I Have no Solution

It's been a week since a crazy man decided to end the lives of 20 first graders and their teachers.

I wish I had something intelligent to say.  I wish I had something that would prevent this from ever happening again.  I wish the tragedy in Newtown had never happened.  I wish these children could live their lives and that their teachers who died protecting them could have the rest of their lives.  I wish I could magically make all of the hurt and anger in Newtown vanish.  I can't.

I am still speechless when I hear about the massacre and the toll  it has taken on  the Connecticutt town.  I, like most people who have children of that  age in their family, teared up when President Obama read the victims names last Sunday night.  I got choked up when I saw images of the small coffins at the funerals.  And I am angry as I write this that this type of massacre has happened again.

Something has got to change.  We can not go on living like this.  We are one of the most affluent nations in the history of the world, yet we are the most violent in the history of the planet.  How is it that we have had seven of these slaughters in the United States this year alone?

I pray our country has leaders who are smarter than I am and have the courage to take the action needed to change this.  There is no one answer but our elected officials should be calling on people who really understand the problem.  Let's combine their expertise and come up with a plan.  Yes, I know I am simplifying this.  But, other nations, notably Japan do not have murders by assault weapons and handguns.  I read an article this week saying only seven people in Japan were  murdered last year by guns.

The NRA came out with it's "answer" to the issue today.  The plan...put an armed guard in every school in the land.  I don't know how many schools there are in the United States but the first question I have is OK, who is going to pay for this.  And then what does it do to the children attending classes.  Does it make them feel that an armed guard is the answer to all of life's problems?  Personally, you and I know better.  My advice is if this is all you could come up with after a week, then maybe you had better go back and try again.

If I had been the NRA my first answer would have been let's get rid of the assault rifles and the handguns.  I am a hunter and had been a supporter until a few years ago of the organization.  I can tell you that it does not take assault rifles to kill a deer or turkey or quail or rabbit or squirrel.  The rifles I have used in the past have been plugged with three rounds of ammunition.  If you need more than this you are not much of a hunter.  And when you hunt with a shotgun for birds, two shells are plenty.  If you don't knock the bird down with two shots than  you aren't a hunter.  As far as selling weapons, the screening process would be extremely tight.  If you have had any alcohol or drug arrests; any treatment for a mental or nervous illness you would not be able to buy a firearm.  And for crying out loud, if you are on the no fly list, you sure as hell shouldn't be able to purchase a firearm.  My proposals above are obvious and should be looked at by our leaders immediately.

I don't have an answer to this and am still perplexed by those who advocate the ownership of not one, not two but multiple assault weapons.  The argument I hear is..."if this country collapses I need to protect my family".  Bullshit.  If the government and society collapse you aren't going to be safe regardless of the number of weapons you own.

I wish I could snap my fingers and the problem is resolved.  But, it wont happen.  Until it is I will continue to have more questions than answers.

Three in a Row

How long has it been since the Saint Louis Rams have won three games in a row?  I looked it up and it was the last three weeks of the 2006 season.  What's more impressive is that in three of the last five seasons the Rams didn't even reach three wins for the entire year.

The Rams defense has been tremendous under the direction of coach Jeff Fischer.  Once again this past Sunday the D kept the Rams in the game until the offense could surge ahead late in the fourth quarter.

The Rams are now 6-6-1 with three games left in the regular season.  They finish the home season this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and then close out the season on the road at Tampa Bay and then at Seattle the last week of the regular season.

This team continues to surprise and keep in mind they are the youngest team in the NFL.  Go Rams!

Happy Birthday Six Row

One of my favorite craft breweries in the Saint Louis area celebrated it's third anniversary this weekend.    I was fortunate to be there the weekend that Six Row Brewing opened it's doors at Forest Park and Spring three years ago.  In that time I have been made to feel at home while enjoying many fine micro brews and eating many nice meals.

Last night I was able to taste Six Row's Imperial Chocolate Milk Stout.  It was outstanding.  Hats off to Joe and Evan for this tasty beverage.  Happy Birthday Six Row and may you have many more!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...Busy

Okay, so it's been five weeks since I last posted here.  I know, it's pretty lame, but life gets in the way of writing sometimes.  Interpret that as Work, family, work, Thanksgiving, work, Mizzou Football, work and well you pretty well get the picture.  So, given that I now have a few things I need to get off my chest.

-I didn't write on Thanksgiving Day this year, because the whole family was invited to my house.  But, you know I am very thankful for what I have.  This year I have full time work at a great organization with benefits, paid time off and retirement.  I am also thankful to have a roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in each night after I eat a nice hot meal.  I am thankful for the love of family and friends.  In a word I am blessed.

-I was disappointed with the way my Mizzou Tigers failed to qualify for a bowl this year.  The final record of this outfit was 5-7.  They led at home in the fourth quarter against Georgia, Vanderbilt and Syracuse and ended up losing all three games.  The SEC was much tougher than the Big XII but still the Tigers should have won one of those games.  In fairness to head coach Gary Pinkel.  The Tigers offensive line was beat up most of the season and had second and third stringers playing and some of those playing out of position.  Add to that quarterback James Franklin missed parts of five games and you can see why the offense struggled.  I still look forward to next year.

-The St. Louis Rams are the youngest team in the NFL.  They have been a pleasant surprise and are fun to watch.  Head coach Jeff Fischer has done a good job of getting them ready to play each week.  Believe it or not they are headed to Buffalo tomorrow with a record of 5-6-1.  Their win total this year exceeds their total combined the past two years.  They are going to be good as they mature.

-The funniest show on television is "The Big Bang Theory".  The writers, actors and producers crank out funny stuff each week.  This past week's episode ended with an hilarious scene with Sheldon "disciplining" his girlfriend Amy.  If you missed it go to the show's website and watch it.

-If you read this blog regularly, well when I actually post, you know I love craft beer.  I have had the good fortune in the past seven days to find and drink Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Scaldi's Noel, and Perennial Artisan Ale's Abraxas.  All three are amazing and are fine Holiday / Winter beers.

That's all for now.  Thanks for reading and I promise I will post again soon.

Just a Thought

So please tell me why is it that when the government keeps preaching "diversity" are we still using this archaic two party system?

There is an election for the United States Senate where I live this year.  The democratic incumbent, Claire McCaskill has done absolutely nothing to distinguish herself in six years.  She has used campaign ads to sell her strong suit as mediocrity; ranking 50th of 100 in votes as rated by some obscure organization.

Her Republican opponent is an idiot who apparently runs his mouth before engaging his brain.  His name is Todd Akin and he made the comment back in July that a woman can not get pregnant from a "legitimate rape".  WTH?

I won't vote for either of these candidates.  Unfortunately the two party system will guarantee one of them victory.  Isn't it really time to be diverse and make it easier for other parties to get on the ballot and break up this two party stranglehold?

Belated Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants

Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants and their organization on winning the 2012 World Series.  The Giants not only won the Series but totally dominated the Detroit Tigers, sweeping the Series four games to none.  If you are a regular reader you know I picked the Tigers to win in a post prior to the start of the World Series.  Wow, I couldn't have been more wrong.  To the Giant faithful I apologize and to the Tiger loyalists I am sorry to have jinxed your Tigers.

And now that the 2012 Season has come to a conclusion I will say what others have said previously..."Baseball leaves you when you need it the most".

Wait 'Til Next Year

The title of this post is applicable not only the Saint Louis Cardinal baseball team,  but it may be applied to three other teams I follow on a regular basis.

Wait 'til next year could be the cry for my beloved Mizzou Tigers football team (3-4),  the Saint Louis Rams football team (3-4) and the Saint Louis Blues hockey club (0-0).  Oh wait, the Blues aren't playing you say.  You know what?  You're right;  they're on extended vacation because of the NHL owners lockout of players.

Good Luck to the Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants will square off this evening in the 2012 World Series.  Congratulations to the Giants on their comeback win over my beloved Saint Louis Cardinals.  The Giants battled back from a three game deficit, again, and in the process dominated the Birds in the last three games of the NLCS.  The Cardinals had problems with pitching, defense and hitting.  And the reason for it is the Giants kept constant pressure on Saint Louis.

But, I think their post season run is all but over.  I am picking the Tigers to win the World Series in six games.  With an ace like Justin Verlander almost guaranteed two wins, the Giants will have a hard time winning the series.  In addition to Verlander, the Tigers boast Mike Fister, Anibal Sanchez and Max Scherzer (a University of Missouri alum).   The best hope San Francisco has is Ryan Vogelsong who has been nails in the post-season.  Barry Zito had a great outing last time against the Cards, but has been inconsistent.  The Tiger's rotation will be too much for the Giants who are beasts at home, but mediocre on the road.  

Add these all together and you get a Tigers World Championship.

I'm Still Here

I know its been a while since I last posted but I am still here.  I have been watching my beloved Tigers and they are where I thought they would be at this point at 2-2.  They got spanked yesterday at South Carolina 31-10 in a game that was never really in doubt.  Up next for Mizzou is Central Florida in Orlando this Saturday morning.

I've also been following the St. Louis Rams. They have played better this year thus far under new head coach Jeff Fischer, than they did last year.  They are 1-1 as I write this but are down two touchdowns in the fourth quarter.  The Rams are the youngest team in the NFL and they are going to have growing pains as the season progresses.  But, still I am optimistic about this franchise's future.

Peach Berliner Weisse

I had the chance to stop by one of my favorite craft breweries in Saint Louis after work last night; Perennial Artisan Ales.  I met Kate for the first time and she was working behind the bar.  In asking her what was new she told me the Peach Berliner Weisse.  I am a fan of wheat beers, but not of fruity beers. But, this one surprised me.  The peach flavoring was subtle and brewer Phil Wymore had used a yeast that resulted in a tart beer.  Kate told me the name of the yeast, but my little mind was more thrilled with this tart beverage I was drinking.  The taste grew on me the more I tasted.  So, I ordered a second and am glad I did.  If you get the chance stop by Perennial and check out the Peach Berliner Weisse.

The House is Wide Open

Last week we were faced with record high temperatures here in the Midwest of the USA.  It has been a long hot summer.  In July alone there were 15 days over 100 degrees and the Mercury rose to over 90 on 29 days.  Shoot, the low temperature in St. Louis for the entire month was 70 degrees.

But, this weekend, oh what a welcome break.  This morning the overnight low was 51 degrees and it is the coolest it has ever been on August 18th in this community.  Today and tomorrow the high is only supposed to reach about 80 degrees.
Thank you Cold Front for pushing through and bringing us this welcome relief.  I doubt you stay very long but you are at least providing us a break and a taste of what is ahead in the next several months.  Because of the snap in the hot weather, my windows are all open for the first time since May and my over-worked A/C is taking a well deserved rest this weekend.  It feels great to be alive.

Rams Start their Pre-Season

It was a great weekend if you are a sports fan.  The Olympics wrapped up in London, the PGA crowned Rory McIlroy it's new champion, the Cardinals lost two of three to the Phillies, and the Rams started their pre-season schedule where they left off last January.  The Rams dropped the first exhibition game of the season to the Indianapolis Colts 38-3.  I did not watch it but from what I have read this morning, it was ugly.

Pre-Season exhibitions don't mean squat.  But, I sure hope this Rams team improves on last year and Sam Bradford doesnt get seriously injured before the regular season begins.  Go Rams!

Another Benefit of Firing AT&T

The primary election in Missouri is finally over.  The campaigns could have been run in less than two weeks because many friends and associates had made up their minds several weeks ago on how they would vote in yesterday's Primary election.

I experienced a first this year.  Because I no longer have a telephone land line, I didn't have to listen to the assortment of garbage "robo-calls" these moron politicians seem to believe is their God given right to use to annoy people.  And the calls come while families are trying to eat dinner.  Now if that doesn't annoy you, keep in mind that you are paying for the phone line these idiots are calling to insult you with their boring blather.

My advice to you is tell AT and T to take their land line and put it where the sun don't shine. Believe me you'll be glad you did and won't have to listen to any more of this crap prior to November's general election.

Beer Week in St. Louis

It's taken a few days to find the time, but thanks to the St. Louis craft brewing industry for a wonderful ten days. I was able to take in several of the events and am glad I did. It started the last weekend of July with the Midwest Belgian Beer Festival hosted by Perennial Artisan Ales in South Saint Louis near where the River Des Peres flows into the Mississippi. (Well, the River Des Peres isn't exactly flowing these days as it has been dried up by the intense heat of the last six weeks. Let's just say it's trickling into the Mississippi). Perennial does a great job with everything it touches so it came as no surprise to me that there were so many Belgian's available for tasting. I had the opportunity for the first time to taste several Sour beers. Perennial's was done by brewer Phil Wymore, and ran out quickly. Goose Island from Chicago had both of its breweries represented, and one of them brought a big sour beer, and New Belgium from Colorado brought a very nice Kriek. The Kriek, with sour Cherries, changed as the room warmed. Long story short, it was a great afternoon that passed by very quickly.

Last weekend, iTap in Soulard, hosted a Firkin Festival. For the un-educated a firkin, or cask, is pumped by hand and served at room temperature. I had time to try 4 Hands Red Rye out of the cask, Stone's Arrogant Bastard Cask Style and finally New Holland Brewing's Dragon Milk aged over Bourbon Barrels. Oh, it was all good. I would have had a second Dragon Milk, but the fact I was driving prohibited that, even after several glasses of water back. Another amazing day for beer lovers in St. Louis.
Thanks to all the men and women in St. Louis who brew these wonderful products!

I Like Beer...

Years ago Tom T. Hall had a country music hit when he wrote "I Like Beer".  Well, guess what I like beer too.  (No surprise if you read this blog).

This week was a particularly good week for tasting beer.  It started out on Tuesday night at iTap.  (I worked late and was thirsty when I got out of the office).  When, Emily saw me walk in I asked her for a Firestone Walker Union Jack.  This is one fine IPA out of Paso Robles, California.  It has a nice orangish color to it and is it hoppy.  Four pounds of hops per barrel.  As good as it was, I finished the evening with a really big beer; Hebrew Jewbilation Ale.  It is aged over Oak and comes in at 10.5 percent by alcohol.  It is darker than most Stouts I've enjoyed and has a nice hoppiness that finishes with a taste of malt and alcohol.  After that I called it a night and got my butt home before I could get myself in trouble.

The next day was the 4th of July so we headed to Grafton and one of my favorite spots to drink fine beer, the Piasa Winery.  The owner Will, knows his stuff and I asked him what he recommended.  He gave me a taste of Dark Horse Brewing's Crooked Tree Ale and I was sold.  It was the first product I have ever had from the Jackson, Michigan brewery and based on this IPA I hope to taste a lot more.  It was hoppy but not obnoxiously so.  It pours an amber color and is unfiltered.  Big in hops as I say, but a bit on the dry side.  If you are a "hop head" you really should find this beer and try it.   Before leaving Will asked me if I was familiar with Samuel Adams small batch brews.  I said no, so he educated me.  I bought a bomber of Dark Depths Baltic IPA.  I had the chance to taste it this afternoon and it was, well, interesting.  It's hard to describe.  It has lager yeast, bills itself as an IPA but also reminded me of a Porter.  The contrasts make for an interesting combination.  It pours dark like a Black IPA, but the malts that come through at the end of it are subtle.  I'm not sure I will buy it again, but as I say the contrasts make for an "interesting" beer.

Post 4th of July Thoughts

It was a short work week and included the 4th of July holiday.  I am tardy in writing but thank you to the men and women who have served and sacrificed to make the United States what it is.   Thousands and thousands of Americans have given their lives so we may continue to live free in what I believe is still the greatest nation to ever exist.  So, belatedly, Happy 237th birthday United States of America!

Work and Beer

I sure hope you're having a great summer.  I am but it's flying past in a hurry.  This past week was a real bear as I worked about 55 hours setting up, configuring and resolving a lot of problems associated with the move of PCs.
The beer this summer has been amazing.  I had the chance to hang out at two of my favorite watering holes last weekend and each had a great Stout aged in barrels.  iTap in Soulard had New Holland's Dragon Milk aged over Oak.  The Tap Room had their own Imperial Stout aged in Bourbon barrels.  Yes, I know they are not really summer beers, but man are they good.  As someone much wiser than myself once said, "So many beers, so little time".   Happy Summer!

Thank You Veterans

On this Memorial Day 2012 I want to say thank you to the members of the United States Armed Forces who are putting their lives on the line to protect the freedoms I so dearly enjoy.  Not only do I want to thank the current members of the military, but also all of those who served before them.  Many of our proud and brave Americans never made it home and there is no way we can ever thank them for making the ultimate sacrifice.

God Bless America on this Memorial Day 2012!

So Much Beer So Little Time

I was able to get out of the house for a few hours this afternoon and headed down to one of my favorite watering holes in Saint Louis.  For the uninformed, who don't read this blog regularly, it's iTap in Soulard.  My favorite server Emily told me that Firestone Walker's Union Jack was on tap so I got one.

As usual Emily was dead on with her recommendation.  The Union Jack is a fine beer.  It's about 7% by alcohol.  Like most IPAs it has a big citrus nose to it, but it's also well balanced with fine malts.  Union Jack you've  hit it out of the park.  Cheers!

Thanks for a Great Season

The St. Louis Blues were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs this afternoon by the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings were the better team and swept the Blues 4-0. But, I have to say I was impressed with what the team accomplished this year. After only one playoff appearance in years, this team finished with the second best record in it's conference.

They say the playoffs are a whole different kind of hockey and the Blues learned that the hard way. But look out NHL this team will be back even stronger next year. Thanks for a great season and go Blues!

A Great Visit to Perennial Ales

I had some free time last night so I took a trip to one of my favorite craft breweries in Saint Louis; Perennial Artisan Ales. Brew master Phil Wymore who sure can brew it, had two new selections on his menu.

The first I tried was his IPA#2. It's a Belgium Style IPA and is tasty. It's labelled #2 because the first IPA created by Perennial was created by brewer Corey King. It is a traditional English IPA and very good. Personally I prefer the English style to the Belgium style, but IPA#2 is something I could drink regularly.

The second beer I had was Barrel Aged Mint Stout. It's like drinking a glass of the Girl Scout's thin mint cookie. And to top it off it's aged in what the brewery website calls Rittenhouse Rye barrels. I only had one because it is over nine percent Alcohol by Volume. Oh my was it fine! Perennial keep up the good work!

One Down and Hopefully Many More to Come

My beloved Cardinals won their season opener last night over the Miami Marlins 4-1. The Birds jumped on the Marlins early and Kyle Lohse was hitless until the 7th inning. The bullpen took care of the rest and Jason Motte came in and overpowered Miami to close out the game.

If you read this blog regularly you will know I'm not much of a prognosticator. Two years ago I said the Cards would kick ass and take names. Obviously, they had too many injuries to make that happen and didn't get a sniff of the playoffs.

Last year, I said they were one of the worst Cardinal teams I had ever seen, and they won the World Series.

So, this year I am cautiously optimistic. I dont think the Cardinals are good enough to win the Series but I think they are good enough to make the playoffs. (Especially the watered down version with an additional Wild-Card team). A lot will depend on how well, or how poorly, rookie manager Mike Matheny handles his first ever team.

In Praise of Good Beer - Part I don't know

I had a free night, so I headed down to iTap in Soulard. What caught my attention you ask? How about a nice IPA from 2nd Shift called El Gato Grande. Steve Crider sure can brew it. But, the girls tending bar were having issues with the keg so I switched over to another IPA. My server Emily recommended Odells Double IPA. It's name...Mercenary Double IPA. My was it good.

I had to get home and had time for one more, so I asked Emily for a recommendation of a really big beer. She knows her stuff and she knows me. Emily took about a half a second and said "how about a Boulevard Rye on Rye.

I have to tell you...it was amazing. Of course, it was sweet, but anytime you drink anything over liquor barrels you know it will be. But, Boulevard has done a really nice job with this. I can't wait to taste it again. And thank you Emily for a really great beer!

The New iPad is Amazing

Two weeks ago I told you I took the plunge and pre-ordered the new iPad third generation*. It arrived last Friday about the same time Mizzou was choking to Norfolk State and it helped to divert my attention from Mizzou's loss.

The new iPad amazes me everyday. I've found it's capable of doing something new each day. I own the 32GB WiFi version of the system. The cost was the same as the iPad 2 so in terms of price it's a great value. The only thing I wonder is how I lived without it this long.

*Apple doesn't call it the iPad 3rd generation, but most tech writers have dubbed it that.

Thoughts on the Tournament

It's taken almost a week but I'm finally past the Missouri Tigers horrible loss last Friday afternoon to Norfolk State. If you live in a cave and don't have Internet access, the second seeded Tigers were beaten by the 15 seed Spartans 86-84 in the NCAA We

Mizzou was lucky to lose by only two points. Norfolk State out shot, out rebounded, out hustled and out muscled Missouri. Norfolk State took a page from Kansas State's book and got physical with the Tigers. K-State beat Missouri twice during the regular season, won both times and pushed Mizzou around. (I have to say I was surprised Norfolk didn't have a better showing against Florida on Sunday. The Gators beat the Spartans by 30).

If you had told me at the start of the season the Tigers would make the tournament I would have been ecstatic. They far exceed my pre-season expectations. But, when it came to the Big Dance they fell short of mine and a lot of other Missouri fans expectations.

I Took the Plunge

So you're asking yourself, okay, now what did the moron who writes The Anti-Post do to say he "took the plunge". Good question grasshopper. I decided it was time to move to newer technology and buy a new tablet PC. My desktops and laptops have served me faithfully over the past two decades, but they just aren't as mobile or as fast as tablet pcs.

After several months of research and talking to a lot of people I made the decision to buy the new iPad. (Notice I said iPad and not iPad 3 or HD iPad). I pre-ordered it this morning and was told by the folks at the Apple store it will arrive on March 16th. My other finalists were machines made by Toshiba and Asus.

The iPad is a little more expensive than the other two options I was considering, but I also believe it will give me the best bang for my buck. The new iPad includes improved technology known as a "Retina Display" because of the huge number of pixels in the 9.7" screen.

I am pumped to have pre-ordered the new tablet but now I feel like a ten year old waiting for Christmas. Eight days and counting. I will let you know all about it once I get the new system.

One Down Two go Go

The Missouri Tigers have taken the first step towards being one of the number one seeds in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The Tigers this evening beat Oklahoma State 88-70. The game was not as close as the score. With the win, Mizzou advances into a Big XII Conference Semi-Final game against the winner of tonight's Iowa State - Texas matchup in Kansas City. Mizzou swept both of those teams during regular season play. While, it is tough to beat the same team three times in a season, Missouri should be able to pull it off at the Sprint Center be it the Longhorns or the Cyclones.

That would set up the Big XII title game on Saturday afternoon. Presumably it will be against Kansas. (But, that might be a huge assumption. Kansas will have to get past a very good Baylor team that is playing as well right now as it has all season). Should KU win, Mizzou and the chickenhawks have already played twice this year and have split. On a neutral court I like Missouri's chances to win the whole tournament. And with that being the best team in a tough conference the winner should get the number one seed in the Midwest.

In Praise of Cask Beer

So here it is the end of February and I'm wondering what happened to the New Year. We're eight weeks into it and it seems as if we were just watching Bowl Games. Don't get me wrong, the older I get the less I like Winter. And if we are one day closer to Spring than that makes me happy.

You know what else makes me happy; good beer. I had the chance last weekend to go to a Cask Beer Festival in New Haven, Mo. It was hosted by 2nd Shift Brewing. Its brewer Steve Crider was joined by brewers from seven other St. Louis area micro-breweries. Each brought a keg of cask ale. For the uninitiated cask beer is hand pumped and served at cellar temperature. To me it becomes more flavorful and takes on a slightly different personality than when it's cold.

Joining the festival were Charleville Brewing in St. Genevieve, Exit 6 Brewery in St. Charles County and Urban Chestnut, Schlafly, Four Hands, Perennial Artisan Ales, and The Civil Life from St. Louis. Each of the brewers are experienced and know exactly what they are doing. So, it was a joy to sample all of the casks and meet some interesting people who share a love for craft beer. If I had to pick a favorite (and this is really tough because they were all good) I would pick Crider's hoppy offering named "Brew Cocky" and the two casks brought by Charleville; German Chocolate Cake Stout and a Dozen Roses. Right there with them is Urban Chestnut's Old Tjiko. It tasted like a Christmas Tree in a glass. If I were to try all of these again, I am sure I would have a different favorite. so please, don't get me wrong the rest of the breweries participating had very good beer too.

Bottom line is this was one fun time and very relaxed with no need to worry about driving home after the festival because the ticket included a room for the night and a BBQ for dinner and hearty breakfast the next morning. 2nd Shift when you do this again later this year I will be there. You knocked it out of the park!

Thoughts on Mizzou - Kansas

So, the Tigers blew a 19 point lead this afternoon and ended up losing to Kansas in overtime. Is there anyone else more disappointed than me? I doubt it. For the record Kansas beat Missouri this afternoon 87-86.

The Tigers certainly had their chances, but ultimately Kansas won. Now, I don't think the game was very well officiated but still Mizzou blew a 19 point lead. On Kansas' final possession they drew a foul, that I and apparently no one else saw. But, KU hit it's free throws and Mizzou was late in shooting what would have been the game winning shot by about a second.

I'm still proud of my beloved Tigers. Hopefully they will pay the Jayhawks back in two weeks when the Big 12 holds it's conference tournament. With the loss today the Tigers fall to 25-4 and 12-4 in conference. Up next it's Iowa State on Leap Day. M-I-Z!

Tigers Come From Behind to Beat Kansas

My beloved Missouri Tigers basketball team topped off one of the best weeks in Mizzou sports history I can remember. The #4 Tigers were down by eight points with 3:25 to go and came back to win. The Tigers ran off the last 11 points and held #8 Kansas scoreless down the stretch to win 74-71. Mizzou is now 21-2 and 8-2 in the Big XII conference. The Tiger win last night with the signed letter of intent earlier this week from Dorial Green Beckham made for one fine week. M-I-Z!

Spring Can't Be Too Far Away

The weather here this week has been wonderful. Daytime highs in the 60s and night time lows in the 40's. It's about 20 degrees warmer than normal for the first week of February. So, even though some little rat up in Pennsylvania saw his shadow yesterday, Spring can't be far away.

By the calendar it's about six weeks to the official start of Spring and to St. Patrick's Day. But, you know I found a six pack of Boulevard Brewing's Irish Ale yesterday afternoon. It always comes out a month before St. Patty's Day and the start of Spring. So there it is; yet another sign we are getting closer to warmer weather. And you also know what I will be tasting this afternoon after work. Cheers!

St. Louis TV Station Plagiarises Wikipedia

Former Southwest Missouri State and St. Louis University basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour passed away earlier this week. By all acounts of those who knew him he was a good man.

So, how did the local Fox TV affiliate write up his obituary? By, plagiarising a Wikipedia article onto it's own website. The "Fox 2 News" article appeared to have been copied and pasted onto the station's website. Apparently no one edits the website either, because the loser who copied it left Wikipedia's footnotes in the Fox "report". ("Son, lazy and stupid is no way to go through life") To make the matter worse KTVI put a "staff writer" byline on the article and then put it's copyright on the whole thing.

Charles Apple of the American Copy Editor's Society does a wonderful job of explaining the theft on the ACES website.

Red Letter Day for Mizzou Football

The Missouri Tigers have landed the top rated high school recruit in the United States (according to Rivals.com). Dorial Green-Beckham of Springfield, Mo has decided to stay home and become a Missouri University football player. Beckham was sought after by Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama and 16 other schools. But, in the end Beckham chose Missouri because he reportedly was most comfortable around coach Gary Pinkel and his assistants.

Not only did DGB decide to become a Tiger so did Mr. Ohio football, Maty Mauk. Mauk was ranked by Rivals as the 8th best high school QB in the nation this year and in the top 16 of all players. Mauk was recruited by 21 D-1 schools and had offers from the likes of Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame and Illinois. But Mauk has chosen to become Mizzou's next franchise QB. By my calculation if he redshirts for a year, he will take over the reigns in Columbia in the fall of 2014.

In the coming years I look forward to hearing Tiger Radio's Mike Kelly call the words "Mauk to DGB and he takes it to the house"!

Oh and by the way Happy New Year!

I am just a tad bit late with this...but Happy New Year! I did in fact observe the start of the New Year by sleeping right through it. New Years' Eve is, well, for amateurs. I no longer want to be out on the streets when a bunch of amateurs start drinking and driving two ton machines let alone texting their every drunken thought to their friends.

Nope I was in bed at 10:30 like a good boy and slept through what I am told was quite a fireworks display by the renters next door. (I did not hear any of it, but my proof is I had to pick up spent bottle rockets from the front yard on January 2nd).

Anyway, if you really care Happy New Years to you! May it be a healthy, happy and prosperous one for you and your family.

Fischer the New Head Coach of Rams?

As of this moment it appears the St. Louis Rams have moved forward with hiring their next head coach. The St. Louis Riverfront Times reports Sports Illustrated has tweeted Jeff Fischer accepted the position.

(Boy, that's a round about way of posting news).