Well I am a little disheartened tonight because my Iowa State Cyclones wound up on the wrong end of a 27-13 score in the Pinstripe Bowl tonight against Rutgers. However, I'm not going to pout and talk about how they're a bunch of nappy-headed hoes... any chance that someone reading this understood that reference? Anyways, I feel a little better now that I'm watching the Hawkeyes lose at halftime to the Oklahoma Sooners. Also, I can remember all of the good things that my Cyclones were able to accomplish as underdogs this year. In their 12-game regular season, they were underdogs 10 times but still managed to go to a bowl game. Not too shabby. The upsets they completed came against Iowa, UConn, Texas Tech, and the biggest football upset in the country this year... against Oklahoma State. I'm happy for the solid season that the Cyclones put together dispite some rough spots and the loss to Rutgers. Hopefully they can continue to build on their success under the direction of Paul Rhoades. So I will just sit here, sip on my Hamms (from the land of sky blue waters), and root on the Sooners :)
Tomorrow I am looking forward to having my parents come down to Ames for a visit. We'll make it over to watch the ISU men's basketball team take on Mississippi Valley State, and celebrate the coming new year. Here's to a happy and exciting 2012!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Monday, December 26th, 2011
Today is a recovery day from the fun, long Christmas weekend. It's very nice to have a 3-day weekend! We hosted the GLEKS (Gleason, Lacina, Easley, Khyl, Salton) family Christmas at our apartment in Ames. Everyone was here except for Christian byu the time I got home from work on Friday. We opened the family secret santa gifts that night (I gave Sarah the Hunger Games book set, and Becky gave me a pair of ISU flanel pants that I asked for). It took a while to convince everyone that Christian would not in fact be sneaking in to spend Christmas with us, but at least we were able to talk with him a few times using face-time on Elizabeth's phone. That Friday for supper we made a spiral cut honey ham, green bean casserole, scalopped corn, corn-bread stuffing, and queso dip with bacon & spinach. Just foreshadowing for all of the food that we would have this weekend!
The Lacinas stayed through lunch on Saturday before they had to take off. Later that afternoon the rest of us drove over to Ledges park near Boone. Sullivan, Seth, Brian, Elizabeth, and I walked all the way down a very steep hill which was slippery and muddy (just ask Elizabeth's pants after she slipped)... the boys got very wet and messy after playing in the half-frozen stream, and we explored a nice stone bridge. After driving home and getting cleaned up, we went out for pizza and chicken wings as Pizza Pit. Of course we had to order two double XL pizzas (one taco, one sausage & onion). After our meal (we ate maybe half of it), we drove around Ames to check out the Christmas lights. The best was a large decorated tree on central campus near Beardshear Hall. That night we stayed up late, watched Miracle on 34th Street, and went to a midnight church service at the local Catholic church. Also happy birthday to Brian Gleason.
Sunday involved the boys opening all of their presents, we went to a local park to go geocaching and play frisbee, we came back for a big lunch (BBQ ribs and leftovers), hung out to play games at the apartment, they later that night we went out to Perfect Games to play lazer tag, order more pizza (we had a coupon for 4 free games of lazer tag with the purchase of a specialty pizza), and to play arcade games. I enjoyed the skee ball quite a bit.
This morning we bid farewell to the Gleasons and to Becky after breakfast, and we've been trying to recuperate since. There is still lots of cleaning to do, but it's nice to be off work this Monday and only have a short week to prepare for. We also have our refrigerator FULL of leftovers. Next weekend we'll be hosting my parents along with Elizabeth's mom Becky again for New Years and to go to an ISU men's basketball game. Lot's of family fun!
The Lacinas stayed through lunch on Saturday before they had to take off. Later that afternoon the rest of us drove over to Ledges park near Boone. Sullivan, Seth, Brian, Elizabeth, and I walked all the way down a very steep hill which was slippery and muddy (just ask Elizabeth's pants after she slipped)... the boys got very wet and messy after playing in the half-frozen stream, and we explored a nice stone bridge. After driving home and getting cleaned up, we went out for pizza and chicken wings as Pizza Pit. Of course we had to order two double XL pizzas (one taco, one sausage & onion). After our meal (we ate maybe half of it), we drove around Ames to check out the Christmas lights. The best was a large decorated tree on central campus near Beardshear Hall. That night we stayed up late, watched Miracle on 34th Street, and went to a midnight church service at the local Catholic church. Also happy birthday to Brian Gleason.
Sunday involved the boys opening all of their presents, we went to a local park to go geocaching and play frisbee, we came back for a big lunch (BBQ ribs and leftovers), hung out to play games at the apartment, they later that night we went out to Perfect Games to play lazer tag, order more pizza (we had a coupon for 4 free games of lazer tag with the purchase of a specialty pizza), and to play arcade games. I enjoyed the skee ball quite a bit.
This morning we bid farewell to the Gleasons and to Becky after breakfast, and we've been trying to recuperate since. There is still lots of cleaning to do, but it's nice to be off work this Monday and only have a short week to prepare for. We also have our refrigerator FULL of leftovers. Next weekend we'll be hosting my parents along with Elizabeth's mom Becky again for New Years and to go to an ISU men's basketball game. Lot's of family fun!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 19th, 2011
A week ago today I'm very sad to report that my Grandpa Sandy passed away at his nursing home in Ruthven, IA. We drove up to be with family on Friday, the funeral was Saturday morning, and we came back to Ames Sunday afternoon. Here is his obituary:
Orven Sandy Salton was born August 3, 1922, the second of six children born to William Aaron and Ida Marie (Johnson) Salton on the family farm in Clay County, Iowa. He attended Logan Country School and graduated from Gillett Grove High School in 1938 as valedictorian at the age of 15.
On April 24, 1949, Sandy was united in marriage to Natalie Lindgren at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City, Iowa. To this union seven children were born. The couple enjoyed living on the same farm almost fifty years. Sandy took great pride in being an Iowa farmer, raising crops, livestock and kids!
Sandy was an active and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven, serving as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader and usher. He also worked to promote and support 4-H. For 18 years, Sandy was a 4-H leader of the Logan Leading Lads. During this time, it became the largest 4-H club in Iowa. Sandy served as the County Assessor in Gillett Grove and Greenville and as a trustee for Logan Township.
Being around family, neighbors and friends brought Sandy great joy. He found pleasure in working along side his kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids and whomever else was willing to work. Relaxation included work, playing baseball on the town team, going fishing and playing cards. At family gatherings Sandy and his brother Kenny delighted everyone by reciting classic poetry from memory at rapid fire speed!
Sandy passed away December 12, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Amanda Ann (November 26, 1953); grandson Horatio B. Salton (August 2, 1986); siblings John Salton, Helen (Salton) Anderson; William Salton; in-laws, Jane Lindgren, Lois Salton, Shirley and Dick Beadle, Doris Salton; Al Lindgren, Virgil Treimer, and Reuben Anderson; nieces, Neva (Lindgren) Heuton, Janet (Lindgren) Grimm; and great nephew, Taylor Lindgren.
Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Natalie; their children and spouses, Eben and Lynn Salton of Webb, IA, Marilyn and Rick Hawkins of Mount Ayr, IA, LaVonne and Gary Anderson of Des Moines, IA, Aaron and Dianne Salton of Gladewater, TX, Susan and Chris Irwin of Sac City, IA, and Marcia and Chris Langner of Ayrshire, IA; grandchildren and spouses, Forrest and Marla Hawkins, Lyndon Hawkins, Brian and Elizabeth Salton, Amy (Salton) and Brandon Shostak, Sierra Salton, David Langner, Mark Langner, and Kent Irwin; siblings Kenneth Salton and Doris (Salton) Treimer; in-laws, Darlene and Jim Embry, Paul and Donna Lindgren, Floyd and Rosemary Lindgren, and Gene Lindgren; nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Sandy will be remembered for his honesty, humor, intelligence, and strong work ethic. He always put God first and led his family by Christian example. Sandy found the best in every person he met. He was truly a faithful and devoted man. Blessed be the memory of Sandy Salton.
On a happier note, my cousin Lyndon became engaged to Missy Roberts today!
Orven Sandy Salton was born August 3, 1922, the second of six children born to William Aaron and Ida Marie (Johnson) Salton on the family farm in Clay County, Iowa. He attended Logan Country School and graduated from Gillett Grove High School in 1938 as valedictorian at the age of 15.
On April 24, 1949, Sandy was united in marriage to Natalie Lindgren at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Albert City, Iowa. To this union seven children were born. The couple enjoyed living on the same farm almost fifty years. Sandy took great pride in being an Iowa farmer, raising crops, livestock and kids!
Sandy was an active and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ruthven, serving as a trustee, Sunday School teacher, Bible Study leader and usher. He also worked to promote and support 4-H. For 18 years, Sandy was a 4-H leader of the Logan Leading Lads. During this time, it became the largest 4-H club in Iowa. Sandy served as the County Assessor in Gillett Grove and Greenville and as a trustee for Logan Township.
Being around family, neighbors and friends brought Sandy great joy. He found pleasure in working along side his kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids and whomever else was willing to work. Relaxation included work, playing baseball on the town team, going fishing and playing cards. At family gatherings Sandy and his brother Kenny delighted everyone by reciting classic poetry from memory at rapid fire speed!
Sandy passed away December 12, 2011. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Amanda Ann (November 26, 1953); grandson Horatio B. Salton (August 2, 1986); siblings John Salton, Helen (Salton) Anderson; William Salton; in-laws, Jane Lindgren, Lois Salton, Shirley and Dick Beadle, Doris Salton; Al Lindgren, Virgil Treimer, and Reuben Anderson; nieces, Neva (Lindgren) Heuton, Janet (Lindgren) Grimm; and great nephew, Taylor Lindgren.
Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Natalie; their children and spouses, Eben and Lynn Salton of Webb, IA, Marilyn and Rick Hawkins of Mount Ayr, IA, LaVonne and Gary Anderson of Des Moines, IA, Aaron and Dianne Salton of Gladewater, TX, Susan and Chris Irwin of Sac City, IA, and Marcia and Chris Langner of Ayrshire, IA; grandchildren and spouses, Forrest and Marla Hawkins, Lyndon Hawkins, Brian and Elizabeth Salton, Amy (Salton) and Brandon Shostak, Sierra Salton, David Langner, Mark Langner, and Kent Irwin; siblings Kenneth Salton and Doris (Salton) Treimer; in-laws, Darlene and Jim Embry, Paul and Donna Lindgren, Floyd and Rosemary Lindgren, and Gene Lindgren; nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Sandy will be remembered for his honesty, humor, intelligence, and strong work ethic. He always put God first and led his family by Christian example. Sandy found the best in every person he met. He was truly a faithful and devoted man. Blessed be the memory of Sandy Salton.
On a happier note, my cousin Lyndon became engaged to Missy Roberts today!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
So this morning I started work at 8:30... had a busy day with 3 new patients... but the fun part of the day was after work when I was able to come back to Ames, and Elizabeth and Eben were waiting for me at Hilton Coliseum! Elizabeth had gotten free tickets from her work to watch the ISU men play Prairie View A&M! Dad was down to stay with us for the night because he has a meeting in Ankeny tomorrow. Free Cyclone tickets are always fun :)
 |
| Elizabeth and myself after the game. |
 |
| The band was lots of fun to sit beside. |
 |
| Dad & me after the game. Cyclones win big! |
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 27th, 2011
This weekend Elizabeth and I enjoyed yet another fun family Thanksgiving... we met with Becky in Coralville, then drove together down to the Gleason residence in O'Fallon, MO. We got in fairly late on Friday night... but it was nice to not have to get up early on Saturday to drive down there. Elizabeth went with Sarah to a Zumba class Saturday morning, and I stayed and entertained the kids (Frisbee, basketball, shooting nerf guns, and getting random objects dislodged from their tree in the back yard). Then Brian deep-fried a turkey for lunch on Saturday... delicious!! We spent the rest of Saturday assembling a puzzle, watching sports on TV (ISU basketball against Rice, and football against Oklahoma), we rented Christmas Vacation, Elizabeth and the boys made a video, Becky made some apple pies, and they kids shot a lot of nerf guns. Then this morning we all played Apples to Apples before making the long trip back home. On the way back we stopped by the Lacina household in Iowa City for a little bit. It's not very often that we are at Brian & Sarah's house and James & Rachael's house in the same day! A very fun weekend in deed. Here is the design for the puzzle that we put together:
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 24th, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! It's Elizabeth and my first Thanksgiving day together as a married couple :) Of course we already had one Thanksgiving get-together in Omaha a couple of weeks ago... and this weekend we'll be driving down to St. Louis for another Thanksgiving meal at the Gleason's residence!
Anyways, to remember our first official Thanksgiving day lunch as husband and wife, here is what we ate...
1) Guacamole & tortilla chips... homemade of course!
2) Green Bean Casserole... made in accordance with Amy's recipe.
...and that's it. Quite the spread. Actually, Elizabeth only enjoyed the guacamole. That could be a good trivia question for us someday.
The last thing on my mind today... really all week, is Iowa State football!!
Anyways, to remember our first official Thanksgiving day lunch as husband and wife, here is what we ate...
1) Guacamole & tortilla chips... homemade of course!
2) Green Bean Casserole... made in accordance with Amy's recipe.
...and that's it. Quite the spread. Actually, Elizabeth only enjoyed the guacamole. That could be a good trivia question for us someday.
The last thing on my mind today... really all week, is Iowa State football!!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 20th, 2011
AHHH. What a great weekend to be a Cyclone. I AM SO PROUD! First, I am proud of my wife for accepting a new job to work AT IOWA STATE!! That's right, she's now working for the university and will have great benefits :)
Of course our historic college football win on Friday makes it a great weekend to be a Cyclone as well. It's really hard to explain how much Iowa State's 37-31 victory over Oklahoma State means to our football program. To start with, Oklahoma State's #2 ranking in the country marked by far the highest ranked team Iowa State has ever beaten. Previously, Iowa State had 0 wins, 56 losses, and 2 ties against teams ranked sixth or higher by the Associated Press. Just amazing. Before the game, it appeared as if Oklahoma State was ready to punch their tickets to the BCS national championship game. All they had to do was win their last 2 games of the regular season. Whoops. It's too bad the Cyclones had other ideas about that. Now it opens the door for another team to reach the championship game instead of OSU.
Besides the whole #2 ranking thing, the game was played on a Friday so that it could be nationally televised on ESPN. It was basically the only good football game on TV at the time, and so the whole country was watching. Very good press for Iowa State. Then of course we can't forget that with the win Iowa State now has 6 for the season and is bowl eligible! That's twice in coach Paul Rhoads's first three years at ISU that he will take us to a bowl game. It's no question that this win was Iowa State's biggest in the program's history.
The game even had big-time implications for the Heisman trophy as OSU's quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon both had legitimate cases to win. Not anymore.
It's too bad that we weren't able to be at the game... I didn't get back from work until right around kickoff anyways. So we watched it in the comfort of our apartment, and we were joined by Elizabeth's mom, Becky, as she was down in Des Moines selling some of her silk scarfs. We couldn't believe what we were watching, and by the game's end (in double overtime), Elizabeth & myself decided that we needed to make an appearance out to the bars.
It was a very fun night out at the bars. There was electricity in the air as everyone was so enthusiastic after the big win. We saw a crowd of people chanting "We Just Beat... O-S-U" outside of Paddy's. Strangers were giving me high-fives on the street. LOTS of people were out & about. We ended up running into my cousin David, also Tim Nevins, Kaitlin (as seen above), and a handful of other friends. Later on after the bars closed we stopped into Jeff's Pizza. As we were leaving the whole place started to cheer loudly... one of the ISU football players had arrived.
Fun, fun. Then our fun sports weekend continued today as we were able to watch the Cyclone men's basketball team defeat the Western Carolina Catamounts, 92-60. Elizabeth was pictured on the big screen at Hilton Coliseum which was pretty cool. Then I was able to get a high-five from Cy the mascot. Here are some pictures:
Of course our historic college football win on Friday makes it a great weekend to be a Cyclone as well. It's really hard to explain how much Iowa State's 37-31 victory over Oklahoma State means to our football program. To start with, Oklahoma State's #2 ranking in the country marked by far the highest ranked team Iowa State has ever beaten. Previously, Iowa State had 0 wins, 56 losses, and 2 ties against teams ranked sixth or higher by the Associated Press. Just amazing. Before the game, it appeared as if Oklahoma State was ready to punch their tickets to the BCS national championship game. All they had to do was win their last 2 games of the regular season. Whoops. It's too bad the Cyclones had other ideas about that. Now it opens the door for another team to reach the championship game instead of OSU.
Besides the whole #2 ranking thing, the game was played on a Friday so that it could be nationally televised on ESPN. It was basically the only good football game on TV at the time, and so the whole country was watching. Very good press for Iowa State. Then of course we can't forget that with the win Iowa State now has 6 for the season and is bowl eligible! That's twice in coach Paul Rhoads's first three years at ISU that he will take us to a bowl game. It's no question that this win was Iowa State's biggest in the program's history.
The game even had big-time implications for the Heisman trophy as OSU's quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon both had legitimate cases to win. Not anymore.
It's too bad that we weren't able to be at the game... I didn't get back from work until right around kickoff anyways. So we watched it in the comfort of our apartment, and we were joined by Elizabeth's mom, Becky, as she was down in Des Moines selling some of her silk scarfs. We couldn't believe what we were watching, and by the game's end (in double overtime), Elizabeth & myself decided that we needed to make an appearance out to the bars.
 |
| At Welch Ave Station with Kaitlin. |
Fun, fun. Then our fun sports weekend continued today as we were able to watch the Cyclone men's basketball team defeat the Western Carolina Catamounts, 92-60. Elizabeth was pictured on the big screen at Hilton Coliseum which was pretty cool. Then I was able to get a high-five from Cy the mascot. Here are some pictures:
 |
| Myself outside of Hilton Coliseum. |
 |
| A good view of the Cyclone cheerleaders. We had great seats for the game as were were two rows up from the court right in the southeast corner. |
 |
| Cy posing for a photo. He later gave me a big high-five! |
 |
| Coach Hoiberg shaking hands with the other team's coach before the game. |
 |
| Tip-off. |
 |
| Elizabeth's smile was on that big screen! |
 |
| A look at the action from our seats. |
 |
| We win!! |
 |
| In case you're wondering, a Catamount is like a bobcat... just with a funny name. |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
So my blog today really won't be so much about today like most of my "Note-o-the-day" blogs are... but rather it will be about something that's been on my mind for a long time and I've meant to write down before. A list of the hierarchy of which college athletics programs I root for when they play each other. This has changed slightly now that the entire landscape of college athletics has changed. The new major conference realignment has really irritated me... mostly because of how long-standing traditions are ending and how conferences now will not make geographic sense anymore. Everything is about money. But anyways... time to begin explaining my "List" so that anyone can tell which sports team I root for in any given match-up.
Now, this is just for college sports, but really they are my favorite of the sports. The NBA, Major League Baseball, NFL... they are all secondary to me. Of course my favorite team is Iowa State. They are what I grew up cheering for, where I went to school, where I met my lovely and wonderful wife... the epitome of all that is good. They top the list for obvious reasons.
In contrast, my least favorite team is Iowa State's arch-rival... the Iowa Hawkeyes. As far as I'm concerned, they could lose every sporting event they play for the next 100 years, all by horrible blowouts, and I would still cheer against them. It would be fine if they kept losing so often that they were forced to sell the university to ISU and rename the university... something like Iowa State University East. Only then would I consider rooting for them.
Next on the list I consider which conference my favorite team is in and which my most hated team is in. My rule is that I will always root for teams in the Big 12 when they are playing other schools, and I will root against teams from the Big 10. This has all changed a little now that the conferences are undergoing realignment. So if you are keeping score at home, your scorecard should look something like this so far:
1. Iowa State
2. All Big 12 Schools
3. Any other school not in either the Big 12 or Big 10
4. All Big 10 Schools except for Iowa
5. Iowa
The thing of it is, Nebraska just moved from the Big 12 to the Big 10, Colorado left for the Pac-12, Missouri will leave for the SEC, and Texas A&M will move to the SEC as well. Since I hate the original Big 10, I now root for Nebraska to beat all of the original Big 10 teams. However, I do not root for Colorado against the Pac-12. Colorado has now earned themselves a "traitor" badge for defecting the Big 12. All the other Pac 12 teams may now beat the shit out of the Buffaloes and it is fine with me. The same will go for Missouri and Texas A&M now that they have left.
Going even further into my complicated rooting system, I address some special teams which I dislike for varrying reasons. First, I dislike Michigan State. The Spartans can suck it for beating Iowa State in the 2000 NCAA tounament when we had Marcus Fizer and Jamal Tinsley. It was firmly my belief that if we would have won that game (which was very close, and unfortunately played in the state of Michigan... not exactly a neutral site), Iowa State would have been the best team left in the Final Four and would have went on to win the national championship. So Michigan State is on the shit list. I have since been a little more pleased with them when the ISU women beat them a couple years ago in their NCAA meeting to earn an Elite Eight birth.
Other teams that are on my shit list include: Hampton (don't remind me), North Carolina (they've beat us a couple times in the tourney... but this doesn't mean that I root for Duke when they play), UCLA (only minor hate now since ISU won the most recent NCAA tourney meeting between the two), Alabama (I still think the field goal was good and that we should have won the Independence bowl), Boise State (they beat a Seneca-led ISU squad), Rutgers (beat us in an NIT game, and other reasons), TCU (they beat us in the Houston Bowl... which Elizabeth and I went to in 2005), Florida State (two people that I despise root for them).
Now once TCU and West Virginia are added to the Big 12 next year I will naturally start rooting for them when they play teams from other conferences, but I will want all original members of the Big 12 to beat them. In fact, I still prefer members of the old Big 8 to beat the Texas teams that were added to make the Big 12.
Other teams worth a mention... I prefer Drake and UNI over most teams just because they are from Iowa and are not the Hawkeyes... also when given the rare chance I may also root for Northwestern State (they beat the Hawks when Iowa was a #3 seed and they were a #14 seed... in the same year ISU beat them), also I like Ivy League teams a little just because I've followed them for no reason in the past, and because they have the athletic disadvantage of requiring intelligence to go there. Specifically, I like Brown because my cousin went there, and then the Dartmouth Big Green... for no good reason. Differences in any other meeting between teams not-yet mentioned I probably don't care that much about, and my rooting would depend on other factors (who is ranked, is there a player or coach that I like/dislike, etc). So to try and put this all together (starting once the new leagues are formed):
1. Iowa State ...and since they are the only team I truly care about I will number the next teams...
100. A) Northern Iowa B) Drake
101. A) Kansas B) Kansas State C) Oklahoma D) Oklahoma State
102. A) Baylor B) Texas Tech C) Texas
103. A) West Virginia B) TCU
200. A) Brown B) Dartmouth C) Other Ivy schools
201. A) Northwestern State B) Any small teams which have recently beaten the Hawkeyes
300. Any other school not otherwise mentioned... the true neutral spot on the list.
500. Rutgers
501. Boise State
502. UCLA
503. Hampton
504. North Carolina
505. Alabama
600. Florida State (I really don't like a couple people)
700. Nebraska
701. Other Big 10 Teams besides Nebraska, Michigan State, or Iowa
800. Michigan State
1000. Iowa Hawkeyes
Now, this is just for college sports, but really they are my favorite of the sports. The NBA, Major League Baseball, NFL... they are all secondary to me. Of course my favorite team is Iowa State. They are what I grew up cheering for, where I went to school, where I met my lovely and wonderful wife... the epitome of all that is good. They top the list for obvious reasons.
In contrast, my least favorite team is Iowa State's arch-rival... the Iowa Hawkeyes. As far as I'm concerned, they could lose every sporting event they play for the next 100 years, all by horrible blowouts, and I would still cheer against them. It would be fine if they kept losing so often that they were forced to sell the university to ISU and rename the university... something like Iowa State University East. Only then would I consider rooting for them.
Next on the list I consider which conference my favorite team is in and which my most hated team is in. My rule is that I will always root for teams in the Big 12 when they are playing other schools, and I will root against teams from the Big 10. This has all changed a little now that the conferences are undergoing realignment. So if you are keeping score at home, your scorecard should look something like this so far:
1. Iowa State
2. All Big 12 Schools
3. Any other school not in either the Big 12 or Big 10
4. All Big 10 Schools except for Iowa
5. Iowa
The thing of it is, Nebraska just moved from the Big 12 to the Big 10, Colorado left for the Pac-12, Missouri will leave for the SEC, and Texas A&M will move to the SEC as well. Since I hate the original Big 10, I now root for Nebraska to beat all of the original Big 10 teams. However, I do not root for Colorado against the Pac-12. Colorado has now earned themselves a "traitor" badge for defecting the Big 12. All the other Pac 12 teams may now beat the shit out of the Buffaloes and it is fine with me. The same will go for Missouri and Texas A&M now that they have left.
Going even further into my complicated rooting system, I address some special teams which I dislike for varrying reasons. First, I dislike Michigan State. The Spartans can suck it for beating Iowa State in the 2000 NCAA tounament when we had Marcus Fizer and Jamal Tinsley. It was firmly my belief that if we would have won that game (which was very close, and unfortunately played in the state of Michigan... not exactly a neutral site), Iowa State would have been the best team left in the Final Four and would have went on to win the national championship. So Michigan State is on the shit list. I have since been a little more pleased with them when the ISU women beat them a couple years ago in their NCAA meeting to earn an Elite Eight birth.
Other teams that are on my shit list include: Hampton (don't remind me), North Carolina (they've beat us a couple times in the tourney... but this doesn't mean that I root for Duke when they play), UCLA (only minor hate now since ISU won the most recent NCAA tourney meeting between the two), Alabama (I still think the field goal was good and that we should have won the Independence bowl), Boise State (they beat a Seneca-led ISU squad), Rutgers (beat us in an NIT game, and other reasons), TCU (they beat us in the Houston Bowl... which Elizabeth and I went to in 2005), Florida State (two people that I despise root for them).
Now once TCU and West Virginia are added to the Big 12 next year I will naturally start rooting for them when they play teams from other conferences, but I will want all original members of the Big 12 to beat them. In fact, I still prefer members of the old Big 8 to beat the Texas teams that were added to make the Big 12.
Other teams worth a mention... I prefer Drake and UNI over most teams just because they are from Iowa and are not the Hawkeyes... also when given the rare chance I may also root for Northwestern State (they beat the Hawks when Iowa was a #3 seed and they were a #14 seed... in the same year ISU beat them), also I like Ivy League teams a little just because I've followed them for no reason in the past, and because they have the athletic disadvantage of requiring intelligence to go there. Specifically, I like Brown because my cousin went there, and then the Dartmouth Big Green... for no good reason. Differences in any other meeting between teams not-yet mentioned I probably don't care that much about, and my rooting would depend on other factors (who is ranked, is there a player or coach that I like/dislike, etc). So to try and put this all together (starting once the new leagues are formed):
1. Iowa State ...and since they are the only team I truly care about I will number the next teams...
100. A) Northern Iowa B) Drake
101. A) Kansas B) Kansas State C) Oklahoma D) Oklahoma State
102. A) Baylor B) Texas Tech C) Texas
103. A) West Virginia B) TCU
200. A) Brown B) Dartmouth C) Other Ivy schools
201. A) Northwestern State B) Any small teams which have recently beaten the Hawkeyes
300. Any other school not otherwise mentioned... the true neutral spot on the list.
500. Rutgers
501. Boise State
502. UCLA
503. Hampton
504. North Carolina
505. Alabama
600. Florida State (I really don't like a couple people)
700. Nebraska
701. Other Big 10 Teams besides Nebraska, Michigan State, or Iowa
800. Michigan State
1000. Iowa Hawkeyes
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
Let's see... first of all today is Elizabeth and my 4 MONTH ANNIVERSARY, so congrats to us. It doesn't seem like it's been that long since we were in Ames with our families & friends to celebrate the big day. Lots of fun memories.
Other things that are going on... last night was our first measurable snowfall of the year. I had to scrape a good inch of of my car this morning. Speaking of which, my Impala's odometer went over 18 thousand miles today driving home from work. I've now been working in Marshalltown for 2 months and 3 days. This Friday at work we are having an 11-11-11 potluck lunch to celebrate the rare date. I will be bringing some mini cupcakes (which Elizabeth will have to help me with). Then once I'm done with work Friday we are driving over to Omaha for our Salton family Thanksgiving at Amy & Brandon's place. It will be fun to finally see their new home. It will be the second weekend in a row that we'll get to hang with my parents. They came down last week for the ISU-Kansas football game.
It was a fun weekend having mom & dad come down for the game, and it was nice to see ISU win a conference game (even if it was kind of an ugly game against a bad Kansas team). Kickoff was at 11:30, so we had to get up fairly early. We actually stopped by the tailgate lot before hand, and we talked mom into playing a couple of drinking games with us! She even made the winning cup in a game of beer pong against Elizabeth and Erick! She must take after her son :) The Gleasons (Brian, Seth, Sullivan) even came up to join us for the game which was nice.
The game itself was very slow, and the cold wind made it difficult to sit through. The wind was so strong that we saw the ISU kicker making field goals after placing the ball on the 50 yard line during warm-ups prior to the game. I thought that Jared Barnett managed the game pretty well for us at quarterback, and his ability to run for 1st downs is probably what won the game (he had something like 125 rushing yards).
After the game went back to the apartment to warm up, and then we took Eben & Lynn out for some yummy frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf. Mmmmm.
I'm starting to look forward very much to the ISU basketball season which is just around the corner. Next Tuesday already we will be watching them down in Des Moines as they travel to play Drake!
Other things that are going on... last night was our first measurable snowfall of the year. I had to scrape a good inch of of my car this morning. Speaking of which, my Impala's odometer went over 18 thousand miles today driving home from work. I've now been working in Marshalltown for 2 months and 3 days. This Friday at work we are having an 11-11-11 potluck lunch to celebrate the rare date. I will be bringing some mini cupcakes (which Elizabeth will have to help me with). Then once I'm done with work Friday we are driving over to Omaha for our Salton family Thanksgiving at Amy & Brandon's place. It will be fun to finally see their new home. It will be the second weekend in a row that we'll get to hang with my parents. They came down last week for the ISU-Kansas football game.
It was a fun weekend having mom & dad come down for the game, and it was nice to see ISU win a conference game (even if it was kind of an ugly game against a bad Kansas team). Kickoff was at 11:30, so we had to get up fairly early. We actually stopped by the tailgate lot before hand, and we talked mom into playing a couple of drinking games with us! She even made the winning cup in a game of beer pong against Elizabeth and Erick! She must take after her son :) The Gleasons (Brian, Seth, Sullivan) even came up to join us for the game which was nice.
 |
| Little did they know that I had A RINGER for a partner. |
 |
| Brian & Seth enjoying the game. |
 |
| The famous ISU band symbol. |
 |
| A little of the action... Kansas ended up with a field goal out of this drive. |
 |
| But in the end the Cyclones were victorious, 13-10. |
The game itself was very slow, and the cold wind made it difficult to sit through. The wind was so strong that we saw the ISU kicker making field goals after placing the ball on the 50 yard line during warm-ups prior to the game. I thought that Jared Barnett managed the game pretty well for us at quarterback, and his ability to run for 1st downs is probably what won the game (he had something like 125 rushing yards).
After the game went back to the apartment to warm up, and then we took Eben & Lynn out for some yummy frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf. Mmmmm.
I'm starting to look forward very much to the ISU basketball season which is just around the corner. Next Tuesday already we will be watching them down in Des Moines as they travel to play Drake!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday, October 30th, 2011
Wow last night was AMAZING. One very, very good day. Elizabeth and I met up with Erick Ude and Jen Schumacher and went to the BEST Halloween house party ever. It's hard to explain how awesome it was... they had their own haunted house in their 4-car garage (complete with a chain saw maniac, complete darkness, odd things hanging from the little walkways like plastic bats and strings and stuff that feel weird), so we had to walk through that before we were allowed to enter the house. The chainsaw guy scared Elizabeth pretty well. We didn't know the owners, kind of a friend of a friend thing, but they were very hospitable. So they also had an amazing spread of goodies for their guests... guacamole, orange & black tortilla chips, homemade brownies, little smokies & bbq sauce, buffalo chicken dip, basically lots of little hors d'oeuvres. Also very good jello shots.
After sampling all of the goodies, we went downstairs to find a karaoke machine (one of their friends is a real DJ). Naturally Elizabeth is in heaven. We all sing lots of songs, one of the girls at the party was an amazing rapper... I even sang some Tenacious D. Meanwhile downstairs they also had a keg and lots of beer pong & flippy cup. I was 3-0 in beer pong :) Oh, and the ISU/Texas Tech football game was playing in the background. I was soooo happy seeing them have a blowout win, on the road, AGAINST A RANKED TEAM, in a place where Iowa State had never previously been victorious. I could probably write a huge blog just about this game and how happy it made me, but I'll keep it short. I believe Iowa State was a 17 point underdog going into the game... and it's funny seeing all of the "expert predictions" before the game. Here is a better link about how the game actually turned out. Hopefully the Clones can keep it going next week against Kansas when mom & dad come down for the game.
To make my sports night even better, the stupid, evil Iowa Hawkeyes lost to a HORRIBLE Minnesota team 22-21. This is almost as good as when we beat Iowa this year... I mean we beat, no... destroy a ranked team on the road, and the Hawks lose to probably the worst team in a AQ conference this year. In the 4 weeks leading up to the Iowa game, Minnesota lost by 13 points to North Dakota State (they play in a lower football division even), they lost by a score of 58-0 to Michigan, 45-17 to Purdue, and 41-14 to Nebraska. Hahaha... but they're good enough to beat the Hawks :) You might think it's silly that I take so much pleasure in Iowa losing, but I really, really just don't like the Hawkeyes. Understatement. Anyways, I was also happy to see Nebraska beat Michigan State, and to see losses by Colorado and Texas A&M. It would have been hard for me to script the college football weekend better.
Ok, back to the Halloween stuff. Eric and Elizabeth had a funny two-person costume of Garth and Kat from SNL's Weekend Update. Check them out:
Here is a link to the original SNL skit. I hope you can tell the difference between the two clips!
Finally, check out my costume: Blind Referee :)
After sampling all of the goodies, we went downstairs to find a karaoke machine (one of their friends is a real DJ). Naturally Elizabeth is in heaven. We all sing lots of songs, one of the girls at the party was an amazing rapper... I even sang some Tenacious D. Meanwhile downstairs they also had a keg and lots of beer pong & flippy cup. I was 3-0 in beer pong :) Oh, and the ISU/Texas Tech football game was playing in the background. I was soooo happy seeing them have a blowout win, on the road, AGAINST A RANKED TEAM, in a place where Iowa State had never previously been victorious. I could probably write a huge blog just about this game and how happy it made me, but I'll keep it short. I believe Iowa State was a 17 point underdog going into the game... and it's funny seeing all of the "expert predictions" before the game. Here is a better link about how the game actually turned out. Hopefully the Clones can keep it going next week against Kansas when mom & dad come down for the game.
To make my sports night even better, the stupid, evil Iowa Hawkeyes lost to a HORRIBLE Minnesota team 22-21. This is almost as good as when we beat Iowa this year... I mean we beat, no... destroy a ranked team on the road, and the Hawks lose to probably the worst team in a AQ conference this year. In the 4 weeks leading up to the Iowa game, Minnesota lost by 13 points to North Dakota State (they play in a lower football division even), they lost by a score of 58-0 to Michigan, 45-17 to Purdue, and 41-14 to Nebraska. Hahaha... but they're good enough to beat the Hawks :) You might think it's silly that I take so much pleasure in Iowa losing, but I really, really just don't like the Hawkeyes. Understatement. Anyways, I was also happy to see Nebraska beat Michigan State, and to see losses by Colorado and Texas A&M. It would have been hard for me to script the college football weekend better.
Ok, back to the Halloween stuff. Eric and Elizabeth had a funny two-person costume of Garth and Kat from SNL's Weekend Update. Check them out:
Here is a link to the original SNL skit. I hope you can tell the difference between the two clips!
Finally, check out my costume: Blind Referee :)
 |
| It was fun throwing penalty flags at people! |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday, October 16th, 2011
We had a fun and busy Sunday thus far... we went shopping at the mall & I picked out a Halloween costume, Elizabeth made some delicious star-shaped sugar cookies, I carved an awesome jack-o-lantern, we roasted the pumpkin seeds, and Elizabeth made me a yummy tortellini in a homemade cream sauce with garlic, spinach, and tomato so I can bring something good for lunch tomorrow. Oh, and earlier we made some homemade guacamole (and we at the whole thing today). Lots of time in the kitchen, but it was a fun day! Check out the scary jack-o-lantern...
Monday, October 10, 2011
Monday, October 10th, 2011
Happy Columbus Day 2011! I guess?? One of those holidays that I really had no idea it even was a holiday until I look at the news. But anyways, WAAHHOOOO! COLUMBUS, YEAH. YOU ROCK!! IT'S A HOLIDAY!
Ok, I'm sorry about that. Anyways, to get to my point for the day... it's really nice to come home from work to have a nice home-cooked meal waiting, and that's what Elizabeth did for me today :) She made a nice Italian salad with prosciutto, pepperoncini, salami, pepperoni, carrots, tomato, lettuce... all that good stuff. Then a red wine vinegrette. Yummy. After that she served me some delish beef enchiladas.
So thanks to my lovely wife we enjoyed a very nice supper today. One more thing that I would like to note is my score from Frisbee golfing yesterday. I went and played at the course just north of Freddy Court. Here is how I fared on each hole: Maybe I can compare the next time I play to this time...
Hole #: Par: My Score:
1 3 3 - Par
2 3 5 - Double Bogey
3 3 3 - Par
4 3 3 - Par
5 3 4 - Bogey
6 3 4 - Bogey
7 3 3 - Par (I hit the goal and almost had a birdie)
8 3 3 - Par
9 3 3 - Par
10 3 3 - Par
11 3 4 - Bogey
12 3 3 - Par
13 3 2 - Birdie :)
14 3 4 - Bogey
15 3 3 - Par
16 4 4 - Par
17 3 4 - Bogey
18 4 5 - Bogey
Total: 56 63 (+7)
Ok, I'm sorry about that. Anyways, to get to my point for the day... it's really nice to come home from work to have a nice home-cooked meal waiting, and that's what Elizabeth did for me today :) She made a nice Italian salad with prosciutto, pepperoncini, salami, pepperoni, carrots, tomato, lettuce... all that good stuff. Then a red wine vinegrette. Yummy. After that she served me some delish beef enchiladas.
 |
| The nice Italian salad that Elizabeth had waiting for me when I got home :) |
 |
| Beef Enchiladas. |
So thanks to my lovely wife we enjoyed a very nice supper today. One more thing that I would like to note is my score from Frisbee golfing yesterday. I went and played at the course just north of Freddy Court. Here is how I fared on each hole: Maybe I can compare the next time I play to this time...
Hole #: Par: My Score:
1 3 3 - Par
2 3 5 - Double Bogey
3 3 3 - Par
4 3 3 - Par
5 3 4 - Bogey
6 3 4 - Bogey
7 3 3 - Par (I hit the goal and almost had a birdie)
8 3 3 - Par
9 3 3 - Par
10 3 3 - Par
11 3 4 - Bogey
12 3 3 - Par
13 3 2 - Birdie :)
14 3 4 - Bogey
15 3 3 - Par
16 4 4 - Par
17 3 4 - Bogey
18 4 5 - Bogey
Total: 56 63 (+7)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, October 6th, 2011
One month ago today I started my job at SportsPlus in Marshalltown :)
In response to my previous post, I did in fact buy tickets for the ISU/Texas football game... and it was a disaster! One of the worst performances I've ever seen from Iowa State. ...but let's not dwell on that.
Right now I'm at home watching the Detroit Tigers play the Yankees in a decisive ALDS game 5. The Tigers are leading 3-1 over the hated Yankees. Some time I will have to make a post where I detail which teams I hate the most and why. Speaking of baseball, on Tuesday this week I took Elizabeth to see the movie Moneyball. We both really enjoyed it, and I would suggest that you see it even if you're not a big sports fan. Brad Pitt plays Oakland's general manager Billy Beane, and the movie documents his struggle to succeed in a small market in a game that is inherently unfair because of the cash that rich "evil" teams like the Yankees spend to buy all of the best players. Very entertaining.
Other sports news on my mind is the constantly changing college conference landscape. As of this year, the Big 12 only has 10 teams and will be losing Texas A&M next year. Right now Missouri is openly exploring the possibility of changing conferences. So screw the Tigers and Aggies. Even if Missouri stays in the Big 12 I will like them the least of the remaining schools. Then just announced today, the Big 12 has invited TCU to join the league. It may take some time for them to consider, but I think that it would be a good addition to the league. It will be fun to see if more teams will join the league... but as for now we basically need to have Missouri make up their mind. Rumors on ESPN now say that other schools being considered for the Big 12 may be Louisville, West Virginia, BYU, or possibly Tulane. I would prefer teams in a close geographic location to teams like WVU. I guess we'll see how ridiculous this all turns out.
In response to my previous post, I did in fact buy tickets for the ISU/Texas football game... and it was a disaster! One of the worst performances I've ever seen from Iowa State. ...but let's not dwell on that.
Right now I'm at home watching the Detroit Tigers play the Yankees in a decisive ALDS game 5. The Tigers are leading 3-1 over the hated Yankees. Some time I will have to make a post where I detail which teams I hate the most and why. Speaking of baseball, on Tuesday this week I took Elizabeth to see the movie Moneyball. We both really enjoyed it, and I would suggest that you see it even if you're not a big sports fan. Brad Pitt plays Oakland's general manager Billy Beane, and the movie documents his struggle to succeed in a small market in a game that is inherently unfair because of the cash that rich "evil" teams like the Yankees spend to buy all of the best players. Very entertaining.
Other sports news on my mind is the constantly changing college conference landscape. As of this year, the Big 12 only has 10 teams and will be losing Texas A&M next year. Right now Missouri is openly exploring the possibility of changing conferences. So screw the Tigers and Aggies. Even if Missouri stays in the Big 12 I will like them the least of the remaining schools. Then just announced today, the Big 12 has invited TCU to join the league. It may take some time for them to consider, but I think that it would be a good addition to the league. It will be fun to see if more teams will join the league... but as for now we basically need to have Missouri make up their mind. Rumors on ESPN now say that other schools being considered for the Big 12 may be Louisville, West Virginia, BYU, or possibly Tulane. I would prefer teams in a close geographic location to teams like WVU. I guess we'll see how ridiculous this all turns out.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, September 26th, 2011
Today was a busy day at work for me, and of course it was Elizabeth's first day at Well's Fargo! It will take her a little getting used to for sure, but hopefully it will be rewarding and enjoyable. I came home from work today (got back around 8), and Elizabeth was making a nice homemade pizza with 4 types of cheese and sausage. Yummy!
I spoke to the parents for a while today on my drive home (lots of time to talk as I drive back from Marshalltown), and they were able to start on the soybeans yesterday. It's nice that they were able to get an early start on one field at least, and they were yeilding about 68 bushels/acre. They probably won't get much done on the new addition to the house for a while now that it's the start of harvest season, but at least all of the outside work is done.
I'm excited about starting coin collecting again :) I've found some fun videos and websites about coin roll hunting, and now I really want to search through a bunch of half dollars to find my own silver coins!
On another note, I'm planning on getting hillside tickets with Matt Kovarna for this weekend's ISU game against Texas. Both teams are 3-0, so it will be a big game!! The Longhorns come into the game ranked #17 in the country. Let's go State!!
I spoke to the parents for a while today on my drive home (lots of time to talk as I drive back from Marshalltown), and they were able to start on the soybeans yesterday. It's nice that they were able to get an early start on one field at least, and they were yeilding about 68 bushels/acre. They probably won't get much done on the new addition to the house for a while now that it's the start of harvest season, but at least all of the outside work is done.
I'm excited about starting coin collecting again :) I've found some fun videos and websites about coin roll hunting, and now I really want to search through a bunch of half dollars to find my own silver coins!
On another note, I'm planning on getting hillside tickets with Matt Kovarna for this weekend's ISU game against Texas. Both teams are 3-0, so it will be a big game!! The Longhorns come into the game ranked #17 in the country. Let's go State!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 25th, 2011
Last night I uploaded my first video onto YouTube, showcasing my rare coin collection to my nephews Seth and Sullivan. Check out my first video blog:
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday, September 12th, 2011
First and foremost, I would like to wish my sister Amy a happy 25th birthday today.
Second, and the reason I'm blogging now instead of going to bed like I should, is because for the past couple of days I really have had a hard time getting images of extremely arrogant Hawkeye fans out of my mind. I don't know exactly how it is that a person can be so annoying, but they do it perfectly. I'm not speaking about all Hawkeye fans, but it's an alarmingly large portion of them. The ones who feel "entitled" and assume that "their shit don't stink". At my new job, tailgating before the most recent ISU/Iowa game, in the bars watching the game... many times over the years in the past, I've encountered tons of these narcissistic shit heads.
More specifically, the thing that annoys me are all of their disrespectful, dismissive comments about Iowa State. The, "of course Iowa State has no chance this year" comments. "It's going to be a blow out". At work I heard some people trying to talk about the game before hand somewhat-intelligently, you know, actually talking about football. However, all they could say was something like "no, there's really no chance for Iowa State this year". Their quarterback sucks, they could hardly beat UNI... then they would give all of these half-wit reasons why the Hawkeyes are the best team ever. It reminded me of the years when I heard Hawk fans at the start of the year say how they would go undefeated or go to a national title game. All the while as they dream of how awesome they think they are, these misguided Hawkeye fans belittle and degrade the Cyclones.
This is tragically poor sportsmanship, and it's a disorder. The symptoms of this syndrome, I'll call it Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead- myolysis, grow stronger whenever the Hawkeyes beat the Cyclones at something, or when society as a whole gives any kind of attention to these poor fools. As a nation, we must raise awareness of this terrible disorder, and we must prevent it's spread of idiocy, narcissism, and general poor understanding of the sporting world. Rhabdomyolysis is literally the breakdown of muscle tissue which is then absorbed by the body, filtered by the kidneys, and pissed out in the urine. I believe that some Hawkeye fans are aware of this. The new strain that I'm speaking of, Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead-myolysis, is the degradation of once useful sports knowledge which is then filtered by the "brains" of the most clueless, Neanderthal Hawkeye fans, which is then pissed out of their mouth in the form of verbal diarrhea directed at putting down the Cyclones for whatever reason they can.
There sadly was once a time when the Iowa Hawkeyes did dominate the Cyclones in many sports, notably football. This was a long time ago, and the belief of Hawkeye superiority is no longer valid. Many of these Hawkeye victories came in the early 1900's. I'm talking before World War 1. Then there was a more recent time in the late 80's and 90's where the Hawkeyes won. News flash, THIS IS NOT THE 80'S OR 90'S. It's 2011.
Consider all of the ways in which the Hawkeyes are no longer "dominant". Since the year 2000, the Iowa State-Iowa football series has been tied at 6 wins each. Better yet, since 1998 Iowa State has won 8 of the past 14 meetings between the two teams. If you consider the Cy-Hawk series, which is a trophy presented to the school which wins more of the athletic competitions between the two schools for any given year, the teams have alternated winning it every year since it's inception in 2004. Iowa State has actually won more Men's and Women's basketball games over that time period (as well as a few other less popular sports: Volleyball, Men's Golf, Gymnastics, Men's Cross-Counrty). Hawkeye fans are quick to point out that they don't care about basketball though (unless it's a year when they actually beat us). They only care about football. The last I checked, Iowa State just beat Iowa THIS YEAR in football! It's not like it's a rare thing when it has happened roughly 57% of the time over the past 14 years.
So Hawkeye fans please get over yourselves. I'm not trying to argue that Iowa State is superior to Iowa. All I'm trying to say is stop thinking that Iowa is far superior to Iowa State. You're not. Stop telling us that we have no chance to win. We do. It's actually a greater that 50% chance. You are not dominant. You just have a terrible case of Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead-Myolysis.
I recently found an old youtube clip which proves that this disease has been around for a number of years. Alarming. Listen to how the Hawkeye fans sound, how hypnotized they are at their glorious Hawkeye football team. The team that was ranked #8 in the nation. Listen to how Iowa State had no chance. This may have just been 2005, but it sounds like every other year to me.
Second, and the reason I'm blogging now instead of going to bed like I should, is because for the past couple of days I really have had a hard time getting images of extremely arrogant Hawkeye fans out of my mind. I don't know exactly how it is that a person can be so annoying, but they do it perfectly. I'm not speaking about all Hawkeye fans, but it's an alarmingly large portion of them. The ones who feel "entitled" and assume that "their shit don't stink". At my new job, tailgating before the most recent ISU/Iowa game, in the bars watching the game... many times over the years in the past, I've encountered tons of these narcissistic shit heads.
More specifically, the thing that annoys me are all of their disrespectful, dismissive comments about Iowa State. The, "of course Iowa State has no chance this year" comments. "It's going to be a blow out". At work I heard some people trying to talk about the game before hand somewhat-intelligently, you know, actually talking about football. However, all they could say was something like "no, there's really no chance for Iowa State this year". Their quarterback sucks, they could hardly beat UNI... then they would give all of these half-wit reasons why the Hawkeyes are the best team ever. It reminded me of the years when I heard Hawk fans at the start of the year say how they would go undefeated or go to a national title game. All the while as they dream of how awesome they think they are, these misguided Hawkeye fans belittle and degrade the Cyclones.
This is tragically poor sportsmanship, and it's a disorder. The symptoms of this syndrome, I'll call it Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead- myolysis, grow stronger whenever the Hawkeyes beat the Cyclones at something, or when society as a whole gives any kind of attention to these poor fools. As a nation, we must raise awareness of this terrible disorder, and we must prevent it's spread of idiocy, narcissism, and general poor understanding of the sporting world. Rhabdomyolysis is literally the breakdown of muscle tissue which is then absorbed by the body, filtered by the kidneys, and pissed out in the urine. I believe that some Hawkeye fans are aware of this. The new strain that I'm speaking of, Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead-myolysis, is the degradation of once useful sports knowledge which is then filtered by the "brains" of the most clueless, Neanderthal Hawkeye fans, which is then pissed out of their mouth in the form of verbal diarrhea directed at putting down the Cyclones for whatever reason they can.
There sadly was once a time when the Iowa Hawkeyes did dominate the Cyclones in many sports, notably football. This was a long time ago, and the belief of Hawkeye superiority is no longer valid. Many of these Hawkeye victories came in the early 1900's. I'm talking before World War 1. Then there was a more recent time in the late 80's and 90's where the Hawkeyes won. News flash, THIS IS NOT THE 80'S OR 90'S. It's 2011.
Consider all of the ways in which the Hawkeyes are no longer "dominant". Since the year 2000, the Iowa State-Iowa football series has been tied at 6 wins each. Better yet, since 1998 Iowa State has won 8 of the past 14 meetings between the two teams. If you consider the Cy-Hawk series, which is a trophy presented to the school which wins more of the athletic competitions between the two schools for any given year, the teams have alternated winning it every year since it's inception in 2004. Iowa State has actually won more Men's and Women's basketball games over that time period (as well as a few other less popular sports: Volleyball, Men's Golf, Gymnastics, Men's Cross-Counrty). Hawkeye fans are quick to point out that they don't care about basketball though (unless it's a year when they actually beat us). They only care about football. The last I checked, Iowa State just beat Iowa THIS YEAR in football! It's not like it's a rare thing when it has happened roughly 57% of the time over the past 14 years.
So Hawkeye fans please get over yourselves. I'm not trying to argue that Iowa State is superior to Iowa. All I'm trying to say is stop thinking that Iowa is far superior to Iowa State. You're not. Stop telling us that we have no chance to win. We do. It's actually a greater that 50% chance. You are not dominant. You just have a terrible case of Rhabdo-Arrogant-Hawk-Dickhead-Myolysis.
I recently found an old youtube clip which proves that this disease has been around for a number of years. Alarming. Listen to how the Hawkeye fans sound, how hypnotized they are at their glorious Hawkeye football team. The team that was ranked #8 in the nation. Listen to how Iowa State had no chance. This may have just been 2005, but it sounds like every other year to me.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Sunday, September 11th, 2011
Today is a day of laziness and recovery following yesterday's long day of tailgating and celebrating Iowa State's 44-41 victory over Iowa! The game started a 11 AM, so we had to get to the student lot EARLY... we were parked and started our fun around 5:30 AM! We had quite a few friends there to help celebrate including Erick Ude, Jenny Manser, Abbey Podliska, Matthew Kovarna, Tim Nevins, Kaitlin Michaelsen, and Abby Grace to name a few. This week we didn't have tickets to actually go into the game, but we had plenty of fun just hanging out and having "a few" drinks :) Later on we walked over to Welch Ave. Station to watch the last part of the game... I was able to watch the end of the 4th quarter and overtime. There were quite a few silly Hawkeye fans cheering at the bar, but it was fun to see them completely quiet at the and of the game! Iowa State's win was the first time the two teams had every played an overtime against each other in their long history. It was also the second-largest crowd in Jack Trice Stadium history. Today my voice is shot from all of the cheering I was doing (a condition known as Ames voice).
I can't finish my blog today without mentioning that it has been exactly 10 years since the horrible terrorist attack on 9/11/01. I remember that I was a senior in high school at Laurens-Marathon when it happened. I heard of a plane crash during first period, but didn't realize it wasn't an accident. Then during second period Government class, they brought a TV in and let us watch what was going on. We saw the second plane crash, and for the rest of the day all of our classes just had us watch TV. We watched both of the buildings collapse, and it was like a bad movie. That really was a crazy time because it didn't even seem like reality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people affected by the events of that day and to all of the people who tragically lost their lives.
 |
| Cheering after we hear a touchdown announcement from the stadium. |
 |
| Casually enjoying a cold beverage. |
 |
| These officers were friendly enough to have their picture taken with me. They told us how the week prior they had ticketed many more UNI fans than ISU fans. Very smart. |
 |
| Flippy cup and beer pong were the games of choice. |
 |
| Kaitlin, Abby Grace, Elizabeth, and Kovarna at the tailgate. |
 |
| Me, Kaitlin, Abbey Podliska, and Kovarna. |
I can't finish my blog today without mentioning that it has been exactly 10 years since the horrible terrorist attack on 9/11/01. I remember that I was a senior in high school at Laurens-Marathon when it happened. I heard of a plane crash during first period, but didn't realize it wasn't an accident. Then during second period Government class, they brought a TV in and let us watch what was going on. We saw the second plane crash, and for the rest of the day all of our classes just had us watch TV. We watched both of the buildings collapse, and it was like a bad movie. That really was a crazy time because it didn't even seem like reality. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people affected by the events of that day and to all of the people who tragically lost their lives.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Saturday, September 3rd, 2011
Wow today was one busy day, and we are exhausted... about ready to pass out! Amy & Brandon drove over from Omaha to watch the football game with us (Brandon's first ISU football game ever). It turned out to be an exciting but stressful game!
Before the game I drove over to Nevada for the wedding of Ryne & Megan Foster at 2:30. I was able to meet up with some old friends from DMU which was fun.
After the wedding it was back over to Ames and an hour of tailgating in the student section. We met up with Jeremy Seago and may have played some games. By this point it was lightly raining and continued to do so for the rest of the first half of the football game.
The first half of the game was very slow paced, damp, and not a lot of fun. UNI was leading for the entire first half due to a pair of field goals, and Iowa State kept turning the ball over. However, at the very end of the first half ISU managed to score a touchdown on a 1-yard run by quarterback Steele Jantz. Foreshadowing possibly??
The Panthers also lead for most of the second half in what was appearing to be a very gloomy day for us Cyclone fans. Iowa State was down to a 4th and 10 play with about 4 and a half minutes to go when Jantz miraculously managed to find Josh Lenz for a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-13 Iowa State. Very exciting! We thought that was probably enough for ISU to win, but the game was just getting warmed up. On UNI's next drive they scored on a 80-yard pass down the west sideline that seemed heartbreaking! No fun at all there. Iowa State had one last drive and managed to work their way all the way down to the goal line. After what initially looked like a sure touchdown (but the refs marked them down on the 1-inch line) Jantz managed to sneak in to make it 20-19. Excitement returned to Jack Trice. After a last-ditch hook-and-ladder play failed for UNI, Iowa State was able to finally secure the victory. Elizabeth shot silly string everywhere.
Before the game I drove over to Nevada for the wedding of Ryne & Megan Foster at 2:30. I was able to meet up with some old friends from DMU which was fun.
After the wedding it was back over to Ames and an hour of tailgating in the student section. We met up with Jeremy Seago and may have played some games. By this point it was lightly raining and continued to do so for the rest of the first half of the football game.
The first half of the game was very slow paced, damp, and not a lot of fun. UNI was leading for the entire first half due to a pair of field goals, and Iowa State kept turning the ball over. However, at the very end of the first half ISU managed to score a touchdown on a 1-yard run by quarterback Steele Jantz. Foreshadowing possibly??
The Panthers also lead for most of the second half in what was appearing to be a very gloomy day for us Cyclone fans. Iowa State was down to a 4th and 10 play with about 4 and a half minutes to go when Jantz miraculously managed to find Josh Lenz for a 26-yard touchdown pass to make it 14-13 Iowa State. Very exciting! We thought that was probably enough for ISU to win, but the game was just getting warmed up. On UNI's next drive they scored on a 80-yard pass down the west sideline that seemed heartbreaking! No fun at all there. Iowa State had one last drive and managed to work their way all the way down to the goal line. After what initially looked like a sure touchdown (but the refs marked them down on the 1-inch line) Jantz managed to sneak in to make it 20-19. Excitement returned to Jack Trice. After a last-ditch hook-and-ladder play failed for UNI, Iowa State was able to finally secure the victory. Elizabeth shot silly string everywhere.
 |
| Tailgating in the student lot. |
 |
| Iowa State's new scoreboard |
 |
| Amy, Brandon, & Elizabeth in the game. |
 |
| Another pic of the stadium after ISU's first touchdown. |
 |
| Amy & Elizabeth happy at the end of the first half. |
 |
| The tradition of shaking the keys during kickoffs. |
 |
| I believe this play ISU was stopped on the one-inch line, but it looked like a score to me. |
 |
| All is well as Iowa State wins 20-19. |
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 31st, 2011
I can happily say that Elizabeth and I have successfully moved to Ames, IA and no longer have to deal with old Illinois (read "Il-annoy"). My parents were kind enough to help us move over the weekend, and we've spent the time since trying to organize our new place. Our apartment turned out to be great as it is very spacious (1400 square feet), and now we have room for guests to stay over if need be. It's fun being close to lots of friends and family also! Amy & Brandon will be coming out to visit us this weekend, and we bought tickets to go to the Iowa State/UNI football game. ESPN gives Iowa State a "92 percent chance" of winning, which is just arbitrary but encouraging. The Cyclones will be led by a new junior college transfer quarterback, Steele Jantz. They will also be unveiling a new scoreboard on the north end of the football field. So it will be fun to tailgate, to spend time with good company, and to see the new (and hopefully improved) Cyclones! The last time I went to a game was November 14th, 2009 when Iowa State beat Colorado 17-10. I'm so happy that football season is finally here!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 26th, 2011
Today is MY LAST DAY WORKING AT BUFFALO GROVE PHYSICAL THERAPY!! This weekend my parents will be coming out with the trailer to help us move, and then we will be IOWANS again :) I'm so happy!! I even think that my subconscious is happy because last night I had a dream that Iowa State destroyed the Iowa Hawkeyes in football 91 to 19. It was the happiest dream that I have ever had! So yeah, I'm really looking forward to moving back to the great state of Iowa! It's going to be a lot of work this weekend moving, but it's going to be worth it!!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Today I was very amazed that Elizabeth agreed to come and try my favorite sushi place with me!!! I am very happy that we were able to enjoy Sushi Para one more time before we left for Iowa :)
Ok, to summarize our order:
 |
| Looking over the menu... |
 |
| Elizabeth getting her "grabby grabby sticks" ready! |
 |
| My first plate: Mountain Roll, Under Control Roll (middle), 2 Salmon, 2 Eel. |
 |
| Elizabeth's order: Spicy Salmon roll, Philadelphia Roll. |
 |
| Elizabeth trying a spicy salmon piece! |
 |
| Brian Eben elegantly eating exquisite eel. |
 |
| My second plate: 2 salmon, 2 tuna, a Godzilla roll (middle), and an American Dream roll. |
 |
| The American Dream roll pieces were a mouthful! |
Ok, to summarize our order:
- Edamame appetizer
- My First Plate:
- Mountain Roll (Avocado & cucumber inside with tuna and chef's spicy sauce on top) - 8 pieces
- Under Control Roll (Spicy tuna inside with shrimp tempura and tobiko on top) - 8 pieces
- 2 pieces of salmon sushi
- 2 pieces of eel sushi
- Elizabeth's Plate:
- Spicy salmon roll - 6 pieces
- Philadelphia roll (salmon, cream cheese, scallion) - 6 pieces
- My second plate:
- Godzilla Roll (spicy tuna wrapped in seaweed, deep fried, topped with tobiko and chef's spicy sauce) - 5 peices
- American Dream Roll (shrimp tempura, tobiko, cucumber, eel, and avocado) - 5 pieces
- 2 pieces of salmon sushi
- 2 pieces of tuna sushi
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Saturday, August 20th, 2011
Elizabeth and I are very excited to be moving back to Iowa soon!! We've both got only one week of work left out here in the 'burbs before we're ready for the move, yet there still seems like there's so much left to do! Yesterday I was busy getting a drug screen and a TB test done (which I need before I can start my new job). Elizabeth had to work until late last night because her office had changed locations. Then this morning I drove down to Naperville, IL to have my CPR license renewed. Then this afternoon I finally finished the rest of my thank you letters from our wedding. Plus we still have to pack! It will all be worth it though once we're finally settled back in the great state of IOWA :) Oh, and one more thing I'm looking forward to... Cyclone football starts in 2 weeks from today!!
P.S. - HAPPY 6 WEEK ANNIVERSARY ELIZABETH!!
P.S. - HAPPY 6 WEEK ANNIVERSARY ELIZABETH!!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Saturday, August 13th, 2011
What I did today:
1) I woke up around 6 AM at the Comfort Inn at Marshalltown, IA.
2) Had a continental breakfast at the hotel with Elizabeth, then got all dressed up.
3) Went to an interview at SportsPlus, a Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab clinic, at 8 AM. I met with the owner, Scott Carnahan, and had a nice talk & tour of the clinic for about 80 minutes. I end up being offered a great job there with excellent pay & benefits, and I am set to start on September 6th!
4) After we check out of the hotel, we meet up with our friends Sam Drella & Dave Helmer. They showed us their place and then gave us a nice tour of the city.
5) I drove from Marshalltown to Davenport, IA.
6) In Davenport, we stopped for gas and an early dinner at Red Lobster to celebrate the new job :)
7) After our nice meal, I relaxed in the passenger seat as Elizabeth drove the rest of the way to Chicago. Before we got home it started to rain fairly heavily. Elizabeth maintains that it always rains more often when she drives. We got pretty soaked just on the walk from the car to the apartment.
8) Now we are watching the movie Paranormal Activity 2 before we wind down for bed.
1) I woke up around 6 AM at the Comfort Inn at Marshalltown, IA.
2) Had a continental breakfast at the hotel with Elizabeth, then got all dressed up.
3) Went to an interview at SportsPlus, a Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab clinic, at 8 AM. I met with the owner, Scott Carnahan, and had a nice talk & tour of the clinic for about 80 minutes. I end up being offered a great job there with excellent pay & benefits, and I am set to start on September 6th!
4) After we check out of the hotel, we meet up with our friends Sam Drella & Dave Helmer. They showed us their place and then gave us a nice tour of the city.
5) I drove from Marshalltown to Davenport, IA.
6) In Davenport, we stopped for gas and an early dinner at Red Lobster to celebrate the new job :)
 |
| Elizabeth enjoying a salad at Red Lobster. |
 |
| Cheddar Bay Biscuits |
 |
| Elizabeth's trout, mashed potatoes, & broccoli. |
 | |
| I ordered a pot with 1 lb of snow crab legs, some shrimp, scallops, sweet corn, & potatoes. |
 |
| Crab pot. |
8) Now we are watching the movie Paranormal Activity 2 before we wind down for bed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)