Short week coming

Yeah I know, time to get back to the work that we all love to day and stop the enjoyment. This week however will be a short one for me as Friday is the 4th of July and a Holiday for just about everyone.

This weekend will kick off with a definite bang Thursday evening as we head over to Dan and Lisa Barnes's home and enjoy the annual pic nic there filled with karaoke, food, and wiffle ball.

Last year I learned that many members of my softball team are very experienced and seasoned karaoke patrons as I sat back in amazement at the amount of singing talent (not me) on my softball team last year.

Speaking of Softball, game tonight at 9:00.

Yesterday's Party

Michelle, Hayley and I had a great time over at Pat and Frank's for the annual Rosiak family 4th of July party. Food was awesome as always, Pat does a great job preparing a feast that even the pic nic gods would salivate over. A table just full of home made dish's, it was a fat man's dream.LOL

After eating Trish caught Pat by surprise and had a birthday cake made for her with a picture of her when she was younger. It turned out really well and it was a surprise ton Pat, I don't think she expected it in the slightest.

After that, the traditional water battle. This water battle is one that you can't stay dry for if you are outside. I blew the dust off of my Super Soaker for this annual event ends up with EVERYONE getting totally drenched. There is no little bit of water, buckets and bowls are used as well as the hose, waterguns, water balloons and just about anything that will temporarily hold a liquid substance. I had the girls warned and they also brought a change of dry clothes for after the battle.

I have uploaded all my pictures from yesterday HERE for all to see and all to enjoy. I had a great time yesterday as did Michelle and Hayley. I heart felt thank you to Trish, Pat and Frank for allowing me to continue to enjoy myself for the 11th year in a row at this event.

Rosiak Party today.

Today should be an interesting day, it's going to start with Michelle and I going to breakfast. Most likely going to the IHOP for breakfast and then probably going out and seeking a few geocaches this morning.

After that I would figure we'll come home for a late morning/early Afternoon naparoo before we head over to the Rosiak annual 4th of July pic nic. Michelle has but a big watergun and I still have my big supersoaker from ten years ago and my first party that I will once again break out and start to use.

It should be a pretty eventful day.

It's a Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes faithful readers, it is once again that time of the week when the labors for the week cease and we take time out to enjoys the fruits of our labors. It is a Big Ole Hairy Friday and the start of yet another weekend. It's the time we all work for all workweek long.

For those of you looking for a free movie at hazel Ruby McQuain park, they will be playing the movie Nancy Drew . So if you are looking for a little free, family oriented entertainment, Hazel Ruby McQuain Parl is the place to be tonight.

In case you missed it lasty night, Joe Alexander became the first, first round WVU basketball player to become a first round draft pick in 40 years when the Milwaukee Bucks Drafted Joe as the 8th overall pick of the NBA draft last night. Congratulations Joe, you deserve it and it was an honor to watch you this past year.

Coach Bob Huggins was there with Joe, ironically two players that even went higher than Joe had ties to Bob Huggins. The number 2 pick, Michael Beasley was recruited by Huggins last year at Kansas State and Huntington native and number three pick OJ Mayo both had close ties to Coach Huggins. It's a great night to be a Mountaineer.

In case you missed it.



Have a great day!!

NBA Draft Tonight

The 2008 NBA draft is going on tonight at 7:00 or 7:30. I'm pretty sure it will be on ESPN or ESPN2 this evening and I plan on watching.

A few years ago I watched the entire draft waiting to hear Mike Gansey or Kevin Pittsnogles name be called, but the draft came and went with Gansey listed as the best available for about 75% of the draft and neither one of were selected. I was quite disappointed to say the least.

The last time WVU had someone drafted in the first round on the NBA draft was 1968 with Ron "Fritz" Williams. The drought should end tonight when Joe Alexander becomes just the 6th First Round Pick from WVU. He is believed to be going to Milwaukee at the 8th overall pick in the first round.

Other First Round picks from WVU:

1952 Mark Workman (11th overall)
1957 "Hot" Rod Hundley (1st overall)
1960 Jerry West (2nd overall)
1963 Rod Thorn (3rd overall)
1968 Ron "Fritz" Williams (9th overall)

Joe could have come back for his Sr year, but his draft status has risen like a NASA Space shuttle as he is now a lottery pick and bank account is going to be quite full in the next few days.

Good Luck Joe, it has been a pleasure.

Midweek

Last night I saw a new cache to go and grab. Michelle was coming over and I noticed that there was a new cache at the end of Goshen Road by the interstate called Goshen Road West. So me and my sweeties decided to load up the GPS and head towards Nick and Terri's to find this cache.

The cache was a pretty easy one, Michelle ended being the one to find it beating me to it. We dropped off a travel bug in it, but ironically it was removed before I even got home to log the find. That's 30 and growing for number of caches.

Tuesdays Tidbits

* Every once in a while you have a little writers block and I just need to put our a tidbits.

* July 13 will be a dual Erica/Josh birthday party at Val's. She has decided to celebrate both of their birthdays in one shot this year.

* A Very Happy Birthday should have went out to Trish's Mom Pat Rosiak.

* Speaking of Rosiak, Michelle and I will be venturing to the Rosiak family 4th of July pic nic this Saturday. I'll make sure my biggest water gun is up and running and ready to be used. great time, great food and a huge water battle.

* I may have to make a business trip here next month to Charleston, South Carolina. July and the beach, I can't think of a better way to spend a few days, especially when it is on someone else's dime.

* I tried calling Mom this past Saturday, she was on a church trip to Columbus Ohio for the day.

Bob Gill

Back in 1974, Daredevils were the kings of the media. There was Evel Knievel who was arguably the most noted daredevil in the mid 70's, especially with his rocket car and Snake River Canyon Jump. But Evel did not hold the world record nor was he the first daredevil to ever attempt a Canyon Jump.

Both of these distinctions were held by a man named Bob Gill. He was the first the Jump a Canyon when in 1972 Bob jumped Cajun Canyon on nothing more than a motorcycle and no landing ramp.

Saturday I was driving through Terra Alta with Michelle and we were passing by Appalachia Lake. I told her the brief story of a great daredevil from yesteryear and his attempt to break his own world record with this jump. Bob is a MySpace Friend and I have sent him a few messages over the past year. I went to his site yesterday and saw a documentary on him that had some footage that I have never seen before.

HERE is the documentary, it was quite entertaining and took me back to an innocent time in my own childhood when he and Evel, the fearless motorcycle jumpers of yesterday were my heros.

Bob is planning on possibly returning to jumping later this year when he will take his jet powered Trike and make a jump in Las Vegas. I'll update everyone when I find out anything more or a specific date.

100 Days and counting

This is the 100th day since Michelle and I had our first date, so it can be called our 100 day celebration. Each day I grow closer and closer to her and am very thankful that she has come into my life. I must have done something right, because I am as happy now as I have ever been. I don't think I have ever been this fortunate in my life as far as career, education, love life, family, health and just general well being has all been this much in sync at one time.

Not to mention finding someone I love very much in the last 100 days I have been on a memorable team that competed in Steelers Trivia and been selected the the Blue and Gold News Hall of Fame, switched jobs, switched offices and have really started pursuing a new hobby of geocaching.

Speaking of, I went back up yesterday and grabbed a picture of what I was talking about yesterday. I just you need a better camera than what I have to capture the majestic view that is that location.

Have a game tonight at 8:00 and a double header tomorrow, the fun continues.

Michelle, thank you for coming into my life, here is to the next 100 days.

Start of a Multi Cache last night.

Last night Michelle and I started a multi cache, which is a series of caches to try to find the final one. The one we started doing was called shoppers delight. It started out at Mountaineer Mall and the second part is at Morgantown Mall and the two of these will provide the coordinates to the final cache. We have half of the coordinates for the final cache, we just need to find the second half today to get those final coords.

In our adventures last night, I found a great desktop shot for you photographers of the city of Morgantown. Just go behind target and you will see one of the single most picturesque views of Morgantown that I think I have ever seen. Going at early dusk when lights are starting to come on is the ultimate time to grab this picture that I did not grab last night.

Later on my sweetie and I stopped at Wal-Mart and got the guilt free size versions of Ben and Jerry's ice cream before we came home and retired for the evening.

You have to love a girl who is channel surfing and finds a 0-0 Pittsburgh Pirates game on in the 10th inning and says ooo ooo.

Have a great day.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes fans, it is once again that favorite time of the week that we all look forward to, when the labors of the week cease and we take time out to enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is once again a Big Ole Hairy Friday and the start of yet another weekend.

I would first like to point out to all the readers who have some kind of a tie to the great state of West Virginia that 145 years ago today, we told Virginia to kiss our rosy red butts and formed our own state. Happy Birthday West Virginia.

There is no movie tonight at the Hazel Ruby McQuain park, but Nancy Drew will play next Friday night. However there will be a few bands playing there throughout the weekend if you would like to slip down for a little entertaining music.

If you are looking to get a little out of town, the West Virginia Folk Festival is this weekend in Glenville. There are actually a couple fiddle and banjo contests, one for over 50 and one for those under 50 years old.

Michelle will be kidless this weekend as Haley and Chad are going to go and see their Uncle for the weekend. I'm sure she and I will find something to do or get into. maybe a geocache or two or maybe even a movie or something.

Weather should be semi-nice for the weekend, calling for a thundershower Saturday though. Sounds like nice nap weather if you ask me.

Have a great day and a greater weekend.

Happy Birtthday Erica Jean Nicholson

Man does time fly by, Erica Jean Nicholson is four years old today. To me this is a significant age, it is the time in my life when I can place a time period on my fourth birthday and is arguably my oldest memory that I can actually put a specific date on. It's hard to realize that four years has went by awfully quick.

Not sure what Erica Jean is going to be getting into today and the specifics of Val's birthday plans (she mentioned them to me but I can't recall specifics right now, but I am pretty sure she is wanting to have Erica and Josh's B-Day parties together.

Happy Fourth Birthday Erica Jean.

Had a pretty funny website sent to me yesterday.

I had a pretty funny website sent to me yesterday at work. I didn't get a chance to really look at it other than a few things yesterday, but when I got home last night I found it to be quite entertaining to say the least.

Failblog.org. Some stuff may be not real safe for work because of the language.

A small sample.

Josh Judy kicking some butt

I decided to check up today how Josh was doing pitching for the Indians A affiliate the Lake County Indians.

Well, I don;t know why I am surprised once I checked his stats, he is currently 7-0 this season and just mowing batters down left and right as you can see by the youtube video.

I did manage to find an article on the net that seems to think that Josh will make it to the Majors, and I will have to say I concur. I went and watched him play in High school and he was hitting the low to mid 90's pretty consistently.

Keep going Josh, I'm waiting for the major league debut.

Back 2 Work

Alright, I had a great weekend but it is time to now stick the nose back to the grindstone for five more days and return back to work. This will be our first full normal day in our new office and there is a little bit of excitement to get everything finally situated and get back to normal.

No softball game tonight or tomorrow night, but we return to action next week with a double header.

Happy Fathers Day

Sunday Morning

Great weekend even though the weather was a little less than cooperative yesterday. The day started out with a great breakfast at IHOP, let me just say I have a new favorite breakfast restaurant and it is definitely the IHOP. Butter Pecan Syrup on Pan Cakes, yumm.

The we went to Mon Valley Paintball Park for a little fun with the guys shooting each other. There were another softball team, March Westin, that also showed up to play. Maybe we have had a little trouble beating them on the field of Softball but Paintball is a whole different story.

The weather however was raining all day so we were soaked to say the least. The day ended up being cut a little short, but a great day. You have to love Michelle, she was the only significant other that showed up this time and she sat out in the rain with an umbrella looking great. How can you not love a girl who who do that for you. What a sweetheart.

Last night we ventured out to watch the West Virginia Gladiators show the people of Huntington how to play football. They were down 0-6 and eventually fell behind 0-13 on a muffed punt return, but then with the exception of one kickoff return it was all Gladiators in a 50-19 whipping of the boys from Huntington. I have it on good authority, there are no good football teams in Huntington and even Randy Moss is wearing custom made WVU gear these days.

Today, it's back to my normal schedule before returning to work tomorrow at my new office in Fairmont.

Hope you have had a great of a weekend as I have.

It's a Paintball Day

Woo Hoo, it's the first BOPARC MVP Softball team Paintball outing of the season. Whenre we as a team get together and take a trip to the best paintball park in the tri-state area, were going to Mountain Valley Paintball Park and going to go shoot each other with Paintballs.

This will be the third year of us playing paintball together, there will be a few new players added that we have never played with before, but that doesn't matter I'm just a big immobile target who gets blasted.

Come out if you like, $25.00 gets you your rental equipment and 500 paintballs.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes, it is once again that favorite time of the week when the labors of the week cease, and we take time out to sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors. It is the Start of yet another weekend!!!

It's going to be a short day for me on the first day in our new office in Fairmont. Tuesday saw us pack everything up in our old office and today we will be unpacking and sorting things out in our new office.

I did get a great little present from Michelle and Hayley yesterday, they bought me a 7" digital picture frame that I have taken my old SD card and have used as the pictures. I'm going to put it on my desk at my new office rather than putting up multiple picture frames. I was very surprised and grateful of the gesture, I am going to put it to good use.

Tonight Boparc will return it's Family Night Under the Stars Drive-in Movies with a free showing of teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles tonight at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater downtown.

Michelle and I went to Black Bear last night for dinner. I think she was impressed with the food, I've always loved the place and enjoyed the food. If you are going to go to the movie tonight, stop in at Black Bear before you stop down. Sam Lamont, a guy who I used to work with at the NRAC will be playing at 6:30.

Does anyone realize that it is Friday the 13th?

Have a great day.

Satire test

'Warcraft' Sequel Lets Gamers Play A Character Playing 'Warcraft'

High Street, the Street that Never Sleeps

A Team we competed against at Steelrs Trivia

Nice little article on a team that my buddy Phil, it's bad enough he screws with me on the weather, was with.

LINK






Local Steelers fans set to compete in KDKA trivia event
Written by Jillian Deasey
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Image
(From left): Doug Lyle, team captain Bill Grinder and Mike Stello study up on their Steelers’ knowledge as the team -- the Groundchuck Nollhogs -- prepares to compete in the Steelers Trivia Challenge this weekend at the KDKA-TV studios in Pittsburgh. (Photo by Jillian Deasey)


PUNXSUTAWNEY -- Pittsburgh is about to get a taste of Steelers pride from Punxsutawney this weekend, as the Steelers Trivia Challenge -- sponsored by McDonald’s and KDKA-TV -- kicks off on KDKA-TV. The contest begins Saturday.

Local residents Mike Stello, Doug Lyle and team captain Bill Grinder will be among those taking part, and have dubbed themselves the “Groundchuck Nollhogs,” a team name dedicated to Punxsutawney and former Steelers coach Chuck Noll.

The trio was selected by audition from a total of 250 applicants to face off against 18 other teams of three.

Grinder stumbled across the contest online, and with years of trivia contest experiences -- such as radio contests for the past eight years -- between the three of them, they are feeling confident.

The Groundchuck Nollhogs have strategically split up Steelers trivia among themselves for study.

Stello’s five inch binder is full of information and stacks of index cards covering anything from every player who ever wore a Steeler jersey, to player statistics, among other facts.

When asked how long he studies daily, Stello said, “About four to five hours every day.”

Explaining his Steelers-studies, Lyle explained he has reviewed “mostly Wild Card games, a couple of the Super Bowls -- early Super Bowls and players’ numbers.”

Grinder has studied more recent Super Bowls and other statistics to round out the team.

Considering that the trivia is in the KDKA contest covers anything Steelers-related from 1933 to the present, the “Groundchuck Nollhogs” have their work cut out for them.

“We’re going to have to get about 90 percent of the questions right to win it,” Stello said.

Besides competing to be the Steelers Trivia champions, each team is competing for thousands of dollars in prizes, including three 42-inch Westinghouse televisions, Steelers tickets, McDonald’s giftcards, and of course, a trophy, with a gold football on top.

“We play the Iron City Boys and the Steel City Teachers in our first round,” Lyle said.

“Are you scared that they’re teachers?” Stello asked.

All of the rounds will be filmed this weekend, and the Saturday winners will compete in the remaining games Sunday, which are split up into three rounds each.

The first round is a speed-based round, while the second round -- a “Stat Pak” round, based entirely on statistics -- is answered by one team at a time. The final round is based on statistics and played between all three teams.


= = = = = =

The Groundchuck Nollhogs will compete in the Steelers Trivia Challenge -- sponsored by McDonald’s and KDKA-TV -- this weekend, and they seek fellow hometown Steelers fans to cheer them on in the live audience.

Saturday’s filming begins at 3:30 p.m., at KDKA-TV, One Gateway Center, Pittsburgh. Audience members must be seated by 2:30 p.m. Parking is at the responsibility of those attending.

Tune in to Channel 2 KDKA-TV at 11:30 p.m. July 13 to watch the first game of the contest. One game of the challenge will be aired every Saturday night through September.

Log onto kdka.com and search for “Steelers Trivia.”
Last Updated ( Friday, 30 May 2008 )



Another team we competed against was Steeler Fury.

LINK

Moke's First Day of College

Moke caled me a couple times yesterday morning, the first was on his way to his first college class. He seemed a little bit nervous, but more so he seemed to be excited.

After his first class (it was English) he called me again and seemed pretty happy. He had finally started to accomplish a dream he has, he has taken the first steps on campus.

Later yesterday he had a Math Class and an online College 101 class where they will probably be covering the basics on being a college student and exposing him to all the possible majors that are out there.

Needless to say that I am very proud of him personally as I am sure his Mom and Dad, his Brother, Grandmother and Aunts and Uncles are also very proud of him.

I remember years ago seeing a definition for the word genius that I have never forgotten and believe to the fullest. Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration. Anyone can dream big, it's making those dreams reality that people will remember, respect and look up to you for.

Good Luck Moke.

Great Weather Weekend

Wow, what a great weekends worth of weather, suck it Phil, it was in the mid 90's all the time. Saturday's pleasure turned into Sunday's suffering however as I have acquired a pretty good sun burn and am going through a whole can of Solarcaine with Aloe, but I'll take it. I'll take sunburn over frostbite any day of the week.

Today should also be another day in the Mid 90's before the temps drop to the mid 80's tomorrow. We have a softball game tonight at 6:00, so hopefully it cools down a little bit by then.

Deep Creek

We had a great day yesterday at Deep Creek Lake. We started out by doing two easy Geocaches on our way to Deep Creek. Both were simple and located at overlooks on the way to Deep Creek, so they were nice relaxing ones that allowed Hayley to get a couple scenic pictures on our way there.

We packed up a cooler and fired up the BBQ grill and enjoyed mid 90 degree weather at the lake. The water was cold at first, but it was a nice counteraction to the heat. I think all of us got a little bit, me moreso, of sunburn. My shoulders and back are burnt, but I'll take the sacrifice.

Today I am getting ready to start my normal routine, but I'm going in to work a few hours this afternoon. We're moving the office this week and will be off Wed and Thursday and I figure Friday is basically going to be a throw away day as we will probably be organizing and putting our stuff back together.

Have a great Sunday, get out and enjoy the weather, mid 90's again today and tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Hayley

Last night we started to celebrate Michelle's daughter, Hayley's birthday with a nice relaxing dinner to Cheddars and a movie afterwards. Michelle and I took Hayley and her boyfriend Wyatt out to dinner and then out to see a pretty good movie called Kung Fu Panda with Jack Black.

Today the three of us are going to take full advantage of 90+ degree weather and are heading to I believe Deep Creek Lake for the day. Going to get out and enjoy the nice weather with some great scenery and maybe have a little bit of a cookout at one of their many pic nic areas.

It should be a great day.

Big Ole Hairy Friday

Yes fans, it is once again that time of the week when the work for the week ceases and we sit back and take time to enjoy the fruits of of labors, it is once again the start of the weekend and Friday!!!

Last night Michelle and I went over to see Gary for his birthday. Renee made a Lasagna Dinner (three thumbs up if I had another hand) that was awesome. Jean, Val and Bobby and the kids were also there. Renee did a very nice job of organizing a nice little party.

There is no movie tonight at Hazel Ruby McQuain, but the Mon Big River band will be playing.

Tonight Michelle and I will be taking Hayley and Wyatt out for dinner to Cheddars for her birthday. Afterwards there will be a movie in the works for us, it will be Kung Fu Panda.

No definitive plans for Hayley's Birthday tomorrow, but since it is calling for temps in the 90's all weekend, you can bet it will be outdoors and somewhere close to water.

Have a great day.

Look what we have here

Look at the name and signature of the Lobbyist and the Name and Signature of the Employer.

Happy Birthday Gary

If you get the chance today, make sure that you wish Gary a very Happy Birthday. Let's see, I am still 21 so that makes him.....

A few images from this past weekend

Early Morning Ramblings

Good Morning, it's early Wed morning and we are at hump day. The mid point of the week and the start of the downhill ride to the weekend.

Big news out of WVU, five prominent WVU Alumni have called for President Mike Garrison to step down and for the BOG to do a self evaluation of itself over the last year since David Hardesty's retirement announcement. They question the BOG's decision to hire the unqualified man and their continued support of him throughout this process. When we talk prominant Alumni, we're talking 5 people who donate seven figures a year to WVU. Even though Ken Kendrick and myself have had our differences (he is also a B&G News Poster) I fully support him on this issue. HERE is the letter.

Mike Garrison is damaging this University every day that he refuses to resign, if he truly loved this University, he would don the right thing and allow the entity that is West Virginia University to start the healing process with him stepping down. As long as the cancer is present, there is no healing. The Faculty, Staff and prominent Alumni have spoken. Time for the good ole boy network to remove itself. Joe Manchin, as much as I think you are one of our state's best Governors, you are next this November.

On the softball front, Mark Devault suffered an avulsion fracture Sunday night. He's hoping to be ready Monday night, hurry back Mark.

Tomorrow night Michelle will meet my final sibling when she and I will be venturing to Gary and Renee's. Seems like he is going to be a year older tomorrow.

Back to above .500

Our softball team which had dropped two straight games has pulled the record back to above .500 at 3-2. We won both games over the past couple of days when we returned a couple of older players. Dan has come back from double elbow surgery and is back to form of a few years ago and Casey has found a job in Morgantown and will be moving back home, but was here for the two games.

For me however, I told Michelle before the game started that I felt like I was throwing a shotput when I threw the ball and I was swinging a 10 pound bat. Everything was the exact opposite the night before, but I knew prior to the game this was not going to be my day.

However it is a team game and the team won which is the main thing. We'll return to action next Monday at 6:00.

Weekend's over

I had a great weekend this past weekend. It started Friday evening with Michelle drilling me on Steeler's trivia and ended with a nice little softball win last night.

An old team mate has rejoined the team. Casey now has a job at WVU and will be moving back to Morgantown, he was there last night and played. Last night's game was a good game against a team we have played for years that includes Rich's grandson Brandon. We won last night and played arguably our best game of the season.

Yesterday was a long day, today will be a long one too as I'll be working longer shifts this week to make up hours for when we plan on moving our office to Fairmont. To top that off, I have another softball game tonight at 6:00.

Have a great day.

KDKA Steelers Trivia Challenge

We taped our first round game yesterday morning, it will air July 19 at 11:35 PM on KDKA. I'm not going to talk about any results, but I have to be back at KDKA this morning at 8:00 AM.