Friday Fhoto

A sign that Winter's days are numbered in RIC

After CAA Crown, VCU Still Has Work Left to Do

The VCU Rams men’s basketball team is on top of the CAA world – at least until next week. For the second straight season – the Runnin Rams took home the regular season title. Last night, in front of a crowd of 7,241, VCU handed one-time foe UNC Wilmington a 72-58 thumping.

But while being regular season champs is nice, the real “season” for Coach Anthony Grant and company starts next week down the road at the Richmond Coliseum.

It’s tourney time.

With a 14-3 conference record, VCU earned the top seed and a very crucial first round bye in the tournament. The extra day of rest could prove to be a factor in determining which conference team punches a ticket to the NCAA Tournament.

Unlike last season, the CAA isn’t as deep as some of the other mid-major conferences and as the NCAA picture becomes clearer, it looks like the Colonial will only receive one bid.

As far as the Rams go, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has a pretty good take and says the Rams have a shot at an at-large bid, should they not win the CAA Tournament:

Virginia Commonwealth [22-6 (14-3), RPI: 46, SOS: 144] The Rams probably are the only at-large hopeful left in the CAA after winning at Akron in BracketBusters. They have two upper-division games left in league play (UNCW and W&M), which will help their RPI some if they can take both. Either way, they look ready to win the league title, which should be worth something. They also beat Houston and Maryland in nonconference play, but a loss to MEAC member Hampton won't help.

Besides, who wouldn't want to see this again:

Up in Flames

The "Tree People" are out of green! Firefighting funds have been blown like the winds that wreaked havoc on Virginia's forests only two weeks ago. Just how can our drought-stricken state devote only $500,000 to fighting wildfires?

With drought comes fire. It's almost inevitable, but the real question is to what degree the fires will burn? High winds and downed electrical lines caused an astounding 348 fires that charred 16,000 acres, nearly 4,000 more acres than burned in all of last year.

Before the early February fires, the Commonwealth had been relatively lucky in recent years when dealing with wildfires. Nothing compared to our neighbors out West, where fires are much more commonplace.

According to yesterday's RTD, a spokesman for the governor's office all funds are "tapped out" and now the Virginia Department of Forestry must ask for additional funding for this year, and it's the end of February.

Get in line. And ask for more than $500,000.

Friday Fhoto

Worth it every time

(courtesy of my Cannon PowerShot)

Random Rant

It's been a while since a post, let alone a Random Rant. Here's one:

Able people that don’t hold doors for anyone and instead use the handicap accessible ones.

Little kids that run into you and neither the child nor the accompanying guardian apologizes.

Children on leashes

Not being able to use an Automatic Teller Machine in under 200 seconds.

The smacking of gum

The obsession with Mexican Cantinas

Not clearing off frost, snow or ice from front windshields before driving.

Grown adults with email addresses that would make you think they’re 14

People that wish you a happy new year in February

Sportscasters that refer to “tonight’s game” when clearly the game will start and end during daylight hours

Thursday Fhoto

Since the flight to Orlando departs from RIC tomorrow morning at 7:30am, the usual Friday Fhoto is being pushed up one day to Thursday. What, you really expect me to log on and post tomorrow morning at 5 am?

Slick Willy Stumps for Wife on WRVA

Bill hit the airwaves this morning, stumping for his favorite presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. WRVA’s Jimmy Barrett interviewed America’s 42nd President on Richmond’s Morning News. Barrett was originally interviewing Republican Gary Bauer when Clinton called. Needless to say, the conversation with Bauer ended rather quickly.

Have a listen: (12 min)

Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers

These guys are good and they're coming to the RIC in March. I recently added their self titled album to my iPod. And what a great deal, 17 tracks for $7.99. Talk about an iTunes bargain.

Also known as SK6ers, this rock band is known for its nonstop year-round tour schedule. 300 shows in the last two years is a testament to that.

This Massachusetts based band is taking America by storm, one show at a time. And when SK6ers isn’t touring, they’re in the studio recording an album, the most recent being Glassjaw Boxer.

The group has worked with the likes of O.A.R., Dispatch, and Whiskeytown.

The sounds of Stephen Kellogg and Co. could be considered a mix of alt-country rock music with out the twang and house burning, dog dying, (see Ryan Adams) that has radio potential, although if that doesn’t happen it’s fine with me.

Catch SK6ers on Saturday, March 8 at Toad’s Place with the Pat McGee Acoustic Trio.

And if you miss this show, don’t worry, chances are they’ll be on the road for months on end.

Stream Stephen at Stephenkellogg.com

Start Spreading the News!

The Hollywood writers are heading back to work! A deal was reached over the weekend to send showrunners and scribes to the sets of our favorite shows.

It took 14 long weeks, full of reruns, but the Writers Guild of America unanimously blessed a three-year tentative deal with producers.

So what happens next? Stuffing the ballott box.

WGA members must approve ending the strike. Members will vote by fax or in person at specified meetings; voting ends tomorrow night.

After that, the members will be asked in a separate vote whether to OK the new three-year deal; those ballots go out in the next few days, with a 10- to 12-day return period.

While this is great news, don’t expect your favorite primetime show to return to the tube in the next few weeks. Most have already emptied the vault for this year’s season.

But be patient, there will be something to watch besides reality television sooner rather than later.

Read more about the details of the resolution at Unitedhollywood.com and more on what the WGA has to say at variety.com.

Friday Fhoto

Warm Weather + Exercise + Darkness = Frogger

People must really get tired of heading to the local gym and going through their mundane routine in the winter months. Two days of abnormally warm weather in the Richmond area prove this point.

As soon as the mercury reaches 65, plus or minus a few degrees, man and sometimes his best friend hit the streets – in the dark.

Many of outdoor enthusiasts include reflectors or blinking lights on their garb. Others choose to roll the dice and go with the all black getup. That is a brilliant move when jogging towards oncoming traffic.

The best move of the night usually comes when there is a small mountain range of leaves or numerous parked cars on the street, causing the health-conscious individual to jet further out into the road.

Luckily with rain and cooler temps on the horizon, next week’s commute home from the office shouldn’t turn into a game of Frogger.

A Few Obvious Observations from Super Tuesday Coverage

Not only do candidates love to hear themselves talk, political pundits also fit in this category

Wolf Blitzer has one of the more annoying voices on cable news. And his name is Wolf Blitzer.

Whether it was CNN, MSNBC or Fox News, virtually the entire screen was filled with blue and red pie charts, check boxes and percentages. While the numbers are important, instead of an accounting PowerPoint presentation, I’d like to be able to see what everyone is blabbering about.

MSNBC joker Keith Olberman was bubbly when McCain’s speech was winding down and Obama’s was just starting up – equal coverage for all!!! Perfect timing.

I finally realized how ridiculous these rally speeches are. Mitt Romney could say he likes walking male Doberman Pinschers and the crowd will erupt in cheer. I think the campaign staffers make sure the supporters are jacked up on Mountain Dew before the candidates arrive at the convention center or airport hangar.

Today is Regular Wednesday

To Those That Don't Have a Access to TV, Radio, Newspaper or Civilization...

The VA Primary is NEXT Tuesday, February 12th. It's known throughout the Commonwealth as Super Duper Tuesday.

It seems as though many Virginia voters figured since 24 states are choosing a nominee for President of the United States today, why not just tack on the Old Dominion as the 25th state to head to the polls.

Not so fast my fellow consitituents.

According to the State Board of Elections, over 400 calls were received about why the heck there was no place to vote today and get a cool "I Voted" sticker to wear at work all day.

It should be noted that all of the documented calls were before NOON!!! I can't imagine what the afternoon has been like. (Picturing a Jerry's Kids telethon)

2008 Sprint Cup Predictions

It’s February, and with the start of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season now only days away, here are my picks for which drivers will make the chase and who will hoist the trophy at Homestead come November. (Plus who will win the spring and fall races at RIR)

12) Jeff Burton – The South Boston, VA native continues to find success behind the wheel of his AT&T Chevy. Burton knows how to keep his car clean and rarely has a DNF. He should pick up another victory or two at some of his best tracks: Phoenix, New Hampshire, and Dover.

11) Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Zero. It’s the number of wins Little E recorded in 2007. A change of scenery, sponsor, and an extra eight on his car might reverse that trend in 2008. Just as intriguing as if he’ll improve on his 16th place in the points standings last year, will be how his relationship with new HMS teammates Johnson and Gordon goes. Is there enough to go around? If Junior makes it into victory lane in the 88 in 08, it will probably be at Richmond, Daytona, or Talladega.

10) Denny Hamlin – After bursting onto the scene and finishing 3rd in 2006, the Chesterfield native had a solid season in 2007. But in the chase for the championship Hamlin sputtered and finished 12th. He will contend again this year and could celebrate victories at Pocono, Richmond, and Martinsville.

9) Kurt Busch – The 2004 Cup Champion wants to drive his way back to those days. A 7th place points finish in 2007 was a big step up from 16th in 2006. Busch is car owner Roger Penske’s best shot at a championship since his driver took over for Rusty Wallace. Busch can add to his 17 career wins at Bristol, Michigan and Pocono.

8) Martin Truex Jr. – When you thought of DEI and Jr, there’s was always one name that came to mind, and it wasn’t Martin Truex. That changed in 2007. Truex Jr, made a name for himself and separated from his friend an teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Although his 11th place finish in the chase wasn’t what he had hoped for, the driver of the Bass Pro Shops Chevy isn’t taken lightly in the garage. He should make it into victory lane again this year. Dover and Texas are strong possibilities.

7) Kevin Harvick – Harvick went from mediocre finishes in 2004-2005, to winning the Daytona 500 in 2007. His turnaround wasn’t too surprising because he is a driver that has a hot head, but also a hot hand. In 2008, Harvick will be a force to reckon with and can steer his way to victory at Bristol, Atlanta and Chicagoland.

6) Clint Bowyer – There was no sophomore slump for Bowyer. In 2007, he broke into the win column with a victory at New Hampshire and had a great run in the Chase by finishing third. Bowyer is one of three great drivers in Richard Childress’ stable. Another run at the championship isn’t out of the equation. Besides New Hampshire, Bowyer runs up front at Kansas and California.

5) Kyle Busch – Affectionately known as “shrub” around the garage, the younger Busch has blossomed into a premiere driver. He’ll switch to Gibbs and Toyota in 2008, and has a good chance of earning the manufacturers first cup win. A solid points finish will coincide with good runs at California, Dover and Phoenix.

4) Matt Kenseth – Fast yet steady. That’s usually how Kenseth rolls. For most races, Kenseth usually hangs out for the first half of the race, sometimes because he isn’t the best qualifier. But once the race starts to wind down, Kenseth winds up and usually finishes in the Top 5 or 10. Look for the DeWalt Ford to be at the top of the leaderboard at Charlotte, Bristol, and Kansas.

3) Tony Stewart – Stewart is streaky. Last year he recorded three wins between July and August and can easily make a late summer run for a solid spot in the Chase. Keep an eye on the switch to Toyota and his status at JGR. The 20 machine is capable of winning virtually anywhere, but Tony has the best chance to climb the catchfence at Indy, Daytona and Watkins Glen.

2) Jimmie Johnson – There really isn’t much improvement needed for the Lowe’s Home Improvement Chevy. JJ won back to back championships in 2006 and 2007 with incredible runs during the chase races. A threat to win every time the green flag drops, Johnson should get his average six to eight victories, but he’ll come up just short in November.

1) Jeff Gordon – Now settled in as a new dad, Gordon will finally complete his quest for the “Drive for Five” and bring home a third straight championship to Hendrick Motorsports. Gordon has top notch equipment and a crew that can help gain valuable track position. He’s won at every track on the circuit minus Homestead and Texas, and wins there in 2008 wouldn’t be surprising.

Sleeper:

Greg Biffle – Biffle is in what people call a “contract year,” which is why I think he’ll perform well. A silly season candidate in 2008, Biffle knows the highs and lows of NASCAR’s top series. Last year’s 14th place point’s finish isn’t the norm for Biffle. He was just 35 points away from a championship in 2005. He can win on the track at Darlington, Kansas and Homestead.

Most Wins – Jeff Gordon (8)

Rookie of the Year: Patrick Carpentier

Most Poles: Kasey Kahne (6)

Spring Richmond Race: Tony Stewart

Fall Richmond Race: Kurt Busch

Write this Down: The End is in Sight (Maybe)

It seems as though watching new sitcoms and dramas could become a reality sooner rather than later. Although words like “tentative” and “possibly” are still litter every article, according to published reports, The Writers Guild of America and the major studios have reached the outlines of a new employment contract. The contract is expected to be ironed out by Friday, day 96 of the strike.

The new deal includes an agreement surrounding key sticking points such as how much writers should be paid for work that is distributed over the Internet and other media channels like cell phones and iPods.

A deal would end the costliest strike Hollywood has seen in over two decades. A resolution would also allow for writers and other workers to get back to the sets of their respective programs and begin work for next fall.

It’s safe to say we can write off the 2007-2008 lineups, but pilots for next year should start filming this month.

Hopefully there will be more good news to report at the end of the week.

Friday Fhoto

We could be really screwed come late February, early March.

29 Days Later

That’s right, with one flip of the calendar this morning you'll notice Febrero (for the Telemundo crowd out there) has 29 days this year. Make sure you utilize this extra day (it’s a Friday) to the best of your ability. Do something crazy that day. Maybe tie your right shoe first. Or order the premium blend instead of the house roast at the local Wawa.

Leap years always seem to get overlooked, creating the “oh yeah, that’s right it’s a leap year” mentality. Even after the 29th of February has come and gone, the mentality stays with us for the rest of 2008.

Besides keeping the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical or seasonal year, leap year’s can definitely create havoc to one’s holiday calendar. Here’s a bit of help for the rest of 2008:

Memorial Day – I think we’re good on this one. Enjoy your cookout or day at the pool on Monday, May 26, 2008

Independence Day – Wednesday in 2007, FRIDAY in 2008

Thanksgiving Day – There’s no surprise here. Gorge your face with turkey and stuffing on Thursday, November 27.

Christmas Day – Tuesday in 2007, THURSDAY in 2008

Back it up March; you will just have to wait a bit longer this year.