Successful Weekend in NorCal

I don't know for certain because she wears big glasses... but I think her eyes lit up when she saw this magic shop.

If she looks cold; it's because she is. Mark Twain once said, "the coldest Winter I ever spent was a Summer in San Francisco." (Alcatraz in the background)

"Hey Bud!!! What's goin' on???"

Fancy aquarium or RainForest Cafe gift shop? You decide.

I think they should change the saying from "kid in a candy store" to "grown woman in a chocolate shop".

NikeTown knows what's up.

"Look at me and my Bloomingdale's bag.... I'm a fancy girl." (A little spent after her first trip to SF)

I like this guy a lot.... Chris is okay too, I guess.

At this time they were just the "Future Henrys". Bri and I like Jenn a lot.

He thinks he looks pretty good. He wasn't fooling anyone about how nervous he was.

I gotta say.... we look good. Well, she does at least.

Goin' Goin', Back Back, To Cali Cali

Bri and I are headed to NorCal this week. I'm going to be in a friend's wedding on Saturday night in Oakdale... yeehaw! Let's just say that I've got this whole traveling back home thing down to an art. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

I want to hear Joedee bark at me when I come through the door.
I want to see her go nuts when she realizes it's me.
I want to watch her play with me like she does with no one else.
I want to meet Audrey Joyce.
I want to hold my first niece.
I want to see how big Seth's getting.
I want to hear him say something that makes me laugh.
I want to work out with BT so hard that he almost makes me puke.
I want to learn some new routines that will actually make Nick puke.
I want to watch Bri's eyes light up as she enjoys her first trip to San Francisco.
I want to hear her talk to the seals like her dad would.
I want to see her act like it's the Arctic because it's in the low 70's.
I want to watch Karli drink an adult beverage at dinner.
I want to hear Mike make fun of her.
I want to make fun of her too.
I want to watch James' face when Shannon chokes on her food.
I want to find a little bit of time to see some friends I haven't seen in a while.
I want to listen to Gandhi's take on the Jets and Mark Sanchez.
I want to hear crazy stories from Trevor.
I want to watch my dad laugh at him while he shakes his head.
I want to eat David's Pizza.
I want to see the Malone family.
I want to be a part of Chris Henry's big day.
I want to meet the future "Mrs. Henry".
I want to watch him weep like a girl as she walks down the aisle.
I want to give a toast that's hopefully somewhat entertaining.
I want to go to church on Sunday with Mom and Dad.
I want to be asked about Arizona and the "married life" by people I don't know.
I want to sit between my folks in the third pew on the preacher's right.
I want to listen and enjoy how loudly they both worship.
But most importantly, I want to be reminded about how lucky I am to have great people in my life that still love seeing me no matter how long it's been.


So it may end up varying a little... but overall, that sounds about right.

Top 10: Sporting Events I Want to Experience

Over the last couple weeks, SportsCenter has been running a segment called "Fan Feast". The idea is to take an ESPN personality, and he or she goes through some of the coolest experiences in sports (in his or her opinion). That got me thinking. I have seen a pretty diverse group of live sporting events: MLB games, NFL games, March Madness games, NBA games, NASCAR races, international and professional soccer matches, and some NCAA football. But what if I had to pick just ten? A top ten list of sporting events I've been to would be okay, but a list of sporting events I most want to see... that would be way cooler.

So without further ado, the Top 10 Sports Events I want to Experience:

We can start with those that just missed the list. Here's my Honorable Mention:

Sunday at The Masters, The Holy War (Utah-BYU football), Kentucky Derby, USA-Mexico Soccer, Summer Olympics, Army-Navy Football Game, Cubs-Cardinals at Wrigley

10. Florida-Tennessee, Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN. A game at this venue in 2004 got me not only hooked on Vols Football but SEC sports as a whole. I was blown away with the passion of the fans in Knoxville. Several people I talked to said, "this ain't nothin'.... you should see when the Gators come to town....we HATE Florida." This is at the bottom of the list because I need Coach Kiffin to get things in order first, as this bitter rivalry has been pretty lopsided in the recent past.... Coach'em up Lane!

9. Final Four. If you want excitement, drama and passion, you don't have to look much farther than March Madness. The games I have experienced were opening round matches, and I couldn't imagine how awesome seeing the Final Four in person would be. The only down side? Not getting to see the tournament montage set to the tune of One Shining Moment after the championship game.

8. All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. I've already told Bri that we are going when the Mid-Summer Classic comes to Phoenix in 2011. She said she's down. There are no other all star games in major sports with the importance and tradition of MLB's. And you can talk about the slam dunk or three point contests all you want, there are no all star festivities that measure up to the Home Run Derby (pun intended).

7. Super Bowl. I would like to go see a lot of NFL games. In stead of picking between rivalries (Cowboys-Redskins, Vikings-Packers, etc.), I'll just go with the one that means the most. Judging by what Glendale went through last year, Super Bowl week is almost as much about the events as it is the game. With that being said, there is still no way I would turn down a chance to see America's biggest game.

6. UNC-Duke, Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC. In my opinion, the NBA can't hold a candle to what college basketball can bring to the table. The electric atmosphere, rabid fans, and unbridled passion is embodied nowhere better than Cameron Indoor. The only word I could think of to describe what it would be like to watch this huge rivalry amidst "the Crazies" is.... INSANE. I would love to partake in this experience, even if it meant over nighting in Krzyzewski-ville.

5. FIFA World Cup. The biggest sport in the world's biggest event only comes around every four years and I would love to be able to take it in some day. I can't even begin to fathom what the atmosphere must be like at the World Cup. Imagine the weight of entire countries resting on the shoulders of 23 men, all vying for the world's greatest prize.

4. College World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, NE. I never had a chance to go to Omaha during my playing days. From everything I've heard, there are few experiences like the CWS. Even though Rosenblatt's last year to host will be next year, my understanding is that the city of Omaha is what really makes this tradition what it has become.

3. Manchester United-Liverpool, Old Trafford, Manchester, England. Those that know me real well aren't at all surprised to see this so high on my list. I would love to see any English soccer game, let alone one with Man U, let alone one at "Theatre of Dreams", and let alone this derby (a "derby" is a big time soccer rivalry Dad). I may stick out like a sore thumb, and I may not know the songs to sing, and I may even offend some people with my "ignorant Yank" ways.... but holy crap would it be worth it. Glory, Glory Man Uniiiiiiited!!!

2. Red Sox-Yankees, Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY. I hate the Red Sox. No, I mean.... I REALLY hate the Red Sox. Any game at Yankee Stadium would be a treat for me, but to get to be a part of this historical rivalry would just be awesome. My perfect scenario you ask? The Yankee bats come out swinging and rough up Josh Beckett. Jeter, Jorge, and Tex are the offensive stars in support of Joba, who throws 6 strong innings before he's ejected for hitting Kevin Puke-lys in his ugly chin. Enter Sandman blares when Mo comes in to close out the game. In a freak accident Nick Swisher is knocked unconscious and Paul O'Neill is forced to come out of the broadcaster's booth and play right field for the last inning of the Yankees win.

1. World Series. Ever since I was a kid, there was no favorite month of the year for me than October (even with my birthday and Christmas in the same month). I've always loved the playoffs and World Series, even if my Yankees aren't partaking. The history and tradition this sporting event holds is practically unmatched. I could die a happy man if I was able to be on hand to experience a Fall Classic.

So that's my list. Some of it's pretty predictable, I know. I would love to hear some thoughts on this topic as well. Is there anything I missed? Does it closely resemble your list? Does it look nothing at all like your list? Let me know.

For You, My Dear Texan Friend

You have spoken out against my blog, so it will now speak straight to you. You have said you think I'm being pretentious, so now I will be thoughtful and heart felt. This is for you, my dear Texan friend:

-You are an individual (I've never met another 6'5" 230 lb emo)

-You are a man of integrity (you've never broken up with your girlfriend for the next door neighbor... I kid because I think it was a great choice)

-You are brave (not because you save cats from trees, but because you have a ball sack down past your knees... literally)

-You aren't big headed (what size hat do you wear.... 6 7/8???)

-You are unique (an Agnostic who spent three years at a Baptist college, is marrying a Mormon, and is as Jewish as anyone I know)

-You have good fashion sense (who else can get girl jeans on under a fire suit?)

-You are strong (helpful when dead lifting your passed out girlfriend off the driveway)

-You work hard (way to use your dad's title instead of that fancy Psychology degree to land a job)

-You are resilient (who else bounces back after not getting out of the 2nd against SDSU junior year?)

-You are a man of your word (by the way... I'm really looking forward to your wedding in San Diego)


Only words can be appropriate to explain to all of my three readers how important you are to me. For these reasons, and no others.... I love you Kerr Foster.

Mid-Summer CLASSIC

That is the way it should be.

No names like Manny, A-Rod, Bonds, Papi. Instead, names like Brandon Inge, Adam Jones, Hunter Pence, Jason Bartlett, Brad Hawpe.

No continuation of the night before's Home Run Derby. Instead, manufactured runs; including the game winning RBI which came on a sac fly.

No drawn out five hour bore-fest. Instead, 2 hours 31 minutes.

No overblown offensive exhibition. Instead, good pitching beating good hitting (at one point AL pitchers put down 18 straight).

No corporate flooded ballpark with non-baseball savvy fans. Instead, a genuine baseball town with passionate fans wearing red and only booing Ted Lilly.

Overall, I thought it was a very enjoyable game. As an American League fan, I was glad to see them continue their flat out dominance of the Senior Circuit. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to see what the second half has to bring.... this is where it starts to get good. Let's get after in Yanks!

Yankees Fun Facts: Mariano Rivera surpassed "The Eck" and set the record for career ASG saves with 4..... Derek Jeter has never lost in the Mid-Summer Classic..... Mark Teixeira kinda looks like mine and Bri's friend Austin.

My Take: "RocknRolla"

I have always wanted to feel cool and review a movie. This post is the perfect example of me blogging something for me, not so much for others. Because I'm not a professional movie reviewer, I can get away with reviewing a movie that came to theaters a year ago. Thursday night I was hanging out with my brother-in-law, Nick, who was recovering from wisdom teeth removal. He used his fancy technological device called a "PS3" to rent the movie RocknRolla. This was a movie that came and went through the theaters last year with very little fan fare.

I had been curious to see this movie for one simple fact: it was written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The same mind that brought us Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and one of my all time favorites, Snatch. There is a very distinct style that I enjoyed about these movies, and I was curious to see if RocknRolla was going to stay true to this formula, or bring something different. It did both.

A steady blend of comedy and action, it's a story of many different characters living separate lives, but with similar goals. These similar goals end up bringing entertaining twists, and in the end all of these characters together. There are several familiar faces in the cast: Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, some dude from The Office, Jeremy Pivin, a guy who I think is the British Andy Garcia, and Chris Bridges AKA Ludacris.

Overall, I was thoroughly entertained and very much enjoyed RocknRolla. If you've enjoyed the other movies by Madonna's more talented better half, or you like action-comedies with plenty of plot twists, you should definitely take a look at this one. It's not as crass or violent, in my opinion, as Guy's other films, but just as enjoyable. Also, if you don't like movies with "hard to follow British accents" (Dad) then you may not enjoy it... at all.


My Grade: A-

The Future of TV

This idea came to me as my wife and I find ourselves in a stereotypical man-woman situation: I'm on the couch watching sports (Braves-Cubs), she's in the bedroom watching some reality show (sounds like something with real housewives). Now before our mothers, or anyone else reading, hits the marriage "panic button", let me explain. I just arrived home from work and am relaxing on the couch while Bri is in our bathroom blow drying her hair after just having taken a shower... and she even just came out to give me a kiss... so there.

Her and I joke often about the vast differences in our television preferences. She claims I watch too much sports. I know that isn't possible since we don't even have the YES network (my life is tough, I know). I tell her she will watch anything where someone can get voted off or people are rushing to bake a cake. As we progress in our marriage I am sure we will learn to find things we can both enjoy. But that got me to thinking: in this consumer driven, results now, I want it my way world, why should we adapt? Why can't our television? Why can't some of the things she enjoys about reality television and some of the things I like about the sports world come together?

Welcome to my purely hypothetical, anything can happen, happy land. This is where I get to make revolutionary changes to some of today's television programming (in the name of my marriage, of course):

1. Whenever there are athletes that are suspected of doping, they should have to go on a special episode of The Maury Povich Show. Just imagine someone like Alex Rodriguez sitting in front of that studio audience. He thought the Bronx crowd was rowdy. Just wait until Maury reads his fate from that little index card: "A-Rod..... you ARE a juicer!"

2. There should be a Champions League Tournament between the stars of the most popular reality shows (for you true blue Americans that aren't familiar with the Champions League, it's a prestigious European soccer tournament including the top teams from the top professional leagues). To decide the winner, all the competitors have to swap roles. For example, all the beer drinking, heater smoking, ship captains from Deadliest Catch get whipped into shape by the trainers from The Biggest Loser. And you thought Kate was mean to Jon? Just wait until he has Gordon Ramsey screaming in his face because he undercooked his risotto.

3. I'm adding another segment to the end of SportsCenter. After the anchors run through the usual "Top 10", they will be promptly followed by "Mary Murphy's Hot Tamale Train" listing off sports' hottest players or teams. "Yes you did! WootWoooooooooot!"

4. Text-voting will add a new spin to MLB on FOX's Saturday broadcast. Voting opens three hours prior to game time and closes with the first pitch. Fans can text in their vote for how many times Tim McCarver gets to reference Bob Gibson's intimidation or dominance during any given telecast. At the point where Tim goes over his limit (top of the third???), Joe Buck is forced to kick him out of the booth.

5. Erin Andrews competes in every season of America's Next Top Model.... and that's that.


So some of my ideas may be a little off base. Some may be very off base. But I do challenge you to save this post so in a few years you can look back and be impressed when all these amazing ideas have come to fruition.

Gotta go now. Barry Zito's making another appearance on The Apprentice. No one knows better than him how to teach these young professionals to scam an organization for major bucks.

Happy Fourth!!!

So, Bri and I are spending America's Birthday down in Tucson with her family. We call it Tucson, but it's actually the Catalina-Oro Valley area, and it is bee-you-tee-full. I don't want to post too much today because I want to get outside and enjoy the amazing weather and the pool.

However, I do have one quick thing to say. I freakin' love the country that I live in. Every year I wish the joy and pride that comes from this holiday would penetrate out society and be more prevalent throughout every day life. I'm fully aware that our country isn't perfect; but there are few things in my life that I feel more blessed about than being able to call myself an American.

I have so many awesome memories from this holiday throughout the years: Several firework shows at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Judging a homemade apple pie contest in Liberal, Kansas. Sitting on the 5th hole tee-box at the Park City (Utah) Country Club watching an epic firework display.

There is something we hear more on the fourth day of July than any other day of the year; that is, "God Bless America." This is so true. God has blessed this country, as He has also blessed everyone of us that are fortunate enough to call it "home".

Reilly: My plan for fixing the economy

I'm going to present these ideas in the next meeting at work. These are the kinds of things that will help me shoot straight to the top of the corporate ladder!

Thanks Rick!!!


Reilly: My plan for fixing the economy