It's Super Bowl weekend and I'm sick... It sucks.
I felt this one coming yesterday when I was at the Herald and I think my stupid eating habits finally caught up with me. Nobody's invincible and I'm definitely not.
Even though I'm sick, I'm going to attend both hockey games this weekend. The Broncos are playing Northern Michigan and both teams are riding some solid play into the series. WMU earned three points against Ohio State last weekend and NMU has won five out of its last six. Hopefully the Broncos can finally win a conference game on home ice this weekend.
I wrote an editorial on the Super Bowl for our paper. It was fun and different to write. I struggled a little bit with it, but feel like it came out pretty good. Tell me what you think below in the comments box. I can't believe that in our harsh economic times, we can still dish out as much money as we do for advertisements. Kind of ridiculous.
We also did some Super Bowl predictions for the game and they came out pretty even: three for the Cards and three for the Steelers. I'm also rooting for the Cards. I just feel they have the confidence needed to win and won't be distracted by all the hype. Many probably feel like it should be the other way around, but I just have a hunch.
Hope everyone enjoys the Super Bowl parties. Hopefully I will be able to as well and that's why I'm currently chugging the OJ. Have a good weekend everyone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Interviewing Brandon Inge
This past weekend I had the unbelievable opportunity to interview some of the Detroit Tigers as they were in Kalamazoo for the 2009 Winter Caravan. We were able to meet with the Tigers before they took the stage when they were interviewed by the local media. Mike and I interviewed Brent Clevlen, bullpen coach Jeff Jones, Fernando Rodney and the man himself, Brandon Inge. It wasn't as intimidating as I thought it was going to be. They were very cool with us and it probably helped that there were two of us throwing questions at the players and coach instead of one. Pretty cool experience though. There were a bunch of people at the Miller Auditorium and even though they weren't on stage that long, it was pretty neat.
The hockey team also had a pretty neat weekend. They earned three out of a possible four points against Ohio State and shocked the No. 11 team in the country. The team is picking up steam for the rest of the schedule, which could prove to be vital as they head down the stretch. Hopefully they can turn in another good performance this weekend against Northern Michigan. Riley Gill played solid this weekend and I'm sure coach Culhane will be looking to him quite often in these last 10 regular season games.
Harry came in this past weekend and it was pretty fun. Smoked some cigars, demolished some Maggies and played way to many videogames. Need a few lazy weekends like this past one once and awhile. Next weekend I'm heading to Detroit for the Super Bowl. Just going to be in town for that one evening unfortunately because I have two home hockey games next weekend as well.
The hockey team also had a pretty neat weekend. They earned three out of a possible four points against Ohio State and shocked the No. 11 team in the country. The team is picking up steam for the rest of the schedule, which could prove to be vital as they head down the stretch. Hopefully they can turn in another good performance this weekend against Northern Michigan. Riley Gill played solid this weekend and I'm sure coach Culhane will be looking to him quite often in these last 10 regular season games.
Harry came in this past weekend and it was pretty fun. Smoked some cigars, demolished some Maggies and played way to many videogames. Need a few lazy weekends like this past one once and awhile. Next weekend I'm heading to Detroit for the Super Bowl. Just going to be in town for that one evening unfortunately because I have two home hockey games next weekend as well.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Tigers in Kalamazoo
Tonight I'm going to try and shake Brandon Inge's hand. Won't be easy, but I have full faith that I can accomplish the task. The Tigers are in town as apart of the Winter Caravan 2009. Two squads are traveling around lower Michigan and one group will be at the Miller Auditorium tonight in Kalamazoo.
We have the "B" group coming into town. The players coming include Inge, Armando Galarraga, Brent Clevlen, Eddie Bonine, Gerald Laird, Jeff Larish and Bobby Seay. Coaches Andy Van Slyke and Rafael Belliard will be in attendance, as well assistant general manager Al Avila. Radio broadcaster Dan Dickerson will be the emcee for the event.
Supposedly there is a special media-only press conference beforehand, which I am going to try and get into. Also, I wrote an article last night about a "Detroit City of Champions" book and the author will be on hand to try and generate some interest for the book and the 1935 Detroit sports season. Hopefully, with the Tigers in town, the author has some success selling a few copies and hopefully he picks up steam for his book and the 1935 season. Everyone should check out the book - it's fairly interesting.
The hockey team is away this weekend, playing against No. 14 Ohio State in Columbus. The Buckeyes haven't dropped a contest in 12 games, so the Broncos have a seemingly impossible task this weekend. They looked good last weekend, however and they have done well against ranked teams on the road this season (they beat Michigan, Alaska and went to a shootout with No. 1 Notre Dame). Any points this weekend will be a success.
Harry is coming into town this weekend, hooray! Some fun times will be had. See you next week.
We have the "B" group coming into town. The players coming include Inge, Armando Galarraga, Brent Clevlen, Eddie Bonine, Gerald Laird, Jeff Larish and Bobby Seay. Coaches Andy Van Slyke and Rafael Belliard will be in attendance, as well assistant general manager Al Avila. Radio broadcaster Dan Dickerson will be the emcee for the event.
Supposedly there is a special media-only press conference beforehand, which I am going to try and get into. Also, I wrote an article last night about a "Detroit City of Champions" book and the author will be on hand to try and generate some interest for the book and the 1935 Detroit sports season. Hopefully, with the Tigers in town, the author has some success selling a few copies and hopefully he picks up steam for his book and the 1935 season. Everyone should check out the book - it's fairly interesting.
The hockey team is away this weekend, playing against No. 14 Ohio State in Columbus. The Buckeyes haven't dropped a contest in 12 games, so the Broncos have a seemingly impossible task this weekend. They looked good last weekend, however and they have done well against ranked teams on the road this season (they beat Michigan, Alaska and went to a shootout with No. 1 Notre Dame). Any points this weekend will be a success.
Harry is coming into town this weekend, hooray! Some fun times will be had. See you next week.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day
Today was a historical day. I haven't witnessed too many in my still-young life. But today was definitely one of those days. I don't care if you voted for McCain or just don't care at all about politics and current events. This was big. This is something that will be talked about for years and I was able to participate in it.
My 11:00 class ended about 45 minutes early today and I went to WMU's Miller Auditorium to watch the inauguration and all the other happenings. There were about 2,500 students, teachers, children, adults and just about everyone else you can think of. Black, white, old, young, rich, poor. It didn't matter. Everyone was there to witness the breathtaking event.
They hadn't even planned to open the balcony at the Miller, but that is where I sat. I even had to sit towards the back because the rows near the front were just about full. They had a big screen on the stage pulled down and that is where PBS' broadcast was playing for everyone to see. People stood, people cheered, people cried, people rejoiced. It was one of those moments where everyone was involved and it didn't matter if you were there by yourself, you were not alone.
I was there as a bystander watching a piece of history unfold, but I was also there as a journalist. My 4100 class blogged today's happenings. It was truly a unique opportunity that I got to take apart in. This could to be one of the most historical moments our generation ever sees. I hope that everyone was able to catch some of the broadcast today, even if just to see the speech and oath taken by President Obama. If not, check out CNN.com. They have some pretty good recaps on what happened.
I know that one day, I'll be able to tell my kids about today and that I'll remember it as clearly as I do right now. It isn't something that I'm likely to forget and even if I do, that's what youtube is for!
The hockey team earned the sweep over the weekend which was cool. Haven't had too much fun covering Bronco hockey games this winter, but this weekend was a rare treat. They have a brutal schedule the rest of the way, playing some ranked teams, but maybe they can scrape together a few wins and make a run at the tournament at the end of the season. The team is tied for last right now, but they seem to be improving. This is an all-important weekend for them.
More coming this weekend. Until then, adios!
My 11:00 class ended about 45 minutes early today and I went to WMU's Miller Auditorium to watch the inauguration and all the other happenings. There were about 2,500 students, teachers, children, adults and just about everyone else you can think of. Black, white, old, young, rich, poor. It didn't matter. Everyone was there to witness the breathtaking event.
They hadn't even planned to open the balcony at the Miller, but that is where I sat. I even had to sit towards the back because the rows near the front were just about full. They had a big screen on the stage pulled down and that is where PBS' broadcast was playing for everyone to see. People stood, people cheered, people cried, people rejoiced. It was one of those moments where everyone was involved and it didn't matter if you were there by yourself, you were not alone.
I was there as a bystander watching a piece of history unfold, but I was also there as a journalist. My 4100 class blogged today's happenings. It was truly a unique opportunity that I got to take apart in. This could to be one of the most historical moments our generation ever sees. I hope that everyone was able to catch some of the broadcast today, even if just to see the speech and oath taken by President Obama. If not, check out CNN.com. They have some pretty good recaps on what happened.
I know that one day, I'll be able to tell my kids about today and that I'll remember it as clearly as I do right now. It isn't something that I'm likely to forget and even if I do, that's what youtube is for!
The hockey team earned the sweep over the weekend which was cool. Haven't had too much fun covering Bronco hockey games this winter, but this weekend was a rare treat. They have a brutal schedule the rest of the way, playing some ranked teams, but maybe they can scrape together a few wins and make a run at the tournament at the end of the season. The team is tied for last right now, but they seem to be improving. This is an all-important weekend for them.
More coming this weekend. Until then, adios!
Friday, January 16, 2009
My hands are shaking as I type this...
This is getting a little ridiculous. I love living in Michigan, but I would happily give up this place for just about anywhere else at the moment. I think I'm physically tired from all the shivering I've been doing.
Not much to update on this end, other than the fact that I'm currently expending most of my energy trying to stay warm. I'm covering two hockey games this weekend (both in Kalamazoo) for the Herald and I'm finally getting my left front tire checked out. Other than that, I think I might head to the rec center one of these days and that's most likely it. Oh, and football will also be watched (Go Eagles, Go Steelers!).
Harry's coming into town next weekend to hang out. He hasn't been here in awhile and I think we'll probably demolish some Maggie's stew and smoke a cigar or two (among other things of course). Should be some good times. I'm starting to think that I'll probably just stay in Kalamazoo for the Super Bowl. Save the gas money and just kick it.
Classes are pretty easy so far. Can't believe that we are already two weeks in. I only have three classes and all of them are from 11-3:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A couple of the classes won't be a worry at all and my journalism class will be some work, but nothing that I shouldn't be able to handle.
Hope everyone is staying warm. Everyone should check out the Kalamazoo Gazette Web site next Tuesday and Wednesday after the inauguration. Our journalism class is blogging all semester for the Gazette and our posts should be on the Web site by Tuesday evening (I think). Have a good weekend everyone!
Not much to update on this end, other than the fact that I'm currently expending most of my energy trying to stay warm. I'm covering two hockey games this weekend (both in Kalamazoo) for the Herald and I'm finally getting my left front tire checked out. Other than that, I think I might head to the rec center one of these days and that's most likely it. Oh, and football will also be watched (Go Eagles, Go Steelers!).
Harry's coming into town next weekend to hang out. He hasn't been here in awhile and I think we'll probably demolish some Maggie's stew and smoke a cigar or two (among other things of course). Should be some good times. I'm starting to think that I'll probably just stay in Kalamazoo for the Super Bowl. Save the gas money and just kick it.
Classes are pretty easy so far. Can't believe that we are already two weeks in. I only have three classes and all of them are from 11-3:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A couple of the classes won't be a worry at all and my journalism class will be some work, but nothing that I shouldn't be able to handle.
Hope everyone is staying warm. Everyone should check out the Kalamazoo Gazette Web site next Tuesday and Wednesday after the inauguration. Our journalism class is blogging all semester for the Gazette and our posts should be on the Web site by Tuesday evening (I think). Have a good weekend everyone!
Monday, January 12, 2009
2009: Year I Grow Up
So, I decided that I haven't really truly been blogging so much as I have been just posting articles and rambling on about the weather and sports-related things. I've decided to write a entry on what my 2009 holds and what a monumental year it could be for me. The new year is traditionally filled with broken resolutions and dreams, but I simply made just one resolution this 2009: start my life.
2009 is... the year that I finally graduate from college. Yes, I've graduated before, but this graduation will promptly end my reign at WMU. I'll finally have a degree that I value and will put to good use in the future. I've spent most of my life going to classes, cramming for tests and worrying about grades and come April, all of that will be an afterthought. Even more exciting than all of that, I'll be looking near and far for journalism jobs, internships, whatever this spring and summer. I'm excited and unsure heading into the real world, but it is definitely time (right Dad?).
2009 is... my departure from Kalamazoo. This place really has become my home. Harbor Springs will always be referred to as my hometown, but I don't doubt that I'll miss the Zoo when I pack my bags and hit the road this August. I wasn't so sure about this place when I arrived in 2002, but I now know why people love living here. Halfway between Detroit and Chicago. 30 minutes from Lake Michigan. College Atmosphere. Cool hangouts and unique restaurants/bars/breweries (Bell's, Maggie's, Shakespeare's). There is just a certain electricity about the city that I don't feel other places. Wouldn't mind coming back to live here at some point in my life. This is the place where I schooled, partied, prepared and matured. It's where I met and lived with some of my best amigos. I'm sure I'll have a much more detailed goodbye to the city when that time comes. Who knows? Maybe I'll find a job close enough that I won't have to leave the area.
2009 is... my time to enter the adult world. I'm ready. Gosh... I would hope so. It only took me seven bloody years. In all seriousness though, I am ready. I'm also ready to move for a job. Nothing ties me down except moving away from the only state I've ever called home. It would be extremely tough to move away from my friends and family. That much is certain. I'm ready to move though, if it means a job in journalism and more importantly, sports. I have no girlfriend, no obligations, just the thought that I would be leaving my comfort zone. Chances will be made and hopefully for the better. I'd really like to try the east coast if I'm given the opportunity. That or out west. But, above all, if I'm able to stay in Michigan and still pursue my dreams, than I hope that happens. It's exciting to see where I am residing in eight or nine months. I'm the last remaining non-real world guy left and I'm ready.
2009 is... probably going to hold another exciting summer. My best friend is getting married. I foresee a lot of craziness in terms of bachelor parties, Tiger's games, the time leading up the wedding, etc. I see a lot of trips back up north for time in Harbor Springs - summers are always good up there. I see trips to Detroit, trips to the beach, trips to wherever... just to have fun. Got to enjoy the time while you can. Last summer was a blast. Why can't this one be?
2009... the year the Tigers make a serious run at the playoffs. Sorry... I couldn't hold off on sports-related topics. I truly believe that the Jim Leyland-led team has a shot at pursuing the postseason this year. They will find some more pieces before the season starts (hopefully in the bullpen) and the offense will easily have enough firepower to take care of that side of the ball. Cabrera will put together a monster year (as will Granderson and Maggs) and the Tigers will find some unity and chemistry and put together a season that will make fans forget about 2008 and reminisce about the 2007 year. Hopefully, this season upcoming year will be the kind where I can throw back a beer during the game in enjoyment instead of downing a beer in disgust during Tiger's games.
2009... it's so many more things that escape my mind right now. I hope that this year is all that it could be. I'm eagerly awaiting the next few months and hope that this is one year where my life changes forever. Because, it's finally time.
2009 is... the year that I finally graduate from college. Yes, I've graduated before, but this graduation will promptly end my reign at WMU. I'll finally have a degree that I value and will put to good use in the future. I've spent most of my life going to classes, cramming for tests and worrying about grades and come April, all of that will be an afterthought. Even more exciting than all of that, I'll be looking near and far for journalism jobs, internships, whatever this spring and summer. I'm excited and unsure heading into the real world, but it is definitely time (right Dad?).
2009 is... my departure from Kalamazoo. This place really has become my home. Harbor Springs will always be referred to as my hometown, but I don't doubt that I'll miss the Zoo when I pack my bags and hit the road this August. I wasn't so sure about this place when I arrived in 2002, but I now know why people love living here. Halfway between Detroit and Chicago. 30 minutes from Lake Michigan. College Atmosphere. Cool hangouts and unique restaurants/bars/breweries (Bell's, Maggie's, Shakespeare's). There is just a certain electricity about the city that I don't feel other places. Wouldn't mind coming back to live here at some point in my life. This is the place where I schooled, partied, prepared and matured. It's where I met and lived with some of my best amigos. I'm sure I'll have a much more detailed goodbye to the city when that time comes. Who knows? Maybe I'll find a job close enough that I won't have to leave the area.
2009 is... my time to enter the adult world. I'm ready. Gosh... I would hope so. It only took me seven bloody years. In all seriousness though, I am ready. I'm also ready to move for a job. Nothing ties me down except moving away from the only state I've ever called home. It would be extremely tough to move away from my friends and family. That much is certain. I'm ready to move though, if it means a job in journalism and more importantly, sports. I have no girlfriend, no obligations, just the thought that I would be leaving my comfort zone. Chances will be made and hopefully for the better. I'd really like to try the east coast if I'm given the opportunity. That or out west. But, above all, if I'm able to stay in Michigan and still pursue my dreams, than I hope that happens. It's exciting to see where I am residing in eight or nine months. I'm the last remaining non-real world guy left and I'm ready.
2009 is... probably going to hold another exciting summer. My best friend is getting married. I foresee a lot of craziness in terms of bachelor parties, Tiger's games, the time leading up the wedding, etc. I see a lot of trips back up north for time in Harbor Springs - summers are always good up there. I see trips to Detroit, trips to the beach, trips to wherever... just to have fun. Got to enjoy the time while you can. Last summer was a blast. Why can't this one be?
2009... the year the Tigers make a serious run at the playoffs. Sorry... I couldn't hold off on sports-related topics. I truly believe that the Jim Leyland-led team has a shot at pursuing the postseason this year. They will find some more pieces before the season starts (hopefully in the bullpen) and the offense will easily have enough firepower to take care of that side of the ball. Cabrera will put together a monster year (as will Granderson and Maggs) and the Tigers will find some unity and chemistry and put together a season that will make fans forget about 2008 and reminisce about the 2007 year. Hopefully, this season upcoming year will be the kind where I can throw back a beer during the game in enjoyment instead of downing a beer in disgust during Tiger's games.
2009... it's so many more things that escape my mind right now. I hope that this year is all that it could be. I'm eagerly awaiting the next few months and hope that this is one year where my life changes forever. Because, it's finally time.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I'm back and so is the snow...
Hey everyone. Sorry about the long delay between my last post and this one. I've been busy with the holiday season and the new semester already starting. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is already ready for the spring season and green grass. I love living in Michigan.... until December.
I was fortunate enough over the winter break to travel down to Houston, Texas to cover the Texas Bowl. Western Michigan lost miserably to Rice University, but it was a fun experience. I've never been to Texas before and we really got to see a lot of the city. I'd rather forget staying up all night because of our very early flight the morning after the game, but to get out of the cold and snow for a couple days was absolutely priceless. The Herald footed the bill for the trip as well, which made it even better.
Hope everyone had a good holiday season. I'm already getting used to the new semester and I know that this one will fly by. It's my last semester ever at college, hooray!
I will post some stories below from the most recent Herald's. Looking back on my last entry (before the Ball State game), it looks like it's been awhile for articles too. I'll post all the ones that I can find.
Football Stuff:
Blog from WMU vs. Ball State
Blog from Texas Bowl
Recap Article on Texas Bowl
Staff BCS Bowl Predictions
Hockey Stuff:
Preview for WMU vs. Miami
Recap Article on WMU vs. Miami
Recap Article on WMU at Dodge Holiday Classic
Recap Article on WMU vs. Ferris State
Stay off the roads these next couple of days. I hear that we're supposed to get an insane amount of snow. Does that mean I can skip my classes? ;) Just kidding.
I was fortunate enough over the winter break to travel down to Houston, Texas to cover the Texas Bowl. Western Michigan lost miserably to Rice University, but it was a fun experience. I've never been to Texas before and we really got to see a lot of the city. I'd rather forget staying up all night because of our very early flight the morning after the game, but to get out of the cold and snow for a couple days was absolutely priceless. The Herald footed the bill for the trip as well, which made it even better.
Hope everyone had a good holiday season. I'm already getting used to the new semester and I know that this one will fly by. It's my last semester ever at college, hooray!
I will post some stories below from the most recent Herald's. Looking back on my last entry (before the Ball State game), it looks like it's been awhile for articles too. I'll post all the ones that I can find.
Football Stuff:
Blog from WMU vs. Ball State
Blog from Texas Bowl
Recap Article on Texas Bowl
Staff BCS Bowl Predictions
Hockey Stuff:
Preview for WMU vs. Miami
Recap Article on WMU vs. Miami
Recap Article on WMU at Dodge Holiday Classic
Recap Article on WMU vs. Ferris State
Stay off the roads these next couple of days. I hear that we're supposed to get an insane amount of snow. Does that mean I can skip my classes? ;) Just kidding.
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