Scattegories

My brother sent this email to me. I thought it would be a fun blog.

SCATTEGORIES...it's harder than it looks!
Copy and paste into an new e-mail and erase my answers, enter yours, send it
on to 10 people including the one that sent this to you. Use the 1st letter
of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places,
names, things, nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person
before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the
boy/girl name question

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Andy
4 LETTER WORD: avid
TV SHOW: American Idol (I do not watch it though)
BOY NAME: Alex
GIRL NAME: Andrea
OCCUPATION: Anthropologist
A COLOR: Aquamarine (that was tough!)
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Ankle bracelet (well, not all of us...) or Bryan's favorite - Apple bottom jeans!
BEVERAGE: Alcohol...or Applejuice.
FOOD: Asparagus
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Art (high end bathroom???), Alcohol, Aspirin
A PLACE: Alaska

REASON FOR BEING LATE: Attacked! Do you see the black eye?

SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: ARGH!

Happy Halloween!

If you want to play along, leave your answers in the comment section!

Happy Halloween and Happy Anniversary!

Today marks the one year anniversary of my blog. I can not believe I have been putting random thoughts down on paper for a year. This might not be the best idea in the long run, having documentation... Anyway, I hope you all have a great Halloween. A few random thoughts!

1. I am shocked that my Halloween costumes did not get more comments. I think I shocked everyone.
2. I am SOOOOO ready for this election to be over.
3. Today was tenant appreciation day in my building. They were handing out pumpkin shaped sugar cookies with orange icing. It was a great cookie. Thanks building!
4. Michelle and I are going to the IMAX tonight to see Dark Knight. I am so excited and I bet I see a few people dressed up as Joker and Batman.
5. Have a great weekend.

Congrats to the Phillies!

The Rays vs the Phillies left me torn. I have a soft spot for both teams. The Rays had won me some money this year and the Phillies I have always like because of Mike Schmidt. Well, last night the Phillies closed out game 5 and won the World Series. Awesome!

My favorite player on the team is Utley. He is a stud and he made a nice play at the plate in the bottom of the 7th innning to save a run.

Do not fret Rays fans. That teams is young and not going anywhere. They will be back.

Now that baseball is over, I can focus more on football and by football I mean soccer. Go Liverpool!

Top 5 - Halloween with a twist

Okay, I am going to give you my top 5 halloween treats I received as a "kid" trick or treating. Then, I am going to completely embarrass myself and show you a few pictures of me dressed up for Halloween as a kid. I was very young in all of these. That is really my only defense.

1. Caramel popcorn ball - This thing was a heaven in a small round shape. I can still point out the house that gave these away! It was an older lady. It tasted soooo good.

2. Reese Peanut Butter Cups - There were a couple houses that gave you 2 or three of these individual treats. Ummm, peanut butter and chocolate.

3. A plastic bag filled with smarties, a blow pop and a couple pieces of bubble gum - This house put this in a zip lock bag but this was before zip lock and each one was twisted. Very thoughtful.

4. Milkyway/Baby Ruth combo - Any time I could score a couple different candy bars. I was excited. Back in the day I was not much of a Snickers guy. I have no idea what my problem was.

5. Whatchamacallit - These are only available in full size so it was a nice treat to get these puppies.

That is my 5. On to the embarrassing part. I called my mom yesterday with the challenge of finding me in 5 different outfits. On a short notice, she found four pictures in three different outfits. So, hopefully my AWESOME costumes will inspire you this Friday. No one can say I am not afraid to embarrass myself.

It is safe to say that I had the idea of Kung Fu Panda way before anyone else. I am also pretty sure they made me wear this so I could not eat the candy before I got home.

No. This is not really Superman (with shades?!?!?). It is me...I am not lying. FYI - Back right- the hobo - he has a blog you read. His issues with life started early...

The last costume is Mickey Mouse and I was barely 5 or shall I say the year is 1981! And mom - I know you wanted a daughter but that is no excuse for making me pose like that. Actually, I blame my father. Really? You ok-ed this?

Oh, and when was Craig heavy weight champion of the world?

Thanks Mom for finding those pictures so quickly...I think...

I haven't played this much tag since grade school!

Yes, I too was tagged by Lauren. Growing up this would mean me trying to catch up to skinnier kids that were faster than me. My only hope was that a couple of them would run into each other and I could get to them before they got up. Anyway, I digress.

The first part of the tag is to post the 6th picture from the 6th picture folder on your computer. Well, this is a picture from the weekend I asked Michelle to marry me. These are the roses that were in the hotel room.




The second part of the tag is as follows:
1. Link the tagger and provide the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.
Seven facts about me:

1. For the first time in my life, at the age of 32, I can do pullups. I was never ever able to do them. Yes, I am excited about this.
2. I have lived in one state my entire life. Also, if you include college, I have lived in Chicago for 14 years.
3. Umbrellas annoy me, especially in Chicago. If you want to stay dry, wear a pancho or a hooded jacket of some sort. Umbrellas do mre harm than good.
4. The first college football game I attended was at Nebraska. It was after college.
5. Growing up, we made a bunch of backyard wrestling tapes. My brother has them. I hate to say growng up too. We started making them in 1989 but we have made a few in the 21 century. Lets move on.
6. I am afraid of heights but did jump out of a perfectly good plane once. Face your fear! I am still not too keen on heights...
7. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I am tagging no one. It ends here.

Liverpool! Top of the EPL!

Thank you Liverpool.

The Dodgers are eliminated from the playoffs. The Broncos' defense can not stop a pop warner team at this point. Liverpool has started off this season on fire! It is fun to watch.

On Sunday, they walked into Stamford Bridge and beat Chelsea to take over first place in the EPL. Chelsea has not lost at home in 86 games or 4.5 years. Nice job Liverpool! At least one of my sports teams is getting it done.

On another sidenote, LU basketball starts this saturday. YESSSSSSSSSS!

Sports Hazing

I love hearing stories on rookies getting hazed by old athletes. They always crack me up. Well, Funk sent this to me in an email today. I thought I would share it. It also helps that I am a huge Clinton Portis fan.


PUT IT ON THE UNDERHILLS' BILL

"Clinton was young. Let's just say we gave him the rookie experience."
-Newly acquired Redskins running back Shaun Alexander reminiscing about a trip to the Pro Bowl where he and Priest Holmes welcomed Clinton Portis to the league.
"Priest Holmes calls me in Hawaii, asks, 'Man, what room you in? I'm going to call you. I'm like, '814.' Never heard from him, but you go to check out and you see charges on your credit card for mai tais. I know I didn't drink 200 mai tais over that weekend. He and Shaun owe me about $15,000 still."
-Redskins running back Clinton Portis

Top 5 - Comfort Food

Hmmmm, food. So this top 5 is pretty easy. What food do you go running to in a time of need? Actually, another way, what food do you also go find yourself going to, the ole standbys. Maybe these are foods that somehow afterwards put you in a better mood. I think everyone has the point. On to my top 5!

1. Loaded Nachos - Oh, my biggest weakness. I love them. They make me smile. They always hit the spot. How can you go wrong with Nachos? You can't!
2. A good burger, if possible, a Moody's burger - Moody's has it all. I feel better jut walking in that place. Their burger is the best and as soon as I take a bite, all is right with the world. Okay, maybe not but I do enjoy a good burger.
3. Pizza - I prefer chicago style but any pizza will do. It is just too good and I find myself craving it on the weekends a lot.
4. Ice Cream - I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream. It is true that I have run a couple blocks in between buildings in the middle of a BBQ trying to track down the ice cream truck. You know what. It was totally worth it!
5. Tater tots - Oh how I miss you. I can not wait until January 1 when this self-imposed potato ban is lifted and I eat a pound of tator tots!

A special shout out goes to chips and con queso and lasagna. Anything that involves melted cheese is OK in my book!

Happy hump day!

One last thing from the weekend

I am so happy I live in a state that is already predetermined when it comes to the presidential election.

The amount of commercials on both the radio and tv in Florida is staggering. I have never seen anything like it. Obama has his own channel down there. You can not go two commercials in a row without one of them being political.

It could make for one hell of a drinking game though...

Random Thoughts

1. The weekend in Florida was good as always. The heater for the pool and hottub was a very nice addition. Christmas is going to be a good time.
2. My golf game took two steps back. I did not think that was possible. The two giant blisters on my left hand could be a part of the problem.
3. Southwest is the best airline. Is there really any argument?
4. Ahow is right. Best bowling ball ever!
5. I am very happy that the Rays made it to the WS. At the beginning of the year, when I was betting them to win more than 77 games, why did I not put $10 on them to win the WS? ARGH!
6. Not sure what my top 5 will be tomorrow.
7. Still have not decided which vehicle we are taking to FL for Christmas. We are leaving toward the 4-door car.
8. Halloween is going to come and go this year with us not dressing up. I am not a big fan of Halloween.
9. Have a good Tuesday.

Omaha Steaks arrive!

Usually when Michelle and I arrive home after work, we check the mail. We forgot last night. So, when Michelle left for the gym, she checked the mail. I was already at the bowling alley. I received a text message from her saying the steaks had arrived! I was pumped! They arrived on a bag of dry ice in a styrofoam container. YESSSSSSSS! Too bad we will not be around this weekend to cook them up. That will be happening soon. I guarantee that!

Bowling Summary

I went 2 of 7 in single pin coversions. That just should not happen. I opened the 10th frame in the first two games. I can just hear all those pins I am leaving off my score.

Well, outside of those negatives, I ended up rolling a 588. Yes, I averaged a 196. It is obvious to say but I really like this new ball and the way it is drilled. My second game I left the 5-10 split in the 10th but still rolled a 226. The last game I knew going into the 10th that I needed two strikes and a high count to break 600 (something I have not done in league yet). I threw a strike on the first ball but then did not throw a very good ball for my 2nd ball. I ended that game with a 191.

Plus, our team that is in 2nd place, swept last night. The last game was close but the other two were not. A good night of bowling all around for me and the team. I just wished I would have broken 600...ARGH!

Top 5 - Music

This top 5 is a suggestion my Aunt Karen provided. What five artists/bands must be on your ipod. If you do not have an Ipod, pretend that someone gave you one for Christmas. What would be the five artists that you must put on there? This was a bit of a struggle for me because I love 80s music and 80s music is a lot of one hit wonders. Anyway, here is my 5.

1. George Strait - Or should I call him King George. He is my favorite country musician ever.
2. Brooks and Dunn - If George is #1 in my country rating, B&D is 1b. They are the greatest country duo of all time. This is not a discussion.
3. John Mellencamp - He has too many songs that I love. His greatest hits is a must.
4. Run DMC - Yes, this comes out of no where. They are my favorite rap group. I have been listening to the them for over 20 years. I could not imagine an ipod without some old school.
5. CCR - What can I say? I heart the Fogerty brothers. Green River is an awesome album.

A special shout out goes to Michael Jackson and Madonna - two icons of the 80s. Also, Metallica was another band that could have easily made the list.

Random Thoughts

1. Bloomington was a lot of fun. In the end, sink the biz...the biz sank me.
2. That was maybe the first and only tailgate I will ever be at where the bathrooms were in a building and not portapottys. That was awesome!
3. Tomorrow's top 5 will have to do with music.
4. The Dodgers are in some trouble. I thought when they took the lead in the 7th that they had control. I was wrong. With it being 3-1, it is win or go home.
5. We are driving to Florida over Christmas and struggling on which vehicle to take.
6. We are also headed to Florida this Thursday! I am looking forward to a three day weekend! Four day work weeks rule!
7. Have a good Tuesday!

Paying off bets - Thanks Smitty!

So Smitty is a Cubs fan and I am a Dodgers fan. Smitty and I had a bet. If the Cubs win, I ship him a chicago style pizza and if the Dodgers win, he sends me some Omaha steaks.

Well, I received the email below today. Thanks Smitty!

Dear ANDREW ,

Someone thinks so much of you they are sending you only the best!
SMITTY has sent you a tasteful gift from Omaha Steaks and it should be arriving at your door on approximately 10/14/08.

If you have any questions about your gift shipment, call us at 1-800-228-9872 or email us at custserv@omahasteaks.com. Your order number is xxxxxx.
Please enjoy your gift!

Thank you,

Fred Simon, Owner

Top 5 - Tailgates!

In honor of GACRT (great american college road trip), my top 5 this week is going to revolve around things I love about tailgates. On a sidenote, if you do not know what GACRT is, please email Sachs or Stone. Basically, 8 years ago, these two decided to pick a college game a year to attend. Basically, thier goal is to check out a different college campus/staidum each year. They are making their way through the big ten right now. This saturday, we are hitting up Indiana. I am excited about the event. Actually, I prefer the tailgate to the game. Here is my top 5.

1. The energy of the tailgate - I am an energy guy. I feed off energy. I love this about tailgates. Everone is excited about the upcoming game. People are decked out in costumes, sometimes, and if not, they are wearing their favorite sports teams clothes. It is 7 or 6 in the morning and people are hyped up. AWESOME! Lets be clear. This energy starts with your tailgate. The people you have at your tailgate make or break it.

2. Partying/Drinking in the AM - It feels like cheating. There is this giant party going on and it is 7 in the morning! How fun is that! It is like 2-a-days but in a GOOD way! YES!

3. Smell of the grill- The best part of this is that you don't necessarily have to be the one with the grill. There are so many people grilling that you can sit there and soak in that smell. Oh, so good. On a sidenote, this is where Wisconsin really brings it especially in baseball. Go to a Brewers game early to tailgate. They are pros. It is a great great time!

4. Tailgating games - Whether this is playing Euchre, bags, or that tailgate golf ball game. Tailgates are a fun time to play.

5. Being outside - Most every other time you get together with a big group of people, it is in a bar, or restuarant or at someone's house. You are inside. It is great getting together outside and enjoying the environment.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this top 5. I know I am going to enjoy the tailgate this saturday!

Cheers!

Mustang Football!

On Saturday morning, I drove out to watch Fubar coach the Morton's freshmen B team. It was something I had wanted to do for the last couple years and it had finally worked out. The day ended up being absolutely perfect for football. Fubar's roommate Stacey showed up for the 2nd half.

This game was very exciting. Fubar said the spread was at 24 for the game with Morton as the huge underdogs. Well, they came out and scored first with the help of a great special teams return to go up 6-0. The tone was set from there. Morton ended up losing the game 14-12. Oak Park converted a two point conversation. That was the difference in the game. Morton did complete two passes of 40 yards or more and they blocked a punt with less than a minute to go into the game. Very excited to the very end. Below are a few pics from the morning.

Fubar coaching from the sidelines...umm, get off the field...you are not playing!

Mustangs in action....

Fubar talking after the game. He owes the kid who blocked the punt McDonalds.

Women Lifting

Ok. I need to get this off of my chest. Oprah had a segement with Gwyenth Palthrow and her trainer. Her trainer said that women should not use any dumbell more than three pounds. Really??? That is so ridiculous. Oprah needs to bring Valerie Waters on next. She trains a lot of models and celebrities in Hollywood. I guarantee her take is a little different.

Lets be clear. Lifting weights will not make you big and bulky ladies, that fourth cookie will.

Anyway, here is a good article about women lifting along with a bunch of videos of normal women staying in shape and not bulking up.

Be forewarned. The author is a little crass.

Boom goes the dynamite!

Greatest sports announcer in history!

#1 - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Sundance Kid: You just keep thinkin' Butch. That's what you're good at.

This maybe my favorite movie ever. Godfather is high on my list as well. This is my favorite western. What really impressed me about this movie is how much it holds up over time. It is a funny movie. What a shame that Newman and Redford only made two movies together. They were both stellar. With this blog, ends my homage to Newman. May he rest in peace. Here are some scenes from this funny movie.

Butch: Then you jump first.
Sundance: No, I said.
Butch: What's the matter with you?
Sundance: I can't swim.
Butch:: Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.



1,2,3, go...



Butch: All of them?!? What's a matter with those guys?



The only way to end this homage...the last scene...

#2 - The Hustler

Bert: You got talent.
Eddie: So I got talent? So what beat me?
Bert: Character.

This is just one of many great quotes. It is also how Ebert begins his review of the movie. You can read it here. It is a great review. I highly recommend it. This movie has a peak performance from Paul Newman, a breakout role for George C Scott, and Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats. I think if you catch me on any given day my #1 and #2 change. It is more like 1a and 1b.

Paul Newman was nominated 6 times for best actor but only won once in Color of Money. Many believe, including me, that was more of a fix for him not winning for the Hustler. He should have won it in 1962 for the Hustler. With no offense to Cool Hand Luke, I believe this was his best individual performance. Shame on the AFI for not putting it in their top 100 movies. I will forever think it is #101 on their list.

Go about 2 minutes in to this scene. The back and forth between Gleason and Newman is awesome.

Fats: "Now I know why they call you Fast Eddie."



Here is part of their first match.

2:15 in - Eddie's description of Fats is great. Gleason is gliding around the table.

4:45 in - Eddie's manager tell him to quit and Eddie stands up and takes control. Awesome!



Their last match and basically the rest of the movie. Do not watch if you want to watch the movie.

6:00 in - Bert yells "You owe me MONEY!" I love this whole scene after that line!
10:05 in - Fast Eddie: "Fat man, you shoot a great game of pool."
Fats: "So do you fast Eddie."

#3 - The Sting

The second movie that Robert Redford and Paul Newman made together. Why they did not make any more is beyond me. This one won 7 academy awards including best picture. The two they made were amazing. The Sting is one giant hustle that in the end hustles the viewer. Just a great movie and it takes place in Chicago. Bonus!

Great card scene...



The trailer (i love this music)...



Cheers!

Top 5 Actors of All time

A few ground rules for this top 5. We are sticking to movies only, no tv stars. Also, we are talking about male only. This was hard enough. I am not throwing both sexes in there. Here is my top 5. The top 2 to me are above the rest.

1. Paul Newman - I love his movies. I love his style.
2. Clint Eastwood - The man with no name. Who makes a better western (not John Wayne)? No one. He is the star amongst stars.
3. Jack Nicholson - One who flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, The Shining, Chinatown, just to name a few. This guy was awesome. Not sure so about his movies today...
4a. DeNiro 4b. Pacino - It is hard for me to pick between the two. Both are so good and similar. I am putting them together. It is my top 5. I can do what I want!
5. Harrison Ford - He has been in too many of my favorites not to be included. Indiana Jones and Han Solo...come on. Even is later movies like Clear and Present Danger are good.

A little shout out goes to Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Morgan Freedman, and the godfather - Marlon Brando.

Happy Wednesday!