by Jason Meinen | Oct 28, 2015 | Music, Rave, Sports
The Bucks! The Bucks! I am SO excited for the 2015-16 Milwaukee Bucks basketball season. Although I am always excited about Bucks basketball, this is probably the most excitement I have had since that 2000-01 season (and we all know that the Eastern Conference Finals were fixed that year). I really wish I could attend tonight’s season opener in person (Pat, I want a towel). It feels like yesterday that I attended last season’s home opener on Halloween night…the energy that night in the BC was amazing! The bars afterward in MKE…let’s just say never go as Jordy Nelson for Halloween.
Here are a few things that I am looking forward to this Bucks season…
- New uniforms (it was about time…the Christmas colors had grown stale)…plus alternate black uniforms (I would liked to have seen throwback uniforms of some kind, but maybe in time…the new owners seem to know what they’re doing).
- New court design (while I liked the last design, the new design is even better and fresher)…plus the NBA’s first alternate court to be used during the four alternate jersey dates. Very cool idea!
- New players…Greg Monroe, Greivis Vasquez, Chris Copeland, and the Rook…Rashad Vaughn (I can’t wait to see these four in action).
- New announcers…GUS (need I say more) and Marques Johnson. While I wish Paschke and McGlocklin were completely out of the picture…this is a good start (at least Moncrief is gone).
- New arena…while a shovel hasn’t hit the ground yet and it likely won’t be ready until the 2018-19 season…this is definitely something to look forward to. Hopefully the Bucks will be at their peak when the new arena opens.
I am really going to miss attending Bucks games this year (remember, I saw 26 games (it really was amazing) during the worst season in franchise history in 2013-14…and I saw 9 of the 15 overall wins). I will now have to wait until December 18th to check out the Bucks in person. On that date, the Bucks travel to Oakland to take on the World Champion, Golden State Warriors (a team I won’t mind being forced to watch in the Bay Area…they are so fun to watch). Also, if things work out, I would like to head to Sacramento in February to see the Bucks take on the Kings. And hopefully, the Bucks will live up to expectations, and I will be able to take in a couple of key games in March when I am back in Wisconsin for…Spring Break. Either way, I’ll be watching the Bucks all season long thanks to the Fox Sports GO app…it will be my lifesaver (special shoutout to my parents for letting me steal their TWC password).
Obviously with this new season, there are new expectations. The Bucks will not sneak up on anyone this season…they will be the hunted at times. With that being said, I am predicting a 4-6 seed in the Eastern Conference (44-48 wins) and the Bucks WILL win a playoff series for the first time since 2001. I still believe the Bucks are a season or two (maybe three) away from really contending in the East. Remember, the Bucks are still Green and Growing!
So…#FearTheDeer and #OwnTheFuture
As for my NBA Finals prediction (I know you all care)…I am going to go out on a limb and predict Cleveland over Golden State. Come on LeBron, do it for Cleveland…end the championship drought for the city of Cleveland (50+ years has been long enough).
by Jason Meinen | Oct 25, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Houston…HELLO! Well, do we have a quarterback controversy in Madtown brewing? Bart Houston, who filled in for a concussed Joel Stave, led the Badgers to a 24-13 victory over Illinois yesterday by completing 22 of 33 passes for 232 yards and 2 touchdowns…but did throw 2 Staves (I mean, interceptions) in the redzone.
Houston, a Dublin, CA native (hey, that’s my neck of the woods)…came into yesterday’s game having only completed 2 of 4 passes for 14 yards and a touchdown for his career! But thanks to Gary Andersen (by the way, how are things working out at Oregon State), Houston did punt in four games for the Badgers last season…his punts ranged from 19 (yes, 19) to 52 yards. Thankfully the Houston punting experiment came to an end as soon as Andersen bolted to Corvallis…good riddance!
I’m sure Stave will need to go through the concussion protocol this week…but maybe, just maybe, we’ll get to see Houston for one more week (who knows, Houston could be the starter next season…especially with D.J. Gillins now on offense and special teams). I’m not saying Houston is the answer, but what if he lights things up against Rutgers (I know, Rutgers) next week…things could be pretty, pretty, pretty interesting in Madison.
In the end, I’m sure it really doesn’t matter…losing to Iowa really hurt Wisconsin’s chances of making the Big Ten Championship game. The Badgers did become bowl eligible (for the 14th straight season) yesterday…it will be interesting to see which bowl they end up in because the Badgers have ZERO good wins and their schedule is incredibly SOFT! But hey, a bowl is a bowl…I’m sure the Arkansas and Oregon State fanbases would love to have such a streak.
#StartBart
by Jason Meinen | Oct 21, 2015 | Rave, Sports
Say it with me, in your best Mike Mahnke voice…J.J. WATT!!! It rolls off the tongue SO nicely…very similar to RON DAYNE!!! (skip to the 1:40 mark). In case you missed it last night, ESPN ran the E:60 piece Never Given about J.J. Watt. E:60 has turned into one of my all-time favorite sports shows. For me, it has moved ahead of Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel in terms of investigative sports journalism…mainly because E:60 doesn’t constantly recycle old stories. E:60 is the only show on the World Wide Leader that is worth watching…I repeat, the only show that is worth watching (Pardon the Interruption jumped the shark years ago…mainly because Tony Kornheiser started phoning it in). If you are not watching live sports on the four-letter network than you may as well turn it off…because everything else is strictly…FLUFF!
Back to…(Mahnke voice) J.J. WATT…last night’s E:60 piece was very well done. J.J. Watt is the epitome of Wisconsin, and while most Wisconsinites (some better than others) know Watt’s story, the rest of the nation is still learning…hopefully last night’s piece (along with last summer’s Hard Knocks series) gets them up to speed. One can only hope that Watt is able to cap his career by reaching the game’s biggest stage…the Super Bowl. While that doesn’t appear likely in Houston (not with Brian or Ryan Stave at quarterback)…maybe (just maybe) Watt could finish out his career wearing the the Green and Gold…and follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol…Reggie White (and win the Super Bowl). Now that would be quite the story…and I’m sure E:60 and Real Sports would be all over that…and maybe even Hollywood.
As Watt tweeted out last night…”It will never stop being crazy to me. From where we came to where we are.” I’m sure playing in Green Bay would be mind blowing!
by Jason Meinen | Oct 18, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
If you saw the commercials put together by the PGA Tour a couple of years back, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Yesterday, Clara and I went to the Fry’s.com Open at Silverado CC (North Course) in Napa to be reminded (again) just how good these guys are. Let’s just say…they didn’t disappoint.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching live golf…especially when it is at a smaller venue with way less people. I’ve often said, I’d rather watch golf at (the former) U.S. Bank Championship at Brown Deer Park versus the PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching a Major Championship in person, but there is something to be said about the intimacy at the smaller tournaments that you don’t often get at a Major venue (unless you’re the shotgun microphone guy…more on that later). Also, having played the North Course a few times (it pays to have connections), I know my way around just enough to avoid the crowds and see some of the best shot making on the course.
Today, is the final round of the Jackass Open at Whistling Straits (Irish Course) with my friends back home. Obviously, I won’t be able to make it (as tee times are in less than an hour), but it was nice to golf with (okay, watch) one of the best players on the planet yesterday…Rory McIlroy. It kind of made up for missing the JAO…just a bit. While McIlroy wasn’t on top of his game yesterday, it was very cool to see the world’s former #1 (depends on the week these days) play…up close and personal. We almost saw a hole-in-one too…by his playing partner, Adam Hadwin…he almost had one¡ Somehow, that shot didn’t make the third round highlights package or this one…nice work PGA (I guess you’ll just have to take my word for it).
The best part of the day, was the hook-up we got from our friend Erin…18th hole skybox passes! With these passes, we had all the food and drink you could imagine…for free! Oh, and great views of the 18th green, of course.
Rory and his caddie on 18 from the skybox.
Rory striking his pose of the day on 18.
Rory eyeing up another missed putt.
Rory on 11 waiting to tee off.
It truly was a great day of golf! I can’t wait to go check out Pebble Beach in February for the AT&T Pro-Am (talk about a checklist item). Now, can someone please tell me how I can get this job…
Sorry, not the greatest picture.
It seriously looks like the best job on the course. If you know, please drop me a line. Thanks!
FORE!!!
by Jason Meinen | Oct 15, 2015 | Music, Rant, Rave, Sports
After 13+ plus years of teaching, I came across two situations today that I never learned about back at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. One would think, having spent SIX YEARS of my life at UW-0, I would have learned everything there is to know about teaching. Well, think again…
Situation #1
Politically…things are not going so well in the district that I am currently teaching in. The teachers union (yes, California still has teachers unions) has just declared an impasse. From what I’ve read…bargaining began in earnest last March. Since May, the district has made NO improvements on issues such as salaries, benefits, or class sizes. So today, before school, we had an informational picket just off the school grounds. Next Tuesday, there will be a community rally to show support for the teachers when the school board meets (some kind of fireworks are expected). Hopefully, some progress will be made in the near future because the word STRIKE (yikes!) has been thrown around rather loosely. This type of situation was never discussed while I sat in classes in Clow, Halsey, or Nursing/Education.
My picket sign I held in support of my fellow teachers. Festive…or a little CG?
Situation #2
Today was the Great California ShakeOut. Yes, we had earthquake drill practice. Drop! Cover! Hold On! More than 10 million Californians (is that a word?) participated…event organizers said it was the largest earthquake drill ever this morning (can I put this on my resume?). The Great California ShakeOut was held at 10:15 AM, as people throughout the state participated in simultaneous earthquake drills…practicing safety and learning ways to prepare in the event of a major earthquake. Thankfully, my class already meets outside (as Mike McCarthy would say…pawsitive) so we didn’t have much to do. While I have yet to feel an actual earthquake here in California…I don’t need my first to be like this. Again, Oshkosh, did you expect all of us to teach in just Wisconsin?
It’s a good thing I have off tomorrow, because after today’s unique events, I’m gonna need the extra day to recover. And Oshkosh, I want some of my money back…NO ONE mentioned strikes or earthquakes during those six glorious years…but if you’re looking for a guest speaker, I think I could help you out (for the right price, of course).
U-W-O! U-W-O! U-W-O! (hey, it’s Homecoming week).
by Jason Meinen | Oct 12, 2015 | Rant, Sports
It’s no secret…I do not like Bert…I mean, Bret Bielema! My level of hate for this man is probably higher than I’ve ever had for one human being. So…just when you think you’ve seen it all from #unbielemable, he outdoes himself AGAIN! I’m not sure how ANYONE could have respect for a coach that would even consider pulling a stunt like that on the sideline…much less doing it! One would think that #unbielemable would be a little smarter…considering his days at Arkansas are probably coming to an end very soon…and he just might need an assistant job in the very near future (because NO ONE is gonna hire him as a head coach again…then again someone hired Steve Sarkisian…too soon?).
Let’s take a look at (2-4) Arkansas’ remaining schedule:
Auburn (3-2), Tennesse-Martin (3-2), at (13) Mississippi (5-1), at (6) LSU (5-0), Mississippi State (4-2), and Missouri (4-2).
Not exactly easy sledding (I’ll give them the Tennesse-Martin game and maybe one more home game, but that’s it). With that schedule, #unbielemable is unlikely to become bowl eligible…and considering how many bowl games there are these days…that is flat out embarrassing!
While Bert’s wife may have sent the tweet…the rest of us know that tweet will soon come to fruition. With an overall record of 12-19 and a 3-16 record in the SEC plus a $4 million dollar a year contract…Saturday’s sideline antic wasn’t just stupid, it was sadly and likely, an act of desperation. And as Jen would say, that is…
by Jason Meinen | Oct 7, 2015 | Rant, Sports
It’s just too easy to pick (ha…like that) on Joel Stave. It is literally amazing that he is a Division I quarterback (would he really start at UW-Whitewater?)…and how bad are the other quarterbacks on Wisconsin’s roster, if Stave is still the starter (that fact scares me more for the future of the program). After Stave’s dismal performance against Iowa (C.J. Beathard was no better) last Saturday, it is clear the yips are back…although one would argue Stave was never really good enough to even have the yips.
So, last weekend, while my wife was out of town, I hunkered down and watched HOURS of football…it was totally amazing and very disheartening…all at the same time. After watching the college game on Saturday and the pro game on Sunday, it suddenly dawned on me…what happened to all the good quarterbacks? It didn’t matter if I was watching the college game or the pro game, the quarterback play made some of those games nearly unwatchable and frankly, laughable. It became so bad, that my friends and I started calling all of the bad quarterback play…Stave.
We had C.J. Stave (Iowa), Tyrone and Jerrod Stave (Texas), Greyson and Brice Stave (Georgia), DeShone Stave (Notre Dame), Deshaun Stave (Clemson), Aqua Stave (Tannehill), Smoking Jay Stave (Cuntler), Jameis Stave (Winston), Sam Stave (Bradford), Colin Stave (Kaeperdick), Matt Stave (Stafford)…the list could literally go on all day. While I thank the Lord EVERY SINGLE DAY that the Packers have had a Hall of Fame quarterback for the last 21 years…I am very concerned that once Rodgers’ career is over, that the Packers will be stuck with a Stave…just like the Badgers have (for the last 3 years)!
So, how does football go about fixing this problem? Because let’s face it…people will stop watching this game (I know I will) if the best that teams and organizations can turn out is a Stave. Does the problem start at the lowest of levels (Pop Warner), is it a high school problem, is it a college problem, it is an NFL problem? Are athletes just not smart enough to play quarterback? Are defensive schemes so good that quarterbacking has simply become too hard? Or, am I just being too critical of the quarterback position? I’m not sure on the last question, but I don’t think the NFL is doing it’s part…by throwing gobs of money at unproven quarterbacks.
Case in point…Aqua Stave (otherwise known as Ryan Tannehill). This offseason, Tannehill signed a 6-year, 96-million dollar contract…the guy has a career record of 24-28! And then this week…a report came out that Tannehill gets upset at practice, when the practice squad players intercept his passes! It became such a problem, that at times, former head coach Joe Philbin (fired this week, in part, because Tannehill has been a bust) told the practice players to take it easy on Tannehill…you literally CANNOT make this stuff up! Meanwhile, in New England, Tom Brady PAYS the practice squad players when they intercept his passes! Hmm…
So maybe that’s the answer…players are just too fragile to play the quarterback position nowadays. The good news for the Aqua Stave’s of the world is that at least being a quarterback has brought them one thing…
A trophy wife…
not a bad pick¡
by Jason Meinen | Oct 4, 2015 | Music, Other, Rant, Sports
If you remember this post, you will remember my love for grass. In California, there is absolutely no such grass like that…unless you are at a very high end golf course or a professional sports organization’s stadium…and even they – Levi’s Stadium in particular (host of Super Bowl L) – has had there own grass issues.
So imagine teaching PE in this “great state of California” without the use of a gymnasium (it’s like asking a classroom teacher to teach without desks or chairs for their students…good luck!”), AND without adequate green space (weed grass doesn’t count). Let’s just say, this PE teaching experience is turning into quite the sh_t show! No, I’m serious…and I have the pictures to prove it.
Sh_t happens…the geese have taken over the weed grass field!
Just the type of “play area” you want younger children playing on…if I had a dollar every time I heard the word “poop.”
Geese don’t discriminate…they even managed to bomb most of the blacktop area.
While I tried to put on my best face for this colossal sh_t show, I just couldn’t help but feel that these are NOT appropriate teaching conditions (I said something to my princiPAL…he was going to mention something to grounds, but I’m not expecting a quick fix anytime soon). Whenever grounds has come by to take “care” of the weed grass, it usually takes the guy almost 2 hours to mow (and dust bomb the rest of us)…a job that could easily be done in 30 minutes.
Oh, and did I mention the amount of garbage that is usually left on the “prickly, sh_tty, weed grass” field…
An outdoor garbage can would be nice to have (somewhere) on the school grounds.
And yes, Heineken is served after hours here…
Top shelf in the San Lorenzo area.
So, you can imagine how excited I am to be putting in my first FULL week…yes, five days straight of teaching (maybe I need to schedule another trip back to Wisconsin). I’m sure it is going to be a fantastic week…especially after my K-2 SPARK training on Friday¡ Thankfully, there is no rain in the forecast this week (that blog post will be coming soon…especially with the talk of El Niño this winter…and no gym space).
On the bright side, I will be able to proudly wear the Green & Gold all week long…suck it Niners fans!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 30, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
Was a major SUCCESS (dare I say it was the best ever, but then again…I’m biased)! Thank you to all my friends and family for helping me pull off the greatest Wisconsin football weekend (plus golf!). This was the first time in my life that I was able to attend a Badgers and Packers game on the same weekend (the Monday night game really helped with this…Sunday would have been tough AND rough). It just won’t be the same watching the Badgers and Packers from afar for the rest of the football season…so I’ll just keep that February 7th date open here in California for all you Packer fans (book now!).
Here’s a quick recap of the Badgers and Packers games and festivities.
Saturday…We golfed at Ironwood thanks to Greg’s connections…I shot your everyday 50 on the front nine and 39 (best ever) on the back nine (by the way Greg, I’m not sure we did all SIX shots for your birdies that day). Drove to Madison for lunch/dinner (linner?) at Blue Moon. Pregame CaptainS at Bucks(inghams)…no lip gloss (I’m disappointed)! Regent Street Liquor (hopefully someday Camp Randall will sell beer and this stop won’t be necessary). Jump Around! Badgers win 28-0 (thanks again for the seats Mike)! Postgame celebrations at Mondays (really?) and Whiskey Jacks. And who could forget, Greg’s $98 Uber to McDonalds (why did La Bambas have to be closed).
Monday…Tailgated on Potts Avenue (otherwise known as Puddy Pass…I mean McCarthy Way) in the rain (Brian Gotter really blew that forecast…and twice he tried to crash our weekend). Outdoor club seats on the 50-yard line (thanks again Greg). Halftime on the rooftop. Unfortunately, we couldn’t celebrate the Packers win (38-28) due to work and flights the next day…but Ryan did crack the code (no more waiting in traffic after Packer games…we’ve found the secret route).
Go Pack Go!
Best seat in the house
Again, just a tremendous weekend…I got to see family and friends and I was able enjoy all the things I miss most about Wisconsin. Thank you all for making this happen and we’ll see everyone again in 2016…unless any of you are planning any trips out West (come on, you know you want to).
Okay California, the ball is now in your court. What do you got?
by Jason Meinen | Sep 24, 2015 | Beer, Food, Music, Rave, Sports
NIGHT! Camp Randall. Guys Weekend 12. The first night game since Utah State in 2012 (#unbielemable). I wish there was more on the line (really, Hawaii?)…like this memorable game versus #1 Ohio State in 2010…possibly the earliest we have ever been into a Badger game (we just knew Ohio State was going down that night). Either way, I can’t wait to see the Badgers under the lights, a little Jump Around, and then a whole lot of State Street. Throw in the Packers game (thanks Greg) on Monday night and it is a gonna be the most epic Wisconsin sports weekend. I can’t wait to take it all in! I’ve got goosebumps.
On Wisconsin!
Go Pack Go!
by Jason Meinen | Sep 22, 2015 | Other, Rant, Rave, Sports
Over the last couple of days, I have taken a great liking to the following burns…let’s just say, some of the people involved…truly had it coming (you’ve been pwned)!
1. Texas Tech’s Kliff Kingsbury telling Bret Bielema what he really thought about the Arkansas Razorbacks football program. The truth hurts…but of course, “Big Game Bret,” wouldn’t let it go the next day…when Kingsbury had CLEARLY moved on from his previous days’ comments. I (along with every Wisconsin football fan) CAN’T WAIT for the day that Bielema is canned at Arkansas…and it is likely to be (very) soon. #unbielemable (I wish I still had those stickers).
Uncanny resemblance
2. Aaron Rodgers crediting God for Sunday night’s victory over the Seattle Seahawks. What’s that Russell Wilson…do you still believe that God cares about who wins football games?! To refresh everyone’s memory, here is my real take on Russell Wilson. #phony
3. Thank you Deadspin, for truly summing up Scott Walker…I don’t like to EVER talk politics (especially in this blog), but this was too good to pass up. I’ll let you read the excerpt because I couldn’t have said it any better myself. #dropout
Now fix that bald spot!
4. I am not an Oakland Raiders fan by any means (as a matter of fact, I like them even less – if that’s possible – since our move to California), but this response to Super Bowl L (ahem, 50)…is just too perfect. #thisleague
Does anyone else hear the Bloodhound Gang playing in the background…or as George Costanza would say, flame on! (skip to 3:11 mark) #priceless
by Jason Meinen | Sep 17, 2015 | Rant, Rave, Sports
It should be a four-letter word in the state of California (or maybe it is). On some days, I feel like Michael Douglas in the movie Falling Down. I just don’t get it…there are FOUR to FIVE lanes on most freeways (in each direction), and yet people still can’t seem to drive. I’ve also noticed there are very few posted speed limit signs (probably because in most instances…no one can actually drive the speed limit). And don’t even get me started on motorcycles…why are they allowed to drive in between the lanes of traffic?! Yeah, that seems totally safe¡ At least they are required to wear helmets¡
My commute to school (work) is 27 miles one way (it SHOULD take less than 40 minutes to get there). However, on a good day, it takes me 45-50 minutes to get to school. On a bad day (most days), it takes one hour to one hour and twenty minutes plus. And in most instances, I have never even encountered an actual accident. It is absolutely crazy…the starting, the stopping, the slowing down, the starting, the stopping…I just don’t get it. Why can’t people drive in the state of California?!
Thankfully I can listen to almost the entire Green & Gold Today on 540 ESPN (to get my Packer fix) on the way to school and on the way home, I can listen to the Brewers (when they are on the East coast) or Homer & Gabe or my favorite, Sports Central (always good hearing your voice Greg). It is nice to stream Wisconsin sports radio (thank you technology!)…but it doesn’t make the commute that much easier or relaxing. I’ve dealt with commutes in the past…having lived in Wauwatosa and having to drive to Kewaskum. I actually didn’t mind that commute…because I could actually DRIVE without the unnecessary starting and stopping (unless it was winter…even then it wasn’t California bad). A commute can actually be a very good time to decompress…that is why I envy my wife, who gets to take a shuttle to work, and people that can take BART to their place of employment.
They say patience is a virtue…and they also say that time is of the essence (well, you can’t have it both ways!). So which way is it California? Please make up your mind.
More…I just got my Packers season ticket waiting list priority number today. I moved up to 75,432 from 76,171…I should have those Packers season tickets very soon¡ Go Pack Go!
by Jason Meinen | Aug 28, 2015 | Rave, Sports
It’s hard to believe that Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans 10 years ago already. New Orleans is one of my all-time favorite cities (there is just so much to like…I don’t even know where to begin). I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Big Easy pre and post Hurricane Katrina. Looking back at the images of Hurricane Katrina is just stunning. It is simply amazing the recovery that New Orleans has undergone (and still undergoing in certain areas). Walking around the Crescent City today and seeing the water marks on buildings is an image that just really sticks with me. However, this play here, in the Return to the Dome, is when I realized that New Orleans will be back…even better than ever. I’ll leave you with this message from Steve Gleason (the man who blocked the punt)…who says it the best. Who dat?!
More…cool story about the return of the Superdome.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 27, 2015 | Rant, Sports
Russell Wilson! D-O-N-E…DONE! I’ll admit…I was a huge fan of Wilson when he was calling the plays for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2011 (#unbielemable that they lost THREE games that year). But…ever since Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks and known cheater Pete Carroll…I have grown to dislike him more and more with each passing NFL season. The “Fail Mary” game was the first time that Wilson left a bad taste in my mouth (especially with his postgame comments)…and last year’s NFC Championship game still has me RED hot. But after reading this RIDICULOUS article in Rolling Stone…I cannot stand (hate is probably a better word) Wilson and am completely done with him (even crediting water for his recovery from a Clay Matthews hit…shows how much of a joke the NFL concussion protocol is)! Actually, Wilson may be one of my most hated current NFL players…joining the likes of Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick (and every player from the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings rosters). Well Russell Wilson, enjoy that celibacy with Ciara…just stop sharing all your holier than thou views with the rest of us on Twitter (unfollow)…we are done with you!
Lastly, remember when we thought Wilson’s ex-wife was the crazy one…maybe we still need to hear her FULL side of this story…to be continued (I’m sure).
Now who’s the crazy one…
by Jason Meinen | Aug 26, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
When you’re having fun. We say it all the time. The adage held true again as Clara and I had our first visitors…my parents. While my parents stay was brief, we were able to accomplish a lot and hopefully they were able to see as much of our California life as possible. Here are some highlights…
On Saturday, after picking up my parents from the airport, we decided to head to the coast…Half Moon Bay. This excursion didn’t prove to be very successful. The drive to Half Moon Bay was extremely slow (and that’s putting it nicely)! Apparently, everyone likes to go to Half Moon Bay on the weekends. Once in Half Moon Bay, let’s just say the weather wasn’t great…overcast with temperatures in the high 60’s/low 70’s, my parents must have been wondering what was so special about this place. We did, however, find a nice place to eat lunch…the San Benito Ale House had a nice beer menu and the fish and chips were great.
Saturday evening we decided to hit up a nice restaurant (my mom wanted to dress up) in our neck of the woods…the Oasis Grille & Wine Lounge in Pleasanton. When I saw the statement…Mediterranean cuisine with a modern flair…I probably should not have ordered the filet mignon kabobs, but I did anyway. To put it nicely, the food was interesting. Thankfully, we brought some of our favorite wines with us and were able to wash away some of those interesting tastes.
On Sunday (after watching Jordy Nelson tear his ACL), we decided to drown our sorrows by checking out a few wineries. My dad felt right at home when we found 3 Steves Winery on our drive through Livermore. He took to the wine so much that he even purchased a hat to go with the wine (he also now knows how to wear that hat correctly). After 3 Steves, we hit up Wente Vineyards for a full glass of wine and enjoyed a pizza appetizer. Even after all the wine tasting, it didn’t help with the revelation that Jordy would be lost for the season (I guess I won’t be wearing my Nelson jersey around California this year).
Soon to be 4 Steves Winery?
Monday morning, with Clara at work, I took my parents to the San Francisco Premium Outlets and to In-N-Out Burger for lunch (their first In-N-Out experience). In the afternoon, my dad and I hit up Poppy Ridge Golf Course for 18 holes. We found Poppy Ridge on Sunday, almost by accident, when were driving around Livermore looking for wineries, but I’m glad we found it. Poppy Ridge is a very nice course and it is super close to our place. The course has three nines (Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay) with an amazing backdrop set in Wine Country…and many different elevation changes from hole to hole. Considering how dry it is in California, the course was in very good shape. And Monday evening, we had one final dinner together at Sauced BBQ & Spirits, that wrapped up my parents stay very nicely.
The time sure went fast (and it was very fun), and we look forward to my parents next visit…and the visit from some more Wisconsinites as soon as possible. So, get those flights booked…Clara and I promise to show you a good time!
by Jason Meinen | Aug 21, 2015 | Rant, Rave, Sports
I’m in my office…I wish I could actually say that, but I’ll be too busy jumping through hoops today (and likely Monday…and Tuesday).
Thankfully, my parents come to visit tomorrow (that should help take my mind off this nonsense for a bit). I’ll explain more about the nonsense at a later date (obviously it involves landing a job…and in California that means cutting through A LOT of red tape).
Also, good luck to the Kewaskum High School Football Team (like them on Facebook) as they open their varsity slate tonight at West Bend East (Rondorf, you’re in for a long night). Go Indians!
Well, enjoy your Friday…I likely won’t be!
by Jason Meinen | Aug 19, 2015 | Beer, Food, Rave, Sports
In my quest to attend a baseball game at every Major League ballpark, I was able to check another park off the list today. I went to O.co Coliseum (it’s been called so many different names through the years) to take in some afternoon baseball between the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers (some would say it was Dodger Stadium North with all the Dodger fans in attendance today). To say the least, O.co was a very interesting stadium…especially when you could still see the yard lines from last Friday night’s Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams football game…and the fact that almost the entire third deck is covered with tarp. There was nothing special at the ballpark in terms of food or beer either (except high priced premium beers), but overall it was a pretty decent experience (and an easy BART to the game). The ballpark has a very intimate feel as it only seats around 35,000 for baseball games (56,000 for football). There really wasn’t a bad seat in the house and I was able to sit in a lot of different areas without any hassling from the ushers (that will happen when your team has the worst record in the AL…even the ushers have given up). So as of today, I have been to the following Major League ballparks (only 20 to go¡):
National League: Miller Park (Milwaukee Brewers), Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs), Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds), Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals), Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks), Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers), AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants), and National Park (Washington Nationals).
American League: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) and O.co Coliseum (Oakland Athletics).
I’m not sure what my fascination is with Major League ballparks (or any athletic facility to be honest), but I just love checking out and experiencing games in different cities. From the looks of my list, I guess I have a little catching up to do in regards to American League ballparks, but that could make for a great road trip sometime in the near future.
Note: I also attended games in two former ballparks (Milwaukee County Stadium and Busch Memorial Stadium) before they were replaced.
by Jason Meinen | Aug 18, 2015 | Music, Rant, Sports
It’s bad enough that the Wisconsin Badgers will open the season against the Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide¡) in the Advocare Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (the house that Jerrah built…the 8th wonder of the world¡). Throw in having to start Joel Stave (really…no one else is better?!) at quarterback with an unproven line in front of him (also see below), and the lack of a serviceable wide receiver (Alex Erickson is okay, I guess…but a no. 1?) or tight end, and having no proven backup to Corey Clement at running back (the backup was a reserve CB at this time last year)…and you have a recipe for disaster (big time)! How is the spread only 10.5 (seriously)?!
Well…things are only getting worse for new head coach Paul Chryst. The Badgers are only two weeks into practice and the injuries are starting to pile up (and a scrimmage is set for this Saturday). The following players (17!) are injured and/or have missed practice in the last couple of days (in no particular order):
Jacob Maxwell (shoulder), Jon Dietzen (ankle…also nice hair¡), Hayden Biegel (head), Beau Benzschawel (knee), Arthur Goldberg (foot), Zack Baun (head…saw in T&F what a stud athlete he is), Austin Ramesh (hamstring), TJ Edwards (shoulder), Leon Jacobs (toe), Jeremy Patterson (knee), Jake Keefer (hip), Arrington Farrar (mono), Eric Steffes (back), Jason Erdmann (ankle), Caleb Kinlaw (groin), Jake Whalen (knee), and Ty DeForest (abdominal).
That is quite the lengthy list! Some of these players are starters or potential starters and need the valuable reps in practice. Others are backups, that will likely be needed at some point and/or are contributors on special teams. With all the injures, one has to wonder what it going on in terms of conditioning at Madison?! Granted, injures are a part of football and some injuries just can’t be avoided, but it is very disconcerting at this point of the preseason (16 days until the Alabama game). Hopefully, most injuries are just minor and the Badgers will be as close to full strength as possible September 5th against the Crimson Tide…because they are going to need every possible body to win that game…or to keep it within three touchdowns (because there is no longer a Melvin Gordon around to bail this team out).
On Wisconsin!¡
by Jason Meinen | Aug 14, 2015 | Beer, Music, Rant, Rave, Sports
The Modesto Nuts!
Well, I survived my first trip to Modesto (The Death Star…yes, George Lucas is from there)…barely. Let’s just put it this way, if Clara had made us live in Modesto…I’d already be back living in Wisconsin (and I’m being dead serious). I’d compare Modesto to a Wisconsin city, but I don’t want to offend any cities there (just think of your least favorite city in Wisconsin and times that by 10, and you’ll have Modesto). When one of your most popular bars is in a strip mall…you know you have problems (major problems). Thankfully, the Modesto Nuts game was fun (very similiar to a Lakeshore Chinooks game, but with less people). It was also Barefoot Tasting Night at the game (very refreshing¡)…I guess that was probably why we got free tickets (plus almost half of the entire crowd were Gallo employees…we also could have gotten a free Nuts hat). We even spent the night in Modesto at the Best Western Palm Court Inn…nothing like staying in a motel (Pitbull wasn’t there). Today, I got the much anticipated E&J Gallo tour (nothing like getting a tour from a recent college graduate). It was nice, but nothing too amazing (the history and production were impressive though…more of that please). I guess you could say, been there done that (when you’ve been on as many brewery tours as I have…you become desensitized to it all). Well, I survived, and safe to say, I probably won’t be going be back to Modesto anytime soon…maybe a Nuts game (I guess).
More: Special shout-out to our little buddy, Ari. Five years ago today (time flies), we went to the Wisconsin Humane Society just to look for a cat…and lo and behold, we came home with Ari. It’s been a blast having Ari in our family the last five years…he has definitely changed our lives (Ari has no trouble waking us up super early every morning…he’s like a kid), and more impressively he made it to California no problem at all (where he is living the life in our fenced in yard). Ari, enjoy an extra scoop of food on us tonight…hopefully the food coma will help you sleep an extra hour or two.
Ari’s (or Moo Moo’s) adoption photo.
Even more: Tomorrow we are making the trek to Russian River Brewing Company. There are no words that I can use to give this place the proper recognition it deserves. So, let’s just put it this way…it is going to be AWESOME! (I got the cooler all ready).
by Jason Meinen | Aug 12, 2015 | Music, Rave, Sports
Yeah, you could have said that about Dustin Johnson on the 72nd hole of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. Instead that is the theme (not this theme…that you’ll also hear plenty of this week) for the 2015 PGA Championship also held in Kohler/Sheboygan/Haven…check the by-lines, no one knows where Whistling Straits is actually located.
Nonetheless, it pains me to miss the Season’s Final Major…Glory’s Last Shot (I likely would have attended a round or two). I attended the 2004 and 2010 PGA Championships during practice and early rounds. The Straits Course is an amazing spectacle and the state of Wisconsin (Sheboygan County!) is lucky to host such a great event for the 3rd time (wait until the 2020 Ryder Cup). I have been lucky enough to play the Irish Course (thanks Jon) on the Fall leg of our annual Jackass Open Tournament (not sure if I’ll make it this year, Tim).
No. 1 (High Ground) on the Irish Course. Thankfully there was no Konica Minolta BizHub SwingVision camera around, as I missed the fairway to the right…badly.
So tomorrow (today) I’m looking forward to hunkering down and watching as much golf as possible (I finally have cable after many, (MANY) issues…f’ing Comcast) before I head to Modesto tomorrow night (my next blog post for sure). So, here are my picks for this week…Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and Brooks Koepka (we’ll see if the Guys Weekend Invitational reads my blog…I’m posting early…no stealing my picks). I know I didn’t go out on a limb with these picks, but it would be epic to see Spieth, McIlroy, et al battle it out down the stretch like last year when McIlroy held off the likes of Mickelson, Fowler, and Stenson. As I tweeted at the conclusion of last year’s tournament…
No pressure, Herb!
If that can be topped…than this will have been major!
Note: I’d also settle for a DJ win (I don’t see that happening the way he’s been playing). Talk about major…redemption.
