 ice cream (really what more could you ask for, at $22 bucks?). They even had four guys signing free autographs before the game for 30 minutes each...(I got all four for Drew on an official ball).

The Cats won 8-7 in an exciting see-saw battle. According to the Sacramento Bee (local paper) there are 3-4 guys that could see action for the A's. The most impressive player was/is catcher Kurt Suzuki out of Cal-State Fullerton (he was on the College World Series Champion Team). This guy managed a great game, threw out two base runners, and hit the ball hard every at bat (2-3 with an RBI and a Walk). With Jason Kendell not getting any younger, this kid could see playing time sooner rather than later.

One of the autographs I got was of Daric Barton, a 22 year old 1B who has size and a bat. He crushed a huge HR out to right to get the Cats back in the game early.

I had a great time, and now that we are going to build a home only 30 miles from the stadium, I can see many more visits to come for the Skogen's. Consider me a fan...a River Cat Man...

Lastly, I hope all enjoyed family time for Easter. As you get older, the holidays become so much more about spending time with your loved ones...even relaxing and taking a nap watching the Masters is so much more fun with family...

Sacramento vs. WI

Ok, this is a live post from the Red Lion Hotel in Sacramento, CA, just south of the airport. I had to write about it....it's just too much fun.

I am in the Savanna Lounge of the Hotel (which should really be a Motel, all room entrances are from the outside, but the pool/common area is nice) and it happens to be Karaoke nite. I had a nice meal, wine, and now some Patron on the rocks, so all is good.

The Karaoke started about 15 minutes ago with two straight WI lived country songs I never even heard of, but definitely could be sung word for word by 91.22% of all Wi-ites north of Madison and Milwaukee (Ole, Jerm, and Kallio included).

The DJ/MC, whatever, is 6-5, and skinny everywhere but his belly, where he looks to be 2.5 years pregnant. Now we have Donny Osman's long lost cousin singing some crazy ass Roy Orbison song.....

A few minutes ago P-Diddy's entourage walked in, and then a few guys from the Shawano reservation. There's Bud, Heiny, fine wine, tequila, and So-Co running off the bar....and people are in line to sing. If this isn't Sacramento's version of American Idol, I don't know what is.

To be fair, a woman, who I could best represent as "bigger" sang a few songs now, and she could really blow....I mean she seriously has a fantastic voice.

Yeee-haw, now I feel like I am back in Marshall....Toby Keith...damn. And to think the guy looks like Pauly Shore....what the hell is going on?

In WI, this kind of shit happens too....but no one can sing...and we are all too drunk to care. In WI, this could easily be a wedding reception, where you get invited to share the kegger...like Lighthouse Lanes.

I have learned two things here in the last hour....moving to the norther areas of Sacramento won't be a whole lot different than home....less snow, just as many hicks, and bigger tires on trucks. The second thing...there's 18 different kinds of folks in here...and no one is segregated....

Whether you like where you live or not, good music and good people of all walks of life getting along and drinking all at the same time, is a good thing....

"Big wheels keep on turning.....wow, what a night....
WHO'S NEXT ON THE MIC.....sure as hell not me....

Chasing Aaron (Don't Do It Barry....!!!)

We have all read the stories...seen ESPN, Baseball Tonight, and every other sports telecast in the country. Now it is time for baseball's biggest cheater to step in the box and begin his chase towards the most coveted record in the league's history.

I have been a Hank Aaron fan my whole life....read his story as a kid and was convinced that he was one of the best ever....having endured true racism, threats, and playing in a day when technology wasn't a factor, and still bettering his peers in statistics and will. Henry's record over the Babe was legendary in its own right....and a record that will fall again to one of today's big hitters (I like A-Rod's chances, and Pujols will be right there next). But, Hank did it when it was deemed impossible, when bats were slugged out of Louisville and steroids weren't even used medically.

Barry Bonds, easily one of the top 5 players in MLB history (among others) has tarnished this great game, and will most likely tarnish its best record. I hope the day comes that Barry comes clean about his use of steroids as others have before him....to clean the slate. If we are going to have a new HR King, let's at least not have him be a liar too....

My son doesn't want the record to fall either, so he has pointed this canon towards the Bay Area, and hopes to shoot it off each time Barry swings his bat....hoping that he will strike out more often than not this year...

Andrew always has a back up plan too (I taught him that). Drew asked Uncle Clint to visit Barry should he approach 750 before the All-Star break....as you can see below...Barry wants no part of Uncle Clint....

Happy chasing Barry....but watch yo back brutha!

HOLY CHORIZO!!!!

I had to add a picture of the Chorizo's Opening Day debut! Yes, Chorizo has already had his RC Year pass, but this was his first start on Opening Day. Unfortunately, Albert's cousin the Italian Sausage took the blue ribbon, but Drew's cousin Chorizo, will be back to reclaim glory on a another Brewer day.....

Opening Day....!!!!!

First...a big thank you to Jerm for the Opening Day tickets! While he was shaping today's youth at school, Tyler and I got to enjoy opening day at Miller Park.

Walking up to the park....I kept thinking about the good ole days at County Stadium and the griping a lot of Milwaukee residents did about building the Brewer home of today. How much griping do you hear now...??? None, thank you Milwaukee!!!!

The flag came on the field, the fans cheered, and one of the most anticipated Brewer seasons in my lifetime took off like a rocket. Streamers, canon blasts, standing ovations for newcomers Suppan and Estrada (more on him later) and a huge roar fro Benny Sheets really got Miller Park excited.

There's something about the smell of brats, hotdogs, green grass, and Miller Beer that really makes one proud to live here in WI. With the Brewers new owner, the spending of money, and two key free agents on staff (one a World Series MVP) is FANTASTIC!

The Crew could easily have one of the best pitching staffs in the Majors this year, and they have some solid young talent to cover the rest. Hardy at short is as solid a defender as there is in the league (his bat is getting better all the time too).....Weeks, goes without saying that this kid could be one of the greats at second, Prince, well the lineage is enough and the giant Casey-like swings will become legend. Maybe I am a crazy fan, but this year feels different. I can really see the Crew challenging for the playoffs this year.....

Outside of a "pissing" incident in the 5th (imagine this, the Skogen boys were disrespected, and did not even clench a fist, and had a poor excuse for a fan dismissed), this game was a dream for the 45,000+ fans on a nice sunny day in Milwaukee. Sheets threw a 2 hitter (only run was a Kent HR), Billy Hall had a picture perfect, parallel to the ground, diving catch right in front of us, and Hardy stabbed one to save a run right behind second base. Defense, offense, pitching, all working together to get a big win.

Back to Estrada (sorry this is getting long). Here I am explaining to Ty that this guy will be a great pick-up....and he belts an RBI single to left on cue. I love the Suppan pick-up, but this guy will be the key to the season. If he can hit .300 sink 50-75 RBI's, and cover that plate like he did last year in AZ, the Crew will be dangerous.

I have 4 weeks left here in WI, and I aim to get back to the park at least once more. Drew needs to see the Crew one more time before we leave....and I aim to get him there, nice and close, to see it all!

Great day, great game, great company....!!!!

GO BREWERS!!!

Championship Monday AND Opening DAY!!!

Opening Day at Miller Park and the NCAA Championship game all in one day this year....what could be better?

I am sure I can dig up some pictures to share when the Crew knocks out the Dodgers....and I will be sure to post my thoughts on the big game tonight.

Predictions:

Brewers win a close one 5-4, with Sheets pitching a strong 7 innings and Weeks hitting his first HR of the year right in Ty's lap in the great bleacher seats provided my Mr. Rolloff, everyone's favorite gym teacher!

As for hoops, I will be hoping that the Big Ten pulls off the upset, but the Gators have lots of weapons and great depth. It should be a better game than the Final Four proved to be....but if I was a betting man...I would take Florida on the money line...

More tomorrow..

More Hopping News...

Yesterday I shared a story on a gigantic toxic toad from Australia....
Today...I urge you to visit the below link to see an incredible jumping feat of a new kind...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vL19q8yL54

WOW!!!

Killer Toads, Not in My Backyard!!!

Here I was, playing with Drew in the yard on Sunday, enjoying the record breaking warm weather. We have a small family of toads that lives in our basement window covering, and a few in the flowers in the back yard.

Drew had never seen a toad before then, and he enjoyed following one around, giggling and smiling at the quick jumps and hops.

Can you imagine playing in your yard in Australia?? This toad was found during a pond raid by scientists trying to rid the area of this toxic creature responsible for large animal deaths. The toad measured 15 inches long and weighed just over 2 pounds....

You can bet Steve Irwin would have made a great show out of this capture....and if you believe in long mythical tales....this guy will have warts for the rest of his life!!!!

Software Activation/PC Security...

With my new job has come many a day searching for knowledge in the software security sector. Today I came across an interesting tool that will allow you to remotely monitor your computer when you are away....literally tracking each keystroke.

Check it out...

http://www.download3k.com/Security/Other-Utilities/Download-Ardamax-Software-Ardamax-Keylogger.html

Here is the link to publisher Ardamax Software: http://www.ardamax.com/

George Bush's continued failures....

Here's an "interesting" read -

I use the word "interesting" for comical reasons....as the more you read, the funnier it gets. Our beloved (at least by the overachieving, slow talking, and surprisingly manipulative folks in society) president (we'll call him Jorge from now on), signed a bill back in 2005 that is beginning to pay dividends, well to who else but his republican pals in various states.

The Highway Bill was completed back in the summer of 2005, and designated $286 Billion dollars to improve our nation's road/transportation lines. Interesting huh? Does our country need better roads?? In some areas, probably...in all states?? Probably not. Am I an expert civil engineer, a community planner, or a responsible citizen dedicated to monitoring the quality and care of our road systems...no. Can I tell the difference between money well spent, and money spent that very simply should be spent on more important domestic inefficiencies....HELL YES.

Why do I bring up this bill nearly 2 years later one might ask?? Well, I read an interesting article the other day about a bridge that is being built in Alaska. This bridge will cost roughly $230 Million dollars to construct just outside of Anchorage. The bridge, which was voted down just months before the Highway Bill was approved, will be funded by....you guessed it, the Highway Bill. Alaska, our least populated state, and 4th lowest provider of economic means got the 4th highest amount of money allocated to improving roads (now I love Alaska, it has to be our most beautiful state, but do the moose need better roads to travel from one tree to the next?). Better yet, the bridge will be named "Don Young Bridge" adequately after congressman, and Bush friend Don Young.

Do not be confused by my sarcasm, I am not a fence jumping democrat (although I will ride the fence on many issues). However, I am sick and tired of Jorge Bush and his cabinet making poor decision after poor decision. I will not blame Jorge for many of the problems caused in previous presidencies either....those of Clinton, and Jorge's father, Big W, but I will stand on point and confirm that this president has been our worst in my lifetime.

Not until the people of this country step up and stop the grossly out of control politc-ing and campaigning, will the United States ever have leaders who truly make decisions based on OUR needs, and the needs of our people "in need".

Corporate campaign dollars, billions every year, keep our political means in this country as corrupt as ever....and until that changes, our nation will continue to deteriorate....

Only two more years....

Al and Heath's Weekend in Vegas...

Well, we all returned, and it took me a whole week to update the experience. 25 guys from all over the country made it out to Sin City to enjoy what it has to offer, as well as every NCAA basketball game to start this year's Final Four run.

Missing only three of our best friends, we kicked off a great weekend with some drinks, some hoops, and some casino donations. More casino donations followed for many of us, but it seemed that a few found success with the sportsbook betting. I for one, did quite well on the games, and gave it back to the house at the tables (thank you Uncle Albert and the Roulette Wheel). A valued lesson folks...if you know that Roulette odds suck, and you don't like the game at all to begin with, don't let your pals talks you into playing anyway....

Another lesson learned...never let Jorge Schultz cut cards at a blackjack table. You may as well let the dealer kick you in the crotch, and give her your money as you limp away with...well, half of your dignity.

Big thanks to Rod Y for his "hook-up"....it served the boys well. A second big thanks to Rod's pal, and club owner, for his hospitality. Pac Man Jones may not have had a great time there, but we sure did.

Heath and Albert, we hope you had a great time and we hope your weddings are fantastic, and your futures fruitful....and as for Jesudoss...let's just hope what happened in Vegas didn't come home to Chicago in the form of a rash in deep need of ointments.....

Weekend of Debauchery II

Golf, sun, gambling, more drinking that any one man can handle in a weekend....
It must be June, and the boys from MU, Shawano, The Race Track, CA, and Red Sox Land are ready for another golf trip.

Not this time....rather, two of our group are entering the dwelling comprised of expensive jewels, over-priced cake, and the doghouse. Yes, two of our fellow debauchery brothers are getting married this spring/summer.

The sun, gambling, and festivities are coming early this year, in what is most likey the greatest city on earth to host an event worthy of extreme excitement. Planned for months, 20+ of us are meeting in the sinners city to enjoy all that it offers (well not ALL, but 90% of it that won't land you a seat next to PacMan Jones at the local courthouse).

The NCAA tourney starts tomorrow, St. Patrick's Day is Saturday, and two of our best pals are entering the last run of bachelor freedom. Could there be a better line-up to celebrate these last months???

Golf is set for Friday and Satruday at two nice tracks just outside the Vegas city limits. Dinner and surprises for Friday night will be more than memorable....and hopefully someone other than Albert takes the Green Jacket home (I have lost wait to make sure it fits).

I made sure to call ahead to the NY/NY Hotel and Casino (hosting many of us) to ensure they were well stocked with Pabst Blue Ribbon, High Life, and any tools necessary to accommodate a last minute pipe building contest for our beloved Kid Joe. Plans are secured, reservations made, and barring flight delays on Jet Blue, we will all be ready to ride the party bull through Sunday.

What happens, what stories live on, and who survives it all is up in the air....but one thing is for sure....this will be one hell of a trip. Looking forward to seeing you all soon...

-Next post: Sunday evening, when I will have less money, nasty breath, and in need of a full 2 days of sleep....

65 Strong...who got left out???

YAHOOOO!!! The bracket is out, the seeds aligned, and the match-ups making odds creators tremble some. Scan your bracket again, look it over before you make any picks...how tough will it be this year????

We may say it every year, but, "This year may be the best year ever!!" My bracket busting is always the same....pick the games fast and without your heart the first time, and then go back and if you have to second guess, write them down, and think it over. If you second guess more than 5 games in round one, start over. Well, I didn't have to start over, but there are some tough picks this year, here's just a few:

ODU/Butler (Upset in the making?)
UNLV/GTech (flip a coin)
Stanford/Louisville (I think this will be a great game, could be buzzer beater)
MU/MSU (teacher vs. pupil (one that didn't learn much), size vs. speed, bet with your head, not your heart kids...)
BYU vs. Xavier (moneyline only, betting the spread here is a losing proposition)

There are many more great games, and much to be excited about for potential round 2 scenarios....but who got left out. Eeveryone wants to scream about the Big East....but folks, I have said it all year long, the Big East coaches didn't play quality teams outside of the conference. Marquette beat Duke (because of a tourney, not even scheduled), and outside of that you really don't have a big win. WVU beat UCLA, which is the only exception (at home), and yet they couldn't beat anyone else. Cuse, well, who did they beat? MU? I am glad that the committee finally left out a school with a big name, who didn't do enough.

Now, if you are Drexel, you can complain. These guys beat Big East teams (one above, and one that is in, won 20 games, etc...and was snubbed. They also beat Creighton, who I have winning their first game.

What about FSU...? They had big wins this year, and as I read here (http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?page=2007NCAAsnubs) everyone of their 12 losses came in the RPI top 50. There may be no such thing as a good loss, but if you are going to lose, don't make it to South Florida, Northwestern, or Cinnci.

I would have left out Illinois and let Drexel in...it just made sense this year. Missouri State was my pick early, but I figured they had to win more in the MVC tourney, which they failed to do. They had all the making of a cinderella early, two great guards, shot makers, etc...but didn't get it done. Same with Bradley....but, as I mention above, watch out for those Bluejays...like him or not, Albert's cousin Nate Funky Fresh is the kind of guy that can "will" wins....look out Memphis.

Vegas in 3 days, and the best bracket in years has me too excited to keep typing....Should be a good one!!!!

I'm out like a Dominic James 3 pointer....

Selection Sunday Around the Horn...

It would appear that UNC will take a number 1 seed tomorrow, as they have a pretty smooth path to the ACC Championship. A&M lost any chance of grabbing a top spot by losing to OSU...and UCLA should have blown their's as well, proving they are great, but have a tendancy to play down to the opposition.

WVU shouldn't be in, they proved you die by the 3 as easily as you win with it this week. I am surprised by many "experts" saying that Nova is a lock? They do not impress me at all....that will be a first round exit team, mark it down (I know I will in Vegas regardless of who they play).

Purdue is playing their way in, MSU will go (Izzo factor) despite losing to UW again. Illinois is not too tough, but the win against IU may have done it. If they can surprise UW (unlikely) they are a lock. I think UW is a legit #1 with UCLA losing, A&M, and Florida needing the SEC Title to keep a spot. Assuming both OSU and UW make the final, I think they keep serious #1 seed shots....

I love that the at large births shrunk again last night due to upsets. I don't want to see Texas Tech, WVU, Michigan, etc...none of them are truly deserving. I like KState, ODU, and even Stanford based on the success of the Pac-10 this year (shocked, yes, I have said it all year, the Pac-10 is great...). Look for AZ to play much better in the tourney, and USC is a dangerous first round opponent for anyone.

The Ducks are legit...but must get to the rack often and successfully...if this happens, watch them go to the elite 8.

Here are a few early predictions:

• Florida grabs a #1 after closing up the SEC
• Kansas keeps #1, but OSU gives them a run...
• UW beats OSU to grab a #1 spot
• UNC wins the ACC easily and takes the 4th spot.
• OSU doesn't make the elite 8, their shooting will get them that far, but stall (remember, they are really young).
• MU will need McNeal to make it past the first round, Fitz won't have 20 three games in a row, and Barro won't be enough to keep other teams from killing them inside.
• Cinderella??? KState/USC look out, if you play them early!

Andrew likes UW in the Final Four, and Oregon....I think he confuses the Green and Gold for America's Packers...cannot blame him.

FYI, Drew says "football" now, every morning and points to Brett's statue in his room. Kid already knows greatness when he sees it....you have to love it!

Enjoy the games today...4 days and counting until Vegas...!!!

-Skogen

Well my Dad and I watched the MU game last night...another stellar game for my pal Dominic James (I am not wearing this damn jersey anymore). Hopefully Coach Dipshit (as Dad calls him) will find a way to win a first round game without Lord Wade..............

Sorry, had to go change into my Badger shirt for the big game tonight. At least one of my teams has a good shot at a deep run this year.

Talk to you guys soon...

-Drew

Big Move News

NO, the NBA is not moving a team to Las Vegas. However, the Skogen family is finally moving back to sunny California. Sandy and I signed the papers to close on our home April 30th and move to California May 1st!!!

I haven't yet pealed Sandy off the ceiling, but I am sure she will come down in time to leave.
Anyone that wants to come help pack is welcome...FREE BEER!

Andrew is excited to be closer to his cousins and have a bigger home to run wild in...and of course, he is happy to know that he won't have to help me shovel the driveway next year here in snowy WI.

There is speculation that Uncle Tyler may be joining us in our move....as long as we are not transporting his herbal garden goods, we should make is safely.

More to come...