I am so over all the drama surrounding Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. Even though I'd like to keep Melo and Billups around (and get rid of JR, K-Mart, Birdman, and others) at this point I just want the Nuggets to get something out of Melo instead of letting him finish the season and move to New York in the off season. The more I watch of the Nuggets, however, I find myself wishing they would get rid of the entire team (keep Lawson and Afflalo) and start from scratch. Two games in a row now the No-guts have jumped to an early 15+ point lead only to lose the game due to poor shooting and even worse defense. These guys are no fun to watch and I can usually only make it 5 - 10 minutes before I start channel surfing.
Things aren't any better for the other Pepsi Center team as the Avs have now lost 8 games in a row after last night's 9 - 1 beat down at the hands of the Calgary Flames. There was at least something to cheer for when Peter Forsberg returned to the team but that lasted only 2 games and he is now officially retired. The team is in serious need of a goalie and some quality veterans although at this point in the season there is no reason to add payroll. Speaking of payroll, the Avs are second to last in the league (or right around there) in team payroll and are something like $15M under the salary cap. Apparently the Kroenke family spent all their money bringing Josh McDaniels to St. Louis that they don't have money to spend on the Avs.
I never thought I would say this but the local college hoops teams are actually the talk of the town right now. Tad Boyle and the CU Buffs had a very hot start to the Big 12 season by beating ranked teams Missouri and Kansas St. Although they have cooled off a bit of late (although a big win Saturday against Kansas St.) they still have the chance to win 20 games this year and potentially make the NCAA tourney.
Up in Fort Collins CSU is currently at 17-7 and, with a few more wins and a decent run in the MWC tourney, might find themselves in the NCAA tourney this year. I think they still need a signature win (still have games at #7 BYU and at #6 San Diego St.) but I've been very impressed with they way they have played this year.
OK enough sports, I need to add some reading in here for those non-sports fans *cough*Angie*cough* that read my blog. Although snow is far from my mind right now (currently 66 F in Erie) a few weeks ago I remembered why I hate shoveling snow. I've got nice boots and a warm coat so I don't mind the cold. I don't even mind the back pain because at least it means I'm actually working my back. The worst part of shoveling snow is the constant handle to the gut/crotch when the blade of the shovel hits the gap between sections of the driveway. I often get lazy when I shovel and decide that the best plan is just to push the snow as far as I can before I have to scoop and dump. Most of the time this involves crossing at least one gap in the driveway. I assume the position of shovel out in front of me with both hands on the handle and the handle pointing directly toward my gut area. It doesn't matter if it push up the driveway or down the driveway the blade of the shovel always seems to dip into the gap, stopping all forward momentum, all the while I walk into the handle. I usually look around to see how many neighbors were watching, tip the handle down a bit to free the blade, and continue to push until...I hit the next gap. Thank goodness I inherited a snow blower so my shoveling related injuries are at a minimum.
While I was happy to get the snow blower from my Dad I am sad that I got it because my folks moved to Senegal. I dropped them off at the airport on Saturday morning, said my goodbyes to them and Mike, Melissa, and family, and went home to feel sorry for myself. Luckily my sweet wife Angie decided to cheer me up with a dinner at Village Tavern and a movie. We went to see True Grit which I thought was very good and would recommend it. I miss you Mom, Dad, Mike, Melissa, and girls!
Thoughts and prayers to baby girl's newest friend and second cousin. We hope you and your folks are doing well and we can't wait to meet you!
