Tuesday Trends

• Reba McEntire is  NOT dead, contrary to many rumors swirling around earlier today.
• damnyouautocorrect.com is a pretty comical website.  Everyone knows about the quto-correct feature on cell phones, and with the iPhone, you can capture screen shots and upload them.  Hence this website.
• Super Bowl ads are going for a ridiculous amount of money - upwards of $3.5 million.  They better be worth it.
• Super Bowl XLVI media day was today and both the Giants and Patriots seemed very loose.  Wes Welker wore a patriot hat, as seen in their old logo.
• Blake Griffin, the freakish basketball player on the Clippers, did not fake the funk on this nasty dunk against the Thunder last night.
• Peyton Manning talk is still running rampant at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis, as was expected.  I am really getting tired of hearing it, it's taking away from the fact that the only think Indy is doing is hosting the big game.
• A woman in Iowa gave birth to a 14-pound baby without a C-section.  No comment.

Time for some lunch.

Snowboard City

Are you bored with skiing the old fashioned way?  Have you ever given snowboarding a thought?  If not, here are some coupon codes for burton snowboards that might change your mind.

Personally, I rarely purchase anything at full price and if I was looking for a new hobby, such as snowboarding, I would look for discounts on equipment I need to get started.

Skiing is safer, I think, than snowboarding - I mean having control of two feet instead of one would make me feel a little more in control, but watching the Winter X Games, snowboarding has peaked my interest.

Being a stay-at-home-dad defintely has it's perks - I love staying with my son and watching him progress every day.  Crawling, standing, goo-goo ga-ga'ing - but there are some days I wish I could go out and enjoy a day by myself.  Snowboarding would be one of the things I'd like to try on said day, but as it is, I will not get that opportunity.  Not now anyway.

When the time comes, and I am sure it will, it probably won't be winter anymore, so the snowboard thing might now happen.  But I'm guessing that come summer time, there are some pretty great deals on snowboarding equipment.  Burton is a name I see all over the X Games and they do an outstanding job marketing. 

Head on over to their website and there's a "Board Finder" feature where you can enter your sex, height, weight, boot size and it'll recommend what type of board you might want to look into.  Style points wise, Burton has some pretty rad designs, even though their name is blasted on everything.

So like I said, if you're beginning to think skiing is getting a little mundane for you, check out Burton snowboards.

As far as saving a few bucks, when there is one parent working and one at home with the kid(s), every nickel and dime you can save helps out because let's face it, the number one priority when being a parent is saving money for your child's future.  The days of taking a weekend trip together without the kid and/or dog are over - almost everything you do you've got to think about kid-friendly destinations, kid-friendly restaurants, kid-friendly hobbies.  I think my son is pretty advanced for nine months old, but the idea of taking him on a snowboarding trip is a little much.  For now, anyway.

When the time comes and he (and we) are ready to pick up snowboarding, I will be sure to check for discounts on the equipment I need to get started.

Three Up, Three Down

Time to talk about three up and three down from the past weekend in sports.

3 UP

• Kyrie Irving - Former Duke star - for a year anyway - hit a layup with 2.6 ticks left as the Caveliers stunned the Celtics, 88-87, in Boston.  The layup capped a 12-0 run to close the game for the Cavs, who are tied with the Bucks for the 8th playoff spot. 
• Novak Djokovic - After winning the Australian Open in a mere six hours over Rafael Nadal, Djokovic has now won four majors in the past 12 months.  Pretty remarkable.  If he wins the French Open, he'll hold all four major championships simultaneously.  Pretty dominating.
• Towson Men's Basketball - There is finally reason to smile at Towson - they won.  The win, over UNC-Wilmington (8-13), snapped a 41-game losing streak for the Tigers.  It was their first win since December 29th, 2010 at LaSalle.

3 DOWN

• UConn Men's Basketball - After a pair of losses to Cincinnati and Tennessee, this game against Notre Dame at home was just what the doctor ordered.  Freshman phenom Ryan Boatright was back and they were at home.  None of that mattered as the fell at the hands of the Irish, 50-48.  The Huskies fell to 4-4 in Big East play, they dropped out of the Top 25, and their schedule doesn't get any easier - they travel to #14 Georgetown on Wednesday.
• NFL Pro Bowl - For starters, Hot Chelle Rae performed the pregame show.  Yeah, I know, who?  Second, the game started off with a rain of boos from the seats fans as the first series was......unispired, to say the least.  The AFC won, 59-41.  At one point, the center and a defensive lineman stood straight up on a play and didn't move.  No, really, they didn't move.  Terrible display from the NFL on this one.
• Knicks Basketball - The hype at the beginning of the season suddenly seems a distant memory with fans kicking themselves for believing this year would be different.  The Knicks got blasted by the Rockets on Saturday, dropping them to 7-13 on the season.  Maybe they need to share the ball a little more - they're averaging a paltry 18.5 assists per game.  If they weren't shooting nearly 80% from the free throw line, they might not have 5 wins.  Pretty pathetic considering MSG is the "mecca" of basketball.

#FF

Here I am to give you your next five follows on Twitter.

1. Chuck Todd - Not only is this NBC reporter a smart guy but his name is just fun to say.  He also brings a political savvy like no other.
2. Winnipeg Jets - The official site of the Jets.  Man, isn't everyone glad they brought hockey back to central Canada?
3. Brendan Shanahan - Senior VP of Player Safety for the NHL and featured in episodes of Up All Night featuring...
4. Will Arnett - Who is hilarious.
5. Danny DeVito - Everyones favorite twin and star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

See ya later, time to feed the kid.

In the News

• Well have no fear world, if Jay-Z and Beyonce don't have the parenting thing down, Oprah will be there.  According to sources, which lately have been quite unreliable (see: Rob Lowe tweeting Peyton Manning's retirement; PSU newspaper falsely reporting Joe Paterno's death), Oprah Winfrey has been named the Blue Ivy's godmother. 
• SEAL Team 6, the same heroic group that took down Osama Bin Laden, were responsible for safely rescuing two hostages from Somalia.  The two had been held hostage since October.  Talk about heroes.

• Home sales have plummeted.  2011 was reportedly the worst year for new-home purchases.  I sure wish we had been one of those who had the opportunity to buy a home, but with a new job for my wife, relocation, having a baby, we had a lot of other things going on.  But in the future - hopefully the near future - we'll be in the market.  I have a feeling we'll be in Connecticut the rest of our lives.  I know a few people think this state sucks, but I enjoy living here.  It's not like living in the NYC area is any cheaper or better off for a couple not making $100,000 a year.
• Verizon Wireless has released it's newest version of the Droid Razr.  It was probably released a while ago, but I just stumbled upon it.  Looks like a pretty sweet phone, however, I plan on converting from Android to iPhone when my upgrade is available. 

• With that last point, surveys show 1 in 5 workers use Apple products.  If 1 in 5 Americans chose to eat an apple instead of a bag of fries, the country would be a lot healthier.  I guarantee this would help the obesity problem plaguing this country.

Have a great Thursday.  We're expecting rain and freezing rain here.  Awesome.

Trending on Tuesday Morning

We'll go with a numbers version of Tuesday Trends today.

• 56 - # of point the Orlando Magic scored against the Celtics last night, marking their lowest point total in franchise history.
• 1 - Undefeated team left in the country - Murray State.  Who?  Paducah, KY school with 10,000+ enrollment.  Not always a good thing being the last undefeated come March Madness.
• 40 - I spoke to my biddy Phil Martelli Jr., a coach for the Delaware basketball program, who handed Towson their 40th straight loss.  He told his guys not to underestimate anyone and luckily for the Blue Hens, they heeded his warning.
• 3 - Teams in the AP poll top 6 from the Big 12 - Missouri (#2), Kansas (#5), Baylor (#6)
• $500,000 - Amount rapper 50 Cent won by betting the Giants this weekend against the 49ers.  Not bad for a guy already worth $100 million.

On that note, I am going to spend some time with Nolan, who pays me $0 yearly.  It's worth it though, the little guy is growing and it's a pretty cool thing to see.  At least one time each day I look at him and think to myself "is this kid really mine?" and then he either burps or farts.

Have a great Tuesday.

Super Bowl XLVI

As predicted here on WRT, the Giants will play the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on February 5.

The Patriots needed a boneheaded coaching decision - or lack thereof - to avoid OT with Baltimore.  Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh, instead of calling a timeout, elected to let his kicker sprint to the spot and essentially rush the biggest field goal attempt of his career.  Wide Left!!  Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and T-Sizzle may never get back to the promised land.

The Giants, they were more opportunistic, forcing two fumbles on special teams by the best special teams unit in the NFL.  Sam Weatherford held it (with his wedding ring on), Lawrence Tynes kicked it, and all hell broke loose for the Blue and White.  Two road wins in two of the most difficult places to play - Lambeau and Candlestick.

There are so many storylines it's sickening:

• Eli stepping out of Peyton's shadow
• Little brother playing for the "big one" in the house that Peyton built
• A rematch of Super Bowl XLII
• Brady and Belichick in their fifth Super Bowl as Head Coach/QB
• Tom Coughlin proving all his doubters wrong
• Is Eli better than Peyton?
• Are Eli and Brady both elite?
• The Giants defense stepping up and playing like a unit possessed

I mean the list goes on and on, but I'll let the expertsforcefeed us said storylines until we can no longer ingest them.

Madonna as the halftime show?  I am surely NOT going to watch that one.  She had a hard enough time speaking at the Golden Globe awards.

$2800+ is the cheapest ticket available on ticketexchange.  Needless to say, I am not going to Indianapolis.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm EST.

I am looking forward to it.

RATM; Weekend Preview; #FF

• I was driving home last night in the beginnings of a mini snowstorm and at one point was kind of creeped out - I was the only car headed north on the road I was travelling - which was a main state road.  This solitude lasted for approximately 8 or 9 miles - not one pair of headlights in front of or behind me - eerie.  Then when I got on I-91 and I-84, the big rig trucks were driving like assholes.  At one point, the right lane ended and an 18-wheeler was about 3' behind my back bumper - and after seeing that wreck out west earlier in the week where the truck plunged 50' and the people in car were miraculously saved, it kinda spooked me.  Regardless, I stayed my path, and got home safely.

• Onto the reason behind this post - I was listening to the radio and heard three Rage Against The Machine songs in succession - "Bulls on Parade", "People of the Sun", and "Guerrilla Radio".  These songs came off Evil Empire (BoP, PotS) and The Battle of Los Angeles (GR), not my favorite.  This led me to purchase their first album, Rage Against the Machine - a masterpiece and quite possibly the first album to merge rap and heavy metal.  I was 11 when it came out and immediately knew it was a great album.  My top three off this album: "Bombtrack"; "Know Your Enemy"; "Township Rebellion".  The cover of the album said it all without actually saying anything:

• As for the NFL slate this weekend - all two games - I still like the Giants to win and the Patriots to sneak out a win against the Ravens, a team many aren't giving a chance. 

• Twitter time!  Follow these accounts ... ... ... NOW!

1. Men's Humor - hilarious tweets every single time
2. NY Islanders - not because they are good, because they aren't really that good, but because they're my team
3. Mike Francesa - this is actually a spoof of his show and the writing is impeccable - they write exactly how he speaks
4. Ryan Hanrahan - local weatherman here in CT on NBC
5. Jimmy Traina - fellow Long Islander and writer and creator of SI's Hot Clicks

Have a great weekend and stay warm/dry.  We're expecting anywhere between four to six inches of snow here in Connecticut.

Television Provider

This guest post from Margaret Mills

When we got direct TV at home it was such a Godsend. I never wanted to become one of those moms that puts her kids down in front of the TV and gets on with her business but I was finding it wasn't possible to get everything done around the house that I needed to with two screaming babies following me around all day. I have told my husband yet that I signed us up some educational channels because he's really opposed to the kids watching too much TV or doing the kind of education that we can't control. But for the last two weeks after watching every show that they have I actually think they are really learning something from all these interactive programs they have on TV nowadays. I know Chris won't mind when we have time to sit down and watch the shows too but at first it's going to be a really hard sell when I tell him the kids have gotten into TV…I know it!

Random Music-ocity

I have been known to download (read: buy) some very random songs and/or albums from iTunes.  Not only because pirating free music is a shitty thing to do, but because that's what I am, random - not a pirate.

Here's a sample of the last few things I've bought on iTunes (I'm currently working on a $50 iTunes gift card I got for Christmas from the inlaws!  Thanks!)

As we speak, I am downloading "Avalanche United" by IATA - I know, it came out in October.  Better late than never, right - kind of like waiting for their album, which took 6 years.  They're based out of Hipster, USA - Brooklyn - but this takes nothing away from this great album.

Steve Aoki, a house musician (as in house/club/electronic music), released an album I felt compelled to purchase, Wonderland.  I lacked the electro-house element on my iPod and thus sprung for this one.

Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto is also new to my collection.  There is something about this band that I have come to enjoy recently, so what the hell, right?  Might as well have some Coldplay.  I was hesitant because everyone and their mother loves this band and didn't want to "give in" - but I enjoy this album immensely.

Nolan just chugged a bottle - time to entertain the little monster.

Tuesday Trends

Here's a quick hits version of what's trending and what I think should be trending:

1. Napoleon Dynamite - Is it me or is this cartoon years late?  The movie was pretty funny but a cartoon in primetime - no thanks.
2. Ink Master - A new tattoo show showcasing ten of the best tattoo artists in the country (I think it's only America).  Long Island's own Tommy Helm is on the show and although I haven't gotten tattoed by him (and because of this show, probably never will), it'll be cool to watch.  He has tattooed a few of my friends.  Ante up!
3. Jay-Z has made a vow to stop using the word "bitch" in his rap game.  I'm sure he can put out ridiculous tracks without the word anyway.
4. In birthday news, the immortal Betty White is 90 today.  90% to a century and still making people laugh.  Oh, and she's spent 70 years on the screen.
5. Colts fired head coach Jim Caldwell.  Not having Peyton Manning had nothing to do with this - well, maybe a little.  The Colts defense has allowed more PPG every year for the past three seasons.

Gotta get going, whipping together a vegetable curry and brown rice dish for dinner.  Oh yeah, trying to eat a little more healthy.

Championship Week

Leading up to this weekends NFL games, the anticipation is already building.  A rematch of the Giants/49ers.  An unstoppable force (Patriots offense) and an immovable object (supposedly the Baltimore defense).

The Giants were mighty impressive in their 37-20 thrashing of everyones favorite to win it all, the Packers.  In Green Bay.  As an almost double-digit dog.  Eli proved, once and for all, that he is among the NFL's ELIte quarterbacks.  The score was tied 10-10 before the G-Men rattled off 10 straight points before the half - the last score a bomb of a hail mary to Hakeem Nicks, who just wanted it more than anyone else.  The Packers lacked a sense of urgency it seemed - it was almost like "oh, we'll score points, no big deal" except it was, and they are left to wonder what could have been.

The 49ers did the unthinkable, "shocking" the Saints, even though they were the higher seed - 36-32 on a last second Smith-to-Davis TD pass.  I actually clapped and was excited by the finish.  Everyone has seen how well the 49ers did this year but no one really saw.  They finally showed how versatile they can be when they actually punch it in the endzone.  The Saints, well, their defense stunk.  Sure they have an explosive offense, but the defense has to give them something. 

Giants/49ers - SF beat the Giants once already (as did the Packers), 27-20, thanks to a miserable defensive fourth quarter.  This is a different Giants team, however, and I think it'll be a tough home game for the 49ers.

The Patriots showed who was boss in their drubbing of the Tebows Broncos, 45-10.  Before you could blink, Tom Brady had five TD passes - in the first half!  Everyone was talking about Tebow and Brady Quinn all week, but there wasn't a lot of chatter about Tom Brady.  Not really sure why, odd.  Sure, Tebow had a great run, but it's been said before - once the Broncos get behind big early, it's over.  Belichick is a genius and had a great plan (read: NOT 9 in the box like the Steelers) and they executed it to perfection.  Nine straight wins for the Pats since their loss to the Giants.

The Ravens held on in the most boring game of the weekend, for a 20-13 win over the Texans.  The game was almost unwatchable.  They haven't faced an offense like the Patriots have all season - so it'll be interesting to see if they can keep the two-headed TE monster in check.  Their offense doesn't scare anyone and I'm sure their defense is going to be getting all the pub this week leading up to it.  Flacco is a good quarterback and Ray Rice is dynamic, but he's been average in three of their past four games (191 yards in the season-finale against the Bengals).  If they can stop him - on the ground and through the air - it'll be a long day for the Ravens D.

Ravens/Patriots - First time these two play this season.  Patriots are rolling and their "terrible" defense is looking better and better.  Remember, confidence is key, and like the Giants, they are a very confident group.  I'm sure Ray Ray and T-Sizzle will have the purple and black fired up, but  Brady might play the role of fireman and put it out.

I'm predicting a Giants/Patriots rematch of 2008 (and Week 9).

Don't believe all the hype and media coverage.  It comes down to who gets hot at the right time and who's clicking on all cylinders, and if you watched the games this weekend, I think it's those two.

Sheepskin is the New Black

Here in the country - OK, Connecticut might not be the most rural of places - people decorate their homes accordingly.  Rustic, antique-y, country.

What goes better on a wood floor in front of a roaring fireplace in the dead of winter?  If you guessed sheepskin rugs, then you're right.  If you want a white one or one in chocolate brown, fear not, they're out there.  And they all look good.

Comfysheep isn't a one trick pony either - they have plenty of sheepskin products for you to choose from.  Slippers?  They've got them.  Boots?  Check.  Yoga mats?  You know it.  They even have sheepskin seat covers for you to choose from.

Not only are the products top of the line, they are headquartered here in the USA - right in Southern California.  They've been in the sheep game for over 25 years, so they aren't going anywhere - except to your living room or car.  If you aren't on the west coast, don't worry - as long as you're in Canada or the 50 states, you can have it delivered right to your door.  Oh, did I mention FREE SHIPPING?

Sheepskin has something about it that resonates with all people - it's great looking and soft to the touch, unlike some other skins.  And if you have a dog, I'm sure they'll love laying on the plush rug in front of the fireplace.

If you're looking to decorate or add a little spice to your home or car, look no further.  You're sheepskin products are only a mouse click away.

Serious Surfing

Even though winter is here, the surf is still up.  The north shore of Long Island - and south shore of Connecticut, my state of residence - is prime surf territory, regardless of season or weather. 

In the dead of winter, having the right gear is essential if you want to surf, primarily a good wetsuit.  And what brand name pops in your head when you think about wetsuits ??? BODY GLOVE!

Not only are they cutting edge and rad, they also have ridiculous amounts of promotions going on.  Right now, if you go to any of their "core shops" and simply try on a PR1ME wetsuit, you get a free trucker hat.  Try it on...that's all you need to do.

Chances are, when you're in the shop, you'll find a ton of other Body Glove gear that'll be right up your alley - unless you're not as cool as Body Glove is.  They've got bodyboards, wakeboards, watches, rashguards, and of course, wetsuits.

Bill and Bob Meistrell, the founders of the company, are the pioneers in the wetsuit game.  So Body Glove has to put out the best products.

Chances are, if it's good enough Bruce Irons, it's good enough for you.

So if you're serious about your surfing, you need serious gear.

Surf's Up!

#FF and Something Sports

Five Twitter followed by me:

1. Garry Shandling - because he's hilarious
2. Bryan Avigne - our wedding photographer, who did an awesome job.
3. Cody Ross - SF Giants OF'er and a rad dude
4. Matt Carle - Defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers
5. Justin Tuck - beast on defense for the Giants, who'll hopefully beat the Packers

According to a few articles I've read, The Washington Post is getting the first interview with Joe Paterno following the entire debacle.  Who said newspapers were going the way of the dinosaur?

From the (S)news Desk; Beers-day

Want to know what's going on in the world around you?  Well, so far today here in the greater CT region, it's been a dreary, dismal day.  The Midwest is getting hammered with snow.  And the West coast is probably unaffected.

Some of the top news stories:

1. Mitt Romney has won both caucuses(??) - in Iowa and New Hampshire - meaning he is the President of those two states.  No, he isn't, but I guess South Carolina is next, so he might be expanding his reign of greatness and non-smiling.
2. King James once again failed miserably in the waning seconds of a game as the Clippers wound up beating the Heat in OT, 95-89.  LeChoke missed a few free throws towards the end of regulation - 8 for the game - and missed three straight shots in OT.  This cannot be surprising to anyone, as last year, a million and one jokes were made about his lack of "clutch" shooting.
3. Divers are searching for the missing 21-month old girl in Maine today but have yet to find her.  It is pretty chilly here, so I can only imagine what the waters are like in Maine, some 5 hours north of here.  The country is going crazy as more and more children are going missing.  Part of it, to me, is lack of quality parenting.  How is it that you can put your child to bed and then wake up to him/her missing?  I wake up to every noise throughout the night.  Scary to think about.
4. Hostess has filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday but insists it will still produce Ho Hos, Twinkies, Ding Dongs and the rest of the snack foods that are making this country obese.  NEWS FLASH:  These snacks are not meal replacements!

For my Beers-day installment, I did not drink today, but rather the other night, but the beer of choice is Flying Dog Brewery "Raging Bitch".  At 8.3% ABV, it packs quite a punch.  A quality craft brew with hints of grapefruit hop flavor, it's refreshing - but in moderation.  Six or so of these will certainly knock you on your ass.

Flying Dog Brewery Raging Bitch Belgian India Pale Ale


Heading out to give some lessons later on tonight, looking forward to getting out there again with a glove on my hand!

Dry Sack!?!

This one got lost in the shuffle. It was taken on Martha's Vineyard and I had to get the Dry Sack in the photo. Actually, that's the only reason I took it.

Big East is a Dog Fight

Mike Vick is not involved - sorry, had to get that in.  As far as the hierarchy of NCAA Basketball is concerned, the Big East is as much of a toss up as any other conference out there.

There are only three teams left with a 0 in the "L" column - Syracuse, Baylor, and Murray State.

Baylor plays in the Big 12, Murray State in the Ohio Valley.  Syracuse plays with the big boys in the Big East.

I am going to stick with the Big East today. 

Syracuse, as I mentioned, is undefeated at 17-0, ranked #1 in the nation.  Louisville, who is #14 in the nation, got absolutely punked last night at the hands of the Providence Friars, 90-59.  The Friars are now 1-4 in the Big East while Louisville fell to 1-3.

#17 UConn got all it could handle from West Virginia the other night, but held on for a 64-57 win.  UConn and WVU are now both 3-2 in conference.  UConn has beaten only 2 ranked teams all season, Harvard (#24) and Florida State (#22).  WVU has beaten only one ranked team, #9 Georgetown.

Notre Dame is unranked and is 3-1 in conference play including wins over #22 Pitt and on the road at #11 Louisville.

#24 Seton Hall, yes, they are ranked, is 4-1 in the Big East with wins over WVU and #8 UConn.

#11 Georgetown is 3-2 in conference and has beaten #20 Marquette and won at #4 Louisville. 

St. John's is 2-2 coming off a win against Cincinnati, who is 3-1 in conference.  St. John's hasn't beaten a ranked team though, so to me they're still lightyears away from really competing.  Cincinnati is 3-1 in Big East play with wins at #22 Pitt and at #9 Georgetown.

#25 Marquette is 1-2 in the Big East with its lone win against Villanova, who is the one team in the Big East with an overall record not over .500 (8-8).

If this is all confusing to you, it should be.

The lone ranger that stands above the rest seems to be the Orange.  They've beaten DePaul, Seton Hall, Providence, and #20 Marquette by an average of 16.5 points.  They don't play a ranked team until the host Georgetown on February 8th.

The Big East is shaping up to be a wild ride.

Trending Tuesday

This is what's trending to me, not necessarily the rest of the world.

1. Coachella - the annual music festival to end all festivals, held in Indio, California, has announced the 2012 lineup.  For the first time, it will span two weekends - April 13-15 and April 20-22.  The headliners:  Radiohead, The Black Keys, and Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.  Passes for the weekend are $285.  At The Drive-In and Refused are staging reunions as well, which is sure to sell some tickets.
2. NBA Jam - the Sega Genesis classic is available on iTunes for $0.99 - yes, that's not a typo.  I bought it and thoroughly enjoy playing it, even though I chose the Memphis Grizzlies as my team.  Only issue I have is that the rosters are not updated to reflect the current NBA season, but I hope that issue might be resolved in an update.  O.J. Mayo is my guy and I tend to partner him with Rudy Gay.
3. Astronomy - I have been avidly using my telescope at night, trying to get some glimpses of outer space.  The moon is easy to find.  The stars are easy to find as well, there are a million of them.  Trying to figure out which ones are which is difficult, but it's fun.  Jupiter, the "gas giant" still eludes me, however, but I am going to keep trying.  I've joined astronomyforum.net in hopes of getting some insight into what I need to do and to keep up with what's happening up in outer space.
4. Nolan - he woke up.  I'm signing off.

The Weekend That Was (& Wasn't)

Here are the winners of the weekend that was:

• NFC East and AFC West - The only two division in football without a 10-win playoff team.  Didn't seem to matter much as the Giants embarrassed the Falcons, 24-2, while the Fighting Tebows beat the Steelers in OT, 29-23 (after a near collapse).
• Tennessee Volunteers basketball - Not only did they creep a game above .500 with a win on Saturday, but they beat #12 Florida, 67-56.  I don't think there is a taste more sweet for Vols fans than beating the hated Gators.
• Ottawa Senators - They overcame a 2 goal deficit, erupting for four third period goals, to take down my beloved Flyers, 6-4.  Eleven Senators recorded a point in this one.
• Drew Brees - Everyone knows he broke Marino's record forpassing yards this year (5,476) but he kept up the torrid pace in a 45-28 thrashing of the hapless Lions.  He threw for 466 yards and three TD's - but he lost a fumble.  I guess no one is perfect.

Here are the losers of the weekend that wasn't:

• NFL Referees - There were some brutal calls throughout the Wild Card Weekend - a non-fumble in the Lions/Saints game and several questionable holding calls in the Falcons/Giants game.  There were plenty of other calls that were head-scratchers, but I don't have the time to get into all of them.  Moving forward, I hope they let the teams play a little more.  There were 39 penalties in the four game.  But they missed a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steelers WR Mike Wallace on a third down play.
• University of Connecticut Basketball - The women's team lost at #3 Notre Dame in OT, 74-67, marking the first time they've lost a Big East game since February of 2008.  Sure, they are still going to be a force to reckon with, but after losing three times to the Huskies last year, the Irish might find themselves believing a little more.  The men's team lost at Rutgers, marking the second straight Big East game they've lost - both in NJ (Seton Hall beat them 75-63 on Tuesday).  The Huskies remain one of the nations elite, but they have to bounce back tonight at home against West Virginia, a team that is coming off a big home win over #11 Georgetown.
• Washington Wizards - This miserable group fell to 0-8, remaining the only winless team in the NBA, and in the process I think they've been eliminated from playoff contention.  The Timberwolves (3-5) crushed them yesterday, 93-72.  They're averaging 84.6 ppg (29th), shooting 39.7% from the floor (29th), are -12.9 in point differential (30th) and getting outrebounded by 8 rpg (30th).  Looks like a lost cause down in DC.  At least they delivered some good during the holidays.

Birthday

Happy 30th Birthday to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.

#FollowFriday; WWE Wrestler in Vernon, CT?

First, I want to address a few people on Twitter that I follow that are worth checking out.  There are so many people on Twitter - celebrities, athletes, civilians - and some just fill up the feed with crappy retweets and nonsense, so I will try to avoid leading you to them.  Here's my 5 for Follow Friday:

• Doug Benson - comedian, always random and always funny
• Jerry Crasnick - baseball writer for ESPN.com and Baseball America - always on top of the game
• Brad Ziegler - relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks - proof that pitchers are a little off
• SPACE.com - always new coverage and information about astronomy, since that's a new hobby of mine
• Andy Katz - College basketball know-it-all and writer for ESPN.com - this dude knows all!

As far as a WWE wrestler living here in Vernon, CT - I am not really sure, but there was a guy at the gym, who was at least 55 years-old wearing an outfit identical to something a wrestler would wear in the 80's - tanktop, spandex shorts, knee and elbow supports, boots - at the gym.  I know he really isn't a wrestler, but what the hell possesses some people to walk out of the house dressed like that?  Even if you are going to the gym.  He definitely went tanning too, because everything was the same color except for the skin around his pits - sure, the weather has been decent here in CT so far this winter, but the sun isn't that strong!

Happy Friday everyone, have a great weekend.

Clap Clap Clap Your Hands



Nolan finally figured out how to clap and he really seems to enjoy it - and is proud of it!  Next up on the milestone list is walking.

Trending on Thursday; Beers-day

It's that time again, time for trends on this Thursday - sorry for the unanticipated alliteration.

• The Girl Scouts of America have introduced a new cookie - Savannah Smiles - a powdery lemon-wedge cookie.  Don't misconstrue this name for a dancer at the local establishment with no windows.  They're bite-sized, so they could be dangerous, a la the Thin Mints.
• "Human Barbie", Sarah Burge, recently gave her 7-year-old daughter a voucher for $11,000 - for cosmetic surgeries!  This lady should be slapped three times by her daughter.  To insist that your daughter asks for "plastic surgery all the time" directly correlates to your problem.  Barbie is a plastic doll.  I guess everyone is just looking for their 15 seconds of fame.
• Baby killer Casey Anthony recently figured out how "exciting" it is to have a computer, so she can Skype.  This bitch is utterly despicable.  A YouTube video has emerged.  I personally can't watch the entire thing because she makes me sick, as does the judicial system that let her walk.
• West Virginia proved to be an unstoppable force last night against a Clemson team that felt like people would be talking about it's defense - or lack thereof - after last nights Orange Bowl.  The Mountaineers pounded the Tigers, 70-33, setting a record for the most points scored in a bowl game - EVER!
• Duke lost to Temple.  I am bitter, so that is all I am going to say.  They need to figure it out with the ACC starting play.

Beers-day - I have not started drinking this early, I just wanted to try something out.  A beers-day blurb on my beverage of choice last night.  The Southampton Publick House Double White.  A lot of action going on with the spices in this one, namely citrus-y ones, but it was a good beer to have one of, which is exactly what I did, while enjoying a homemade pizza with Lindsay.  Although the microbrewery recommends pairing it with suchi, cheeses, seafood, or summer salads, it satisfied in the dead of winter.

Southampton Publick House Double White Ale

Have a great Thursday!

Miami Dolphins

Don Shula, legendary coach and restauranteur, turns 82 today.

Happy Birthday!!

• Head coach of the Baltimore Colts (1963-1969) but better known as head coach for the Miami Dolphins (1970-1995)
• 2 Super Bowl Championships (VII, VIII)
• 1 NFL Championship (1968)
• 5 AFC Championships
• 328 regular season wins (most all-time)
• 6 Super Bowl appearances as a head coach (most all-time)

This guy is a legend and he makes a hell of a steak.

Really?!? This is a BAD Trend!

I am just remembering seeing at least three adults wearing winter hats designed as animals.  For me, this is absolutely ludicrous.  As far as I'm concerned, if you're over the age of 25-30, wear a winter hat that is suitable for such an age.



Although they look cute on children and infants, I really don't see the reasoning behind grown ass people wearing such hats.  Maybe I'm the only one who sees a problem with this, but how the hell do you expect people to take you seriously while you're wearing a tiger hat on your head?

What's Trending?: Too Fat to Give Birth?; Savannah Brinson; NFL Playoffs

Happy 2012 to all my followers!  Lindsay went back to work today so it's just me and the boys again during the day - it sure was nice having all of us together every day but in order for that to happen, we're going to have to hit lotto or something.  She's a great wife and mother and Nolan, Nathan, and I are ucky to have her.

Moving on to what's trending on the first Tuesday of 2012 - affectionately known as Taco Tuesday (as is the first Tuesday of every month):

1. Too Fat to Give Birth? - According to The Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest woman to ever give birth, Donna Simpson, has split from her fiance of five years and moved back to Ohio with her children.  I think this happened a while ago so I am not sure why she's trending, but she is.  Weird.

2. Savannah Brinson, aka Mrs. LeBron James - Yes, that's right.  The King separated himself from his bro-mance with the rest of the Big Three in Miami long enough to propose to his longtime girlfriend.  But fear not, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union were there as were Lance Bass and Jamie Lynn Sigler.  What a romantic group to propose in front of.  Hopefully this won't go like the NBA Finals, where he forgot to show up in the final minutes.

3. NFL Playoffs - My Raiders had a golden opportunity to win the AFC West but couldn't handle the pressure - at home - getting pumped by a Chargers team with nothing to play for.  The Jets and their blowhard coach Rex Ryan are going to be watching from the couch as well.

NFC - The Giants blew out the Cowboys in a win-or-go-home scenario at MetLife Stadium Sunday night and will host the Falcons, a wild-card team with a lot of weapons.  The Packers clinched a spot in Week 3 and a bye in the first round after finishing 15-1 and the Niners proved they belong, finishing 13-3 and clinching a bye and the #2 seed in the NFC.  Drew Brees and his record-setting season helped lead the Saints to the #3 seed and a matchup with the defenseless Detroit Lions.

AFC - The Patriots proved once again they are the class of the AFC and ran away with the East, the #1 seed, and a bye in the first round.  Their defense is still in question, but their offense can score at will.  The Ravens secured the #2 seed and a bye after clinching the AFC North with a 12-4 record, including 2 wins over the Steelers, who will head to Denver to take on "QB" Tim Tebow and the spiraling Broncos, who backed in out of the AFC West.  The Bengals will play to AFC South champion Texans who are riding a three-game losing streak heading into the playoffs.

Some interesting possible second round matchups: 
- Steelers/Patriots II - The Pats were beaten 25-17 in Pittsburgh in Week 8.
- Texans/Ravens II - The Ravens dominated the Week 6 matchup, winning 29-14 in Baltimore.
- Giants/Packers II - The Packers survived a scare in The Swamps of NJ, 38-35 in Week 12.

Stay tuned, it should be pretty exciting.  Especially knowing we don't have to hear either of the Ryan brothers talking about how good their teams are.