Nike

So I love NIKE. I only wear their athletics close because I always admired Michael Jordan and one of the important people at Nike had a house by my Aunt's house.

So here is an example of how much NIKE I was wearing when I bought my NIKE driver.

I bought a NIKE Golf Driver. I had on NIKE sneakers, NIKE socks, a NIKE undershirt, a NIKE shirt, and NIKE shorts.

NIKE did a great job marketing to me. They hooked me, and I know it.

Someone was in awe of me

So I was at the driving range today. I hit my sand wedge BEAUTIFULLY. They got so high in the air that I didn't see them when I looked up. I was always really happy with where they wound up.

Anyway I took out my driver and swung away. I got a few pointers and improved my accuracy a little bit. Anyway I hit them really well. When I was done one of the workers came over to me and was like "you are a REALLY fast learner. You are really good for a beginner. Really good" The teenager seemed to be in awe of me.

It was an awesome feeling. I of course said something like "Oh I was just lucky" even though I knew I hit it pretty well. You can tell when someone seems genuinely amazed or impressed. This kid didn't seem to be B.S.ing. The way he came up to me, the way he spoke, and his facial expression told me that he was for someone reason impressed. I am not THAT good, but it is really cool to have someone come up to you like that. I don't remember that happening in any other sport I played.

I also realized that driving distance is computed by the amount in the air and the amount it rolls, not just the amount in the air. In that case I may have hit close to a 300 yard drive, if not that far. Certainly I'd say 275 is a distance I have reached.

Ravens Attendance

The Rochester Ravens were 11th in the W-League in average attendance. Not bad.

http://www.kenn.com/the_blog/?p=3438

My first interview with a Pro Athlete

Today I had my first sit down interview with a pro athlete. I interviewed Jordan Angeli of the Boston Breakers for a story on the Breakers website to be published sometime next week.

It was really cool to go to practice, and see that even Kristine Lilly still moves the goals.

Angeli went to Santa Clara University and was there for six years, which is why I interviewed her. She was there for six years because of soccer. Before her senior year she tore her ACL. Before her second senior year, she tore her ACL. Then she lead her team at Santa Clara and won the conference Defensive Player of the Year award.

Tearing ACL and redshirting and winning conference defensive player of the year award should sound familiar to UConn fans. Taylor and Angeli were both drafted this year and their overall draft positions had 6's in them. (6 and 16)

Angeli scored her first career goal in June against Taylor's team. She then had a three game goal scoring streak in July. It's amazing to think about how she overcame two ACL tears to come in and be an impact WPS player as rookie. It's even more amazing to think that she said that it was good that she got injured.

I had to ask her some questions about tearing her ACL and who helped her through it etc. I knew she might get emotional and I told her beforehand that she better not cry. She didn't cry but you could tell by her body language and the way she was talking that she was getting a little choked up. I didn't want her to do that, or to have to relive that. I think she did appreciate the interview though.

Angeli is really nice and has a very bubbly and outgoing personality. She was a joy to speak with and I think would do a great job with the media. She was really awesome to talk too.

So, LeBron

So while I defended LeBron for his decision to leave Cleveland for Miami, which he had every right to do, I have nothing good to say about this article. It only makes LeBron look like a stereotypical athlete, or Ben Roethlesberger.

http://outofbounds.nbcsports.com/2010/07/-espn-mysteriously-pulls.html.php

I hit the GREEN!!!!

So Here I was at a Par 3 169 yard hole. I had my Aunt, a doctor, be my unofficial caddy. She was a good one. She helped me find the ball.

She is as clueless as I am to most parts of golf, but we do atleast understand that Steele Hill is not quite say Pebble Beach, or Pinehurst or anything other than my backyard lawn with greens.

Anyway I selected a two iron for the hole. I hit a beautiful shot that landed and stayed right on the green. They were excellent shots. I just missed a long birdie putt and ended up getting par. That was an awesome feeling.

Then I went to a hole where I wanted to play a 9 iron, but with my mixed and matched set of clubs, I didn't have one. I had a pitching wedge that I tried. It came up short. I also had it draw too much. I wanted it to hit off of a ridge and towards hole, it drew above the ridge and didn't bounce towards the hole. Then I tried a seven Iron, which I also drew to much with. I also hit it too far. A guy was nice enough to find it after it bounced on the street and into grass area. I tried to pretend I didn't hit it, but he knew I did so we had that awkward moment of, "yes I was the guy who hit that errant shot."

Then I played a 70 yard hole with a Sand Wedge.

"What club is he playing from the tee this time"

"Well he appears to be teeing off using a sand wedge"

Once again a line you hear only at Steele Hill. Atleast this 70 yard hole had a magnificent view of New Hampshrie Mountains and Lake Winnisquam, with Winnipesaukee in the distance.

I also played that long hole that I sliced three drives on but then nailed the fourth again this day. This time I only took one shot.

It took forever for me to get that shot off though. I didn't want to hit the little kids on the course who were with in my target range on a different hole. I also didn't want to hit the people fishing by the pond should I miss hit the ball and hit a line drive screamer towards them.

I was antsy because their were people behind me, except those people were just as bad at golf as I was. I told them I was a beginner who was no good and started going to the range in May.

Then I showed how much of a beginer I was by absolutely nailing a ball. I mean I nailed it. It went high and beautifully in the air. It kept on going and going and going and going and going. I knew there was no way it landed in grass. I hit it so hard and straight that I knew I sent it either into the pool, onto the pool deck, or past all three and into the woods. I wasn't sure which but was eager to find out.

I once again didn't want to be "that guy" who hit the golf ball into people relaxing by the pool.

"Who the hell has that bad of an aim"

Hey that should have been impressed if they knew I hit it from the tee. I went up towards the pool to look for the ball but tried to be stealthy about it. I tried to guage the people in the pool area to see if the people look startled by a golf ball that flew into the middle of their relaxing day. I wanted to see if they were going to have an angry look for a guy in golf shorts and a polo shirt. I didn't get any stares. I tried not to make it look as if I was looking for a golf ball by going to check on the temperature of the hot tub. I was trying to be nanchalant. I once again didn't want to be the idiot golfer who hit it on the pool deck.

Golf was an adventure once again.

But I really did have the best caddy in the world. My caddy was free and helped me find golf balls. She also went with me to look at golf drivers. I found one I liked and then she decided to get it as a graduation gift for me. A caddy that pays their golfer is a caddy I really love.

Ok I love her more because she is my aunt, but still can you beat that for a caddy? Aunt Barbara was my first ever caddy. I will always remember that.

Pirates Cove...Mini Golf

On Sunday I also played mini golf, and I won, beating a women's basketball team manager by 9.

Sometimes I think my only friends are women's basketball team managers.

What was funny about it was that it absolutely poured in the middle of our game. We had holes that were basically puddles.

We played at Pirates Cove in New Hampshire and I got a hole in one on a hole that I've been dreaming of getting a one on for years. I've played this mini golf course so many times and each time I get to the hole I say that it will be the time I get a hole in one. Finally this year I got it.

Thankfully I wasn't drenched while wearing a white T-Shirt. I am not the type of person who belongs on bay-watch.

It was cool to catch up with a friend though and it was even better to beat them. I won't name them because I don't want to embarress them.

I must say that playing mini golf in the pouring rain was quite the new experience and really made writing about this worthwhile. It was just funny having to putt through puddles. It was fun and made it more interesting.

Glad you like it

I'm glad you liked the photoshop thing I made for facebook. Those things are a lot of fun to create but also take a lot of time. Each player needed to be cut out on the computer. You have to trace using a mouse and erase all the background. It's time consuming! But a lot of fun when everything is said and done. It's great practice though. Being able to use photoshop is a great skill to have for a resume. A lot of places use it.

I did another one, that won't be posted, but you might like even more...If I can post it I will at the time...and I could email a copy of it because you would want it.

P.S. only one or a few people on my blog or supposed to get this message, so if your lost, well there is a reason you are. I have more to post later.

RSS Feed

If anyone wants an RSS feed. I'm just learning what it is...

This is it...

http://rtimblog.blogspot.com/atom.xml

If I could figure out how to link it I would.

I have balls...

I have balls, both figuratively and literally.

I went golfing this morning. I played that 120 yard hole pretty well again. It's just a pitching wedge and putter.

I played a 170 yard hole with a five iron and two iron pretty well. The five iron left me shorter than I wanted the first time I played, so I used a two iron for the next two. I took two other shots on that hole. I sliced one into the woods badly and hit another one that I just lost. The sun was in my eyes so I really had no idea where exactly my shots landed until I got to the hole.

They were all in fairly decent positions. I really don't know what I got on the hole. I may have gotten a legit four once. I wasn't overly concerned with a score because I worked on my chipping. Chipping is easy in a driving range, off of a carpet. It's a lot harder on the side of a hill, in rough (Steele Hill doesn't really have a fairway) and at a distance that requires less than a full swing. I needed to practice those so I really didn't focus on the score.

Putting is useless at Steele Hill, or mostly useless. For example there is a lip in the middle of the green from the edge of where the lawn mower went. There are so many things that are bad about the greens at Steele Hill that basically I'm not too concerned about how I do with my putting.

I also played a 196 yard hole. I used my driver even though I usually drive it past 200-225 yards. I've hit it 250 before. Taking the driver out was dicey but I wanted to try it.

The first shot off the tee was SLICED SO BADLY. It was horrendous. It was embarrassing. I hit it towards the porches of the resort. Imagine if it actually did land on a porch, or went towards the resort.

"Um did a golf ball land in your porch" (While making the facial expression that a UConn Women's Soccer player has made famous...It's amazingly funny)

"Well, it's not on the porch but it's lying on the sofa"

"K, thanks I'll just chip it out"

The next shot I sliced BADLY, but not quite as badly. I had no idea where that ball went.

After slicing two I could have just said...Hmm I'll just practice at the driving range.

I knew I could hit one down the middle. I persevered to take another shot.

I sliced it once again, BADLY.

I could have stopped. Most people who have stopped. But I guess I have some sort of swagger to my golf game. A swagger that doesn't match up at all with my skill level.

I took out another ball, after having lost the last three, and knew that I was going to hit it perfectly, like I said before my third shot that went towards Maine.

I teed up and focused on my arms movement this time as I swung.

I hit a perfect shot with my driver. Not on the green, but right in front of it. It was the perfect tee shot to end the morning with.

I was thrilled that after looking like a fool on my first three drives on that last hole, that I would have enough confidence and mental toughness to go for a fourth shot.

Ask yourself the question. Would you have the "balls" or "toughness" to have gone for that fourth shot? I bet not. I bet most people would have had enough sense to go "hmm, maybe I should stop and just go practice at the driving range more." or "Today just isn't my day"

I was actually lucky that after missing that many shots badly that I did have enough golf balls left to play that fourth shot.

I am thrilled that I made that shot right down the middle though. I sort of felt like that field goal kicker who missed three shots in a game badly, but then was sent in to take a kick in overtime and drove it right through the middle.

I seem to be gaining mental toughness and I guess I think that means I am maturing as an athlete.

A Wedge and A Putter

So I went golfing on a real course for the first time when I sort of knew what I was doing.

I played one hole three times.

I'm playing at Steele Hill Resort's 9 hole golf course. It's basically the Yugo of Golf Courses. There are weeds on the greens, although they are cut to the right height. Their are also ant hills on the greens. They make reading greens slightly more difficult.

There were also a father and two sons who were playing in their bathing suits. Not too many other golf courses where you can play golf in bathing suits. Considering that a lot of golfers are old and round and have a bowl full of jelly around their midsection it's probably good that their aren't too many other courses that allow for shirtless playing.

The father yelled at me and asked if I wanted to play a hole. He said he was just messing around. I said "No, go ahead. I'm just messing around too."

You don't go to Steele Hill to play golf, you go to mess around.

The hole I played was 120 yards, and downhill. All I needed was my Pitching Wedge and Putter. No bag necessary. AWESOME

My first shot I topped down the hill. It actually was in an ok position. When a hole is 120 yards and there are no bodies of water around or behind the hole, it's hard to have a bad shot even if you swing and miss on the first shot. I messed up on the entire sequence of shots though though. I hit my next shot too hard and it went over the green, then did that again. Then missed a putt because the groundskeeper forgot to cut the grass that was growing over the edge of the hole. I got a six on this stupid Par 3 120 yard hole.

I got better the next two times I played the hole.

My next shot I pulled a little bit to the left, but it left me in a fairly good position I got it on the green and two putted for a four. I was getting closer to par.

The next shot I hit on the opposite side of the green. I think I hit it through a tree because I heard leaves rustling after I shot. This shot left me in a very good position. I had a bad chip shot, in that I didn't get it in the air as much as I wanted too, but it did work. It rolled just past the hole and I had a pretty easy three foot uphill putt that I sunk for par.

I improved each time I played that hole so I guess that's a good thing.

We will have to see how many holes I play. I may just play the same three six times or something like that. It's not that nice of a course to make me want to see what holes 4 through 9 look like. I saw that one hole was a Sand Wedge 70 yard hole.

The par for these nine holes is 29. Somehow I don't think that the best golfers in the world could do too much better. How could you get too much better than a 58 for 18 holes?

Tour De France

I love cycling and I actually got around to watching part of a stage. Here is what I remember.

I believe the stage went from Filet Mignon to Croissant.

The next one was from Croissant to Pinot Grigio. From there it was on to Cote de Centre pas ill de Busque. The final two stops would be to Champagne and Tawny Porto.

Every time I listen to the names of the places the cyclists are going I think of that cheap restaurant in town that tries to be a five star place by changing hot dog to Dogge' De Hotte with Catsup a la carte on the menu.

I also am shocked by nothing I see fans doing.

When watching I saw these things:

Sheep by the road

Three guys dressed like borat with that green one piece thing.

Vikings made an appearance (Brett Favre joined them when they got to the top of the hill)

Someone dressed in a drink bottle.

A Women in a bikini.

Someone dressed as Lance Armstrong.

They all seem to be running up hill clueless to the fact that they look crazy and ARE GETTING IN EVERYONE'S WAY. Those people who dress up are the people I wish went running with the Bulls.

The thing I hate about this is that sometimes people think that this is normal, or that it is what cyclists want when they are going on a ride. During the Tour people tend to act dumber when I ride at home. They start honking their horns at me. Then you have people shouting at me "go faster." It's awful. Here I am biking in the beautiful country and I have to listen to that. I like it when it's peaceful and I hear the wind whizzing past my ears and the birds chirping in the background.

Thankfully I have yet to have experienced people dressed as Borat running next to me while cycling. To take precautionary measures I have decided to make sure my cycling isn't too predictable so I go at different times and on different routes.

Ali vs Frazier

Ali vs Frazier or Keslowski vs Edwards?

Ok Brad Keslowski and Carl Edwards are making the Nationwide NASCAR series a must watch event. You also get full of anticipation at Sprint Cup events.

I can't wait for Martinsville or Bristol and see how those two do there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS_KN7uRrG0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-BySzlOsG4&feature=related

Carl Edwards has done everything possible in my opinion to ruin his media image. He was a media darling. He is no longer. He hasn't won in a long time and is basically becoming famous for wrecking people. Isn't that what a sponsor wants?

"We need to fix our brands image"

"Let's go get that guy that wrecks people"

Couple of things

So I went for a beautiful bike ride today. It was the perfect temperature and perfect time and perfect everything. It was a great bike ride. I just can't explain it other then that. Today's ride is what I look forward to all year. I went exploring on my bike today and found a really nice resturaunt and driving range close by. The range is not one that I would have trouble overpowering. The longest flag is 172 yards, but the range would allow me to work on accuracy.

Also, my favorite ESPN segment all year is the My Wish segment on Sportscenter. I love ESPN, but that segment is by far my favorite. I look forward to it every summer.

I also love the passion the Orioles showed today during the two ejections I saw on TV. Arguing and ejections are about the only interesting things that could possibly happen at Orioles games. Without them the fans don't get their money's worth.

Let's talk soccer

How many people can say they told a sports superstar to do something and that person listened.

Marta is widely regarded as the best women's soccer player in the world now and I had to tell her to go see the press. She was so excited to do that.

Ok, I really didn't make her day at all.

I also got a chance to speak to Christine Sinclair, a Canadian National Team and WPS Star. I had to get her to go to media too. She was easy to deal with and fun to talk too. We spoke about Stephanie Labbe, a person we knew in common. Steph went to UConn with me and was in my Husky Sport class and she is teammates with Sinclair on the Canadian National Team. I told Sinclair that I always root for Canada, after the U.S. which she playfully gave me a hard time about.

Speaking of Husky Sport, Husky Sport was a big part of the game for me and FC Gold Pride player, and UConn Alum Kristen Graczyk.

As an intern, UConn Women's Soccer Staff member and Husky Sport staff member it was really cool to think that I got to be involved with getting a group of Husky Sport staff and children to be able to watch one of the original members of Husky Sport play a professional game.

Graczyk met with the Husky Sport group that came to the game, and got complimentary tickets thanks to the Breakers and to be fair, me. I heard that the group enjoyed the game and I'm sure it must have been so cool for Kristen to have a young group rooting for her and knowing that this group was something that she helped grow. It must have been cool to have seen the Husky Sport program grow, and have enough Alumni that an event was created to watch soccer and see her.

I got to meet Graczyk and I was so glad I did. I asked if I could introduce myself after the game. I had a message to deliver to her from her college coaches at UConn. She was really nice and actually knew of me. Once I told her my name she said "Ohh Tim, Dr. Bruening was telling me about you, thanks for everything." She was also impressed with my new title, which you will find out about at a later time.

Graczyk was really nice and really good, so she really does resemble our program. I only got to speak to her for 30 seconds or so, but it was an honor to meet her. I also really wanted to meet Graczyk because I always do work on the media guide and I always read about her. She is one of the best players in school history and I have to guess that she is also the best Soccer Player ever to come from New Mexico. I like meeting alumni, especially ones in the WPS. It makes me feel even further connected to the program and I like the idea of UConn making things happen on a professional field.

Graczyk was so nice and I am so happy I got to meet her. I wish her well and will be rooting for her.

Where have I been

So just an FYI the last few days have been REALLY busy. I guess that is a good thing, unless you want to read things that I write.

Tomorrow I won't be able to write anything.

I am disapointed in the amount of fans who watched the U.S. National Women's Soccer team play at Rentschler Field recently.

FYI The U.S. National Women's Basketball team will be playing at the XL Center on September 10th and 12th. It's basically a home game for them since all the best players on the team are from UConn.

Women's Soccer also has a game on the 9th and 12th at home those days...so sports fans should plan a trip to Hartford for great sports that time of the year.

Jetskiing/NH all about me

I don't think I wrote about what I did on Tuesday. After Will and Morgen left I went up to Lake Winnipesaukee for the 21st straight year. I've been there every year of my life. I was actually there in the summer of 1988, (I was born in the fall) in my mom's stomach.

Lake Winnipesaukee is really special to me. I've gone in the water every year so it's almost spiritual in a way to me. The water makes me feel right. I believe that Lake Winnipesaukee was the first water I was ever in and I honestly hope it's the last too. I wish I was baptized in it. The Lake and the Lakes Region means a lot to me because I associate it with family and fun. The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is heaven to me. That's the only way I know how to describe it.

I think a lot of people think that I would want to be buried at UConn or where Morrone Stadium is but that's not true. I want to be buried and to have my final resting place be in the Lakes Region, preferably overlooking the water. Hopefully that won't happen for a long long long long time, but I also know that my wishes won't change for a long long long long time. Let's not talk about death though. It's a sad subject even though I love the quote "Death makes life important" from Six Feet Under.

When I went to the Lakes Region this year I went jetskiing. I LOVE JETSKIING. I love it because it, like cycling, golf etc. gets my mind off of any problems. I love when I get the engine to rev up when I get the thing airborne in wakes. I'm not expert on jetskiing. I need a lot more practice but I love getting to go.

Thankfully I will be up in the Lakes Region again in a week. I might not write, but then again I may. Either way I can guarantee that I will be happy.

Randomly I also realized today that the happiest day of my life would be the day I become a father. I was thinking about Will and Morgen when I thought that. I just thought about that today and I know that no matter what I accomplish or do in life, if I became a father, that would be the happiest day of my life.

Speaking of life. If I don't own a house, or even a porto-potty on Lake Winnipesaukee before I die, (no matter what else I accomplish in life, even peace on earth) I will have failed in life. That is how much Lake Winnipesaukee means to me.

It's a strange and crazy and passionate devotion to the area. Let's be honest though. I don't really like things. I LOVE them. They aren't good, they are THE BEST EVER.

What Golf and Nascar have in common

This is something I will elaborate on later, but one thing that Golf and NASCAR have in common are media friendly participants. Most golfers and NASCAR drivers answer questions are in general family friendly.

Without Tiger Golf Sucks

Some people hope Tiger Woods never wins again. I'm really bored that he isn't winning (Although I wouldn't count out Tiger tomorrow no matter how difficult the odds). It's even more boring when Phil Mickelson isn't a factor in winning a major either.

Majors without Tiger and Phil being factors is like having the Super Bowl being played between the Bengals and Lions

John Daly being in the mix after a day at the British Open was SO EXCITING. That made golf interesting. I haven't heard about him since though.

Where is Vijay Singh? I could sort of root for him.

Let's be honest though, it's not good for golf when the names at the final day are Zach Johnson, Dustin Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Richard Johnson (ok so the last two aren't factors but they are tour players and they continue the Johnson theme) Bob Johnson, Tim Johnson, Mitch Johnson, Eddie Johnson, Tiger Johnson. (ok I made those all up) As great as they are at golf, my perception, which is completely wrong, is that these guys are nothing compared to Tiger and therefore aren't worth watching. These guys are really good, but you have to admit it is hard to get excited about a final round battle between Zach Johnson and Dustin Johnson. Add in Tiger and it's interesting.

Some die hard golf fans got excited about Graeme McDowell winning the U.S. Open. Congratulations to him. He seems like a nice guy, but I'm tired of watching guys like him win. These guys aren't immortals. They aren't Palmer, The Golden Bear (Nicklaus), Snead, Hogan, Woods, Mickelson, Trevino or Watson. To the average person they are Joe Schmo.

They are Joe Schmo who won at the local club a week ago to the average sports fan. That's wrong and unfair to these pro's but I guarantee you some fans (however dumb or inebriated or both they are) think that and therefore don't get excited about watching them.

I know Mickelson won the Masters, but really it would have been so much more fascinating for it to have been Mickelson and Woods battling at Augusta and at Pebble Beach and then at St. Andrews. Imagine how interesting it would be to watch John Daly smoke cigarettes and drink diet coke while battling on the final day of a big tournament.

It's important for golf to develop new and upcoming stars, which hopefully Rickie Fowler is. Fowler brightens up the game, both literally, with his wardrobe, and figuratively. He's different than the other players to me. He seems to have more of a personality. He doesn't seem to be the stereotypical boring golfer.

However, usually this up and coming talent becomes anointed as the next big thing by winning consistently or by slaying the dragon, like Tiger. No one, and I mean no one can say they have anything on Tiger. Tiger Woods is still the number one golfer in the world. He is still regarded as the best even though Bubba Watson has won more money this year than Woods has. Until someone goes toe-to-toe with Tiger and beats him, a couple of times, and starts a rivalry, golf will be more boring to watch than it already is to most people.

Tiger Woods needs to become relevant again. I want to see him win a MAJOR again. I want him to do well. It's so boring without him being good.

It was interesting to see Bubba Watson, Scott Verplank and Corey Pavin try to win the Travelers. It was interesting and fun to watch, but I wish Tiger would have done something this year to have overshadowed that.

And I know Mickelson did have the amazing shot at the Masters. I was impressed by that, still didn't do anything for me to make me say golf is so exciting.

I still want to see Tiger win.

I need Tiger to make golf interesting.

The first time I watched golf was when there was the Duval and Woods rivalry. Imagine how interesting golf would be if there was another rivalry.

P.S.

Sadly I have watched Tiger be a non factor all year. Actually, sadly I have been watching golf more often than usual.

a "Hey, how was your summer?"

b "I watched guys wearing modern art whack a small round ball on grass fields for four or five hours each week"

a "Sounds like fun...your such a party animal"

b "I know, my great grandma tells me how "Hip" I am"

a"I want to party with you"

b"yeah, we'll drink water, bob for apples, and play tick tack toe while we watch the weather channel"

a "I LOVE LOCAL ON THE EIGHT'S"

b "ME TOO"

a "Your AWESOME!!! and hipper than hip, your Hippity Hoppity Hip Hop"

I'm telling you, no matter how much you dislike Tiger, the game of golf would be so much more interesting with him winning and being in the position to win.

Learned another golf skill

I learned another crucial golf skill yesterday while hitting the ball at the driving range. I learned the skill of cursing underneath my breath when I hit a bad shot.

I actually was the slowest hitter at the driving range. I really took a lot of time in between shots. I didn't just whack away. I'd step back and go through some sort of routine to relax.

By the end of the hitting, maybe even midway, my fingers started getting lots of blisters and that messed up my swing ever so slightly since I was trying hard not to aggravate my blisters more than I had too.

I think this is a funny Nike Soccer Commercial

I like this Nike Soccer Commercial. I think the ending is really funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbFmK4zZ9Ys

Why are

Why are the best English Women's Soccer players left footed?

Every realized that?

The two best are obviously the one who sports number 33 at that school I love and Kelly Smith.

Also shout out to the Rochester Ravens for picking up another win. I am happy to see them doing well.

Don't you want to root for him?

I just read that John Daly is only three back at the British Open.

I also found out he was wearing a hideous unmatching outfit.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/gallery/enlargePhoto?id=5381769&story=5381731

He was also puffing cigarettes and downing diet sodas while on the course.

Not exactly a health freak. Not exactly what you envision an athlete doing and drinking.

Yet somehow, for some reason, after Tiger Woods I am rooting for him. I couldn't tell you why.

If Vijay Singh is playing I'd root for him because that man is an athlete. If you look at him up close you'd see how big and impressive he is. He makes golf look like athletes play it. Daly makes golf look like it's played by every doctors worst nightmare. A fat guy, who smokes and drinks lots of soda.

ESPY's

I didn't watch the ESPY's (I actually spent time last night moving furniture for the people I am staying with and then got to use a power saw for the first time in my life...I can still type so I was successful) and don't really care about the ESPY's but I cared enough to see who won.

I do not understand how UCONN Women's Basketball, a team that has now won 78 straight games, did not win the BEST TEAM. It's pretty clear to me, and should be to most people, that UCONN Women's Basketball had the best TEAMWORK and therefore was the BEST TEAM.

Any sports award or vote that allows fans to vote is somewhat meaningless. A Kansas City Royal who is hitting .350 will not get in the All-Star game over a Boston Red Sox or New York Yankee who is hitting .270. Big markets and teams with lots of followings get the most votes.

Events that get the most media coverage win. Events that happened recently are fresher in the minds of casual voters and therefore are most likely to win. The best and most deserving is not the most likely to win.

Will and sports

So I want to write about my six year old cousin Will who really really impresses me. He has AMAZING focus for a 6 year old. He does Karate and he was one of three kids in his class to get a perfect score.

Karate has taught him some amazing mental skills. His focus is off the charts. It's like an adults. He was learning pool and rather than get distracted or get down on himself

The kid has mental skills that would make him one hell of an athlete. He's beginning to learn golf and somehow with his last name (think Arnold_____) he would have the pedigree to be successful. I wouldn't push him though, but if he wanted it he could get it.

When we were teaching him pool he had a laser like focus on the cue ball. He struggled at first but kept with it and before you know it he was sinking some shots. My positive reinforcement probably helped.

When I taught him the beginning steps of soccer juggling he stuck with it and was able to bounce the ball, let it fall, kick it up and than catch it. Not bad considering I just taught him and he is only six. He also uses both feet pretty well, which is also good.

Will is also supremely confident. When we spoke about Bears in the woods I said that I was strong enough to take care of them. Will then said "Well if I can get out of you (I let him go so he could go chase is brother) than I should be the one to beat up the Bear"

His confidence is awesome. He's actually almost too confident sometimes. "I can stop a car rolling down a hill"

"No Will you can't and please don't try"

This kid has serious confidence and focus. Amazing for his age. He could really be somebody one day.

These two you tube videos remind me of him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_X6BWJvGfo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdUwfR1cw-8

Will really impresses me. I can't say any other six year old has impressed me before. Maybe it's because he has two things that I think I lacked growing up confidence and focus. I think he has the mental skills, that I believe I have now, but didn't have at his age. I wish I had them at his age.

More on this Jimmy Hoffa thing

Can you imagine my six year old 2nd cousin (I guess that's what he is called) going into school next year to talk about his summer.

Hey Will what did you do this summer?

"Well we went on vacation, I caught some fish, went water tubing and than I went digging and found Jimmy Hoffa. I brought back some of his bones."

Will came up yesterday with a few rocks in his hands and told his dad, "here are these bones I found. They are from Jimmy Hoffa."

Just what his father was expecting to hear. Just what his teacher would love to hear. Talk about a memorable introduction to a new student next year.

"I found Jimmy Hoffa"

"Oh well then you get straight A's"

Will will get me back when he is older.

At this age every rock he finds might become Jimmy Hoffa.

They are flying back to Florida today and I can only imagine Will asking his father "Dad where did you put my Jimmy Hoffa bones" right as there walking through security.

"Excuse me mister, we need to bring you to the interview room, NOW"

Today we found Jimmy Hoffa

My cousin from Florida and his wife and two young sons, ages six and four were visiting us the past few days. I had to work on Sunday, but got Monday off to spend ALL DAY with them. I planned on spending every waking moment entertaining and basically I did.

We went fishing and Will caught his first fish all by himself. I helped teach him how to cast and he learned to do that and then was able to catch a fish all by himself. He caught three and was thrilled with himself.

Then I sort of taught him how to juggle a soccer ball. I had him bounce it and then kick it up and catch it. It's one of the first steps to juggling. He's six so he has time. He atleast used both of his feet well.

We did water tubing, water skiing, pool, video games, darts, picked blueberries on the island and so many other things that I can't remember. I had a lot of fun, even when I dove in the sand with a stick and pretended it was a bazooka. Of course everytime I fired the "bazooka" Morgen had a metal shield. I guess I never won.

We also found Jimmy Hoffa. Well not really, but it sounds good. Will and Morgen starting digging in the sand. I asked what they were digging for and they didn't know so I ended up convincing them that they were going to dig for Jimmy Hoffa. Apparently Will uncovered 4 or 5 of Hoffa's bones.

"Hey kids, bored in the sand box? Well then just go dig and try to find Jimmy Hoffa!" "Whoever thought you could put fun and free in the same sentence?"

More to say later.

Principles of my coaching

My principles of coaching would revolve around two basic things. Every time you go out your goal should be to do the best that you can and to improve. If you leave a game thinking that you did the best that you can and that you improved than you should leave with your head held high no matter the outcome.

I have been sort of hesitant to write about the Ravens sometimes because I know their record isn't something that would be posted everywhere, but I have noticed that they are improving and are getting better. From what I remember from last year, this season has been a step forward. If everyone is playing their best and trying their hardest and improving than that's all that you can ask for. If they have done that they should hold their heads up high.

They are not up yet

So I can write because the kids are not up yet.

Actually a lot of people aren't up yet. I was going to say most people aren't, but then I remembered getting all those early comments.

So a few random things I thought about...

It's great for UConn Football to be able to attract a transfer from USC. The team will get a USC FB/RB to come to UConn to play RB. The guy atleast has natural talent or something that scouts like. I hate the star system but he was a top 100 recruit out of high school, was a four star recruit on rivals and apparently a five star recruit on scout.com.

I noticed yesterday how much a professional soccer coach, (not of a team I work for) was interested in the World Cup. I'd say they seemed more interested in the world cup than his teams own game.

"We are going on the field soon, meet you out there when the game is done, go get em!"

I can't imagine this happening in any other sport. Then again I don't know how many other sports play games during their sports premier event. There is no football going on during the super bowl, besides the super bowl. No baseball during the World Series, but the World Series.

I didn't really get to watch the world cup because I was working, but to be honest I didn't care about either team so I would have had trouble watching. I like having a team to root for. I would have watched it if it was easily available but it wasn't so I missed it. I asked many of the soccerheads at work about the game. One of them told me that they fell asleep while watching the game.

To recap, for all of those who make fun of soccer, a soccerhead said that they watched the world cup and fell asleep.

I actually used to be one of those people who made fun of soccer because I just didn't understand the game, but now I really like the game. I still don't really understand the game, but I can understand offsides and I think I can figure out what a combination play is now. I even know what pushing up means and why defenders usually do throw ins. If defenders throw the ball in then everyone else pushes up ahead of them. I was so excited when I figured that out yesterday.

I met another Division III women's soccer player yesterday and they laughed when I got so excited that I understood the throw ins.

I got signatures of the players for an auction after the game. I had them use a UCONN Women's Soccer Media Guide to write on because I always keep one in my backpack. It was conveinent and was the only thing I had that could do the job. It also was a great marketing opportunity. Won't lie I know it's putting UCONN Women's Soccer on some great players minds. Even if it's for a second it's better than nothing.

So who signed on that media guide? Two interesting people this time. Lindsay Tarpley and Kelly Smith. Smith played at Seton Hall. She scored against UCONN at least once while playing at Seton Hall. I'm not sure how many times she scored against UCONN. She could have scored more. Seton Hall has scored four all time goals against UCONN. 3 came while Smith was on the team. I wonder how many of those she was involved in. Anyway I'm not sure a UCONN media guide brought back great memories for Kelly Smith. UCONN hasn't lost or tied Seton Hall. Keep your fingers crossed. Hope it stays like that.

Tarpley on the other hand may have had a good memory. She netted the match winner in the 2003 National Championship game. She also assisted on a goal in that game.

Busy Busy Busy

Just an FYI, I will be busy today with work and tomorrow I will be spending all day with family and my cousins two young sons. I may write, but don't be surprised if I don't. I'm sure you can live without me!

Enjoy the World Cup and Home Run Derby.

No respect

I have no respect for an owner that would write a letter like this to his fans calling his former player someone that you wouldn't want your kids to look up to. As someone who betrayed Cleveland. This is sad. It's sad that someone can do what they think is best for themselves and then have people react in this way.

He called LeBron narcissistic and self promotional. He said that LeBron was a coward who betrayed Cleveland.

This is the most unprofessional thing that I have ever seen an owner do. That guy did so much for the Cavaliers and that is how he is treated. I have no respect for the Cavaliers management and if I was a free agent I wouldn't even consider going there.

http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html

I envy Lebron

LeBron James did what he thought is best for him and I have a boatload of respect for that. It's too easy to worry about what everyone thinks. It's so hard to leave your hometown and it's so hard to leave all those loyal fans. It's a tough decision. It will be a much criticized decision. No one will be happy in the NBA. Knicks fans are unhappy, so are Nets fans and Bulls fans. The whole State of Ohio is mad at LeBron.

LeBron was in a no win situation. Almost no one will be happy with his decision so you know what, the one person who should be happy is LeBron. If LeBron wants to go to Miami than he should go and people shouldn't question his motives. He wants to go to Miami. That's good enough for me.

LeBron James left Cleveland better than how he found it and that is what really matters for Cleveland. He feels that Miami is best for him so I support his decision to go there. A lot of people make decisions that people don't understand, but understand that that person is making the decision that they think is best for themselves. Ultimately when you retire or are on your death bed you want to know that you have no regrets about your life's decisions. The difference between our decisions and LeBron James decision is that LeBron has so many people who are affected and emotionally attached to his decision.

Put yourself in his shoes. Try making the best decision for yourself when you have MILLIONS of people who are emotionally attached to you and your decision. Try to make a decision that you know is going to crush peoples hearts so much it was as if you ran their hearts over with a steam roller.

Heck look they are burning his jersey. Try making a decision when you know millions of people are going to burn photos of you, or things that remind them of you. Leave LeBron alone.

You should atleast respect the guy for using his status to raise money for Boys and Girls Clubs.

Now I don't envy the Head Coach of the Miami Heat. Talk about pressure. You have Pat Riley looking over your shoulder and have the talents of Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James under your control. He must win. I don't know if I would be excited right now. He's going to have a lot of work to do and a lot of pressure to do that work extraordinarily well.

The Pride of UConn Sports Management

The class of 2010 has already made a great contribution to the world.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/video/video.php?v=139526086064418&ref=mf

Dan Torf was the dancing penguin.

Congratulations 2010, we have officially arrived.

How boring life is without the other interns

I love it when I get to work with the Division III women's soccer player interns. They are full of interesting moments.

One of them asked me if I liked the sport of Race Car-ring. That's a new one for me.

Then I asked the interns who would win in a fight, Muhammad Ali or Cassius Clay?

I got a response of Ali would win because he was the greatest boxer ever. Little did these three know that Clay and Ali are actually the same person.

Atleast they learn something everyday that I am there.

They also said I was the smartest intern. I don't know if they meant it though, I think they just wanted to pass work on to me.

Sorry

Sorry I had a hectic day today and will for the next couple of days or two so I will post when I can. I had a good story or two but they will have to wait.

I hope a woman interviewed them

I have to say that this interview just feels awkward to watch, so I can't imagine what it was like to be the person who was asking the questions.

Maybe it was just me, but this just seemed so awkward.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvYomAgaBUQ

I can't imagine interviewing an athlete about their relationships and marriages. Just seems irrelevant and too personal.

I didn't know watertubing was such a workout

Watertubing takes very little skill. It's not like waterskiing. Basically with tubing you are pulled and you hang on. It's pretty simple. Today I went tubing which is rare because when given the choice I generally waterski. Instead I went tubing and my sister, not my father, drove the boat. That meant that I was going to be taken on a wild ride.

I was taken on a wild ride.

My sister's goal was to flip me which proved to me more difficult than she thought, though not impossible. I was strong enough and balanced enough to be able to hold my body while it was mostly off the tube and get it back on the tube so that I didn't fall off.

At one point she slowed down and then just unexpectedly gunned it which sent the tube flying out of my hands. She also went over as much wake as possible and whipped us pretty quickly when she took turns.

She also got me off the tube and flying in the air so that I landed sideways with my legs open. Basically a belly-flop that doesn't hurt your belly, just what's in between your legs. Maybe my sister never wants to be an aunt.

I recovered after a minute or two.

After awhile of tubing my arms also were much more sore than I thought they would be. I was holding on for so long on those turns and it was really a workout, plus getting back on the tube was also a workout. I'm much more sore from tubing than I thought it would be.

Fireworks and Alcohol, What could go wrong

Ok also Gun Range with 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter, What could go wrong?

A lot.

Today was July 4th, happy birthday America. It's also National Drunk Firework Shooting day.

My lake is small so it doesn't have a fireworks spectacular. It instead has very good, sporadic fireworks. This year they went on across the lake at several different homes for about 90 minutes.

The fireworks were entertaining, but the competition between one house and another was even better.

There was a lot of gendered language, a lot of "stop being ladies, or old ladies" etc. There were a few curse words and a few references to the men on the other side of the lake lacking certain body parts. It was quite entertaining to listen too.

"Your little fire over there looks really cute"
"There is nothing illegal about having a fire"
"I can't see your fireworks"

Those were the more appropriate remarks. There were some memorable ones but they are not suitable to be written about.

Fireworks at our place should have a rating of NC-17.

A competition to see who can set off better fireworks is fun, especially if you get to watch and not worry about your arm ever being blown off.

The guy who was yelling and hollering and bragging about his fireworks was clearly drunk, or atleast I hope so, because if he acts like that all the time he'd be really hard to sit down and have dinner with.

Being the beneficiary of watching someone else with fireworks and alcohol is a lot of fun for us. It's something we will look forward to every year and hopefully the competition heats up more and more each year until one day people pay no attention to the Boston Pops and instead try to buy tickets to watch from our yard.

Will they remember you

I've met lots of athletes. Let's list a few of the more impressive ones :Derek Jeter, David Wright, Tom Glavine, Jose Reyes, Joe Mauer, Antrel Rolle, Jon Beason, Roger Staubach, Jennifer Rizzotti, Mark Eaton, John Starks, Doc Rivers etc.

None of them remember me. I'm smart enough to know that. They aren't friends, they won't help me in my career, they don't know me from a hole in a wall.

A family friend was lucky enough to meet Joe Namath a long time ago. Normally I'd say that there is no way that Joe Namath would remember meeting him, but I think I might make an exception for him. I must say he left a lasting impression, and a memorable gift for Broadway Joe. At a football camp this family friend threw up on Namath's shoes. Somehow I think that Namath would probably remember that, unless he was talking with Suzy Kolber at the same time.

Got thrown around like a rag doll

I went waterskiing yesterday and I am working on going over the wakes more. I know I can ski and go around the boat but I want more of a challenge. Playing around with going over the wake and other things means that I also inevitable spent a lot of time in the water. I fall a lot. Yesterday I took several tumbles. I went head over heels, I landed on my side, I think I may have done a cartwheel for the first time in my life.

Today I feel that flipping in my shoulders, but its ok, it will go away and I will survive.

Very impressed with the Ravens

I got to watch some of the Rochester Ravens game against Ottawa from May 29th. I could tell exactly where Mel and Shoey were because I can pick them out based on how they run. I'm being dead serious. I've probably spent a full few days worth of just watching film. You can tell who is who by how they run pretty quickly.

http://www.rochesterravensfc.com/videos.cfm

I was very impressed with the sports management aspect of the Ravens. I know nothing about soccer so I can't break down soccer and tell you who played well and who didn't. From the sports management aspect I feel like the Ravens might be in a league of their own. I don't want to say that exactly yet because I haven't been to many other W League or WPSL games. I am going to one on Tuesday though.

Anyway the field and the music and announcer and stadium gave me the feel of a professional women's soccer team, not a summer league team. I was blown away with what I saw and I honestly think that a WPS team should strive to have a stadium the way that the Ravens do. That is a perfect soccer stadium. I think the WPS should have a game played their once a year.

The other stadium I have been to was of a team that no longer exists and that isn't quite that surprising to be honest. The team folded and the atmosphere and field and stadium was nothing special.

I wasn't expecting to see field boards or beautiful stands when I watched the Ravens game. I wasn't expecting to hear music being played either. Since I don't go to too many W-league games or WPSL games I would feel bad to say that the set-up and look of the Ravens stadium is the best in the country, but I have the feeling that if it isn't the best, that it is pretty close to the best. From the website to the shots of the stadium and to the events in the community that I have read about, the Rochester Ravens seem to be one of the finer summer league teams in the country. They seem to be truly dedicated to making the Ravens the best that they can be. They seem to really care about the community and the game of women's soccer. They really impress me and from all that I can see are doing a wonderful job operating the team. I think the players who play on that team should consider themselves lucky that they have people in charge who care.

Although it is a turf stadium for the Ravens, I do remember watching a summer league team last year in which the grass hadn't appeared to have been mowed in a while. That team didn't appear to really care about the field or set-up of the game.

If another team impresses me I will let you know, but I have a feeling that the Ravens are one of the best teams in terms of operations.

Ghana

If only PK's were more of a give-me! I feel so bad for Ghana and the player who missed the PK at the end of extra time. I hope Gyan is remembered for the good he did in the World Cup. I hate reading and hearing about how athletes who make blunders like this in soccer are treated when they get home. I can't imagine what it is like to fail for an entire country and continent. Now he needs their support more than ever.

I feel bad for Ghana and I hope Uruguay loses big time in the next round.

An emotional win

I talk NASCAR every once in a while on here and today is an appropriate day to write about it. I enjoy the sport of NASCAR and have followed it for a long time now.

I remember watching Dale Earnhardt win the 1998 Daytona 500, and hoping that Jeff Gordon would win instead. I remember watching the 2001 Daytona 500 and seeing Dale Earnhardt die. I was happy about the crash when I saw it at first because it meant my driver was going to have a better finish.

I learned a life lesson soon after, which was too never ever ever hope something bad on someone else.

Dale Earnhardt was a special athlete, one that I don't think gets the level of respect or admiration from those in the Northeast and media markets of Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Earnhardt was one of those rare and special athletes who really identified with fans. He was a special figure in sports. I think he identified and brought pride to his fans the way Jackie Robinson did. I think Earnhardt and Robinson are some select few athletes who represent people in ways other than just sports. I'd argue that Michael Jordan isn't quite on their level. No football player or hockey player can compare. Maybe Pele is up there with them too.

I heard that after Earnhardt died that some schools in the south canceled school so that they could honor Earnhardt and attend or watch his funeral. Not many people get that treatment.

Today, for the last time ever, Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove his dad's old number three. The car had a yellow and light blue paint scheme and was sponsored by his dad's first sponsor, Wrangler. Jr. brought that Chevy to victory lane at Daytona, NASCAR's signature track and the same track that his father died at. It was a special moment to see his son win in his father's old car.

Not quite as bad as Poker but close

Well I guess I'm a little old school on this but to me the UFC is not something worth covering. I guess it's the un-fixed WWE, or WWF or WCW or whatever it was called. Why are we trying to make people care about guys bouncing their heads off of steal cages?

Once again why aren't college sports on over this? I'd rather ESPN cover Chinese archery than UFC.

Ideally they'd devote more time to the WPS or WNBA.

I also find it really sad that boxing has taken a seat to UFC. Boxing was once a great American sport. It's too bad that a sport with the names of Holyfield, Mayweather, Clay (Ali), Frazier, Tuney, and De La Hoya.

Oh this should be interesting

I was just cycling and I wondered what I could right about. Somehow the word awkward entered my mind. I'm not sure why, but it did make me think of a perfect thing to talk about, my first few days at Women's Soccer practice in September.

I'm not quite sure when the team found out I was helping them out. For the first few weeks I was just there on game days and ran the facebook page. I didn't know any of the players and the players didn't really know who I was. It wasn't awkward to be at games because the team never really interacted with me.

Then I did my first facebook interview with Cory Bildstein. It required me to go to practice, which I really did want to be at because I knew that the basketball managers were required to be at practice so I figured there was somehow I could help.

Anyway the first time I went towards the practice field I was so NERVOUS. Ridiculously nervous. I actually wanted to turn around a couple of times. I felt so out of place then. I also stayed behind the fence because I was afraid to walk on the field. It was as if I was barefoot and the field was made out of hot coals. In reality it was more like if I stayed behind the fence I'd only look a little creepy. I felt that if I was on the field I was really creepy. I stayed behind the fence because I only wanted to look a little creepy. I couldn't interview Cory that day and I was thrilled to be honest. The awkwardness of standing behind a fence for the last 20 minutes of practice was killing me.

I came back the next day and once again was really nervous, but I was thrilled because when I got there the next day I was given something to do. I sat on the side of the field and found jersey numbers of former players for coach. Then I got to interview Cory. From then on I was at practice even though at first, for a week or two, I felt so out of place, like in-laws on a honeymoon.

As the season went on I got more and more comfortable. I just felt it would be funny to share how awkward it was at first.

WUSA stats

You know I've never really spoken much about the WUSA but I was really trying to find stats last night. I was curious how many other UConn players besides Brittany Taylor were named an ALL-STAR. While WUSA and WPS are technically separate leagues I think their stats are the same. The history of the WPS is tied to the history of the WUSA and information on what happened from 2001-03 would be helpful. Someone needs to dig up those old record books.

Using google I could only find one other UConn player who was an all-star.