Predictions

Just some quick football predictions for this weekend:

East Fairmont @ North Marion

East looks to end another streak...they've never won at North Marion. East Fairmont takes a quick lead into halftime, 28-0. Should be easy from this point. But the North Marion band so rouses the crowd with their rendition of "God Bless the U.S.A." that North Marion comes storming back. With :46 to go, North Marion scores a touchdown to make it 28-27. As they go for the extra point, a midget runs onto the field and distracts the center. He snaps the ball but is so enthralled with the midget that he doesn't block and EF blocks the PAT. East wins...28-27.

University @ West Fairmont

West pulls out to an early 14-0 lead after Justin Hostetler throws two early interceptions. Jeff Hostetler is so mad at this that he pulls him from the game and puts himself in the game. Jeff, after throwing 3 more interceptions, finally gets on the right track and completes some passes. University pulls ahead in the 4th quarter and wins 35-25. The game is currently under appeal...

Morgantown @ Preston

The Knights refuse to take the field and, instead, make buckwheat cakes for the Morgantown players. The Mohigans win by forfeit.

Bridgeport @ RCB

Bridgeport takes a narrow 7-6 lead into the 4th quarter. RCB throws an interception with 3:00 left and it looks to be over. Then, from the shadows, Robert C. Byrd himself, gowned completely in white, steps forward and rallies the troops by reading about the great Caesar. So inspired, the RCB players force a turnover and score the winning touchdown with :02 remaining. RCB 13 - Bridgeport 7.

Virginia Tech @ WVU

#3 Virginia Tech comes blowing into town hoping to avenge the loss 2 years ago. The game starts out bad for the Hokies as Marcus Vick arrives late to the game after spending some time with some teen girls that Mark May from ESPN had sent him. The Mountaineers chase the hungover Vick all over the field and he proves to be ineffective as the Mountaineers take a 14-0 lead. Things brighten for the Hokies when a kickoff is returned for a touchdown...but, wait just a minute my friend...replay clearly shows that the player's knee was down at the 50 and the touchdown is called back. WVU leads 14-0 at halftime.

Second half sees more of the same. WVU continues its domination up front and puts two more touchdowns on the board. Frank Beams is so distraught that he pulls Vick from the game and places his goiter in at quarterback. The goiter immediately finds an open man in the end zone to make the score 28-7 but it's too late for any comeback. WVU 28 - Va. Tech 7.Michael Vick is so upset that he checks himself into a nearby hospital under the alias Ron Mexico. Marcus Vick heads back to the hotel where a bus of middle school girls are waiting by. Frank Beamer and his goiter argue over the decision to wait so long to pull Vick. Their relationship is over and the goiter leaves to assist Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame. Beamer remains two more seasons at Va. Tech but, without the goiter, he is unable to lead his team down a winning path. Rich Rodriguez finally makes a BCS bowl and stays at West Virginia until the New England Patriots job opens up. Who wouldn't leave WVU for the Patriots? I continue writing because I can't think of a way to wrap this up. Oh yeah, Sunnyside is currently rebuilding. "

Frank Beamer, a goiter and ESPN

First, Thursday night ESPN had Frank Beamer and his goiter on as guests during the Pontiac Halftime Report. Frank went over how they lost to WVU a couple years ago and how tough it was to play at WVU. He talked about what a shame it was to lose such a good rivalry...how he and Ed Pastilong were buddies. Whatever. Virginia Tech decided to end the rivalry. He said he didn't have anything to do with scheduling. What bull! If he wanted to schedule WVU, he could. Then his goiter said that maybe we can get it scheduled some time in the future...but Frank said he wasn't sure. He and his goiter fought for a minute and decided they didn't make the schedules. It was a very odd moment indeed. The fact is that VTech dropped us because they don't want to risk the loss every year. End of story.

So, they get done with Frankie and Rece Davis talks about how tough it is to play at Mountaineer Field. They do a quick story about the fire department in Morgantown making everyone remove their couches from their porches in case WVU would pull the upset. Talk about the fires a couple years back. Then Mark May decides to talk about when he played football...at PITT nonetheles, and says the coach always told him to keep his helmet on because Mountaineer fans like to throw things on the field like frozen food, fruit, batteries and pennies. They throw pennies because they can't afford nickles.

Honestly, that is what he said. The other guy tried to save him but he didn't take it back. They throw pennies because they can't afford nickles. And people wonder why I'm sick of ESPN. They invite Frank and the goiter on and kiss their butts...talk about how great the ACC is and how great USC is. I'm sick of it...it's the same thing over and over again. Notre Dame lost but they're still kissing Weiss' butt as much as possible because they just love the Patriots and that's where he came from. Oh well, hopefully the Mountaineers can win Saturday and make them eat some crow. Let's beat saw castrated turkeys...errr, Hokies.

Bette Midler

Hear Bette Midler Tuesday night? What a class act she is. In case you missed it, here's some excerpts from her rousing fundraiser at Madison Square Garden:

MIDLER: A terrible thing happened to me. Today I got a letter from the Republican Party thanking me (boos) thanking me, thanking me for supporting this administration's policies. I did what any self-respecting American of integrity and class would do, I wrote "Go [bleep] yourself!" (wild cheering) I sent it back! Postage due! I would never actually pick on George Bush, because, you know, he's a big fan of mine. He came to see me in the seventies, came to a show of mine in the seventies. A coke dealer of his, uh, got him some tickets, and... (cheers) Tonight we are here to be together, to help rebuild the Gulf coast, to help -- help rebuild the soul of America, the soul of America, New Orleans, New Orleans. We have to find a way to start listening to each other, to nature, and to the rest of the world, because who wants to live with so much danger.

Amazing. It's amazing that only the left talk this way. Whoopie, Midler, Kanye...those are the typical left. Hatred. Mean-spirited. That is the left. And these are the people directing the democratic party. You would never hear a conservative talk this way. Sure, we take our digs at the left but it never goes this far. The right is the party of hope and optimism. It's the left that wants to see failure and revels in it.

The left is disappointed by the lack of deaths in New Orleans. The left is disappointed by how quickly New Orleans is being repaired. The left is disappointed by elections in Iraq. The left is disappointed by elections in Afghanistan. The left is disappointed that we haven't been attacked by terrorists again. The left is disappointed that gas prices aren't $5.00. The left is disappointed that Americans are doing as well as they are despite their best attempts to make us all as miserable as they are.

It's the right that is optimistic...that looks ahead and sees light. It's always the right that sees the brighter side of the future...always. Where the left always see doom and gloom, the right can see ways to fix it. Find me a liberal who has an idea for prosperity...you won't. They only want to destroy others...not make life better.

People, wake up. The Republican party is the only party that has a vision for America. The right is the only side that sees brighter days ahead. I see good days ahead...and that's why I'm not a liberal.

Just tired

Not sure why...just completely wiped out. Don't feel like doing much of anything. Went home last night and watched some of the New York/New Orleans game. It was entertaining. I think Eli Manning might actually be improving...

Didn't watch any of the Redskins/Cowboys game. Talk about two teams I couldn't care less about. Instead, watched back-to-back-to-back episodes of Family Guy on TBS and Cartoon Network. Now that's a funny show.

I guess yesterday was "International Talk Like A Pirate" Day. I don't know how I missed out on that. And, I guess today is "Please, God, Stop Talking Like Pirates!" Day. I'm not making this stuff up. I actually saw that somewhere...

Anyway, I'm going to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on Sunday and won't be back until Thursday...barring another hurricane. Ponte Vedra Beach is near Jacksonville so I think I'll be pretty safe.

That's about it...get more to you later.

Sports Weekend Wrapup

Steelers look pretty darn good. Defense has now given up 14 points in two games. That's not bad at all. And the "world champion" Patriots are up next. I don't like the Patriots. I've heard that this is just another game and it shouldn't be overhyped. Maybe that's right but wouldn't it be nice to win against New England and put them off to a 1-2 start. Maybe make them start to doubt about their invincility a little. And, who knows, it may determine home-field advantage later in the year (not that the Steelers have been able to do anything with home field).

Other tidbits:

• Why has McNabb and Owens made up? I was ready to start liking Donovan but that's it. A friend of Terrell is an enemy of mine. I hope the Eagles implode.
• The Yankees and Red Sox are going to have quite the battle in the last 3 games of the season. The loser of the AL East is very likely to miss the playoffs completely. Man, it would just make me so happy to see the Red Sox sitting in Boston in October. Couldn't happen to a nicer team...
• West Virginia secondary really, really scares me. Louisville will tear them apart if they don't improve. I refuse to talk about the Virginia Tech QB anymore...what's his name? You know...
• Jason Gore won a PGA tour event...that's pretty cool. He won the Pete Dye Classic here in good ol' Clarksburg not long ago. But he'll always be remembered for his US Open meltdown.
• Do you think the Vikins miss Randy Moss? I'm guessing they would gladly trade Mike Tice to the Raiders to get him back.
• I missed this last week but aren't you glad that you're not that Marshall QB who threw the interception against K-State?
• Notre Dame lost. I can only hope it continues.
• USC beat Arkansas 70-17. I'm impressed. How about you? Well, how about they beat Hawaii 63-17. Are you impressed now? Well, you should be...I mean, that shows a lot of class. I have nothing but respect for Pete Carroll.
• Barry Bonds hit his 705th home run. And he's getting a free pass on the fact that he admitted taking steroids. Why? Because anytime someone says something derrogatory about him, he says "I'm a black man". Big deal...he's a cheater and should be subject to the same ridicule that Giambi had to go through.

That's all for today...

WVU Now 3-0

Well, I wouldn't have guessed it but the Mountaineers are 3-0 and have 2 of their toughest games behind them. Unless Pitt rises from the ashes, the only major roadblocks left are Virginia Tech and Louisville. Still too early to talk BCS or Big East Champion or anything, but at least some people are taking notice that we're not Rutgers this year.

My fear is that Syracuse isn't that good (although they nearly beat a good Virginia team) and Maryland is average this year (picked 5th in the ACC). But both games were good road wins regardless...in two very tough venues to play. And, we get Virginia Tech and Louisville at Mountaineer Field. That's always a plus.

Our passing game versus Maryland was non-existent. 8 for 11 is good but only 86 yards in the air. 301 on the ground is awesome but I don't think we can continue that without some more air support. Owen Schmitt is awesome. He led the Mountaineers in rushing against Maryland which means that in the first 3 games, a running back still hasn't had the most running yards in a game. (Schmitt is the fullback.) Gwaltney is improving week-by-week and is going to be a beast.

The defense only gave up 50 rushing yards. And 291 passing yards...which isn't good. But 73 of those yards came on one play. Tackling as a little sloppy when they let the Terps back into the game. But after that, they were back to the normal hard hitting. And they were making some receivers pay for getting too close to the ball at the end. I liked that.

Overall, it was a good game. Anytime you can go to Maryland and come back with a win, it's huge. With the win, we're now in the position of a contender in the Big East. Next week we get a depleted East Carolina team which should be a chance to work on the passing game and secondary a bit in preparation for Virginia Tech. I just want to see someone take Vick's head off and serve it to me. I'll be in Section 217...just bring it up.

Almost a Week...

Since I last updated...I don't really have a whole lot to talk about. Went to Wheeling on Sunday for work and came back on Monday. That's really exciting. I've watched a lot of the John Roberts confirmation hearing. He seems like a very articulate man who is going to follow the rule of law. It amazes me the Senators who are trying to trip him up...he's playing them like a fiddle. I'm guessing his IQ surpasses all the Senators, Democrat and Republican, on the Judicial Committee combined.

Secondly, I finally saw Kanye West saying George Bush doesn't like black people today. I just happened to run across the video on Ebaums World. I heard that he said it but I didn't actually see the video. It's hilarious. Here's a guy who can barely read a paragraph off the tele-prompter telling the world that George Bush doesn't care about black people. Mike Myers looked like he was going to be ill.

It disgusts me the number of people who want to blame this hurricane on Bush. What was he supposed to do? Stand at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and be like "I am the President of the United States and I command this storm go to Mexico." I don't think that would work. It's slowly coming out that the governor of LA and the mayor of N.O. are the ones who failed. And, FEMA did a better job than people think. You can't just send down thousands of helpers to New Orleans...think of the logistics. Now, instead of just trying to feed the people trapped in N.O., you have to feed all these helpers. Are you going to put them in danger? What good does that do? I think the situation was handled well...and, as it is becoming obvious, there's not going to be 10,000 dead people. There might be 1,000.

It's tragic, of course, but it's not even going to hit the top-10 in natural disasters in the history of the country. Monetarily, however, it will be the most expensive. But, it's a hurricane...they destory things. It's unfortunate but a reality.

Anyway, just needed to get that off my chest. I'll try to get back to regular updates again tomorrow...

My Neighbor's Dog

I'm about to take serious action against my neighbor and her stupid idiot dog. I don't wake up in the morning until around 7:00 a.m. I know that's probably sleeping in for a lot of you but that's my schedule. I stay up later and sleep in later...get over it. Anyway, I wake up around 7:00 a.m. everyday. Well, my neighbor got a dog sometime this week...I'm guessing Tuesday. So, she leaves for work around 6:00 a.m. A good hour before I awake. And, what does she do? She puts the moronic dog outside. And it doesn't like to be outside apparently. So it barks. And whines. NON-STOP!

It woke me up of course...and I wasn't happy. But I let it slide. It was a new dog...it needs to adjust. But, it happened again this morning. 6:00 a.m...I'm up. Not happy. Did watch Mama's Family on TBS...but that doesn't make up for me being awoke an hour earlier than I wanted to be. I contemplated releasing the dog...but, I hate for it to get run over or something. It's not the dog's fault...it's doing what dog's do. It's the owners fault...and, tonight, we shall duel.

Anyway, that's about it...I think I might go to the Wes-Side/Morgantown football contest Friday night if anyone wants to go. Beyond that, it's all up in the air.

Let's get back to what's important....

Me. So, I took my car into Jerry's Auto on Friday for a typical oil change. No big deal. Well, I was heading home from work on Friday and heading up the big hill between Kingmont and Pleasant Valley, I looked out my rearview mirror to see a large cloud of smoke emitting from my vehicle. Naturally, I was immediately on the phone with Dan @ Jerry's to find out what happened. Apparently, according to the mechanic, he may have spilled a little oil. I'll be keeping an eye on that because I am very paranoid about my car deciding to stop running...it would definitely ruin my week. I may have to find someone new to change my oil...

Watched college football most of the weekend...that's very important. Came into the office a little bit on Monday and they went out to the lake for some good ol' family time. Finally hooked up wireless access at the house...that only took FOREVER to get done. It took like 15 minutes once I got started...just wasn't high priority apparently.

We had a meeting yesterday in the IT group at work to get a feel for what everyone is working on. Basically, we discussed projects that we were working on and accomplishments over the past month. Went around the room and everyone had a few things...I rattled off 10 or 11 completed or present projects. Then my neighbor here at the office said one thing. ONE THING...he has been working on ONE THING. A simple client database...takes like a day maybe...and this is what he's been working on for like 3 weeks. ONE THING...I was just dumbfounded. The team leader tried to bail him out but it didn't work. And, we even knocked holes in the one thing he was working on. Boy, do I feel like a sucker...I've been doing all this crap and I could have gotten away with doing ONE THING.

Oh, and lastly, I have been watching Rome week on the History Channel. If you don't know Roman history, learn it...it's amazing. From Caesar to Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula...it's all amazing. If you think things are messed up today, you haven't seen anything.

Musical Recommendation

A couple weeks ago I was going through my vast collection of CDs that I have purchased over the years and stashed away only to rediscover and be completely impressed with my musical tastes. In the course of that search, I ran across a "best of" album for one of the greatest musical ensembles ever: Chicago. If you don't know the music of Chicago, you don't know what you're missing. I can't believe I put the CD away a couple years back and didn't get it back out immediately.

Chicago was the first rock group to feature a horn section as a lead instrument. They produced hit after hit after hit throughout the '70s and '80s and maybe some of the most well-known music of all time. You know the songs: "Make Me Smile", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Saturday in the Park". Maybe you prefer "25 or 6 to 4" or "Just You 'n' Me". Even their '80s stuff, when the horns played a more minor role, was awesome...songs like "Hard Habit to Break" or "Along Comes a Woman". They're all great.

It's just a phenomenal collection...I had some of the MP3s on the computer but I'm glad I found the CD. I've been listening to it in the car continuously for 2 weeks and I'm still happy to hear every song when it comes on. I can't say that about most music but Chicago is just a great band. So, if you don't know the music of Chicago, I highly recommend you take the time to listen to it. You won't regret it.

College Football - Monday

Just some observations:

• Miami needs a field goal kicker.
• Miami and Florida State played as sloppy of football as West Virginia and Syracuse. Here's how it will be portrayed:
• Miami and Florida State were breaking in some new players and, while they might have struggled in this opener, they will be very successful this year. But it turned out to be a competitive game and shows how competitive the ACC will be this year. Turnovers were caused by some tough defense.
• West Virginia and Syracuse showed why the Big East will struggle this year. Neither team could hold onto the ball and struggled throughout the game. It's definitely going to be a long year for the Big East as Louisville dominates the conference.
• The Miami/Florida State game on Monday was the most boring Miami/Florida State game I can ever remember. It lasted like 4 hours.
• Did anyone else think Bowden was going to punch the reporter at the beginning of the game?
• If that's the best Miami and Florida State have to offer, Virginia Tech might win the ACC again. How disgusting.
• I really really dislike Marcus Vick. He and Michael both make my top 10 list of disliked athletes. I'm not sure why...but I'd just like to kick them both.
• West Virginia currently leads the Big East conference.

College Football - Sunday

Some observations about college football on Sunday...including analysis of the WVU/Syracuse game. Gonna be fun:

• As hard as West Virginia tried, they couldn't fumble away a loss to Syracuse. Apparently the defense missed the memo that the offense wanted to lose.
• West Virginia defense outscored the Syracuse offense and the West Virginia offense. WVU Defense - 9. WVU offense - 6. Syracuse offense - 7. Hmmmm...
• Bednarik ran for 72 yards. And he's the white quarterback. But if he keeps taking hits like those, he'll be the injured quarterback.
• Colson looked like he needed Kay-Jay to soften up the defense.
• How can two teams go for a combined 1 for 24 on 3rd down conversion attempts? Insane.
• And, how do you go 1 for 13 on 3rd down and still get 342 total yards? And only 15 points? Oh yea, I forgot, lots of turnovers.
• Pat McAfee missed that 47-yard field goal in the first half but it looked like the thing could have traveled 60 yards. Might be a good sign.
• West Virginia has now won four straight over the Orange for the first time in a long standing series that spans 53 games and 60 years.
• Louisville looked pretty sub-par against an average (at best) Kentucky team. Had it not been for a late fumble by the 'Cats, the media-proclaimed "Dominator of the Big East" would have been in serious trouble.
• Marcus Vick? Didn't look very impressive against NC State. Maybe he'll look better against a team that is really bad...like Duke. And, as luck would have it, Virginia Tech plays them next week.
• Could the announcers in the Virginia Tech game possibly sucked up more to Marcus Vick? Yeah, I guess they could have if his name was Frank Beamer.
• Monday night - Miami v. Florida State. I really really hate Florida State. Wide right? Anyone? Okay, I'll settle for wide left too.

College Football - Saturday

Quick impressions of college football Saturday:

• Oklahoma = Overrated. Good teams figure out a way to win against TCU. Long year for the Sooners.
• Bad day for Big East. Rutgers loses big lead against Illinois and Pitt gets booted by Notre Dame. So much for respect this year.
• Could ESPN possibly kiss Pete Carroll's butt more? Yeah, USC won back-to-back championships. Okay...they're good. But do we need to talk about them every 3 1/2 minutes?
• On the same note, Charlie Wiess at Notre Dame and Dave Wannstedt at Pitt. Big deal. I know they're there...don't tell me anymore.
• Lee Corso still sucks. That was real funny holding up the sign about him being a football genius with the WV logo beside it. Real class act that guy is.
• I don't like Matt Leinart. At all.
• Boise State isn't as good as people thought apparently. What a surprise.
• Big Ten - 6. MAC - 0. Another surprise.
• When ESPN isn't sucking up to USC, they spend the rest of the time sucking up to the SEC and ACC.
• I hear that Marcus Vick is pretty good. How many yards did he throw for last year? None...well, that's odd, you would have thought he won the Heisman as much as he's talked about. Prove it on the field buddy...just because you're brother is Michael Vick, aka Ron Mexico, doesn't mean you're going to be that good.
• Additionally, I don't think Michael Vick is all that good...he's the most overhyped player in the NFL...just like in college. And Virginia Tech still sucks.
• Next Saturday, Ohio State vs. Texas - huge game.
• Trev Alberts is on my Lee Corso list. And Kirk Herbstreit is working his way there.

That's all for Saturday. More tomorrow night. Good luck Mountaineers.

Italian Heritage Festival (12:30 PM Update)

I ventured down to the street...this is what I had for lunch to begin with:

Here is where I got it from (Oliverio's):

People standing in line for food:

It's getting pretty crowded down there:

I wish I had this guy's green jacket...I guess he's the MC?:

I think this woman enjoyed me taking her photo...so, I put her on here:


More food:

It's not just about food and Italian pride, it's about selling a lot of stuff about food and Italian pride:

The house band...they rock:

My favorite guys at the Italian Heritage Festival...they're hanging out around the beer booth:


That's about it from the Italian Heritage Festival around lunch...no fights or anything. I haven't seen the mafia yet...but I'm keeping my eyes open. I hear The Don is due around 3:00...but, that's what time I'm leaving work today...so, I might miss him.

Italian Heritage Festival (11:30 AM Update)

The music has begun and the streets are starting to fill up. I see a lot of fake gold necklaces being worn around by hairy chested men so it is becoming obvious that the Italian Heritage Festival is underway. Looks like a lot of good food so I'm heading down now so I don't have to fight too many people.

Italian Festival in Clarksburg (10:00 AM Update)

Well, had to fight to even get to my office this morning...the vendors have completely covered the sidewalks with junk. The street is closed but, even so, I like to walk on the sidewalk. They set up the beer tent right outside our office door...think that's a sign? The festival doesn't begin until noon so I haven't heard the music yet...but people are beginning to congregate.

This is 9 AM...notice the empty street:

But by 10 AM, the people are beginning to gather and I currently hear a drummer pounding on a trap set. "When the Moon Hits Your Eye..." can't be far behind:

Random Garbage

Some random quizzes from Liquid Generation since I was bored this evening...watching football now! Finally, it begins!

Posting for Thursday

Alright, let's get this out of the way now...yes, Nick, I was incorrect on my gas estimates. Yes, it went higher than I expected. But, that's life. People are going to have to learn how to conserve...it's a pain but that's the way it goes. Either you're going to pay $3.00+ for gas or you're going to come up with some alternative way to get around. Carpool, public transportation...put on your walking shoes...something.

Anyway, it's been busy here at Steptoe & Johnson. On Monday we lost one of our attorneys from the Morgantown office in an unfortunate car accident near Wheeling so everyone has been pretty distraught about that. I've been busy trying to prepare for a couple trials that have a lot of video in them...so, it's been pretty hectic and I haven't been feeling all that great, so, that's a bummer. I've spent every evening playing Tiger Woods...that's not good.

But, on the good side, everyone is trying to hurry and get their work done today so they can take tomorrow off. Why? Because of the Italian Heritage Festival. Yes, the annual Clarksburg tradition begins tomorrow. I will give some coverage on it tomorrow...it happens right outside my window here. After about the 3rd "O Sola Mio", I begin to lose it. The music is loud and the streets are crowded. Drives me absolutely crazy. Should be a good time...

Increasing Gas Prices

I received no fewer than 4 phone calls yesterday advising me to fill up my car with gas because prices were going to shoot up to over $3.00 overnight. Of course, they haven't yet...and I don't think they will. $2.75? A definite possibility. $3.00? Not yet...but eventually. Not that the people who called me were doing anything wrong...I appreciate them looking out for a friend and trying to warn me of the impending crisis...but, I had three-quarters of a tank and I wasn't going to sit in line with the other people who were panicking. And this brings me to today's article about the gasoline prices.

Gas works the way most commodities to in a capitalist society: on the supply and demand factor. There is a finite amount of oil in the world and, therefore, a finite amount of gasoline available for use. The demand for gas around the world has increased dramatically, therefore, prices rise because there is a limited supply and great demand. See how that works? And, that's the way it should be. I haven't see a great amount of panic out there. People aren't trying to conserve yet which means they can handle the increase in the price. Are you carpooling now? Riding public transportation? I don't know a single person who traded in a truck or SUV for a more efficient car or, better yet, hybrid. So, apparently the high gas prices haven't hurt too much.

What happens when gas hits a magic mark and is too high to pay for? Demand will decrease and prices will top out. Eventually oil will be too expensive and will slow the American economy and the Asian economy (which is the main reason we're in this pinch) and prices will hit a steady mark. That's the world economy. Are we going to run out of oil? Well, yeah, eventually I guess. But probably not within the next 50 years. But we will run out of the cheap oil that we've enjoyed for the last century. As prices increase, oil companies will be more willing to harvest oil that costs more to get out of the ground...therefore, we won't run out but the days of cheap gas are over.

So, that's my take on gas. Has it affected me? I'm not sure...probably. I think my willingness to just jump in the car and drive all over the place has probably diminished. I thought about going to Syracuse this weekend but I didn't want to run my car that many miles...I don't think it was gas prices as much as it was just running the crap outta my car. I also thought about going up to Rutgers again but came to the same conclusion...I put enough miles on the car without making this long range trips. But, hey, if someone else is willing to drive, I've got gas money. It can't be that much...not yet anyway.

Long Weekend Wrap-Up

I didn't really have a long weekend as in I had a day off work or anything...it's a long weekend in the sense that I didn't really update since like Wednesday, I think. So, I'll update today to fill you in on the exciting time I've had since I last updated...beginning with Thursday. Understand? Good...here goes...

Thursday...left work about an hour early so I could go home and change before the opening night of high school football at East/West Stadium. I got about a 20 minutes nap in...and, believe me, that did a world of good. I haven't been feeling all that hot anyway...so any sleep is good sleep. Anyway, East Fairmont not only beat the Tigers, they whipped the Tigers of Elkins. It wasn't even much of a game...which is a good thing since I saw maybe 4 minutes total of the game. Got to see and talk with a lot of people at the game...and that's a good thing. Didn't get home until about midnight though...so that's a bad thing.

Friday, worked all day on videos and document stuff. It was a busy day. Had planned to go to the West Side football game that evening but it was raining so I really didn't do anything. I bought Tiger Woods 2005 after band camp so I played that most of the evening to finish off the Legend Challenge. I'm making progress...no one can touch me now.

I ran to Pittsburgh on Saturday to go to the Men's Warehouse and purchase a couple blazers. Talk about high pressure salesmen...I wanted one jacket and next thing I knew I had a line of 12 that the guy was trying to get me to buy. Blue, brown, gray, etc. Then he started adding shirts and pants and ties...I finally had to stop him and say I would buy two jackets and that was the limit...otherwise, I'd starve for a few weeks. They told me to come back in a week to pick them up with the alterations...I laughed and said I would be back in an hour. So, they weren't overly happy but they had it done. That was about it for Saturday...

Sunday, went to Grandma's for a bit and then went down by the junior high to watch a little football. It was humorous to say the least. Still wasn't feeling all that great so ended up falling asleep around 8:00 or so. Which meant I missed my favorite shows Sunday evening (Simpsons, Family Guy). Woke up around 2:00 a.m. and Family Guy was on the Cartoon Network so I watched it then. And, that was about it for the weekend...nothing too great really...nothing too bad either.

Let's Get Bobby Huggins

Man, here's our chance...we have the opportunity to land a big name coach in Bobby Huggins today. Cincinatti has, for whatever reason, given him only the options of resigning or being fired...which means Bobby is going to be looking for a job. I mean, look at what Huggins has done: Huggins went 399-127 in 16 seasons at Cincinnati, rebuilding it into a nationally prominent program after years in disarray. His teams made 14 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, and reached the Final Four in 1992. That's an outstanding record.

Past transgressions? Big deal. So, a few of his players might have a little blemish on their criminal record. Hey, kids will be kids. And, well, he likes to drive after a little socializing. So what? He'll fit right in here. What's important here is that Huggins is a winner...and that's what we need.

John Beilein took us to the Elite Eight last year...so? What has he done for us lately? I don't think the Mountaineer basketball team has won a game since the loss to Louisville. And, had Huggins been coach, we would have won that game...or at least had a good brawl after it. I'm tired of Beilein brining in these All-American goody-goody people. Where's the brothers...the thugs?!? Isn't that what basketball is all about? Carrying a glock and demanding respect? That's the basketball I know and Beilein just can't give us that.

So, Mountaineer fans, I implore you to contact President Hardesty and AD Ed Pastilong and tell them you want Bobby here. We need him...we want to win and do it the right way...the "I found this awesome player in jail" way. That's just not going to happen with Beilein. We lost out on Bobby a few years ago...let's right that wrong now. Isn't it about...time?

Farewell VHS, My Old Friend

Somehow I missed it...I don't know how it happened, but it did and I completely missed it. VHS tapes and camcorders disappeared off the face of the earth and I was sleeping when it happened. I never realized...and no one told me. Until yesterday, that is.

We own four camcorders here at the office...a beastly VHS camcorder, a smaller cousin VHS-C camcorder, a High-8 camcorder and the new MicroMV camcorder. While all are nice in their own way, only the VHS has the external hookups we use for microphones. And only the VHS can handle a good 4 hour deposition without breaks. But, this is an old camcorder...probably at least 8 years old, so I wasn't the least bit surprised when I heard it was on its deathbed.

Naturally, it is the favorite camera of everyone here...the workhorse. Some of the others are fancier and look better...they might take pictures or hook right up to your computer, but only the VHS gives you what you really want: a simple tape that I can play in a VCR and I know it's going to work.

So, what do you do when something breaks? Buy a new one, of course! (If you said "fix it", you're wrong). So, I began looking for a new VHS camcorder. Circuit City...they do not have a simple VHS camcorder...how strange. Best Buy? No. How about the Sony site? No. Panasonic? JVC? NOOOOO!!! E-Bay had some...but that's downright scary sometimes. Matter of fact, I found the exact same camera we own for $37.00. But, we decided we needed warranties, etc.

Believe it or not, the purchasing agent had to find a web-site the specialized in this old stuff...at
http://www.vhsequipment.com. Almost $1000.00 to buy an old VHS camcorder. Unbelievable. But, like I said, I don't know when VHS disappeared. I must have been watching a DVD or something...because, man, they're gone. So, if you're still relying on that old VHS camcorder, beware...you're one of the last doing so.

It's That Time Again...

Time for all good students to head back to classes. Yes, it's the time of the year when all young people's attention moves from having a good summer to hitting the books and furthering their education. Ah, what a horrible time of the year...of course, it could be worse...you could have to work all year long. Summer, winter...it's no different for me. Oh, but for you students, this is the end of life as you know it. School begins!

So, I wish you all the best of luck with classes this coming year. I need you all the graduate from you respective colleges and high schools and get real jobs so you can start paying taxes and Social Security so I can retire and collect it. I'm not joking people...get a job!

Best of luck to my friends at West Virginia U. and Fairmont State U. Be sure to keep in touch. Good luck to those heading back to H.S. at East Fairmont. I know I'll be seeing most of you soon. Best wishes to my buds down at WV Wesleyan...like they need the support. Keep working down in Charlotte...you're gonna blow 'em all away. Take care my bro who just went to D.C., one of the intelligent few. And, to all that I forgot...best luck this upcoming year whether you're heading to school or joining the work force...or just bumming around. Give it your best and I'm sure you'll do great.

And, seriously, get a job ya bums!

When Eric Eats a Banana...

...an amazing transformation occurs. Eric is Banana Man!

In case you didn't know, Banana Man is a British cartoon from a comic strip. For some reason we ran into it at work about a year ago and I haven't been able to forget the theme. I man, seriously, Banana Man? It's about a boy named Eric Wimp (name later changed), referred to as "Little Eric" who gains superpowers from eating a banana. His powers include the ability to fly, superhuman strength (often quoted as "twenty men... twenty big men" but occasionally limitless), and seeming invulnerability.

I mean, they must have been running out of ideas when this one seemed like a good one. Eric was rocketed to Earth from the Moon as a baby, and gained his powers because the crescent moon resembles a banana. He has a kryptonite-style weakness to mouldy bananas, and at one point even a Fortress of Solitude-style building at the North Pole, made out of a giant banana. So, obviously, this is a Superman knockoff. But still, Banana Man?

It cracks me up really. His enemies include Dr. Gloom, Appleman, Weatherman, Clay Man and Skunk Woman. Sounds really scary to me.

I'm going to eventually track down the video/DVDs for the entire 3 seasons of Banana Man. Can you believe a show like Banana Man lasted three years? Just leave it to those wacky British...

Theme is here...go to Banana Man. 80's Cartoons

Mountaineer Football Predictions

Well, it's rapidly approaching so it's time for me to put out my predictions for the 2005 Mountaineer football season. This is supposed to be a rebuilding year...we've lost a lot of talented players on both sides of the ball. The quarterback/wide receiver situation looks like it could be a real hassle all year...I'm not sure what we have. Coach Rod keeps talking about what a great camp it has been and all the practices have gone well. Pleasant practices don't translate into wins...so, I'm not convinced by his happiness. So, therefore, I look for a lackluster year...middle of the road. The easy schedule should help them but don't be looking for a BCS Bowl. Here goes:

Sept. 4 - SYRACUSE (AWAY) - Opening game. We'll get a chance to see what the Mountaineers have. Syracuse has been struggling and is attempting to put in a new offense under a new coach. It could cause a wrinkle for the Mounties but not enough for the Orange to beat them. Mountaineers improve to 1-0.

Sept. 10 - WOFFORD (HOME) - Give me a break. If we don't beat them by 5 touchdowns I'd be worried. Mountaineers improve to 2-0. I miss the game because of the Polar Bear Band.

Sept. 17 - MARYLAND (AWAY) - Maryland is in the same boat as the Mounties this year. Attempting to rebuild a team that lost a lot of players. Most people have the Terps finishing 5th in the ACC this year...so, this will be a gauge game for WVU. This could be the make or break game for the season as far as respect for the Big East. And, when it's make/break, you can count on the Mountaineers to break. Mountaineers drop to 2-1.

Sept. 24 - EAST CAROLINA (HOME) - Another give-me game...should be a simple victory. Moutaineers go to 3-1.

Oct. 1 - VIRGINIA TECH (HOME) - Another big ACC game, especially considering the Hokies won the ACC last year. And seeing another Vick at Mountaineer Field should be interesting. Think Marcus will hear some interesting chants? Anyway, a victory would be huge considering the Hokies could come in ranked in the Top 10. Sunnyside could burn is we win...but, not meant to happen. Mountaineers fall to 3-2.

Oct. 8 - RUTGERS (AWAY) - How do we play at Rutgers 2 years in a row? Last year we were rolling until Chris Henry started making gestures to the fans and got escorted from the game. Then Rutgers nearly came back for the victory. Don't expect it to be that close this year. Moutaineers now 4-2.

Oct. 15 - LOUISVILLE (HOME) - Could be the determining game for the Big East Championship (along with Pitt). Louisville has a potent offense and I don't believe WVU can match them score for score. And, I don't look for the defense to be able to completely shut them down. It should be a rocking Mylan-Puskar Stadium but not enough to put them over the top. Game ends, Mountaineers 4-3.

October 22 - SOUTH FLORIDA (AWAY) - Thank goodness for these cupcakes. Wofford, East Carolina and South Florida. Three cheap wins...but that's what you need to get to the bowl systems. Mountaineers improve to 5-3.

November 2 - UCONN (HOME) - A very scary game indeed. UConn is going to be a powerhouse before all is said and done...too much money up there not to produce winners every year. The Mountaineers will squeak by the Huskies in a tight one to go to 6-3.

November 9 - CINCINATTI (AWAY) - Let me make this clear...Cincinatti is not a good team. They beat us in 2002 for some reason but they haven't done much since then. Should be an easy win...but expect the Mountaineers to find a way to make it close and barely win in the end. 7-3.

November 24 - PITT (HOME) - Depending on how well Louisville plays, this could be the game that determines who win the Big East outright or for a 3-way tie. I like having Pitt at home which could make a difference but, with the season on the line, expect the Mountaineer to choke very similarly to last year. Season over...7-4.

So, there is it...7 wins, 4 losses...no major surprises. An average year...some bowl to go to and lose. But just enough excitement in the season to make people buy tickets to watch them lose. Sounds about right.