Sorry an update has been so long. Work has been busy as hell and it's not slowing down anytime soon. I did update the music page recently though.

I went to see 300 last week. There have been a lot of critics saying it is too crazy, bloody, and doesn't follow historical accounts. Who cares, I say. I thought Bad Boys II had a terrible plot also, but when you walked out you still thought, 'holy crap, that was awesome.' Same feeling for 300. The movie is just entertaining - plain and simple. I highly suggest it if you like war movies. Also a bonus if you like ridiculous special effects. All of the scenes were computer generated and it makes for a fantastic film. They also stayed remarkably close to Frank Miller's original comic. You can get an idea of how closely they align here.

This is a really good and effectively pulled prank. My favorite I've every heard of is from my high school art teacher who said the students at her daughter's school (Zionsville) planted a tree in the middle of the night on the 50 yard line of the football field.

Clever tagline for the fish fry at my Church this week: 'Thou shalt have no other cod besides me'.

I'm going on a big ski weekend with everyone on my project next weekend at Keystone. I'm very excited. As mentioned in an earlier post, I'll be sticking to the skis.

March Madness update:
Very excited about the way the Boilers played in the tournament (and just getting there) after seasons with 7 wins and 9 wins. Can't wait for the next few seasons with our great recruiting class coming in (4 players in the top 60).

Interesting sightings on facebook.com. My bracket is doing very well - #2 Accenture, #120 Purdue, #191 Chicago, #1 My Friends. However, I was more impressed with certain standings over the course of the first weekend:

After Day 1 - after 1 full day, look at the top networks:
1) Westfield Washington High School (hell yes)
2) Bishop Chatard High School (Indianapolis area holding down the top 2 spots)
7) Indiana (I hate them, but whatever)
9) Zionsville Community High School (Indianapolis area holding down 3 of top 10 spots)

After Day 2 - after 2 full days, Westfield is still kicking ass:
2) Westfield Washington High School (still looking good)

Middle of Day 3 - 2nd Round:
Top College Networks
1) Butler
4) Purdue
7) Anderson IN
8) Indiana
10) Wabash
That's 5 of the top 10 colleges in the country!!!

Top Regional Networks
1) Bloomington, IN
3) Indianapolis, IN
9) Lafayette, IN
10) Fort Wayne, IN

Wow. Indiana knows basketball. (Alas, it has changed since then, but not a bad run)

Oh, and Kenny Mayne is the best sportscaster ESPN has. Hands down.

A new show premiered the other night called The Black Donnellys. First and foremost, it's a highly entertaining show. Kind of like Sopranos, but on network television (NBC, Mondays 10/9c). Basically, it follows around 4 brothers from Hell's Kitchen that are somewhat involved in organized crime (the pilot just shows how they initially get involved in it). The show is very well written, as you would expect from the writers of Crash. The only two knocks I have on it are that 1) the violence is pretty extreme for network television (doesn't bother me too much)...however it might not be quite extreme enough for an HBO so it's kind of a tweener and 2) it has replaced Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip which was one of my favorite shows of the past season. Studio 60 might come back, but it is listed as on indefinite hiatus. You can catch the first episode of The Black Donnellys again here or when it is broadcast again on Thursday at 10/9c on NBC.

On a side note, the show's name came from a real Irish immigrant family that lived in Canada in the 1800s and were caught in a big fued. Eventually a bunch of them were massacred. You can read about them here.

I picked up the sports package on my cable provider last fall so that I can watch the Fox Soccer Channel. Well, an added benefit of that is that I also now get the NFL Network. The past weekend I watched a lot of the coverage from the NFL Combine and found it pretty interesting. I'm not all that impressed with all the incoming players (good for the Colts since we pick last), but it was neat to see all the stuff they have to do live. The stadium is virtually empty with a few coaches at random places in the stands. The place is so quiet you can actually hear the air conditioning units. NFL Network has a stage set up in the stands looking out over the field and they just have to fill space talking about anything they can. At one point, Rich Eisen even went down and ran the 40 yard dash in his suit and dress shoes. Pretty comical.

Now we all know that Cami Sue is the Grand Poobah of the Delta Zeta Sorority. I think we all deserve some answers as to why she kicked out the uglies. Just kidding. In the interest of full disclosure, I should also probably link to their "apology".

I was more than happy that The Departed won Best Picture. I'm also very excited to see 300.

I went snowboarding last Saturday for the first time ever. The rest of the group went to another mountain Sunday...but I stayed back in my apartment popping pain killers. I had a great time, and learned how to snowboard, but I was on my ass half the day. They all said I was very good for a first timer, but I had to keep pushing my 6'2" body up all day and needless to say, my arms can't handle it. I couldn't lift my arms over my head without pain for three days. We are all going skiing again, and I think I'll stick to the skis.

We went to Winter Park which was a great mountain that apparently the locals like the best. I can see why. On our way back to Broomfield, we passed a HobbyTown USA in west Denver that brought back memories. I explained to everyone that my parents owned a fanchise way back when I was in thrid grade. I hadn't seen one of those in a while.

Peyton Manning was on Letterman last Tuesday. Highly entertaining. You can watch the two parts of the interview here and here. The story about Dallas Clark about 5 minutes into the first part is pretty funny. Also Dave's comment about Rex Grossman at halftime. Dave just goes on and on about how happy he is about the Colts winning and how much he loves Indianapolis. I got a kick out of it. Letterman is the best ambassador that city has ever had. On a side note, my roommate's friends are now absolutely convinced that I am Peyton given the fact that I went to Miami.

I think I have a crush on Corinne Bailey Rae.

Well, we did it. I think a recap post is in order.

I think I've posted some fitting new music.

I haven't posted pictures in forever, so I've added a TON from my weekend in South Florida.

Friday, we headed to the airport in the afternoon. There was a HUGE line for the charter flight. In our estimation, they probably had at least 3 charter flights of Colts fans. Channel 8 was there and mom even shared a few words with Tony Perkins. The flight arrived in Ft. Lauderdale at about 7 and we went straight to the hotel, the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six. Not a bad hotel - it was spread out with a massive courtyard that had a bar, big pool, and hot tub. We then grabbed the shuttle and went up to Las Olas Boulevard, the main bar/restaurant/boutiqe drag in Ft. Lauderdale. We did some walking and bar hopping, stopping at places like Big City Tavern and O'Hara's. The town was hopping and O'Hara's was great. The band was really good and there were a lot of people there having a good time.

On Saturday, we woke up and headed down to South Beach. The drive took a good hour, but it was worth it. We got down there in the late morning, and the street was pretty empty. There were a few places open, but we got to walk the beach and Ocean Drive in relative peace. We stopped and ate lunch and after that, Ocean Drive had changed. People were everywhere and having fun. Each hotel/restaurant took advantage of the fact that the street was shut down and expanded their sidewalk seating well onto the street. We stopped and had a few beers and I was even interviewd by a Brit from Sky Sports. He asked about ticket prices and who would win. Unfortunately I got my cheer for Tottenham Hotspur in a little too late to be caught by the camera. We ended up getting some gelato and catching a cab back to the Ft. in the afternoon.

After regrouping at the hotel, we headed to Cafe Iguana in Hollywood. It's a 25,000 sq. ft. club that the Blue Crew rented out for a Colts party. They even had the firetruck and ambulance down there. The party was awesome and I had a great time. It's hard not to when they fire up Lynard Skynard and put it on mute during the chorus so everyone can sing at the top of their lungs, "Sweet Home INDIANA!!". You can see some pictures if you head over to that page. FYI - that night was at least a pleasant 70 degrees in South Florida. Imagine my delight when I got back to the hotel and pulled up the Drudge Report to see this.

Sunday morning I woke up to one of the most memorable days of my life. After mass, we joined all the other Colts fans staying with us and headed on a bus for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood (YES - the very one that Anna Nicole Smith died in 4 days later). They were having a big "tailgate" (indoor - thank God because it was raining) party. There were probably about 1,000 fans for each side (10-15 buses worth), I assume all that had signed up with a package through the teams like we did. Not a bad affair. They had the Colts fans in the huge Hard Rock Live Venue. Premium open bar, a little lunch, Kansas performed (of Dust In The Wind fame - forgettable), and some past/future NFL stars were there. The most notable of whom was 2006 Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith.

When it was time to leave at 3pm, we boarded our buses and got a police escort to the Super Bowl. I can not emphasize this point enough. Not only an I going to see the Colts play in the biggest game there is, but I am getting 50 police cars blocking all traffic at intersections and escorting me down the interstate like I'm OJ Simpson. Surreal. We got to the stadium and it was very lightly sprinkling. We spent a few minutes in the NFL Experience section of the parking lot then headed into the stadium. Easier said then done. Security was amazing. They had baracades set up like we were cattle, pat-downs, metal detectors, etc. Even all gates were closed with concrete barriers behind them, forcing everyone to go through a 3 foot gap between the fence and a wall. We made it to the escalator to the Club Level and headed up. It was pretty high society. We walked right by the suite for Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Miami Dolphins. And now to possibly the best part of the weekend (besides the Colts win)...we upgraded our seats when we bought them without knowing that the Club seats were the only 10 rows in the stadium that were covered by the overhang of the second deck. We didn't get rained on the entire game, not until we were celebrating on the way back to the bus. When people ask me how great the Super Bowl was, I just tell them this fact. This is how great it was...we didn't even feel a drop of rain the entire game.

Well, I'm pretty sure you guys saw the game so I won't get into that. The flyover by the Thunderbirds was fantastic - it looked like they were seriously no more than 20 yards above rim of the stadium. The opening kickoff return by Devin Hester was a blow, but we've been coming from behind all year, so I wasn't too fazed. A little disappointed, but not disspirited. Prince was great, as expected (by me at least). The Halftime show is a weird thing to witness in person. The stage is in the middle of the field so there is a huge gap between them and any fans. Very odd. But the pyrotechnics were great and Prince is simply a performer. The celebration wasn't quite as fun as being at the Patriots game. That feeling of getting over the hump and being there with all those Colts fans at home was a once in a lifetime experience. But the Super Bowl had a different quality to it. It is something that I will always be able to say I was at. I mean, there have only been 41 of them ever. And I don't know anyone that had been to any of them before this. So I'd like to think I'm in exclusive company. Truely one of those few moments you take to the grave with you.

All in all, it was the time of my life. I was so glad that I was able to share it with my parents. People keep asking me "how was it?", and I don't know how to accurately capture it. If I had to come down to only one word, I'd have to say "spectacle". It truely is and you just have to be there to experience it. I mean...in one day I was 10 feet from the current Heisman winner, in the same building where Anna Nicole Smith died, got a police escort to the Super Bowl, saw Billy Joel and Prince perform, didn't get rained on in the only Super Bowl ever to get rained on, and saw my team win the Super Bowl in person (the first major championship won by my hometown in my lifetime) over the team from the city I now live in.

Not too shabby

This is badass.

I love the fact that my go-to sandwich shop down the block (Potbelly's) has a huge Colts fan from Crawfordsville as a manager. I seriously have gotten 5 or 6 free sandwiches the past season. I even got one last night...in Chicago...and we play the Bears for the Super Bowl this week. I love the Colts.

I got interviewed yesterday about being a Colts fan in Chicago. It got published on nwi.com.

Last post before I see the Colts playing in the Super Bowl live. I can't believe I just wrote that.

When I was at the Denver airport on Thursday, I was in kind of a hurry. I got the the gate pretty quickly and got there just as they were beginning to board. Well, I literally almost bumped into Bill Rancic. Yeah, the first Apprentice. He's very tall and was talking to two guys who frankly looked like bums or backpackers. Kind of odd.

My roommate says his buddy thinks I'm Peyton Manning. Not that I look like him (I get that a lot), but that I am Peyton Manning. Mainly because I look like him, but also since I travel so much and I'm always "going" to the games or traveling and never around when the Colts happen to be playing. I found that humorous. I might be living in a slightly more luxurious place if that was actually true.

I haven't been privy to they whole discussion, but from what I hear, my whole family staying in Indy for the game might not be getting together for a big party. Seriously disappoints me. I mean, we go ALL OUT for weddings. But this is Colts in the freaking SUPER BOWL people!! Someone volunteer to host a party!! Shit, you can all come up to my place in Chicago for a bit of irony if you want!! Enjoy this!!

They say seeing is believing, but I'm not so sure. Maybe it's just too early. Maybe it hasn't really sunk in yet. Maybe words can't really sum up my elation in a few short paragraphs. For 23 years (my entire short life) I have rooted my heart and soul out for the Indianapolis Colts. I've been to too many games to count. The crowd in the RCA Dome has come to feel almost like family (which would explain all the hugs last night). After years of getting consistently told (and demonstrated) that Indianapolis' best just wasn't good enough, it came down to one drive. 2 minutes and 17 seconds to erase years of 'what-ifs' and 'should-ofs'. While I'm writing this, it's difficult to seperate 'the team' from 'the fans'. It's been written before, but this team (and its been roughly the same over the past 4-5 years) embodies this city so well. Hard-working, no-nonsense, likeable, and humble. Unfortunately, that's all too often a recipe for a punching bag. Not last night. Not for the whole 60 minutes. Sure, we took our hits...but we regrouped. And then the team, and the blue clad warriors in the stands said, "enough. this is our turn." The last 8 minutes or so was a blur, so I'm going to need some time to digest it. But this team didn't stop fighting. They didn't stop clawing. They showed class. They showed heart. They showed why they are the best team in the AFC - bar none. I keep repeating it to myself, in my head and verbally. I still don't totally believe it. I don't know...maybe writing it down will help.

We beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.

The Indianapolis Colts are going to the Super Bowl.

I will be there.

I couldn't watch the whole Chargers-Pats game since I had to go to mass. I watched until the Pats pulled within one in the 3rd quarter. Well, my phone rang three times in the span of 2 minutes. Without even taking the phone out of my pocket, I knew exactly what it meant. The Colts would have a home game (that I would be attending) for the AFC Championship and the right to go to Miami. I was immediately the happiest person in church. My flight plans have changed and I will be back in Indy on Thursday night. I can't wait.

St. Brice's feast day is November 13th, which coincidentally happens to be my birthday.

Watch ER. I don't know how much plainer I can be. This is seriously one of the top shows on TV right now, and all people can talk about is Grey's Anatomy. I thoroughly enjoy the crew from Seattle Grace, but they can't hold a candle to the bunch from Cook County General. ER has better acting, better filming, and better subplots. Seriously, just flip over to NBC at 10 eastern on Thursdays after Grey's and see for yourself.

So much I have to do over the next month for work and yet the Colts keep winning. If, God forbid, there is a conflict...I don't know what I'm going to do. Or do I.

Well, I haven't updated in about a month. Then again, no one has given their point of view in about a month either. So I don't feel that bad about it.

I went to the Colts game last night. I have watched the game two more times since then. I'm still so jacked about the way the defense played. I kept saying it doesn't make a ton of sense, but the crowd gets just as excited and loud about the defense stopping the other team for a 2 yard loss as they do when Marvin gets a 60 yard touchdown. There is just something psychological about it. I love this game.

Before the game we met a couple of my aunts and uncles south of the dome. The new stadium is getting huge. We went to some tent and got free booze and food. I think we should try to go to it every game next year.

I officialy have an apartment in Colorado. I get to move some stuff in tomorrow. I'll still probably come home most weekends, but this will definitely make it easier to stay for a ski weekend or something. If anyone wants to come out and visit (free lodging), let me know. I'm more than willing to host. I'm actually looking for every reason to stay and go skiing.

Saw the best idea ever for a party on facebook. Some guys are having a "Cold War Party". Essentially it's an 80's party, a Communist party, and a keg race thrown into one. Half the party-goers dress like Russians in the 80's (think: rag-like clothes, soldiers, prostitutes, and thick moustaches). The other half goes as your traditional American 80's party. They stay upstairs listening to traditional 80's music while the Commies get a cold stone basement to party in while listening to industrial rock and techno. 2 keg race. Let the best nation win.

Jack's Mannequin released a free 4 song Holiday EP. I can't find it on their site anywhere anymore so you can get the tracks here. Two are remixes or demos of current songs and two are unreleased tracks. Enjoy.

My uncle got a leg lamp for Christmas. It's absolutely glorious. You just have to see the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window.

I met a really nice old man the other day. He was very sociable, but that's not what I remember most. He had the most God-awful toupee I have ever seen. It should probably be referred to as a wig since it covered his whole head. The guy was like in his 90's with grey stubble, but this hairpiece was pretty black with no spots of grey whatsoever. High comedy. Especially since some of his white hair was peeking out the back. I probably shouldn't have been laughing to myself given I was at mass...

I bought my tickets to a New Year's Eve bash here in Chicago. I sure am going to miss the party down at Butler this year (if they don't get shut down before then). Then again, I didn't really have a good track record with the NYE parties down there, so maybe this is for the best.

Christmas shopping + Michigan Avenue = PeaceHell on Earth

Can't wait until next September...you know, when the Colts start playing football again. I knew the result of today's game from the first drive. I will give these guys one more game, but at this point they don't even deserve my loyalty. I think the team needs to hold a Festivus celebration of sorts on Tuesday, which is supposed to be their day off. They can get together and have the "Airing of Grievances" in which they each tell everyone all the ways they have let them down. Get out all of the excuses, bitching, and whining and get on with the rest of the season. The "Feats of Strength" can then be performed on opposing offenses. I won't hold my breath.

One more week in Colorado this year. Stats for 2006 (since April 10th):
Total airline miles = 59,000+
Total nights spent in a hotel = 109
New cities visited:

San Jose, CA

Santa Clara, CA

Newark, CA

Boston, MA

Breckenridge, CO

Leadville, CO

Vail, CO

Boulder, CO

Las Vegas, NV

VERY cool commercial for Samsung's new Blackjack cellphone. Samsung rules.

Its been a while again. All apologies. I had a great Thanksgiving and I'm glad I got to see a lot of you. Can't wait for Christmas.

How 'bout them Bulldogs! I watched both of Butler's first NIT games (against ND and the Loosiers) here in Chicago, and then went to a "Butler party" down in Fishers to watch the second two. I had a blast and it's always fun watching them win. I also went to Saturday's game at Hinkle Fieldhouse (the best gym in America) where they beat Kent State in double overtime. Then, last night, I drove down to Valpo to watch them beat the Crusaders by double digits. This will be a fun team to watch this year.

Speaking of basketball, the Boilers are doing great as well. Knocking off a Big 12 team and an ACC team early in the season. The only loss has been to Georgia Tech who is ranked pretty high. They are a much more fun team to watch this year as well. It's great to have Landry back - hes a classy guy and it's nice seeing him do well. Also nice seeing Teague where he belongs...hitting shots from behind the arc.

I went to see Casino Royale last week. I haven't really been a fan of the last few Bond films. I always felt they were a little bit contrived. Well, this lastest installment (which is actually the first installment) was fantastic. Daniel Craig was superb as Bond, even if he is blonde. The action was almost non-stop and the story was well written. I also thouroughly enjoyed the title seqence animation. Go see the film if you haven't yet.

I'm heading back to Denver on Monday. We are going to be getting corporate apartments in January so it will be easier to just keep stuff there over the weekends. It will also be easier if we want to stay a weekend and go skiing. That's a hint to anyone who wants to come to Denver for a weekend this winter.

Tottenham Hotspur plays Ar**nal this weekend. Big rivalry. I'm actually getting up to go to the pub at 6am on Saturday. Yeah, I think that's initiation enough. I'm definitely a fan.

I was going to wait a whole month before I said anything about the new Brand New album. I guess you'll have to settle for 10 days. My first listen...I was a little disappointed. I took that as a good sign as I usually am by all of my favorite albums. I have listened to it at least 30 times through since then and it gets better every damn time. Even the parts that i disliked the most that first listen are becoming some of my favorite parts. There is an exception of one song, Untitled, and I think everyone who listens to it will agree with me. It really serves no purpose. Other than that, the album is fantastic. If you like music that grows on you with every listen, where your favorite track changes with every listen, pick up The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me.

Drinking a bottle of wine while listening to a Foo Fighters acoustic album = immeasurably dorky, but incalculably satisfying.

But first, a more serious subject. What happened last Tuesday was long predicted and expected. Now, those in power should know that we're the one's who giveth...we can taketh away. This week, the minority in the House will be electing their new leader. I urge you to write your Congressman/Congresswoman and let them know you want Mike Pence guiding the Republican party back to its conservative roots. He explains everything in his letter announcing his candidacy and in his vision statement. I truely believe we need new blood in leadership (on both sides of the aisle). I think we all agree that Washington is messed up...but it's not beyond repair. For more information, visit The Club For Growth.

I went to go see the Borat movie yesterday. Holy crap, this is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. There is a five minute stretch where it is also possibly the grossest movie I've ever seen, but the humor outweighs it. Go see it. Verry Niice.

The past week was fantastic after the Colts beat the Pats. I watched the game at Mullen's, which is quickly becoming my favorite bar in Chicago. The place was packed with Colt's fans and we were all going nuts. Good times. Also, Kyle Orton made an appearance for a couple of quarters. I'm now seeing this guy everywhere. It just so happens it's always at a bar.

I updated the music page finally (sorry Corey). I'll try to stay on top of that.

I'm going to be in Chicago for a few weeks until the next phase of the project starts. Probably be in Indy most of Thanksgiving week. I can't wait.

It would be oh-so-satisfying to prevent IU from becoming bowl eligible. I'm very excited for this weekend. Keep the bucket...nothing else matters.

Fantastic Sunday. Woke up early to go to mass. Then I headed down to Small Bar to watch the Spurs play. I met up with the guys from Tottenham Hotspur Chicago to watch the match. Wouldn't you know it, the Spurs beat Chelsea (the reigning Premier League champions) 2-1 for the first time in 16 years. Fantastic match. Tottenham's second goal featured Robbie Keane breaking a defender's ankles in the left corner, then striking a cross to Aaron Lennon 10 yards in front of the net, who faked to the right, before accepting the pass and moving to the left. One solid strike later and it was in the back of the left corner of the net. Just a beautiful play. Had a great time with the boys from The Lane.

Bill Green was in Chicago on Friday, so we had an all-Chicago meeting at the Chicago Theater right around the block from our office. Most of the meeting was kind of a cheerleading session, but I found Bill to be pretty open and a good speaker. One analyst (first 2 years in the company) asked a bold question that I just had to applaud. She got up in front of 5,000+ people who mostly rank higher than her in the company, and asked the Chairman and CEO of a 140,000+ employee company how closely he interacts with analysts and, "when you are free so I can take you out to lunch." I know she was female...but those are some big ass balls. Hats off to her.

I went to see Brand New in Saint Louis last Wednesday (1/1). I can honestly say it was one of the best shows I have ever been to. I had seen them the previous Friday in Chicago opening for Dashboard Confessional. They only got to play 8 songs, but they sounded fantastic. In Saint Louis, I got to see them headlining at a small club called Mississippi Nights. There were definitely less than 1000 people there, and only a few hundred fight up front where I was. I think the band enjoys playing those shows more. They blew the roof off the place. So much intensity. They played 16 songs. 4 of them were in an encore and then the house lights came up. But, everybody stayed around chanting their name for a few minutes, so they actually came out and played a second encore - Seventy Times 7. Great way to end the show. They ended the first encore with my favorite song, Okay I Believe You, But My Tommy Gun Don't. During this song, Vinny jumped up to the girder above the stage (like I said, it was a small club) and hung upside down while playing his guitar. Pretty amazing. This just topped his performance during Tommy Gun in Chicago where they closed their set with it and he threw his guitar a good 15 feet in the air, caught it and went right on playing. I love this band. My tentative favorite song on the new album is You Won't Know.

Hopefully the Tottenham Hotspur game was a good omen for tonight.