Much to my surprise, I successfully picked 4 out of 5 games last weekend. I’ve already celebrated my success and I am ready to move on to the next round of picks; but first I must respond to a comment from last weekend’s column. Kperry said…”The Vikings were robbed”. With all due respect, Kperry aka Krista “the Pear” Perry, the Vikings were not robbed they were “Favred.” We have all seen this ending before and should not be surprised with the way the game finished. The same script played out not too long ago in Green Bay, when Favre dashed the hopes of the Packer faithful by throwing a similar interception, which set up the Giant’s game winning field goal in overtime of the 2007 NFC Championship Game. For all us non-Favre lovers and/or bitter Packer fans, we could not have asked for a better ending. A Viking’s loss and a monumental Favre interception will surely keep us satisfied for quite some time. Well, at least until next year after he decides to retire, holds a tear filled press conference, only to unretire after all his teammates have gone through their OTAs and minicamps.
I’ll get on with my picks for this weekend. For the most part these are pretty straight forward, as the match ups this weekend don’t provide for too many upsets.
Northwestern at Michigan State: The Wildcats could really use a victory over a top ranked team to help support their ever dwindling argument that they deserve to make their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010. However, this is unlikely to happen as it is being played in East Lansing. I do expect NW to keep it close as Sparty may be looking ahead to road trips to Wisconsin and Purdue. MSU 68 vs. NW 58
Kansas at Kansas State: Manhattan, Kansas will be hosting the College Game Day crew this weekend, which should pump up the KState fans even more. I’d expect to see a very raucous crowd, which will complement Frank Martin’s ferocity and intensity on the sidelines. Look for the Wildcats to come out blazing but Cole Aldrich and Sherron Collins will be too much to handle over the course of 40 minutes. KU 72 vs. KSU 66
Duke at Georgetown: Duke barely tested itself on the road during the non-conference season and it showed. The Dukies lost their first two road conference games but have bounced back with some nice wins. JTIII has loosened the reigns a bit on his Princeton style offense and his players are rewarding him for that decision. Look for Georgetown to take advantage at the small forward/forward positions. This is a chance for Greg Monroe to show the nation why he is one of the most talented big men in the country. Hoya Saxa. GU 69 vs. Duke 64. Side note: George I hope you are going to this game. The UW vs. Duke game was one of the best sporting events I have ever attended. Seeing Coach K and Duke in person is amazing.
Florida at Tennessee: I’ll make this one short and sweet. I expect Florida to take down Tennessee at Rocky Top. Playing without 4 scholarship players is starting to catch up to the ‘Vols. Bruce Pearl will bring the intensity but it won’t be enough this weekend. UF 68 vs. UT 56
Minnesota at Ohio State: Ohio State and Evan Turner will roll in this one. The Gophers have been underachieving all year and have way too many off the court issues to pull off an upset. (I know this will come back to bite me in the butt when Bucky heads up to the Twin Cities, but I got to call them as I see them, right?) OSU 71 vs. UM 57
NFC vs. AFC: The Pro Bowl is this weekend in Miami and will be the first time since 1980 that it was played anywhere but Hawaii. The game is also being played the week before the Super Bowl, which should increase viewer interest a little bit. Well, maybe not but at least it is not at the end of February when everyone has forgotten about football and gearing up for March Madness. I really have no clue which players are participating on Sunday or what pro bowlers made up injuries so they can get out of this commitment. However, I did catch a glance of a Chicago Bear helmet when they flashed to a Pro Bowl practice on ESPN. Any team with a Bear player on it is destined to win. NFC 35 vs. AFC 27
Bet the House,
The Bean Spiller
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Not My Ideal Tuesday
Prior to getting out of bed this morning, I was excited to start the workday since I was going to the Union South jobsite. It is always a nice change of pace to get out of the office for a few hours and be on the site. I should have known the day might not turn out to be as great as expected, as I took my first step I realized I could barely walk with out pain and discomfort. I hobbled my way to the bathroom and all I could think about was how stiff and sore I was and that I was far too young to feel like this. However, this is pretty typical ever since the dreaded half marathon I ran in August. I am pretty convinced that this was my worst athletic decision of my life and that it aged my body by about 50 years. After all, I ended up with a tendon tear in my foot, tendonitis, a baker’s cyst in my left knee, which I can no longer straighten without pain, and an appendectomy. Damn you Bri for coming up with this idea after a few too many beers at the Terrace. Never again…Never again…Anyways, I did my morning salutation yoga poses and was ready to start the day.
The first of several mishaps occurred shortly after I got to the job site. I was only going to be there for a couple hours so I opted to park on the street rather than pay the $10 parking ramp fee. I found a row of open curb space about a block from the jobsite. Perfect! I noticed that there was a sign about 30 feet away that said “No Parking from Here to the Curb.” I interpreted that as no parking between the sign and the nearest curb, which was about 15 feet between my car and the sign. Figured I was good to go and headed to the job trailer. Mistake number 1 ensued and I paid the price with a $30 ticket. Anybody else ever misread this particular traffic sign?
The second bummer of the day happened when I stupidly picked out a piece of lemon meringue pie. They had about 20 different pies at Market St. Diner in Sun Prairie, which was a great place for lunch if you are ever in the area. I decided on the lemon meringue pie. Why? I still don’t know why. I don’t even know if I like lemon meringue pie. A couple hours later at the office I pulled it out of the fridge to give it a try. Instantly I am overpowered by an egg smell and taste. Naturally, I gag because as most people that know me are aware that I despise eggs. I have not eaten one since I was 7 years old, plus or minus a year or 2. Needless to say, the uneaten slice of pie ended up in my garbage can. However, there is some consolation, I couldn’t choose just one slice so I ended up getting 2. I am waiting for my mouth to “unnumb” so I can fully enjoy it (see below).
Lastly, perhaps the worst blunder of the day involved my trip to the dentist. I had to get two cavities filled, which didn’t overly excite me, but I am odd and don’t really mind going to the dentist. After 45 minutes of drugging, drooling, and drilling I was ready to get out of that place. As I am walking out, my kind dentist asks me what color fillings I want for the next 2 cavities. I looked at her shocked and was like hmmm, this is odd why would they ask what type of fillings I want for future visits. Where is the positive thinking in that? Are they just assuming I will have cavities? I quickly explained to her that the last time I was there, I had been told that I had only 2 cavities. Apparently, they made a mistake and I will now be going back in 2 weeks for 2 additional fillings. Fabulous! Maybe this is when I join the rest of civilization and start dreading the dentist.
Well, as you can see Tuesday wasn’t great. I am sure looking forward to Wednesday, as Laura and I will be participating in our first Restaurant Week experience here in Madison. Ruth’s Chris here we come! Salad, filet mignon, and dessert all for $25. Can’t pass that up.
Over and out,
The Bean Spiller
The first of several mishaps occurred shortly after I got to the job site. I was only going to be there for a couple hours so I opted to park on the street rather than pay the $10 parking ramp fee. I found a row of open curb space about a block from the jobsite. Perfect! I noticed that there was a sign about 30 feet away that said “No Parking from Here to the Curb.” I interpreted that as no parking between the sign and the nearest curb, which was about 15 feet between my car and the sign. Figured I was good to go and headed to the job trailer. Mistake number 1 ensued and I paid the price with a $30 ticket. Anybody else ever misread this particular traffic sign?
The second bummer of the day happened when I stupidly picked out a piece of lemon meringue pie. They had about 20 different pies at Market St. Diner in Sun Prairie, which was a great place for lunch if you are ever in the area. I decided on the lemon meringue pie. Why? I still don’t know why. I don’t even know if I like lemon meringue pie. A couple hours later at the office I pulled it out of the fridge to give it a try. Instantly I am overpowered by an egg smell and taste. Naturally, I gag because as most people that know me are aware that I despise eggs. I have not eaten one since I was 7 years old, plus or minus a year or 2. Needless to say, the uneaten slice of pie ended up in my garbage can. However, there is some consolation, I couldn’t choose just one slice so I ended up getting 2. I am waiting for my mouth to “unnumb” so I can fully enjoy it (see below).
Lastly, perhaps the worst blunder of the day involved my trip to the dentist. I had to get two cavities filled, which didn’t overly excite me, but I am odd and don’t really mind going to the dentist. After 45 minutes of drugging, drooling, and drilling I was ready to get out of that place. As I am walking out, my kind dentist asks me what color fillings I want for the next 2 cavities. I looked at her shocked and was like hmmm, this is odd why would they ask what type of fillings I want for future visits. Where is the positive thinking in that? Are they just assuming I will have cavities? I quickly explained to her that the last time I was there, I had been told that I had only 2 cavities. Apparently, they made a mistake and I will now be going back in 2 weeks for 2 additional fillings. Fabulous! Maybe this is when I join the rest of civilization and start dreading the dentist.
Well, as you can see Tuesday wasn’t great. I am sure looking forward to Wednesday, as Laura and I will be participating in our first Restaurant Week experience here in Madison. Ruth’s Chris here we come! Salad, filet mignon, and dessert all for $25. Can’t pass that up.
Over and out,
The Bean Spiller
Sunday, January 24, 2010
2009 Movies in Review
As most of you know, I usually spend at least one of my weekend nights at the movie theaters. I really don’t think there is anything better than a night at the movies! Previews, popcorn, candy, diet coke---err wait a minute I stupidly gave up pop for New Years and haven’t had a drop in 3 weeks (note: more on my sufferings later)—well anyways, there are enough goodies to please me. I like the movie theater so much that I have no qualms about attending a film by myself. Luckily, I don’t have to do that too often, as Kris and Laura happen to like movies just as much as I do. Kris even sat in the love seat with me once. Hey, it was by accident but I’m still counting that. I think he even tried to get me to sit in that same seat last weekend.
I can’t say that I have any real experience as a movie critic. I tend to think a movie is good as long as it is entertaining and/or makes me think. Here is my list of the Top 10 movies of 2009 and a list of movies that in my opinion fell short. Also, I included some movies that I was not able to see but I think would probably be worth seeing and possibly added to my Top 10.
Top 10 of 2009
1. Inglorious Bastards: Great cast, excellent acting. Entertaining plot line with a combination of seriousness and laughter. I ranked it ahead of Avatar because this is the movie that I watched from the love seat.
2. Avatar 3D IMAX: As everyone knows, James Cameron nailed this movie. The graphics and imagery were amazing. The $15 ticket to see it in the IMAX was well worth it.
3. District 9: Another great movie. This one really makes you think. Very interesting storyline that happens to be about extraterrestrials but many aspects of this film can be applied to real life. Must see movie.
4. State of Play: Another hit for Russell Crowe. Loved the scenes at Ben’s Chili Bowl. If you are ever in DC, stop there for a bowl of chili or a chili cheese dog.
5. The Hangover: By far the best comedy of the year. This movie had me laughing through out—never a dull moment.
6. Away We Go: It was good to see Jim from the Office branch out and play different role. Interesting and entertaining movie.
7. 500 Days of Summer: I’d say this was the best romantic comedy of 2009.
8. The Soloist: Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. each show why they are award-winning actors in this movie.
9. Up in the Air: George Clooney at his best.
10. Julie and Julia: Meryl Streep and Amy Adams were great to watch. Streep perfected the role of Julia Child. I walked out of this movie wanting to a. start a. blog and b. start cooking out of my Julia Child “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
Blah, blah, blah-Too much hype and just not that good of 2009
1. Twilight: New Moon: After reading the books, the movies have been giant disappointments despite my girl Kristen Stewart playing the lead.
2. Bruno: Nothing compared to Borat. I seriously considered getting up and leaving this movie early.
3. Public Enemies: Did not live up to the hype. I thought a little more character development would have really helped.
4. Ugly Truth: Blah, other than Gerard Butler.
5. Observe and Report: I expect more from Seth Rogen.
6. Couples Retreat: Too many funny people and not enough funny parts. Vince Vaughn tries to hard sometimes and always plays the loud guy that doesn’t listen.
7. Invictus: This movie had the potential to be great with the storyline and cast. There was no character development, the rugby scenes were confusion for anyone that does not play rugby, and it was slow developing. After Eastwood’s previous hits I expected more.
Movies that I am really bummed I missed in the theaters of 2009
1. Hurt Locker
2. Paper Heart
3. Brothers
4. Taking of Pelham 1,2,3
5. Invention of Lying
6. Men who Stare at Goats
7. Up
8. Pirate Radio
I can’t say that I have any real experience as a movie critic. I tend to think a movie is good as long as it is entertaining and/or makes me think. Here is my list of the Top 10 movies of 2009 and a list of movies that in my opinion fell short. Also, I included some movies that I was not able to see but I think would probably be worth seeing and possibly added to my Top 10.
Top 10 of 2009
1. Inglorious Bastards: Great cast, excellent acting. Entertaining plot line with a combination of seriousness and laughter. I ranked it ahead of Avatar because this is the movie that I watched from the love seat.
2. Avatar 3D IMAX: As everyone knows, James Cameron nailed this movie. The graphics and imagery were amazing. The $15 ticket to see it in the IMAX was well worth it.
3. District 9: Another great movie. This one really makes you think. Very interesting storyline that happens to be about extraterrestrials but many aspects of this film can be applied to real life. Must see movie.
4. State of Play: Another hit for Russell Crowe. Loved the scenes at Ben’s Chili Bowl. If you are ever in DC, stop there for a bowl of chili or a chili cheese dog.
5. The Hangover: By far the best comedy of the year. This movie had me laughing through out—never a dull moment.
6. Away We Go: It was good to see Jim from the Office branch out and play different role. Interesting and entertaining movie.
7. 500 Days of Summer: I’d say this was the best romantic comedy of 2009.
8. The Soloist: Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. each show why they are award-winning actors in this movie.
9. Up in the Air: George Clooney at his best.
10. Julie and Julia: Meryl Streep and Amy Adams were great to watch. Streep perfected the role of Julia Child. I walked out of this movie wanting to a. start a. blog and b. start cooking out of my Julia Child “Mastering the Art of French Cooking.”
Blah, blah, blah-Too much hype and just not that good of 2009
1. Twilight: New Moon: After reading the books, the movies have been giant disappointments despite my girl Kristen Stewart playing the lead.
2. Bruno: Nothing compared to Borat. I seriously considered getting up and leaving this movie early.
3. Public Enemies: Did not live up to the hype. I thought a little more character development would have really helped.
4. Ugly Truth: Blah, other than Gerard Butler.
5. Observe and Report: I expect more from Seth Rogen.
6. Couples Retreat: Too many funny people and not enough funny parts. Vince Vaughn tries to hard sometimes and always plays the loud guy that doesn’t listen.
7. Invictus: This movie had the potential to be great with the storyline and cast. There was no character development, the rugby scenes were confusion for anyone that does not play rugby, and it was slow developing. After Eastwood’s previous hits I expected more.
Movies that I am really bummed I missed in the theaters of 2009
1. Hurt Locker
2. Paper Heart
3. Brothers
4. Taking of Pelham 1,2,3
5. Invention of Lying
6. Men who Stare at Goats
7. Up
8. Pirate Radio
Friday, January 22, 2010
Weekend Sports Predictions
I’ll try my hand at predicting the scores of some sporting events that are taking place this weekend. Remember these are just suggestions and I would not recommend running off to your bookie to place bets.
Georgia vs. Tennessee Men’s Basketball: Georgia 68-Tennessee 62. Not that anyone reading this blog cares about this game, but I think this could be an upset of a Top 10 team. Georgia has played a lot of close games this year and played Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State close. They also beat Georgia Tech, who has taken down UNC, Duke, and Clemson. Go Dawgs.
Ohio State vs. West Virginia: Ohio State 61-WVU 56. This may be a stretch being that it is in Morgantown. However, Ohio State is playing great basketball since the return of Evan Turner. OSU should be able to match up with WVU as they both start and consistently play 4 guards at a time. Big 10 represent.
Wisconsin vs. Penn State: Wisconsin 64-Penn State 50. I predict Wisconsin will come out on fire to start the game and that should continue through out the night. They need to bounce back after a tough shooting performance in the first half against Michigan. Penn State has not won a Big Ten game thus far. I do not see that changing. I expect big games from Bohannon and Taylor. Go Bucky.
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings: Saints 31-Vikings 24. I do not have much to say about this game other than I strongly dislike Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. I hope and pray that they lose this weekend. The Saints have a lot of offensive firepower, an athletic and speedy defense, and a hostile playing environment. As long as Brees and the offense come to play the Saints should pack their bags for Miami. Maybe Prince will make another inspiring song for the off-season?!
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts: Colts 24-Jets 16. The Jets are playing well and have all the confidence and swagger to pull this one out. I would not be surprised to see the Jets playing for the Lombardi trophy on February 7th. However, my gut is telling me not to pick against Peyton Manning. He wants his chance at another Super Bowl in Miami. (I remember his first Super Bowl victory all to well, as I watched the Colts take down the Bears in 2007.) Plus, Jim Caldwell is from Beloit so why not support the Colts.
Odds that I get any of these correct: Slim to none.
Enjoy,
The Bean Spiller
Georgia vs. Tennessee Men’s Basketball: Georgia 68-Tennessee 62. Not that anyone reading this blog cares about this game, but I think this could be an upset of a Top 10 team. Georgia has played a lot of close games this year and played Kentucky, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State close. They also beat Georgia Tech, who has taken down UNC, Duke, and Clemson. Go Dawgs.
Ohio State vs. West Virginia: Ohio State 61-WVU 56. This may be a stretch being that it is in Morgantown. However, Ohio State is playing great basketball since the return of Evan Turner. OSU should be able to match up with WVU as they both start and consistently play 4 guards at a time. Big 10 represent.
Wisconsin vs. Penn State: Wisconsin 64-Penn State 50. I predict Wisconsin will come out on fire to start the game and that should continue through out the night. They need to bounce back after a tough shooting performance in the first half against Michigan. Penn State has not won a Big Ten game thus far. I do not see that changing. I expect big games from Bohannon and Taylor. Go Bucky.
New Orleans Saints vs. Minnesota Vikings: Saints 31-Vikings 24. I do not have much to say about this game other than I strongly dislike Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings. I hope and pray that they lose this weekend. The Saints have a lot of offensive firepower, an athletic and speedy defense, and a hostile playing environment. As long as Brees and the offense come to play the Saints should pack their bags for Miami. Maybe Prince will make another inspiring song for the off-season?!
New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts: Colts 24-Jets 16. The Jets are playing well and have all the confidence and swagger to pull this one out. I would not be surprised to see the Jets playing for the Lombardi trophy on February 7th. However, my gut is telling me not to pick against Peyton Manning. He wants his chance at another Super Bowl in Miami. (I remember his first Super Bowl victory all to well, as I watched the Colts take down the Bears in 2007.) Plus, Jim Caldwell is from Beloit so why not support the Colts.
Odds that I get any of these correct: Slim to none.
Enjoy,
The Bean Spiller
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Bean Spiller's First Blog
Welcome everyone!
I have decided to try my hand at blogging. I have to be honest I am a little nervous but at the same time very excited to start this process. I have heard from a few people that I have the most random thoughts and that it would be fun to know what is going on in my brain. So hey, what better opportunity then to blog and get them down on paper? Since registering my blog, blog-thoughts have inundated my mind. I awoke this morning at 5:45 and as I was getting ready all I could think about were possible blog topics…Should I write about the Badgers performance last night and how a win is a win no matter how ugly it is? Or on my theory that the government should pass a mandatory rule that the normal work week should include starting at noon on Wednesdays? Or maybe discuss my excitement for the Jersey Show tonight? I am thinking that it won’t be too tough to come up with entertaining, interactive, and thought-provoking topics. Well, they probably won’t be thought-provoking on the solving the world’s problems level, but I’ll try my best to produce a few blogs that actually require some thought!
Anyways, I don’t want my first blog to bore you to death or be too long that you close the window before you get to the end. The title of my blog is Jean Spills the Beans and it is going to discuss a grab bag of topics from sports to restaurants and food to movies to construction and everything in between. My hope is that it will be an interactive blog with lots of comments from my readers, err if I have any. Feel free to offer some discussion points or just tell me to cork it.
Well I think that is it for my FIRST-ever blog! If anyone has any advice for beginning bloggers feel free to share. Be on the look out for my first non-introduction blog in the coming days. Can’t wait.
Signed,
The Bean Spiller
I have decided to try my hand at blogging. I have to be honest I am a little nervous but at the same time very excited to start this process. I have heard from a few people that I have the most random thoughts and that it would be fun to know what is going on in my brain. So hey, what better opportunity then to blog and get them down on paper? Since registering my blog, blog-thoughts have inundated my mind. I awoke this morning at 5:45 and as I was getting ready all I could think about were possible blog topics…Should I write about the Badgers performance last night and how a win is a win no matter how ugly it is? Or on my theory that the government should pass a mandatory rule that the normal work week should include starting at noon on Wednesdays? Or maybe discuss my excitement for the Jersey Show tonight? I am thinking that it won’t be too tough to come up with entertaining, interactive, and thought-provoking topics. Well, they probably won’t be thought-provoking on the solving the world’s problems level, but I’ll try my best to produce a few blogs that actually require some thought!
Anyways, I don’t want my first blog to bore you to death or be too long that you close the window before you get to the end. The title of my blog is Jean Spills the Beans and it is going to discuss a grab bag of topics from sports to restaurants and food to movies to construction and everything in between. My hope is that it will be an interactive blog with lots of comments from my readers, err if I have any. Feel free to offer some discussion points or just tell me to cork it.
Well I think that is it for my FIRST-ever blog! If anyone has any advice for beginning bloggers feel free to share. Be on the look out for my first non-introduction blog in the coming days. Can’t wait.
Signed,
The Bean Spiller
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