Angry Situation

Half of you probably already read this, the other half don't care, there may even be an overlapping Venn diagramish looking group that is both. But here is the story, because it's definitely what is going on in my life today.

About three weeks ago I began going to school board meeting to show support for a plan to build campus style elementary buildings. The plan had already been approved by the previous version of the Ashtabula Area City Schools Board of Education, based on studies and information gathered by the teachers, but members of the current group decided it wasn't what they wanted. There are a number of reasons given, none of them very good, for attempting to change the plan.

In the meantime, as the board members hemmed and hawed, they were costing the building project $6,000.00 a day. One member wanted to remind everyone that this wasn't money being taken away from the students, I beg to differ. Who else is losing out if not the students?

One of the reasons given was the area. The proposed site is on Wade Ave, not far from The Bonniewood Estates. Bonniewood has been known as the worst part of the city for a long time. Only problem is, this isn't true anymore. Police records show officers were called to the housing projects four times for all of 2006. During those four calls arrests were made once, a drug house was busted. This was actually a good thing because it was the neighbors that called the cops, showing that they aren't willing to stand for drug trafficking in their area. I went knocking on doors in Bonniewood before one of these meeting to inform the residents what was going on, and being said about them. Never once did I feel unsafe.

Some board members claimed to be for keeping neighborhood schools, problem here is there really is no such animal anymore. Very few kids walk to school, arrival and dismissals are extremely dangerous because of all the traffic. Plus, the state requires a certain number of students for each building, which would still involve consolidating schools.

This leads me to the next problem, enrollment has decreased since the original numbers were given to the state. If the schools are built anywhere but Wade Ave, we have to reapply and a new student census will be taken. This will cost us at least one building, if not two. So any other plan means going form 5 elementary schools to 4, possible 3.

Enough background for now, but please ask questions if you have them. At the meeting two of the teachers from my building read a letter signed by the staff. The next day there was a misquote in the Star Beacon, followed by an apology in front of the board that night, and a retraction the next day. Not to mention that each board member received a copy the day is was read.

David Sheldon decided he was going to create some angle to make the teachers look bad and wrote a letter to the Beacon, after the board voted to go forth with the original plan, (vote passed 3-1, Sheldon was not present). Here is an article that appeared the same day as his letter.

That day I wrote this response, and it was printed in the paper today under the headline, Teacher Baffled by Sheldon's Comments.

In response to Mr. David Sheldon’s Letter

I am absolutely baffled by the statements you made in your letter to the “Star Beacon” that appeared March 23, 2007. Maybe you can clarify them for me. At exactly what point was your child mentioned? Actually, at what point were you or any other board member mentioned in the letter signed by the staff of Thurgood Marshall? What exactly were the “nasty” remarks?

As for the comments that appeared in the “Star Beacon.” After reading our words misquoted in the newspaper we reacted by immediately faxing the actual letter to Lisa Davis and asking for a retraction. That was followed by an explanation of what happened and an apology, for someone else’s mistake, during that evening’s board meeting at the start of the open discussion period.

You have been a lawyer for a number of years Mr. Sheldon, and part of your profession is to understand how to present words and emotions to manipulate people into believing what you want them to believe. However, I sincerely doubt people will believe you felt threatened by a group of teachers and residents who wanted to voice their opinions. As a lawyer and magistrate you have been in rooms with all sorts of criminals. As a basketball referee you have run up and down the court, inches away from angry mobs calling you everything they can think of, and then some. Yet, you would have us believe the heartfelt opinions of a group of teachers scared you? Then again hope and progress always bring fear to the establishment and the supporters of status quo. Just ask Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon, and Gandhi. Furthermore, if you are so frightened by the beliefs of teachers perhaps it is time for you to reflect on whether or not you are capable of handling the responsibilities for which you have been charged.

It was mentioned in the front page article that ran the same day as your letter that the teachers owe you an apology. Well, Mr. Sheldon I am sure I am not alone in the belief that it is you who owes an apology. Not just to the teachers, but to everyone else who spoke at the board meeting on March 13, 2007. Community members, including teachers, residents, former board members, and retired teachers, had the courage to get up and speak their minds; some were even moved to tears by their beliefs. While this went on you sat slouched in you chair, arms folded or hands in your pocket, unable or unwilling to give an ounce of respect to these people. You are entitled to your opinion and have earned your vote as a board member, and I respect both. What you do not have the right to do is degrade the people who have opinions that differ from yours, and outright mock them in public. I am relieved none of my students were in attendance at the meeting to witness the display you put on; we work so hard to teach them to be respectful to others. It would have been a shame for them to observe a community leader behaving in such a manner.

In closing I would like to remind you that no one knows at this point how campus style elementary schools will affect the number of teaching positions available. Yet, we still stood and will continue to stand in support of what we know is best for our students.

Scott L. Spence
Teacher
Thurgood Marshall

Bicycle Race

Mattie's Papa got her this bike 2 years ago. She tried a little bit to ride it that spring, but never really mastered it. Last summer she wanted nothing to do with it. Yesterday she became interested in it again. She pretty much has it, she just needs to work on over correcting her steering, (not unlike Tommy Kugler), and getting over her fear of going fast, which will make balancing easier. Hard to believe that someone who can do a handstand on a balance beam can't yet ride a bike, but she hasn't had nearly as much practice. Few more nice days and she'll be Floyd LaArmstrong.

Unfortunately, what does it matter? Kids don't ride bikes anymore, certainly not as transportation like we did. There's a few reasons for this. Such as video games which keep kids inside the house all summer. I was gone every morning, and never without my mitt over my handle bars. I wonder where our pro athletes will come from in another generation. The next is the over programming of children, we as parents have our children in so many different leagues, groups, and classes, (guilty as charged), they don't have time to invent their own games in backyards anymore. On top of this are the parents who think their kid will be drafted out of Junior High so everything else takes a back seat to practice, games, and resting-up for games. Finally, kids are coddled and no one trusts anyone. Students barely walk to school nowadays, part of this is an unsafe environment. We live in dangerous times and people don't look out for each others kids anymore. Probably because parents don't want to listen or handle disciplining their kid when they do something wrong.

While Mattie was riding her bike I pulled the grill out for the second straight day. Monday was burgers with a little brown sugar mixed in, ala Swensons. Today was steaks marinated in Caribbean Jerk, (not to be confused with Ashtabula Jerk Rick Pugliese). Buying this grill for $20.00 at a garage sale across the street was probably the best investment I've made. I didn't want to buy a new one for fear of it being stolen from the parking lot, if this one gets taken I know I got my money's worth out of it.

This is the fourth year I have had this grill, I replaced the racks, burner, and briquettes last year, so we were ready to rock and roll. Notice the proper grill technician form, holding the tongs not to tight, yet not too lose. Those of you with a keen eye may have noticed the Winter Bourbon's Cask Ale in my hand; by New Years I had burnt out on these, and have had the "Beer Crisper" filled with them since. I see them disappearing quickly as guys come over to watch the Tribe and Cavs playoff games.

See Rob, not to downplay Mattie's accomplishments. But there's a whole post about nothing.

Hollow Man

The Ank and I went on our first covered bridge trip of the year. We started at the Conneaut State Road Covered Bridge, but there was a bunch of people there. So we hopped back in the Jeep and headed to Tinker's Hollow.

For those of you not from the area Tinker's Hollow is loaded with tall tales about ghosts, murders, Satanic Cults, animal sacrifices, Indian Burial Grounds, and Graffiti from the Ankor, (as you can see from the photo to the right of Bryan showing off his handy work, this one proved to be factual). The story I was most familiar with had something to do with Old Man Tinker slaying his family, or his family being killed, and whoever it was being hung from the bridge. There is another involving a girl being raped and murdered on the bridge. It is believed that if you go at night you can see her reflection in the water. It can be a bit of a scary place at night. I actually haven't been out there since a car ride with Mike Bucci in '95, and couldn't even remember how to get there.

We saw no ghosts or Devil Worshipers, although we were ambushed by a carload full of heavyset high school girls. They came out and took a picture, so apparently the legends are alive and well.

I found this web page telling what appears to be the true Legend of Tinker's Hollow. The part about the Conneaut Giants is interesting. There are a number of related sites at the bottom of the page.

Poopie Doo

The "Nutty" one George Dragon, (seen here wearing a maize shirt that was homespun from the strings of corn husks), has gone from the Penthouse to the Outhouse by winning the Can of Corn Trophy. And good riddance to it! After Memphis lost the Sign Man said, "Truthfully, I only lost because I couldn't find a loop hope in the rules like when I cheat down Little League annat." If you'd like to mail any derogatory remarks or ask for an autograph please send a self addressed stamped envelope to "The Corn Palace Motel, Attn: Dorker."

Last night saw a second straight appearance at the Locker Room. We were there for our annual 13 run pool party which started at 5:00. Every year you get a new team, you pay $3.00 a week, and if your team hits 13 runs exactly you get $50.00 for the week. The nice thing is it leaves plenty of money left in the kitty to throw the party and purchase door prizes.

It was a great night, so I am told, because we got a group of guys together that haven't been in the same place in at least 15 years. Silva and I are both in the baseball pool, but the bar is still open. joining us around 9:00 were Jerry, Jay B, Stevie Sav, and Minick. Jerry had to leave around 11:00. The rest of us headed to the Crow's Nest a little after. I wish I had some funny stories to write about, but the evening is pretty much a blank.

There was also a group of girls from our class that were out and about, but apparently someone in the group decided they were too good for this once in a lifetime event and chose to stay in Erie. Too bad because we would of had practically the entire St. John class of '93 there, (Jay, Minick, and Steve didn't graduate from St. John, but all were in the class at one point).

Figure of Eight

In what I believe to be unprecedented fashion we head into the fourth round of the NCAA tournament with out a Can of Corn winner. As far as Big Friends go, this makes the Elite Eight not so elite, since each of us has a team left. All of these teams are our first round picks. Of course, mine was the only one that took any knowledge or skill. As mentioned before I had the last pick of the opening round. While the the first 4 guys took 1 seeds, and the next three took 2's, I rightly chose to pass on Wisconsin and take 3 seeded Oregon. Of course this pick was panned by the group of no-nothings at the time. Even I have to admit I knew very little about the Ducks, but I did like the Badgers to get upset. Plus I can be cocky now that there's no chance that the Corn will be making a return visit, even though Rick called me before the Oregon v. UNLV game and told me to tell Karen not to dust. The trophy will be going to the loser of the OSU v. Memphis due to the simple fact that is the first game to finish.

Here are the standings and teams left:

Spence 14 pts Oregon
Jerk 13 pts Florida
Dragon 13 pts Memphis
Stim 11 pts Kansas
Orlando 11 pts Georgetown
Kovacs 9 pts UNC
Mead 8 pts UCLA
Nottke 8 pts The Ohio State University

In an unrelated story: click to view image full size----------------->

Help!

I figured today was my turn to tell you about what Terry is up to. The active Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter is attempting to raise $1000.00 for the American Cancer Society's "Relay For Life" Event. Terry in turn challenged them that he, through the donations of Alumni and friends, could not only raise a grand himself, but that he could also do it faster. There is actually no wager on the line, "just pride" and the hopes of doing twice the good the chapter could do on its own. He is hoping for 40 donations of $25.00 but of course more or less is always accepted. As of press time his donations collected stand at $170.00, not too bad for a couple days. It's kind of cool because on his donations page there is a scroll where you post your name, (if you choose), the amount of your donation, (if you choose), and if you want to make the donation in support of someone, or in their memory. This of course hits close to home, as most of you know Karen's Dad is currently fight the brave fight against pancreatic cancer. Obviously we are far from the only family who has been affected by terrible disease, and hope more of you are able and choose to help.

If you'd like to read more on this from Terry check out his link on my page.

If you'd like to go straight to his donations page, please click here.

Rollin' with Saget

WARNING NOT PG!!!

Here is proof about how cool my boy Bob Saget is. Here he is with his boy Jamie Kennedy.

Make sure you watch the very end.

Move This

Some of you may have noticed the link for MoveOn.org on my blog. The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.3 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders – we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media.

MoveOn tends to be Liberal, as do I, but I signed a petition today that I believe all of you would be interested in, since none of us are a CEO for a major corporation, or the spokesperson for a major industry. This is not a Republican/Democrat, Left/Right, or Conservative/Liberal issue. It has to do with campaign contributions, and making sure the voice of the people can be heard over the voice of lobbyists.

Here is the information straight from MoveOn:

Top Democrats and Republicans just announced a groundbreaking bill to make our elections more democratic with public financing.

Can you imagine if people could be elected to Congress without massive wealth and without begging for campaign cash from big donors? Congress wouldn't owe corporate lobbyists any favors. That's why those very lobbyists will work overtime to kill this exciting reform.

Let's work to make Congress answer to the people. The first step is to gather 200,000 signatures for this petition: "Congress must pass public financing to make our elections fair."

Can you help out by signing this petition to Congress? It's really easy—just click the link below:

http://pol.moveon.org/fairelections/?referring_id=-8026840-ryAXEc

Waiting For Bud

In the, "That's too bad, but I thought he was already dead category," comes this story. Calvert Deforest, better know for his Larry "Bud" Melman character on Late Night with David Letterman passed away today. Not sure what is more surprising, that he was still alive, or that he was only 62 when he passed out hot towels at the bus depot in this video from 1984.

Any similarities to the Larry Budd character that originally opened local Ashtabula Flesh Palace, Cinderella's are strictly coincidental.

RIP Larry!

Nadia's Theme

Found out you can upload private videos to youtube. So here is Mattingly's rotation from Sunday, as produced by me. It's a little shaky at first. My apologies, I couldn't find her once I dropped the camera to my waist.

Looks like she now may do the "Fun Meet," her coaches are talking her into it since they give out trophies, and the judges aren't as lenient as we thought.

****Retraction I had to make the video public to post it and make it available to blog viewers. So it you tried before, please hang up the phone and try again.

Second Avenue

Post BFW Sundays typically involves, a headache, depression, sleeping in, watching more basketball in quiet, and reintroducing myself to my couch. Not this year, after being dropped off by Donnie V after 2:00 AM, I took a shower and was was back awake in 5 hours to go to Mattie's gymnastics meet. I know 5 hours isn't a terrible nights sleep, but remember I have been punishing my body with booze, unhealthy food, and sleep deprivation for 3 days, (actually the whole week since Karen was out of town until Friday).

The morning did not start off too great. It was more like getting her ready for school than a meet. A lot of yelling and whining, followed by a late arrival. However, by the time we were in the Jeep Mattie was focused.

It ended up being her best meet to date. She began with an 8.1 on bars, and she got her front mill and nailed her dismount. Next, was the Balance Beam where she received an 8.4. Then came the floor routine which netted an 8.6. All of these scores could have been a little higher, I guess she just needs to work on her tightness, because the skills she has down without a problem. The final rotation was the dreaded Vault. We weren't too sure how this would go, she hadn't practiced all week. And, after Saturday's practice she stayed late. She got it during the practice, but by the time she got her private lesson she was exhausted. We also didn't see her warm-ups, so we really didn't know what would happen. She took off down the runway and hesitated just a little before the board, but she hit it and got over. You could see the confidence in her second attempt as there was no hesitating. She hit the board fast and hard and got over, "Hoping for a 9.0." She isn't quite there yet, she needs to get her legs tight and straight, (but, now that she knows she can do it, this should not be an issue). She did get a 8.45 for her highest vault score ever. Matter-of-fact most of these were personal bests.

Mattingly went on to win 2nd Place with her 33.55 All Around score. In listening to some of the other groupings I found out this was high enough to take 1st in one of the older flights. Looks like we are going to do one more meet. The choice is between a "Fun Meet" in Canton, or a Championship meet in Elyria. Here's the difference, the "Fun Meet" gives the kids a little bit higher scores, so if they had an 8.8-8.9 they would go ahead and give the 9.0 since it's for fun. At the Chalk Box the 9.0 club gets to spend a day at Waldameer Amusement Park, and Mattie has yet to cross that threshold. However, I couldn't be more proud, Mattingly chose to go to the Elyria meet because, "You don't really earn your scores at the Fun Meet." Imagine a 7 year old deciding this when most parents do everything they can to give their child an upper hand, ethical or not.

After the meet we had to hurry to Mattie's school for a basketball banquet, (hot dogs & lemonade), and awards ceremony. All of the players received a trophy this year. Last year just 3rd-6th got them, plus Matt's team for going undefeated. Mattie's coach, Steve Severino, deserves special recognition for going out on his own and purchasing Heralds drawstring bags and lanyards for his team.

****Photographer's Note Sorry about the photo quality. Not sure why but the lighting at the Chalk Box throws off my flash.

Never On a Sunday

Staring in the bottom left corner bottom, moving clockwise:
Stof, Dragon, O, Mead, Stim, Nottke, Joe Pete, Augie, Jerk, Tom Penna, Kov

Big Friends Weekend ended with the closing of the Crows Nest St. Patrick's night, actually more like 1:30 am. People always ask, "You guys don't get together Sunday?" Absolutely not, by Saturday evening no one can stand each others voice or smell, and the Jerk just wants everyone O-U-T!

Some people go into a depression after the Holiday Season, I go into one for a couple of days after Big Friends Weekend. I look forward to it all year, especially in the winter, on Thursday it seems like it will never end, then it does...quickly.

I forgot my laptop with my spreadsheet of teams and points, so I'll have to post them tomorrow. I can tell you I am leading in points and teams left. This is only setting me up for the big let down that is soon too follow. Not unlike having Duke and Gonzaga both upset last year on Thurday night. At least I have someone playing on Friday. Remember, it's the first guy to lose all his teams.

The quote of the weekend may have come in the car on the way to the Nest. Paul Stoffan and Donnie Vincenzo had been saying all weekend how goofy we are, how they can't figure out how these guys are even still close friends with what is said to each other and how they come to watch us and not basketball. Donnie V. was driving us and Rick from the back seat goes, "Donnie, you and Stoffan, you guys appreciate us X-men." Here he is just after his quip practicing for a back seat field sobriety test.

Speaking of Stof, he made the mistake Thursday of telling us that in the 80's he had a jacked up truck with his own picture airbrushed on the head light covers. He was even, "thick-skinned" enough to bring this one to let us make fun of it, and we did not disappoint. We told him he was lying and that he stole this off of Rafael Palmeiro's truck. Thanks for the laughs Stof.

Eh Cumpari!

On Thursday there were promises made of Pasta and Beans from Kovacs, (his mother is world renown for making the best pasta fagoli) and a macaroni dinner from recent retiree Joe Pete. Well Kovacs dropped the ball. Not only did he blow off his promise to make lunch, he showed up with a nice Lenten fish sandwich platter from Hil-Mak's for himself, and lose talk of a massage at the gym. This went over like a led zeppelin in a room full of cranky and hungry pains-in-the-ass

Joe Peterangelo however, did not disappoint. He stopped at Albino's, did some shopping, and came over ready to make a meal. He slaved away in the basement kitchen making meat sauce, frying sausage, boiling water, and dancing, yes dancing, to Louis Prima. I have to say it was the happiest I had seen him in a while, he truly enjoyed doing this for us. Usually he just steals nachos and salsa from Los Compadres.

Joe has come along way since the November election. He's come out of hiding, appears to have lost some weight, and has regained his personality, (although some would argue if that's a good thing or not). Here he is seen around Christmas time, roughly 6 weeks after the election. This photo was obtained from files released by Homeland Security, apparently they believed in his depression Joe "Khalid Sheikh" Pete, had begun to put a plan plan that would put the country in harm's way. Most of the record is blacked out, but there is something in there about flying lessons from Joe Rich and Lakeview/Gulfview towers.

Welcome back Joe!

****Editor's Note Kovie did make up for his indiscretions by taking the photo of Joe cooking while both my cell and camera were missing. IT didn't matter much anyway, we went from no food to too much in an instant. Donnie V bought more Salvato's, Nottke bought Pizza Villa, Penna and Dragon both picked-up Short Stop wings at different points in the day.

Mo Money, Mo Problems

B-I-G M-E-A-D no info for the APD!

Once again the day started off peace- ful, with Augie and I the first to arrive. It's funny how it takes one little thing to set the tone for the entire day. Mead barely turned the corner wearing this white wind suit when Rick caught him out of the corner of his eye and said, "Holy shit! is Al Davis Here?" This led right into other references to people he looked like.

What I'd like to do is take a little poll of who he looks the most like

A.) Al Davis, Raider's owner and NFL renegade

B.) Super Dave Osborne

C.) Pauly Walnuts (Hard to see in the picture but he has "wings" like Pauly)

D.) Mase (from the Notorious B.I.G./Puffy videos)

You don't believe in Bula World Dago double up
We don't play around it's a bet lay it down
Dago didn't know me eighty-one bet they know me now
I'm the middle aged Bula Dago with the Goldie sound

Happy Days

The last round of games have just started. Things started relatively quiet, and then it started how and exactly when there's no telling. One comment about the County Auditor's election and it opened the flood gates the top cracks were made by Rick and I, okay possibly all the cracks.

Rick kept singing the jingle, "A better value is what you get, when you vote for Corlette." Then he said, "Roger Corlette is like Gwen Stafani, left No Doubt."

Then I asked what was it exactly CPA stood for, "Cunningham, Potsie, Ayyye!"

Also told him people said, "I was nuts when I took Corlett -35% of the vote, but he covered and then some."

I have to give him a lot of credit, Pigskin sat here and took every bit of it with a smile on his face.

Big props to Donnie V. The Bopper personally delivered two pizzas from Salvato's at two o'clock. Making this the most impressive was that he didn't even show up to hang out until after 9.

There was a big debacle on account of CBS's coverage. We put 2 bucks on the half of every game, then randomly get a number 0-9. What ever number is in the ones place in the sum of both teams score wins for that game. I had 8 with 2 seconds left at the half in the Duke game, and the Devils going to the line. CBS cut away from coverage right then to discuss the OSU game beofore the second half started. When they come back and finally showed scores at the top of the screen they showed both the Duke and Michigan State scores at the half. The rule is what score you see first is the next one paid, but these were posted at the same time. I lost 10 bucks as we decided to split each game.

On tomorrow's menu will be pasta fagoli and macaroni. Made on the premises respectively by Kov and Joe Pete.

I'll try to have some pictures up tomorrow of tonight.


****Editor's note The reason for the CPA comment: Roger Corlett's main campaign point was that he is a Certified Public Accountant, therefore making him the best candidate for County Auditor. The Mecca of all Ashtabula County Media, Joe Pete, passed out fliers with a very shady attempt to deceive. It had the Letters CPA on it real big and had the words Courteous Professional Administrative.

Can O Corn

Here it is the un-coveted Can of Corn Trophy. This trophy is given, really forced upon, the "Big Friend" who is the first to lose all 8 of his teams. This was me last year, and once again through terrible luck. I had 2 teams left, and they both lost on the second Thursday night. I believe one was Duke, who lost the first game. The other was a Gonzaga team that was well in command against UCLA. Then with little time remaining a Bulldog held the recently received inbounds pass above his head and had it stolen, then passed for an easy lay-up. At which point Adam Morrison and I both dropped to the floor and began crying.

This is the legend of the Can of Corn: One year Rick told all the guys to have their wives/girlfriends make something to eat for the weekend. Well Mead decided to bring one can of Food Club whole kernel corn. Rick found this so hysterical that he took it, put it on top of the television, and declared that such it was such a lame move that whoever the biggest loser was got the can. And thus it went, until next year the Corn was returned, and Orlando got hungry enough to eat it. Since then it has been placed upon a real trophy mount by Dragon, and adorned with goofy pictures of the unfortunate souls who have had to live with the shame and trophy for a year.

You see there is one more rule to "winning"the Can of Corn, "It must be displayed in your living room for the entire year." This serves as a constant reminder of how much you suck. Not to mention when people unfamiliar with this tradition see it they ask about it, so you must inform them about your sucking. There have peen plaques, crowns, and banners in the past for the winner, but the loser's trophy has truly become the focus of the weekend. Some guys even draft every year, not to win, but to not win the Can of Corn. Judging by my draft position and selections I'm going to go ahead and save the familiar spot for the Can.

When I'm 64

Big Friends Draft '07 from the bottom right moving clockwise:
Augie, Dragon, myself, O, Ralphie, Jerk, Kov, Stim.
Not shown: Nottke on the phone, Mead live via video conference

As mentioned earlier tonight was my NCAA Big Friends Weekend Draft. While there are well more than 8 guys who attend this event, there are 8 of us who are in the Big Friends Pool. Our draft works like this, we pick numbers out of a hat, draft in that order, then re pick our draft numbers in reverse order of the previous round. A few years back we started going 5 bucks a guy and the money goes to the guy whose draft spots add up to the highest total. Thus, begins the gambling for the week.

I started off with the worst case scenario. Since I ended up with the "Can of Corn" last year, (more on this tomorrow), I got to pull the first chip, and I got 8. With that last first round pick I took #3 Oregon. Obviously the #1's were gone, as were all of the #2's with the exception of Wisconsin, and since the Badgers starting center gave himself a third elbow a two weeks ago, their ranking was based on what they had done prior.

I somehow ended up with three of the four #3 seeds. Here are my picks by round and position.

8-Oregon
4-Pitt
1-Washington St
4-Butler
7-Gonzaga
1-Winthrop
4-Penn
5-Jackson St

Ohio State went 3rd over all to Mark Nottke. Mark actually stole this team from Augie. Nottke lives in Tallmadge so he calls in, except he called an hour late, after we had waited we asked Augie to take his place. He got the third pick, took the Buckeyes, then Nottke called and everyone decided to let him back in and take Ohio State, everyone but me that is. He whined that we changed the time on him. NO! the selection show is on at 6:00 we draft at 7:00, or at least attempt to, every year.

Jay, UNLV went with the 2nd pick in the 4th round (26 overall). Stim took the Runnin' Rebels beforeI had a chance.

Here is a special message about a Bracket Pool run by Roni Balogna: From his e-mail:
For those veterans out there, $5 gets you a bracket ($10 gets you 2, $15 gets you 3, well, you get the picture). It is a winner take all, progressive points (correct 1st round picks net you 1 pt apiece, 2nd rounders 2 pts, 3rd round 4 pts, etc) deal.
And never feel out of the loop or in the dark, as I bring you daily updates on standings, irrelevant stats of previous years, and, when the field starts to fall, updates on all your favorite bracket pickers.
Once the field is set, I will send an invite email to this list, just log into CBSsportsline.com (or sign up for a free account!!!!!!!), pick your teams with the user-friendly brackets, crack open a cold one, and sit back!!! If you have friends, relatives, or people you don't like who want to play, just send me their emails. We even have goofy poll questions, to prove that I care about you, the public.

If you are interested either post your email address or send it to me at bigspunciestyle@yahoo.com and I will forward it to the proper authorities.

Bringin' on the Heartbreak

I can't take anymore! I am fed up! I am moving! These were the thoughts that continued to scroll through my head last night after watching Akron lose to Miami, on a last second, buzzer beating, sloppy ass, off the glass, above the freaking box three pointer. To make matters worse the officials then reviewed the play for ten minutes so everyone could see that the clock started between 1.5 to 2 full seconds late, after Akron missed a free throw, and the show was taken with no more than 1.4 seconds on the clock. So the shot shouldn't have counted, but you can't take that away, I mean who's to say the kid doesn't make the shot from half court if the clock is right and he can see it? So the solution...put a completely arbitrary0.6 on the clock, (how you go from time not running fast enough to adding time is beyond me), then give Akron the ball with the full court to go. Akron promptly responds by throwing the inbounds pass out of bounds halfway down the sideline.

I guess this is what you get when your up by 6 with 7 minutes left, against a defensive team, and you stop running your offense and settle for running time of the clock. Way to be-E aggressive Dambrot. Don't even get me started on how the Conference Tournaments, that while fun to watch, do nothing but screw mid-major teams.

I believe it is time to move somewhere new, adopt and cheer for all new sports teams. How many times can I keep reliving the same feeling? I don't know if this fits under the God Hates Cleveland Sports blog, but it appears he certainly likes to keep me from being happy. I even went to church!

Saving me from climbing to the top of the deli and attempting to fly was the CAVS game last night. I gt home in time to watch the 2nd half, which began with Cleveland jumping out to a descent lead, then ending the 3rd quarter on the wrong side of 18-3 run. The were down by 12 and then found the center of the hoop with 3 straight treys. The Cavaliers took their first lead of the 4th with 7 seconds left when LBJ and Anderson played 2 man at the top of the arc, and Bron Bron found Varejao with a bullet, 2-handed pass down low for a shot Andy muscled up, touched all the iron, and finally fell in. He did miss the and one though. The Bucks came down, and Eric Snow managed to get his hand in to knock the ball back past half court, taking precious time away from Milwaukee, and ruining the timing of any play that had been designed. The final shot was missed and the Cavaliers won their 4th straight.

Perhaps more importantly, LeBron had his 6th straight game of 32 points or more. I know nothing is more important than winning games, but when your superstar begins to finally play at or above superstar level, and it happens coming down the stretch it's a good sign. The entire team is finally playing like a team and as if these games mean something.

Speaking of Bron Bron, do his St. Vincent- St. Mary's running buddies and Akron Seniors, Dru Joyce & Romeo Travis, get obligatory free agent tryouts with the CAVS, to appease James? I say absolutely, while my sources, (Robbie T) tell me Joyce is too small, Travis could play in the Association. My thinking is what better way to keep LeBron when his contract is up than having his boyhood friend on the team? Could he do any less to help the team than Scott Pollard or David Wesley? He may even provide a chemistry on the court with King James that no one else has.

****Tonight the brackets are announced at 6:00, and The Big Friends gather at 7 to pick teams and begin making fun of each other. Look for an update tonight on my teams and how to enter the Ron Severtis online bracket pool.

Spill the Wine

Karen and I shared a great Lenten meal last night with Laura and Greggarry Jack Ross at Ferrante Winery in Harpersfield. I had this pan fried Grouper that was covered in red sauce with sautéed peppers and olives. It was incredible! And that is saying something from someone who loves fish, but has really never gotten past the pre-adolescent need to put ketchup on it. I don't use tartar sauce or cocktail sauce, just lemon and catsoup. The rest of the group had some different pasta sensations, and very little food was left over. Greg and I drank a bottle of the Rosso, this is their "Dago Red"table wine. I was a little upset because I forgot to order it room temp. like I usually do, but it was good nonetheless. The girls downed a bottle of the Bianco, you probably don't need to be fluent in Italian to know this is a white wine.

Speaking of Italian, I heard a great story last night at the Locker Room. We left the Winery around 10:00 to get to the LR to watch the Kent v. Akron Game. We arrived with about 5 minutes left in the first half, which ended with the Zips down 14.

Sitting at a table were Mos Stef and Susan B. They were carrying on about stories from their St. John High School days. One story in particular had me laughing and amazed all night. My cousin Tom Timonere was their Religion teacher, and he accompanied the class on field trip to New York. While in the Big Apple the group had a meal in Little Italy, (that apparently made half the group sick). After they ate Tom decided to take a picture of all the students in front of the restaurant, now here's the good part, except it wasn't the WHOLE group. He made 2 students, Susan being one of them, get out of the photo because they didn't have any Italian blood! If the St. John haters on the Star Beacon Forum got a hold of this story they would have a field day. Don't get me wrong I like Tom a lot, but this wasn't even an isolated incident, he did the same thing at Ellis Island.

Now back to hoops action...after hearing all the Kent people at the Room giving me hell about the score, and in turn not wanting to hear it when I kept saying at the half, "It's early," AK-Rowdy began it's comeback. Eventually winning 61-54. Karen and I left immediately after he game since she had to work early this morning.

The MAC crown and a berth to the NCAA Tournament will be on the line when Akron takes on Miami tonight at 7 p.m. EST. The Red Hawks defeated Toledo 58-53 in the other semifinal game earlier today. The Championship game will air live on ESPN2.

Chippewa, Chippewho

Yesterday, Jay, Jerry and I attended 3 of the 4 first round MAC tournament games, thanks to our friends, (Laura), at Stoffer-Herzog Insurance. We were not only given 3 $47.00 tickets we also received a parking pass. All we had to do was walk around the whole time in Sky Insurance T-shirts passing out flyers. Don't tell anyone but we gave a bum 5 bucks to handle the advertisement obligation. It was so cold downtown that when we came out we saw him wearing all 3 t-shirts, completely stuffed with crumpled up brochures.

We caught the end of the Ball State v. Eastern Michigan game, and it was a close game at the end. We watched all of BiGSUe taking down OU, which cost me 5.00. I didn't care just wanted some interest in the game. Then the third game was to decide who was going to face Akron tonight. Central Michigan, who I thought was the Gryffindor house from Hogwarts after seeing their band, crushed Buffalo. (Zips currently up 23 w/ 8:33 to play)

Since this game was a blowout we decided to leave with about 10 minutes left, and head down to Panini's for something more substantial than a soft pretzel or a container of Nachos, especially after drinking all day. While at Panini's I discovered another thing that really pisses me off. How can a bar, that always has sports on, with heavy crowds before and after sporting events, located in the shadow of the Q and the Jake, not automatically have the CAVS on? Not only did I have to ask the bartender to put it on, I had to help her figure out what channel it was on! Finally we got it figured out and I relaxed with a nice Turkey Panini and my final BL of the night.

I got home just in time to see the final 4 minutes of regulation, and a great overtime Cavaliers win. Thank you Bill Herzog for the tickets, thank you Laura for thinking of us, thank you jerry for driving, thank you LeBron for the block you had in OT.

****Editor's note I just heard Michael Reghi say that Central Michigan has a lot of Canadians on the team. Do you think he meant...ah never mind...

Pyromania

Here's a question I keep asking myself, "What happened to all the burnouts?"

No, I'm not talking about squealing your tires. I mean kids, usually teens to early 20's that are usually found smoking cigarettes in front of Pizza Villa, or between classes at the Vo-Ed. Typical attire is a black, (like there's any other color), concert t-shirt, (usually of a band that at least has a rep for dabbling in Satanism), thin jr. high growth of a mustache, and jeans so tight they make the white high top sneakers on their feet look like moon boots. Could be found with a full head of long hair, or a mullet with top feathered and the back long and stringy.

Who are this generations burnouts? Are they the punk wannabes? Are they the goth kids? Are they the slipknot fans?

Other than Kid Rock, I'm sure a few are in hiding working meaningless jobs, but where are all the burnouts I knew? Are they shape shifters? Did Guliani kill them all along with NYC's homeless population? Were they abducted and studied, (hope not)? Did they cut their hair and become jerk-off Republicans? Probably.

If anyone has a theory, or better yet proof, please let us know.

Def Leppard once told us, "It's better to burnout, than fade away." These once great creatures seemed to have lived this belief.

Days of Farewell

ESTHER A. ANKROM

KINGSVILLE - - Esther Anne Ankrom, age 70, a resident of Kingsville Township, Ohio, died on Sunday, March 4, 2007, at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, Pa.
Born March 23, 1936 in Cambridge, Ohio, she was the daughter of Amel and Emily (Gimiel) Jamiel.
Retired from Adelphia, Mrs. Ankrom was a member of Saint Andrews Catholic Church in Sheffield Township and was devoted to her children.
Survivors include sons, Ronald Ankrom of Waterloo, Ind., Gregory Ankrom of N. Kingsville, and Bryan Ankrom of Kingsville Township; daughters, Theresa Nalley of Kingsville Township and Susan (Vern) Furman of Geneva; grandchildren, Linda and Kelly Dolan, Raymond, Jerad, Samantha, and Michael Ankrom, and Karl Furman; sisters, Rose Holdam of Ind. and Emily Norris of Fla.; and brothers, James Jamiel of Fla. and Phillip Jamiel of Strongsville Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard W. Ankrom; sons, Richard A. and Raymond Ankrom; brothers, George, Edward, Joseph, and Clementeau Jamiel; and sisters, Sister Mary Simon and Sister Simona.
Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at St. Andrews Church, Sheffield Township, with burial to follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Conneaut.

Visitation will be today, Tuesday evening, March 6, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. at GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 6280 S. Main St., N. Kingsville, Ohio.
Arrangements by GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, N. Kingsville, Ohio.

Editor's note- I can't imagine what Esther's sisters were like. They were both nuns, while Essie was one of the saintliest people I know.

Jam Master Jay

Sons of Italy

It was quite a banner weekend as Jay B planned his own birthday celebration, must have something to do with people born on March 5th, (Also Bonita's birthday). He even had Lazanis making arrangements. The test of the week was from him and it said, "What days are you available for Jay's birthday?" As though there were to be a week filled with activities.

Friday Night was spent at the Locker Room, which was pretty much like going to a bar in a basement, the only people there were with us. Eeven the bartender was my cousin Jen Silva. We then went to the Crows Nest for a couple of beers then on to home with plans of doing more liver damage on Saturday.

As you may have read in the Good Ol' Boy post we lunched at the Wild Wings. Saturday evening kicked off at the Sons of Italy, where I reconfirmed my intentions of getting a membership. Where else can you spend 9 bucks on 3 beers and 2 mixed drinks, both with Crown Royal? Again things moved to the Nest where Karen and I left early, (1 am) since she had to work. It was a fun weekend, Happy Birthday Jay. Just remember you can't drink like you're 31 anymore.Jay and his sister Jenna

Karen and Laura at the Sons

At one point picture taking got completely out of hand. Any picture attempt was met with everyone trying to jump into it

Esther Ankrom (1936-2007)

I was hoping my next post was going to be of pictures from last night. But instead I just received a call I have been dreading, Esther Ankrom passed away at 10:00 this morning, so I am writing this through tears. Esther was of course Bryan's Mom, but as anyone who ever spent time in the Liberty Street house knows she was a bit of a mom to all of us. And while Bryan gave her plenty of grief, as we all do with our parents, there was never any doubt how special their relationship was.

I know a lot of you know Bryan as a bit of a hell raiser, the Ank you may not know is the one who in high school wrote a note to his mom on a napkin apologizing to her, and thanking her for all she does for him. This is not some embarrassing secret, I know about it because she proudly hung it up on a cork board in the kitchen. I know how Bryan always went home early so that Esther wouldn't worry, and probably so that he wouldn't worry about her. I know how when Esther watched her youngest grandchild, Carl who is Sue's son, Bryan dropped whatever he was doing and went home to help her. But mostly I know Bryan's going to miss her, I know I do.

Goodbye Essie


****Update Calling Hours for Esther will be held at Guerriero's Funeral Home in North Kingsville on 193, from 6-8pm Tuesday the 6th. The Funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew's, also on 193, in Sheffield.

Good Ol' Boys

This is a photo of a young Bologna, (green sweat shirt), checking out the General Lee. We kicked off Jay B's birthday bash with lunch at B-dubs, also in attendance were Lazy Anus and Mattie. It will be the last time I go there to eat for a while. We then went to the mall with one thought in mind, "We're going to boost the General Lee." We had been discussing this caper almost exclusively. We had dreams of driving through the mall being chased by security guards, then launching through some glass doors as we hit the Dixie Air Horn. Then we take it to the streets where we get involved with a police chase with some bumbling Ashtabula police and sheriff's deputies...Someday the Mountain might get us but the law never will.

Our second intention was to get a picture of us standing in front of the General Lee for this story, but Jay thought he would look foolish posing in front of it. That foolishness fails in comparison to how ridiculous we looked standing there for 20 minutes arguing and gawking at the General with the rest of the genetic degenerates that were huddled amongst the crowd.

Urine my Heart

Anyone watch the Ohio State v. Michigan men's hoops game today? The Buckeyes won by 4 but what I couldn't take my focus away from was the crowd. No not the way they stood the whole game and jumped up and down pretending to be the Cameron Crazies, but the way they all wore yellow shirts. Okay, so who comes up with the idea to fill a bowl shaped arena with yellow? Just look at the picture and take a guess what it reminded me of...

Congrats to Oden and the boys finishing the season ranked #1 and Big Ten Champs, Of course now the real season starts with the Big Ten Tournament, then the NCAA Tournament.

GO BUCKS!!!

Mary, Mary

Here's a picture of a new Ashtabula celebrity couple canoodling at the Locker Room. That of course is ASOs own Jerry (Lazy Anus) Lazanis in need of a room for himself and local starlet Mary Elliot. It's kind of funny, I have known Mary since she was probably 2, I was friends with her older brother Ian, and they used to live on my Aunt's block, very close to my Dad's store. Now all of a sudden she's hanging out with my friends.

What's really aggravating about this whole thing is my inability to come up with a proper celebrity couple nickname. You've got Jary or Merry, either way it's not humorous outloud, although seeing Jary in print is funny to me. Well if any of you can come up with anything let me know.

****Update While we have yet to come up with a good nickname for the couple, Jay and I were able to gloss Laura's sister Stephanie with a new nickname that she has yet to hear. From this point forward Steph Jones will be known as Mos Steph.

Rappin' Duke

For those of you who also check out my myspace page, you know I have been quickly moving into Big Friends Weekend mode.

Just thought I'd toss this up here, since I know some readers are Blue Devils fans.

I was in the downstairs of my parents house with Ankrom, I was standing between the love seat and coffee table.

Where were you?