While points east of use, meaning the coast, have been buffeted by the remnants of Id and folks out in the Rockies are facing a significant snow storm, we here in north-central PA have enjoyed an extended Indian Summer. The sun has been shining and the temperatures will soar into the high 60s today. Interestingly, it's almost 10 degrees cooler down in the valley. There hasn't been much of a breeze for the last three days which translates into dense fog along all the water ways below us. The hills have looked like islands in a white sea each of the last few mornings.
While the temperatures will return to normal starting tomorrow, the prospects of precipitation remain minuscule until Friday. Even then it's a 50-50 shot right now according to weather.com. they say there's a better chance of precip next Monday and Tuesday (the 23rd and 24th)--which is to be expected as those are the first two days of bear season. *sigh*
******
On the personal injury front: My left knee feels about as good as it did before the slip and fall. That means it still hurts a bit but I'd feel comfortable going back into the woods. The therapist gave me some exercises to do at home to strengthen that leg and they seem to be having a positive affect. I may have to start doing the same for my right leg soon or I'll be lopsided.
******
I'll be heading up to the Bolt Hole for an overnight visit. There were some things that I left behind when I had to bug out after the injury. I don't intend to do any hunting while there. Talking with Mark, it would be futile to look for any whitetails. He did a walk about after there was a bit of snow on the ground last week and saw only coyote tracks on his side of the road and not even that on my side. He's up there for a day or two as I type. Of course, should he call tonight and say he saw something interesting, I might throw my gear in the truck after all.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
A Long Way to Go
(and a short time to get there)
As Rev. Paul says, the 300 mile round trip to Cabela's IS a long way to go to do some shopping. But what are you going to do when the discount cards can only be used in store? If it was up to me, I'd let UPS do the driving but....
I got to thinking this morning about that 300 miles and try to put it in comparison with other silly things I've done. To wit:
What can I say? I enjoy driving.
Looking over the itinerary for the Good Sam's Club Caraventure this summer, Not one day (after we leave Dawson Creek with the caravan) is more than 200-220 miles. It's going to seem like a real vacation! Of course, getting TO Dawson Creek and then back to the Bolt Hole may be another story.
Now all we have to do is find someone to babysit the three cats. They get car sick after just 5 minutes.
He's heading in the wrong direction but the idea is sound:
And, although I can't play a lick, this is one of my favorite traveling songs:
I got to thinking this morning about that 300 miles and try to put it in comparison with other silly things I've done. To wit:
I would, when I was still working, on occasion drive the 250 miles from NJ to the Bolt Hole, cut the grass (a 2-3 hour job) and then drive back to NJ all in one day. A 500-mile round trip with 2-3 hours of pushing a mower in between.
When we traveled to Colorado Springs with the travel trailer, Terry and I would do make the 2250 mile trip in four days. That's a lot of hauling!
It took us just two and a half days to get to Spokane, WA when Rick returned from his tour of duty in Iraq.
Going out to Eugene, OR for Rick and Sandy's wedding, we made the trip (sans trailer) in just three days.
Terry and I once drove nonstop from the Denver area to NJ when we decided we had had enough vacation. That was 36 hours straight. (We did stop at the original Cabela's in Sidney, NE for a couple of hours, though.)
When we go fishing in Quebec, we leave the Bolt Hole around 9 PM, drive until sunrise, rest an hour or two and then drive another two hours on the "good" dirt road to get to the float plane launch site. Then reverse the process when the trip is over.
What can I say? I enjoy driving.
Looking over the itinerary for the Good Sam's Club Caraventure this summer, Not one day (after we leave Dawson Creek with the caravan) is more than 200-220 miles. It's going to seem like a real vacation! Of course, getting TO Dawson Creek and then back to the Bolt Hole may be another story.
Now all we have to do is find someone to babysit the three cats. They get car sick after just 5 minutes.
He's heading in the wrong direction but the idea is sound:
And, although I can't play a lick, this is one of my favorite traveling songs:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Aerie Report, November 12, 2009
We had a successful day at Cabela's. Picked up the ThermaCELL (package of two linked to yesterday) with two sets of replacements and Christmas presents (clothes) for several people on our list. Terry found a nice blouse she liked and that fit her. She usually has trouble at Cabela's finding clothes to fit her, but this was a Woolrich product. I got myself a new set of heavy duty insulated long johns for those cold days on stand, a new rifle sling (since I only have one and have to switch when I change the rifle I carry), a three-legged stool for sitting in a ground blind, and a few other odds and ends. I looked at some of the bows and a couple of firearms but decided to pass on those right now. We dropped some change to help boost the economy, but between a rebate card for Cabela's, a rebate card from Cooper Tires, accumulated points from use of a Cabela's Club VISA card, and a $20 off coupon...well, it didn't take a lot of green out of the wallet.
******
I keep forgetting just how far it is from the Aerie (on the northern edge of PA) to Cabela's (in Hamburg on I-78 on the very southern edge of the state). From door to door it was 150 miles. It took us 3-1/2 hours going down (Rt. 15 to Rt. 61) and just 3 hours to return. Two hours shopping and it was a long day.
******
Sitting here now watching Rutgers dismantle South Florida. The game just ended and RU won 31-0 over the #24 Bulls. And the Scarlet Knights should have lead by more having settled for FG attempts instead of TDs on several long drives in the first half. The offense may have struggled in the opening half, but the defense! My goodness did the defense dominate in this game.
The win makes RU bowl eligible with a record of 7-2, 2-2. Three games remain on the schedule for Terry and my alma mater: @ Syracuse, @ Louisville, and West Virginia at home.
******
Speaking of the Big East.... There are three teams in the hunt for the Big East title: Cincinnati at 9-0, 5-0 in conference, are on top being chased by Pittsburgh (8-1, and also 5-0 in conference) and West Virginia (7-2, 3-1). Each of these teams have yet to play the other two. Each has a one home and one away game against the other two.
Tomorrow night, West Virginia plays at Cincinnati. The Bearcats have to figure out which of their excellent quaterbacks should start. The Mountaineers have a more troubling problem. RB Noel Devine may have to sit the game out due to an ankle injury. That will put the WVa squad at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Pitt squares off against Notre Dame on Saturday.
******
I keep forgetting just how far it is from the Aerie (on the northern edge of PA) to Cabela's (in Hamburg on I-78 on the very southern edge of the state). From door to door it was 150 miles. It took us 3-1/2 hours going down (Rt. 15 to Rt. 61) and just 3 hours to return. Two hours shopping and it was a long day.
******
Sitting here now watching Rutgers dismantle South Florida. The game just ended and RU won 31-0 over the #24 Bulls. And the Scarlet Knights should have lead by more having settled for FG attempts instead of TDs on several long drives in the first half. The offense may have struggled in the opening half, but the defense! My goodness did the defense dominate in this game.
The win makes RU bowl eligible with a record of 7-2, 2-2. Three games remain on the schedule for Terry and my alma mater: @ Syracuse, @ Louisville, and West Virginia at home.
******
Speaking of the Big East.... There are three teams in the hunt for the Big East title: Cincinnati at 9-0, 5-0 in conference, are on top being chased by Pittsburgh (8-1, and also 5-0 in conference) and West Virginia (7-2, 3-1). Each of these teams have yet to play the other two. Each has a one home and one away game against the other two.
Tomorrow night, West Virginia plays at Cincinnati. The Bearcats have to figure out which of their excellent quaterbacks should start. The Mountaineers have a more troubling problem. RB Noel Devine may have to sit the game out due to an ankle injury. That will put the WVa squad at a disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Pitt squares off against Notre Dame on Saturday.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Aerie Report, November 11, 2009
A quiet and swiftly passing day here at the Aerie. The sky was overcast much of the day giving it a somber aspect. The temperatures have returned to normal for November and there are no signs of their rising much in the next two weeks. No precipitation is being forecast until the middle of next week. All the rain from Ida seems to be destined to pass to our southeast.
Sunset from the Aerie's deck.
I really like this shot in the context of fighting Global Warming. In this one view there are three things at work to lower the earth's temperatures. 1- The "green" technology of the windmills. 2- The photosynthesis of the trees removing "evil" CO2 from the atmosphere. 3- The sun is setting...which is probably the strongest of the three in the short term. There will be frost in the morning!
******
I attended a meeting of the Grand Canyon Photography Club last evening over in Wellsboro. Just something to get me out of the house a little more and get to learn how I should be taking and editing my pictures. My birding bud, Gary, is a member--although he wasn't there last night, as is another occasional birder and professor at Mansfield U. so it's not like I'm walking into a group of strangers.
Last night they had a presentation on HDR (High Density Resolution) photography and the use of a program called Photomatix. Essentially it's merging 3 to 5 differently exposed shots of the same image. Got me to try a few things today with my Sony Alpha 350. Like reading the entire manual!
(The photo above was not accomplished using HDR technology. I did use Picasa 3 to remove some power cables that ran across the foreground, however. And to crop the edges a bit.)
******
Another day of PT for me tomorrow. The sold me on some fixed arch supports to help prevent my ankle from rolling which, in turn, helps align my knee. The supports and the exercises to strengthen the leg muscles (something I though would be superfluous) seem to have helped a great deal. I've tried NOT to go up and down the steps too much since yesterday's workout, but when I do the pain in the knee is much, much less than it was on Monday.
******
I've got some refund/rebate cards burning a hole in my pocket so tomorrow, after PT, I'll be taking Terry down to Cabela's. she's always complaining about getting bug bites when she goes outside for any length of time. She's a natural mosquito magnet so I want to get her one of those ThermaCELL bug repellers. It doesn't do much if you're walking around, but it's supposed to clear an area around where you're sitting if the wind isn't too strong. If they work, she just might be able to enjoy the Aerie's deck even when there isn't a gale force wind blowing.
I might be able to find something for myself, too.
Sunset from the Aerie's deck.I really like this shot in the context of fighting Global Warming. In this one view there are three things at work to lower the earth's temperatures. 1- The "green" technology of the windmills. 2- The photosynthesis of the trees removing "evil" CO2 from the atmosphere. 3- The sun is setting...which is probably the strongest of the three in the short term. There will be frost in the morning!
******
I attended a meeting of the Grand Canyon Photography Club last evening over in Wellsboro. Just something to get me out of the house a little more and get to learn how I should be taking and editing my pictures. My birding bud, Gary, is a member--although he wasn't there last night, as is another occasional birder and professor at Mansfield U. so it's not like I'm walking into a group of strangers.
Last night they had a presentation on HDR (High Density Resolution) photography and the use of a program called Photomatix. Essentially it's merging 3 to 5 differently exposed shots of the same image. Got me to try a few things today with my Sony Alpha 350. Like reading the entire manual!
(The photo above was not accomplished using HDR technology. I did use Picasa 3 to remove some power cables that ran across the foreground, however. And to crop the edges a bit.)
******
Another day of PT for me tomorrow. The sold me on some fixed arch supports to help prevent my ankle from rolling which, in turn, helps align my knee. The supports and the exercises to strengthen the leg muscles (something I though would be superfluous) seem to have helped a great deal. I've tried NOT to go up and down the steps too much since yesterday's workout, but when I do the pain in the knee is much, much less than it was on Monday.
******
I've got some refund/rebate cards burning a hole in my pocket so tomorrow, after PT, I'll be taking Terry down to Cabela's. she's always complaining about getting bug bites when she goes outside for any length of time. She's a natural mosquito magnet so I want to get her one of those ThermaCELL bug repellers. It doesn't do much if you're walking around, but it's supposed to clear an area around where you're sitting if the wind isn't too strong. If they work, she just might be able to enjoy the Aerie's deck even when there isn't a gale force wind blowing.
I might be able to find something for myself, too.
Veterans' Day
Just a word to wish the best to all our veterans out there today and a heartfelt thanks for the years of service many of you gave to keep our country free and to liberate those who were under the rule of dictators and despots around the world.
A special thanks to the men, women and families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you.
A special thanks to the men, women and families who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
We need more backhoe control laws!
Minn. man allegedly assaults worker with backhoe
An obvious misuse of the dreaded assault backhoe!
Prosecutors charged the co-owner of a Hermantown construction company with allegedly assaulting a construction worker with a backhoe. The criminal complaint said a 48-year-old man told investigators he wanted to "nudge" the victim, but didn't want to hurt him. He also said it was a stupid thing to do.
...
Hermantown police Sgt. Mark Gunderson said it appeared the suspect didn't think the construction worker in the trench was doing his job right, so he hit him with the backhoe.
An obvious misuse of the dreaded assault backhoe!
But it was right here when I left!
Irishman wins euro46,000 after island home disappears
You can't blame him for not wanting to live there again. Everyone on the island--170 people in all--pulled a Sgt. Schultz during the investigation. "I know nothink!" they all proclaimed.
[61-year-old Neville] Presho successfully sued developer and hotelier Patrick Doohan after he returned from New Zealand to find no trace of his six-bedroom property beside the island's harbor. In its place stood a septic tank and parking lot for Doohan's newly built 12-room hotel, which remains the only one today on Tory.
...
Presho spoke wistfully Tuesday of his lost island retreat, where he could sit on his front doorstep watching the fishermen come and go in the harbor and the panorama beyond of the wild Atlantic and Donegal mainland.
But Presho said he doesn't expect to live there again. Even if he does receive his court-ordered euro46,000, that's less than a fifth of the average house price in Ireland.
"You could build a really nice chicken coop with that sort of money," he quipped, "but you'd have no money left over to buy the chickens."
You can't blame him for not wanting to live there again. Everyone on the island--170 people in all--pulled a Sgt. Schultz during the investigation. "I know nothink!" they all proclaimed.
"The Turtle Moves"
I wonder if it knows a fella named Burtha?
Villagers confine rare turtle, offer prayers
Villagers confine rare turtle, offer prayers
Hundreds of poor Hindu villagers in eastern India have refused to hand over a rare turtle to authorities, saying it is an incarnation of God....
...adamant villagers have refused to give up the reptile, saying the turtle bears holy symbols on its back and is an incarnation of Lord Jagannath, a popular Hindu deity.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Aerie Report, November 9, 2009
We've enjoyed two lovely Indian Summer days here at the Aerie. It got up to 71 in yesterday's bright sunshine but only made it to 63 during today's overcast. No problem though. At least we did not have any precipitation. Tomorrow and the rest of the week it will be around the 50 degree mark with just a slight chance of some shower activity late Tuesday.
******
What the heck happened to the NY Giants? They were cruising along at 5-0 when they met New Orleans and WHAM! Suddenly they've lost four in a row. Something's not right in their secondary, that's for sure.
******
Monday Nite Football features the Steelers and the the Broncos. I'll be rooting for the Black and Gold to tame the ponies.
******
Despite taking it easy on the left knee the last two days, I've noticed a bit of a relapse. There's a pretty sharp pain on the inside of that knee when I go up or down stairs or even walk on a slope. I'll have to discuss this development with the Physical Therapist tomorrow. I'm scheduled for two sessions (Tuesday and Thursday) this week. Wish me luck.
******
What the heck happened to the NY Giants? They were cruising along at 5-0 when they met New Orleans and WHAM! Suddenly they've lost four in a row. Something's not right in their secondary, that's for sure.
******
Monday Nite Football features the Steelers and the the Broncos. I'll be rooting for the Black and Gold to tame the ponies.
******
Despite taking it easy on the left knee the last two days, I've noticed a bit of a relapse. There's a pretty sharp pain on the inside of that knee when I go up or down stairs or even walk on a slope. I'll have to discuss this development with the Physical Therapist tomorrow. I'm scheduled for two sessions (Tuesday and Thursday) this week. Wish me luck.
We Was Robbed!
No, I'm not talking about any stick-up or break in at the Aerie. I'm talking about a free loader having its way with our bird feeders--again.
Last evening as I was caught up with NFL debacle known as the NY Giants, I waited until half time and after dinner to go out on the deck to bring in the hanging bird feeder. By then, of course, it was well past dark. Upon stepping out on the deck, I discovered I was not alone so I grabbed my camera to catch the perp in the act. By the time I was armed, it had given up on the hanging feeder and already moved down the rail to lay claim to the tray which I never bring in the house.
The Masked Bandit is caught in the act.
It was reluctant to leave and hissed at the flash going off but eventually made its way to the corner of the deck and shimmied down the corner post to the ground. This was not the first time this season it had made its way to the feeders and it won't be the last.
Last evening as I was caught up with NFL debacle known as the NY Giants, I waited until half time and after dinner to go out on the deck to bring in the hanging bird feeder. By then, of course, it was well past dark. Upon stepping out on the deck, I discovered I was not alone so I grabbed my camera to catch the perp in the act. By the time I was armed, it had given up on the hanging feeder and already moved down the rail to lay claim to the tray which I never bring in the house.
The Masked Bandit is caught in the act.It was reluctant to leave and hissed at the flash going off but eventually made its way to the corner of the deck and shimmied down the corner post to the ground. This was not the first time this season it had made its way to the feeders and it won't be the last.
BCS Standings Post Week 10
1 Florida 0.984
2 Alabama 0.952
3 Texas 0.923
4 TCU 0.862
5 Cincinnati 0.858
6 Boise State 0.813
7 Georgia Tech 0.755
8 LSU 0.614
9 Southern California 0.592
10 Iowa 0.575
11 Ohio State 0.573
12 Pittsburgh 0.563
13 Oregon 0.532
14 Miami (Fla.) 0.471
15 Houston 0.469
16 Utah 0.4
17 Arizona 0.336
18 Penn State 0.335
19 Oklahoma State 0.291
20 Wisconsin 0.233
21 Virginia Tech 0.233
22 Brigham Young 0.124
23 Oregon State 0.123
24 South Florida 0.108
25 West Virginia 0.065
2 Alabama 0.952
3 Texas 0.923
4 TCU 0.862
5 Cincinnati 0.858
6 Boise State 0.813
7 Georgia Tech 0.755
8 LSU 0.614
9 Southern California 0.592
10 Iowa 0.575
11 Ohio State 0.573
12 Pittsburgh 0.563
13 Oregon 0.532
14 Miami (Fla.) 0.471
15 Houston 0.469
16 Utah 0.4
17 Arizona 0.336
18 Penn State 0.335
19 Oklahoma State 0.291
20 Wisconsin 0.233
21 Virginia Tech 0.233
22 Brigham Young 0.124
23 Oregon State 0.123
24 South Florida 0.108
25 West Virginia 0.065
Week 11:Top 25 (More or less)
and their Opponents
Everyone is playing this week so there’s likely to be some shaking up of the standings. Especially since we have #4 TCU vs #14 Utah, #5 Cincinnati vs #23 WVU. and #8 Ohio State vs #13 Iowa on the slate. (The rankings are from the AP/Coaches Poll/CBSSports 120. Those in parentheses are those going into week 10.)
1/1/1 (1/1/1) Florida (9-0) The Gators will play at South Carolina (6-4).
2/2/2 (2/2/2) Texas (9-0) The Longhorns play at Baylor (4-5).
3/3/3 (3/3/3) Alabama (9-0) The Tide rolls into Mississippi State (4-5).
4/4/6 (6/4/8) TCU (9-0) The Horned Frogs will host #14 Utah (8-1).
5/5/4 (4/7/4) Cincinnati (9-0) The Bearcats will host the # 23 West Virginia Mountaineers (7-2) on Friday night.
6/6/5 (5/5/6) Boise State (9-0) The Broncos will host Idaho (7-3).
7/7/7 (10/11/11) Georgia Tech (9-1) The Yellow Jackets will play at Duke (5-4).
8/8/13 (15/12/13) Ohio State (8-2) The Buckeyes host #13 Iowa (9-1).
9/9/8 (14/14/15) Pittsburgh (8-1) The Panthers will host Notre Dame (6-3).
10/10/12 (12/13/12) Southern California (7-2) The Trojans host Stanford (6-3).
11/11/15 (9/9/9) LSU (7-2) The Tigers will host Louisiana Tech (3-6).
12/12/16 (13/15/16) Houston (8-1) The Cougars will play at Central Florida (5-4).
13/13/10 (8/6/5) Iowa (9-1) The Hawkeyes play at #8 Ohio State (8-2).
14/14/14 (17/16/17) Utah (8-1) The Utes will play at #4 TCU (9-0).
15/15/9 (16/17/14) Miami (Fla.) (7-2) The Hurricanes will play at North Carolina (6-3).
16/16/11 (7/8/7) Oregon (7-1) The Ducks will host the Arizona State (4-5).
17/17/17 (11/10/10) Penn State (8-2) The Nittany Lions host Indiana (4-6).
18/18/19 (18/18/21) Oklahoma State (7-2) The Cowboys will host Texas Tech (6-3).
19/19/18 (21/19/18) Arizona (6-2) The Wildcats play at California (6-3).
20/20/21 (24/22/23) Wisconsin (7-2) The Badgers will host Michigan (5-5).
21/21/22 (22/24/24) Virginia Tech (6-3) The Hokies play at Maryland (2-7).
22/22/20 (25/25/22) Brigham Young (7-2) The Cougars play at New Mexico (0-9).
23/23/NA (NA/NA/NA) West Virginia (7-2) The Mountaineers will play at #5 Cincinnati (9-0) on Friday night.
24/24/23 (NA/NA/25) South Florida (6-2) The Bulls will be playing at Rutgers (6-2) on Thursday night.
25/25/24 (NA/NA/NA) Auburn (7-3) The Tigers will play at Georgia (5-4).
NA/NA/25 (NA/NA/NA) Clemson (6-3) These Tigers play at North Carolina State (4-5).
1/1/1 (1/1/1) Florida (9-0) The Gators will play at South Carolina (6-4).
2/2/2 (2/2/2) Texas (9-0) The Longhorns play at Baylor (4-5).
3/3/3 (3/3/3) Alabama (9-0) The Tide rolls into Mississippi State (4-5).
4/4/6 (6/4/8) TCU (9-0) The Horned Frogs will host #14 Utah (8-1).
5/5/4 (4/7/4) Cincinnati (9-0) The Bearcats will host the # 23 West Virginia Mountaineers (7-2) on Friday night.
6/6/5 (5/5/6) Boise State (9-0) The Broncos will host Idaho (7-3).
7/7/7 (10/11/11) Georgia Tech (9-1) The Yellow Jackets will play at Duke (5-4).
8/8/13 (15/12/13) Ohio State (8-2) The Buckeyes host #13 Iowa (9-1).
9/9/8 (14/14/15) Pittsburgh (8-1) The Panthers will host Notre Dame (6-3).
10/10/12 (12/13/12) Southern California (7-2) The Trojans host Stanford (6-3).
11/11/15 (9/9/9) LSU (7-2) The Tigers will host Louisiana Tech (3-6).
12/12/16 (13/15/16) Houston (8-1) The Cougars will play at Central Florida (5-4).
13/13/10 (8/6/5) Iowa (9-1) The Hawkeyes play at #8 Ohio State (8-2).
14/14/14 (17/16/17) Utah (8-1) The Utes will play at #4 TCU (9-0).
15/15/9 (16/17/14) Miami (Fla.) (7-2) The Hurricanes will play at North Carolina (6-3).
16/16/11 (7/8/7) Oregon (7-1) The Ducks will host the Arizona State (4-5).
17/17/17 (11/10/10) Penn State (8-2) The Nittany Lions host Indiana (4-6).
18/18/19 (18/18/21) Oklahoma State (7-2) The Cowboys will host Texas Tech (6-3).
19/19/18 (21/19/18) Arizona (6-2) The Wildcats play at California (6-3).
20/20/21 (24/22/23) Wisconsin (7-2) The Badgers will host Michigan (5-5).
21/21/22 (22/24/24) Virginia Tech (6-3) The Hokies play at Maryland (2-7).
22/22/20 (25/25/22) Brigham Young (7-2) The Cougars play at New Mexico (0-9).
23/23/NA (NA/NA/NA) West Virginia (7-2) The Mountaineers will play at #5 Cincinnati (9-0) on Friday night.
24/24/23 (NA/NA/25) South Florida (6-2) The Bulls will be playing at Rutgers (6-2) on Thursday night.
25/25/24 (NA/NA/NA) Auburn (7-3) The Tigers will play at Georgia (5-4).
NA/NA/25 (NA/NA/NA) Clemson (6-3) These Tigers play at North Carolina State (4-5).
Results from Week 10
Week 10 saw Iowa’s luck run out as they lost their first to drop out of the ranks of the FBS’ undefeated. (On the other end,: New Mexico (0-9), Rice (0-9), Eastern Michigan (0-9) and Western Kentucky (0-9) are four teams still looking for their first win.) Lots of other upsets in the top 25 as well. Expect lots of shakeup from #5 on down in this week’s new rankings. (The rankings are from the AP/Coaches Poll/CBSSports 120. Those in parentheses are those going into week 9)
1/1/1 (1/1/2) Florida (9-0) The Gators beat the Commodores of Vanderbilt (2-8) 27-3.
2/2/2 (3/3/3) Texas (9-0) The Longhorns beat the UCF Knights (4-4) 35-3.
3/3/3 (2/2/1) Alabama (9-0) The Tide triumphed over the #9 LSU Tigers (7-2) 24-15.
4/7/4 (5/7/5) Cincinnati (9-0) The Bearcats edged the Connecticut Huskies (4-5) 47-45 behind their backup QB, Sophomore Zach Collaros who threw for 480 yards and ran for another 75. It was enough—barely—to stave off the Huskies who scored 35 points in the second half.
5/5/6 (6/5/8) Boise State (9-0) The Broncos held off the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-6) on Friday night 45-35.
6/4/8 (8/6/6) TCU (9-0) The Horned Frogs romped over the San Diego State Aztecs (4-5) 55-12.
7/8/7 (10/12/11) Oregon (7-2) The Ducks floundered on the road against the Stanford Cardinal (6-3) 51-42. Cardinal Toby Gerhart ran for a school record 223 yards.
8/6/5 (7/8/4) Iowa (9-1) The Hawkeyes lost their starting QB to injury and then dropped their first to the Northwestern Wildcats (6-4) 17-10.
9/9/9 (9/9/9) LSU (7-2) The Tigers lead the #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0) 7-3 at half time. Unfortunately they lost the second half 21-8—and the game24-15.
10/11/11 (11/11/13) Georgia Tech (9-1) The Yellow Jackets edged the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest (4-6) in overtime 30-27 as they eschewed the FG to tie and went on fourth and goal to win.
11/10/10 (12/10/10) Penn State (8-2) The Nittany Lions were beat by the #15 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2) 24-7.
12/13/12 (4/4/7) Southern California (7-2) The Trojans edged the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-5) 14-9 on the strength of a 55-yard interception return for a TD by Will Harris.
13/15/16 (15/16/18) Houston (8-1) The Cougars survived against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-5) 46-45. But it took a Case Keenum TD pass with 21 seconds left (Keenum then got sacked on the 2-point conversion), a recovered onsides kick, and a 51-yard field goal as time ran out. Keenum threw for 520 (40 for 60 and 3 TDs) yards in the victory.
14/14/15 (16/17/17) Pittsburgh (8-1) The Panthers beat the Syracuse Orange (3-6) 37-10.
15/12/13 (17/15/15) Ohio State (8-2) The Buckeyes beat the #11 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2) 24-7.
16/17/14 (18/18/16) Miami (Fla.) (7-2) The Hurricanes drubbed the Virginia Cavaliers (3-6) 55-17.
17/16/17 (19/19/19) Utah (8-1) The Utes romped over the New Mexico Lobos (0-9) 45-14.
18/18/21 (13/13/12) Oklahoma State (7-2) The Cowboys defeated the Iowa State Cyclones (5-5) 34-8.
19/21/20 (25/25/NA) Notre Dame (6-3) The Irish dropped a close one to the Midshipmen of Navy (7-3) 23-21.
20/20/19 (22/23/24) Oklahoma (5-4) The Sooners lost a defensive struggle to the Cornhuskers of Nebraska (6-3) 10-3.
21/19/18 (23/24/23) Arizona (6-2) The Wildcats routed the Washington State Cougars (1-8) 48-7.
22/24/24 (14/14/14) Virginia Tech (6-3) The Hokies beat the East Carolina Pirates (5-4) 16-3 Thursday night.
23/23/NA (NA/NA/NA) California (6-3) The Golden Bears got rolled by the Oregon State Beavers (6-3) 31-14.
24/22/23 (NA/NA/NA) Wisconsin (7-2) The Badgers held off the Indiana Hoosiers (4-6) 31-28.
25/25/22 (NA/NA/NA) Brigham Young (7-2) The Cougars shut out the Cowboys of Wyoming (4-5) 52-0.
NA/NA/25 (NA/NA/NA) South Florida (6-2) The Bulls will be idle this week.
1/1/1 (1/1/2) Florida (9-0) The Gators beat the Commodores of Vanderbilt (2-8) 27-3.
2/2/2 (3/3/3) Texas (9-0) The Longhorns beat the UCF Knights (4-4) 35-3.
3/3/3 (2/2/1) Alabama (9-0) The Tide triumphed over the #9 LSU Tigers (7-2) 24-15.
4/7/4 (5/7/5) Cincinnati (9-0) The Bearcats edged the Connecticut Huskies (4-5) 47-45 behind their backup QB, Sophomore Zach Collaros who threw for 480 yards and ran for another 75. It was enough—barely—to stave off the Huskies who scored 35 points in the second half.
5/5/6 (6/5/8) Boise State (9-0) The Broncos held off the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (3-6) on Friday night 45-35.
6/4/8 (8/6/6) TCU (9-0) The Horned Frogs romped over the San Diego State Aztecs (4-5) 55-12.
7/8/7 (10/12/11) Oregon (7-2) The Ducks floundered on the road against the Stanford Cardinal (6-3) 51-42. Cardinal Toby Gerhart ran for a school record 223 yards.
8/6/5 (7/8/4) Iowa (9-1) The Hawkeyes lost their starting QB to injury and then dropped their first to the Northwestern Wildcats (6-4) 17-10.
9/9/9 (9/9/9) LSU (7-2) The Tigers lead the #3 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-0) 7-3 at half time. Unfortunately they lost the second half 21-8—and the game24-15.
10/11/11 (11/11/13) Georgia Tech (9-1) The Yellow Jackets edged the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest (4-6) in overtime 30-27 as they eschewed the FG to tie and went on fourth and goal to win.
11/10/10 (12/10/10) Penn State (8-2) The Nittany Lions were beat by the #15 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2) 24-7.
12/13/12 (4/4/7) Southern California (7-2) The Trojans edged the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-5) 14-9 on the strength of a 55-yard interception return for a TD by Will Harris.
13/15/16 (15/16/18) Houston (8-1) The Cougars survived against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (4-5) 46-45. But it took a Case Keenum TD pass with 21 seconds left (Keenum then got sacked on the 2-point conversion), a recovered onsides kick, and a 51-yard field goal as time ran out. Keenum threw for 520 (40 for 60 and 3 TDs) yards in the victory.
14/14/15 (16/17/17) Pittsburgh (8-1) The Panthers beat the Syracuse Orange (3-6) 37-10.
15/12/13 (17/15/15) Ohio State (8-2) The Buckeyes beat the #11 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2) 24-7.
16/17/14 (18/18/16) Miami (Fla.) (7-2) The Hurricanes drubbed the Virginia Cavaliers (3-6) 55-17.
17/16/17 (19/19/19) Utah (8-1) The Utes romped over the New Mexico Lobos (0-9) 45-14.
18/18/21 (13/13/12) Oklahoma State (7-2) The Cowboys defeated the Iowa State Cyclones (5-5) 34-8.
19/21/20 (25/25/NA) Notre Dame (6-3) The Irish dropped a close one to the Midshipmen of Navy (7-3) 23-21.
20/20/19 (22/23/24) Oklahoma (5-4) The Sooners lost a defensive struggle to the Cornhuskers of Nebraska (6-3) 10-3.
21/19/18 (23/24/23) Arizona (6-2) The Wildcats routed the Washington State Cougars (1-8) 48-7.
22/24/24 (14/14/14) Virginia Tech (6-3) The Hokies beat the East Carolina Pirates (5-4) 16-3 Thursday night.
23/23/NA (NA/NA/NA) California (6-3) The Golden Bears got rolled by the Oregon State Beavers (6-3) 31-14.
24/22/23 (NA/NA/NA) Wisconsin (7-2) The Badgers held off the Indiana Hoosiers (4-6) 31-28.
25/25/22 (NA/NA/NA) Brigham Young (7-2) The Cougars shut out the Cowboys of Wyoming (4-5) 52-0.
NA/NA/25 (NA/NA/NA) South Florida (6-2) The Bulls will be idle this week.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Forget RED October,
This last one was sorta blue.
As in cold. I thought it was a bit chilly.
Only 1925 and 1976 had colder Octobers. And it wasn't just the US.
(More at October 2009 3rd Coldest for US in 115 Years at What's Up With That.)
And, WUWT also points out that it's just not the Fall that's been chill, Spring in the Southern Hemisphere has also been cold: Chilled Kiwi’s: Coldest October since 1945
NCDC has compiled the October temperatures and it ended up the 3rd coldest in 115 years. As we have shown it was cold over almost all the lower 48. Indeed only Florida came in above normal.
Only 1925 and 1976 had colder Octobers. And it wasn't just the US.
Also the University of Alabama global temperature is out and it is down this month. Hadley came in late for September but it was down. The trends since 2002 continue down for both even as CO2 rise.
(More at October 2009 3rd Coldest for US in 115 Years at What's Up With That.)
And, WUWT also points out that it's just not the Fall that's been chill, Spring in the Southern Hemisphere has also been cold: Chilled Kiwi’s: Coldest October since 1945
Friday, November 06, 2009
Aerie Report, November 6, 2009
Went through my PT this morning without a hitch and very, very little pain. Which is good, BTW. Everything seems to be getting back to normal--or at least what passes for normal--on my left knee. With two more sessions on the calender for next week, I might even surpass the range of motion I had before I slipped on that $(#*%^(*^ rock or root. I may have been compensating for a bum right ankle from years and years ago and tightening up my left ankle's tendons as well as those in the knee. Oh, I'm not ready to climb Mt. Washington--or even Katahdin, but things are definitely looking up.
******
With the bird feeding season underway, I got my digiscoping equipment out for the first time in months only to discover that the battery in the Nikon Coolpix P1 that I have mounted to the scope had died. No fear! I had a spare. I popped the spare in and the camera fired right up but needed to have all the settings for date, time, etc. redone. Bummer. Took me a bit to get that all done and remount the camera on the scorpe but it's ready to use now.
Except for one little problem.... The dead battery. I went looking for the recharger for that battery, a recharger that was put in a very safe place several months ago, but Can. Not. Find. IT! I spent several hours opening every single door and cabinet in the living area, looking in every basket and bag, searching the basement desk and boxes that have been moved from the living room to the basement. No luck. So I did it all again. Still no luck.
Finally, I went on line and found someone still selling that particular recharger at a reasonable price and who was willing to ship for free. It will take a week to 10 days to get here, but as soon as it does, I know for sure I will find the one that was put away oh so safely.
Happens all the freakin' time.
******
Speaking of rechargers.... Why is it that every single electrical device, be it mobile phone, camera (and each brand/model of camera at that), walkie talkie, flashlight, etc., that has a rechargeable battery either takes a different style of battery or has a different recharger it needs to be plugged into? Why can't there be some standardization in batteries and rechargers? In my search I must have come across five or six different rechargers that we need to use on devices we currently own PLUS two or three for devices we no longer possess. AND NONE OF THEM ARE INTERCHANGEABLE, every single one is unique to a particular device/battery. Madness!
******
We had a dusting of snow on the ground this morning with a temperature of just 28 degrees for the second straight day. It did warm to just over 45 degrees in the warm, beautiful sunshine of this afternoon but with the sky absolutely clear, the temp will drop like a stone tonight. They are promising a gorgeous weekend with the daytime highs reaching the 60s on Sunday and again on Monday before they fall back to the 40s for a spell. Only a tiny chance of precip in the forecast for Tuesday but the rest of the 10-day is sunny, sunny, sunny.
******
With the bird feeding season underway, I got my digiscoping equipment out for the first time in months only to discover that the battery in the Nikon Coolpix P1 that I have mounted to the scope had died. No fear! I had a spare. I popped the spare in and the camera fired right up but needed to have all the settings for date, time, etc. redone. Bummer. Took me a bit to get that all done and remount the camera on the scorpe but it's ready to use now.
Except for one little problem.... The dead battery. I went looking for the recharger for that battery, a recharger that was put in a very safe place several months ago, but Can. Not. Find. IT! I spent several hours opening every single door and cabinet in the living area, looking in every basket and bag, searching the basement desk and boxes that have been moved from the living room to the basement. No luck. So I did it all again. Still no luck.
Finally, I went on line and found someone still selling that particular recharger at a reasonable price and who was willing to ship for free. It will take a week to 10 days to get here, but as soon as it does, I know for sure I will find the one that was put away oh so safely.
Happens all the freakin' time.
******
Speaking of rechargers.... Why is it that every single electrical device, be it mobile phone, camera (and each brand/model of camera at that), walkie talkie, flashlight, etc., that has a rechargeable battery either takes a different style of battery or has a different recharger it needs to be plugged into? Why can't there be some standardization in batteries and rechargers? In my search I must have come across five or six different rechargers that we need to use on devices we currently own PLUS two or three for devices we no longer possess. AND NONE OF THEM ARE INTERCHANGEABLE, every single one is unique to a particular device/battery. Madness!
******
We had a dusting of snow on the ground this morning with a temperature of just 28 degrees for the second straight day. It did warm to just over 45 degrees in the warm, beautiful sunshine of this afternoon but with the sky absolutely clear, the temp will drop like a stone tonight. They are promising a gorgeous weekend with the daytime highs reaching the 60s on Sunday and again on Monday before they fall back to the 40s for a spell. Only a tiny chance of precip in the forecast for Tuesday but the rest of the 10-day is sunny, sunny, sunny.
Jungle Trader Packs Up His Tent
Going through my Favorites links the last few days and I note that the Jungle Trader has pulled up stakes and moved on. Always a source of links to the weird and unusual, his reports on our wacky, wild world will be missed.
Where will I go now fro news on lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and pirates?
He's actually going to be starting up TWO new business ventures! Either he knows something or he's a brave, brave soul...and based upon his little sidebar statement of his past, it might seem the latter is more probable.
Where will I go now fro news on lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and pirates?
He's actually going to be starting up TWO new business ventures! Either he knows something or he's a brave, brave soul...and based upon his little sidebar statement of his past, it might seem the latter is more probable.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
New Apple Products (?)
Got it via email:
Apple announced today that it has developed a breast implant that can store and play music. The iTit will cost from $499 to $699, depending on cup and speaker size.
This is considered a major social breakthrough, because women are always complaining about men staring at their breasts and not listening to them.
Some Guys are Born Lucky
I got an email from my son, Rick, in Portland telling me of the hunting adventures of his co-worker...
What can you say. Sometimes the critters around a farm are really, really stupid.
So my Co-worker Tim (He's my mentor I spend a lot of time in the truck with him) is a bow hunter, and a smoker. A menthol light smoker. He's had a number of deer over the years but he's never shot an elk. The General Manager, Ray, would constantly make fun of Tim calling him a butt-hacker and telling Tim that he would never get an elk, they will be able to smell him from miles away.
During elk season Tim took a week off and went with his buddies into the cascades. They set up camp in the corner of a farm and planned on mountain biking down the closed logging roads to were they would hunt. When they set up camp the farmer pointed across the road to a little creak and said, "You should try over there. I see elk over there all the time."
Tim and his buddies proceed to spend the next few days biking miles out of camp into the mountains in their search for elk. Nothing. On the fourth or so day they were all exhausted of hunting (and biking) and decided to have a camp day.
So there they were playing cards and drinking beer. All. Day. Long. When they heard a noise from across the road.
"I'm gonna go check that out" says Tim, grabbed his bow and meandered nosily to the other side of the road.
And lo and behold he came back 15 minutes later and told his crew he was going to need help. Tim got his first cow elk. At camp. With a bow. While drunk. Right were the farmer said to look.
Rick
What can you say. Sometimes the critters around a farm are really, really stupid.
I'm Well Rested This Morn.
Got a lot of sleep last night. Started early to bed and stayed there well past 7 AM. Thanks, Matsui!
Yanks win 7-3 and Matsui has 6 RBI? And Matsui, with just 13 plate appearances, becomes the Series MVP? God, I hate the designated hitter!
Seriously though, congratulations to Hideki Matsui on being selected as the MVP. He's been one of the few in the last couple of years who has gone out and done his job on the field and been a real professional off the field as well. And he's done this since June 15, 2005 on a pair of bad knees that keep him from playing in the outfield. Without the DH, he would have been forced out of the game. I still don't like that particular rule (the DH), but it has certainly preserved the careers of many pure hitters.
Yanks win 7-3 and Matsui has 6 RBI? And Matsui, with just 13 plate appearances, becomes the Series MVP? God, I hate the designated hitter!
Seriously though, congratulations to Hideki Matsui on being selected as the MVP. He's been one of the few in the last couple of years who has gone out and done his job on the field and been a real professional off the field as well. And he's done this since June 15, 2005 on a pair of bad knees that keep him from playing in the outfield. Without the DH, he would have been forced out of the game. I still don't like that particular rule (the DH), but it has certainly preserved the careers of many pure hitters.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Talkin' Baseball
Tonight I sit back and watch at least the first six orr seven innings of THE game. Although, if Pedro and the Phillies fall more than three runs behind early on, I'll probably chug my beer and head for bed with a book in hand.
It's not that I'm a Phillies Phan, anything but. No, I'm a die hard anti-Yankees Fan. I thought Damn Yankees was a documentary. I discovered baseball fandom in 1962 when the Mets were born. Prior to that date, I didn't have a baseball team. Born in 1949, I could have been a Dodgers or Giants fan, but those teams had left NYC in 1957, about the time would have been getting into baseball. Living in northern New Jersey, the only team on radio or TV and in the newspapers day in and day out from 1958 through 1961 were those damn, insufferable, Yankees.
Oh, individual Yankee players were fine. I liked Yogi (really, who didn't!) and enjoyed the M & M boys (Maris and Mantle for those who need to ask) and their great year of 1961. Elston Howard, Whitey Ford, Boyer...each was an excellent player and had tremendous skills that were, well, admirable. It was the Yankee TEAM that I couldn't stand. Never did like bullies and that's what they seemed to be to me. They beat everyone!
They still do. What is it up to now? Forty (40) American League titles, 26 World Series Championships? Something like that. Pretty obscene for a team that came to NYC in 1903 as the Highlanders. (The name was changed to Yankees in 1913.) One hundred six years and they've got nearly 40% of the American League titles. Between 1949 and 1964 the freakin' Yankees were in the World Series 14 times! That's 14 times in 16 years! AND they won five in a row between 1949 and 1954.
It still gets my goat that so much was made of the Yankees return to the World Series after an absence of nine years. Cry me a freakin' river!
I still hate the Phillies. But for tonight--and hopefully tomorrow night, I'll be rooting for them like crazy.
It's not that I'm a Phillies Phan, anything but. No, I'm a die hard anti-Yankees Fan. I thought Damn Yankees was a documentary. I discovered baseball fandom in 1962 when the Mets were born. Prior to that date, I didn't have a baseball team. Born in 1949, I could have been a Dodgers or Giants fan, but those teams had left NYC in 1957, about the time would have been getting into baseball. Living in northern New Jersey, the only team on radio or TV and in the newspapers day in and day out from 1958 through 1961 were those damn, insufferable, Yankees.
Oh, individual Yankee players were fine. I liked Yogi (really, who didn't!) and enjoyed the M & M boys (Maris and Mantle for those who need to ask) and their great year of 1961. Elston Howard, Whitey Ford, Boyer...each was an excellent player and had tremendous skills that were, well, admirable. It was the Yankee TEAM that I couldn't stand. Never did like bullies and that's what they seemed to be to me. They beat everyone!
They still do. What is it up to now? Forty (40) American League titles, 26 World Series Championships? Something like that. Pretty obscene for a team that came to NYC in 1903 as the Highlanders. (The name was changed to Yankees in 1913.) One hundred six years and they've got nearly 40% of the American League titles. Between 1949 and 1964 the freakin' Yankees were in the World Series 14 times! That's 14 times in 16 years! AND they won five in a row between 1949 and 1954.
It still gets my goat that so much was made of the Yankees return to the World Series after an absence of nine years. Cry me a freakin' river!
I still hate the Phillies. But for tonight--and hopefully tomorrow night, I'll be rooting for them like crazy.
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