USA vs. England on June 12, 2010

The draws for next year's World Cup in South Africa came on Friday, and the first match-up for the U.S. looks like a dandy. The U.S. and England (my two favorite teams) face off on June 12, 2010, and both have a favorable chance of advancing based on the inclusion of Algeria and Slovenia in their group. The U.S. and England haven't met in a World Cup match since 1950, when the U.S. upset England 1-0 in Brazil. With so many American players now playing in England's Premier League and getting a chance to hone their skills overseas, you never what could happen in 2010.

In the meadow...the first snow of the winter (even though it's technically still fall)

Santa Claus comes to town (well, Manassas...in early December)

Check out Tyler's reaction...

A couple quickies

Two articles in today's POST caught my eye this morning.

There's an article in the Metro section about a PWCPS decision to give teachers incentive bonuses. You know by now that I find educational articles about my former place of employment quite interesting.

From the article:

Prince William County school officials unveiled a plan Wednesday to offer bonuses to teachers and administrators in high-performing schools that serve poor or challenging students.
The plan, if approved by the School Board this month, will be submitted to the federal government for possible funding and could begin next school year.

Prince William, Virginia's second-largest school system, is one of scores across the country that are developing pay proposals tied to student performance thanks to new federal money and fresh interest from the nation's top education officials.

"We had talked about merit pay or performance pay informally over time. But when the Obama administration again came out and recommended those kinds of approaches . . . I just felt like it was time to stop talking about it and start moving forward," said School Board member Grant E. Lattin (Occoquan), who asked officials to put together a plan.

So, what will determine if a school is poor or challenging? And what about teachers in schools that don't fit in those categories? Do they have no way to earn a bonus? After all, they're just as likely to move on from teaching for financial reasons. I'd like more details.

Also, the POST has a review today of George Clooney's "Up in the Air", which I've already mentioned wanting to see this winter. Similar reviews have been just as positive, and Clooney and Reitman's names are already popping up in Oscar buzz (along with newcomer Anna Kendrick). Since I returned to corporate America a few years ago, dramas about the business world do seem more interesting and timely.

From the article:

When George Clooney is at the peak of his physical attractiveness, technical chops and instinctive ease before the camera, he operates not just as an actor but also as a finely machined screen object.

No doubt, he's been a joy to behold in such recent forays as "The Men Who Stare at Goats" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox." But "Up in the Air," a smart, alert, supremely entertaining movie featuring Clooney at his suavest, seems cosmically tuned to his particular key. The last time this happened was with "Michael Clayton," and fans of that film know the drill: The filmgoer's primary obligation in these instances is simply to sit back, order a drink and enjoy the flight.

And, in the case of "Up in the Air," that means literally: Clooney plays Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer who spends most of his life on airplanes and likes it that way. Bingham is a road warrior, a smooth talker who can make you hear "Yes" even when he's clearly saying "No." He has his spiel down. When one of his latest victims wavers, he assures them that anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world has been where they are. And they buy it.

Another band worth checking out

Josh Ritter's opening act on Tuesday night was a Rhode Island-based band called "The Low Anthem". Julie asked me at one point "who listens to this kind of music?"...well, me. But, she knew that. I'm an Americana fan, and they had a few songs that caught my attention a couple nights ago. I enjoyed "The Horizon is a Beltway" and "This God Damn House" (below) quite a bit. The folks in the band play an eclectic mix of instruments; they could use a better rapport with the audience and a better stage presence, but they'll get it - maybe.

A few pics of the kiddos from this week

Time article on Helicopter Parenting

I was in my work library, and this Time Magazine front page article caught my eye. I'm always interested in articles on parenting, being a young (well, young in terms of years of parenting) parent with still a lot to learn. After reading the article, I can definitely see some of my traits in the descriptions, but I'm not as bad as I could be. This excerpt on playtime is worth sharing (along with much of the article):

Other studies reinforce the importance of play as an essential protein in a child's emotional diet; were it not, argue some scientists, it would not have persisted across species and millenniums, perhaps as a way to practice for adulthood, to build leadership, sociability, flexibility, resilience — even as a means of literally shaping the brain and its pathways. Dr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist and the founder of the National Institute for Play — who has a treehouse above his office — recalls in a recent book how managers at Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) noticed the younger engineers lacked problem-solving skills, though they had top grades and test scores. Realizing the older engineers had more play experience as kids — they'd taken apart clocks, built stereos, made models — JPL eventually incorporated questions about job applicants' play backgrounds into interviews. "If you look at what produces learning and memory and well-being" in life, Brown has argued, "play is as fundamental as any other aspect.'' The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that the decrease in free playtime could carry health risks: "For some children, this hurried lifestyle is a source of stress and anxiety and may even contribute to depression." Not to mention the epidemic of childhood obesity in a generation of kids who never just go out and play.

It is amazing what this generation of parents has become compared to our predecessors. As a child, or preteen, it was no big deal for me to ride my bike down to the local market in Village - without a helmet. I was on a two-lane country road with no bike path. Today? Are you kidding? I could easily be hit by a car, suffer brain damage, or even worse: Be kidnapped by a sexual predator. I could have been dragged into the woods by a madman. Times have changed, and a result, so have many parents. Of course, maybe we should all just blame it on the media. They don't help parental anxiety.

Mason stinks on the road at GW

Thank God that game ended. Mason laid a huge egg vs. A-10 opponent GW tonight in Foggy Bottom, losing by 17. There were many, many reasons for this horrific performance, but let's just name a few:

• Two starters decided to steal pillows from a New Orleans hotel resulting in the loss of almost 20 ppg. WAKE UP, Ryan Pearson and Andre Cornelius.
• We turned the ball over 21 times. 21!!
• We shot 34% from the field.
• We shot 56% from the line.
• We looked like crap. I'd rather say another word, but this is a family blog. I refrain.
• We had one player in double figures, Luke Hancock with 15 pts. It was a career high for the freshman, who continues to be the ONLY player who's consistent for this young team. Cam Long, our supposedly best player: 2/10 from the field, 7 pts, and 5 TOs. Way to step up, Cam. Way to go.

I'm disgusted. My only hope for this 3-4 team is they're the ones PISSED off on Saturday when we take on UNCW on the road at Trask (where we always lose) in our FIRST and now IMPORTANT first CAA game of the year. UNCW has a talented guard and forward combo in Chad Tomko and John Fields (new to UNCW this year; an ECU transfer) and can easily beat us as well if we decide to NOT SHOW UP AGAIN.

Wake up, Mason.

Ritter at the 9:30 recap

We made it back safely from our 2nd Josh Ritter show, and first at the 9:30 Club in DC. Overall, another great performance by Ritter, who has a presence on stage and a songbook that's easy to adore (speaking of songbooks, I bought this for Sophia, my little reader and hopefully a future musician of some kind). My favorite song of the night was probably "Lillian, Egypt"; plus, "Girl in the War" seemed more powerful in this setting and especially in this location (DC, on the eve that Obama announces he's sending more troops to Afghanistan). His crowd play with "Empty Hearts", one of my faves and a perfect song going into the new year, was excellent. The new stuff: Much of it is too slow for me; he really needs to not lose the faster stuff that made "THCOJR" so darn good. "Moon River" - who knew, but I loved the sappy classic. I'd love to see Ritter do more covers, even though it's difficult since his own stuff is so good. I was bummed "Good Man" didn't make the cut once again. Julie & I are still waiting for him to perform the song live for us. After all, it's the song that made me a Ritter fan.

My iffys: I'd rather not go to a show in that 'hood in DC, even though my pre-paid parking behind the venue was easy. I still felt like we could be victims of a drive-by past M Street. I don't like standing for three hours in a venue. I'm 37. My back hurt after 20 minutes. My feet cramped up. Lastly, I'm easily irritated by people in their 20s (no offense to the twentysomethings I do like - you know who you are). Enough with the public displays of affection!! Old people are nearby!! Stop crowding my space!! I have my arms folded for a reason!! Back OFF!!

I will be checking out this blog, which is keeping track of Ritter's current shows, for pics from tonight's show in DC. But, not tonight. I'm exhausted.

Obama's decision

Bush may never get the credit he deserves from the media for the surge that saved the war in Iraq, but you can bet that Obama will if his decision to send more troops to Afghanistan succeeds. Nonetheless, as Americans, we have to hope for the success and safety of our American soldiers and their safe return home. His speech tonight at West Point will be interesting in how it's received not only by the American public, but his fellow war-hating Democrats as well. After all, this is a President who ran a campaign to end these conflicts - not increase them. Yes, I agree...eight years of war is long enough. But, we have to do whatever we can to win. We have no choice: This war is a war on terror.

Sure, the health care debate is crucial to his presidency, but this decision will determine whether or not his time in office is a success or a blunder. No pressure. Believe me, I wouldn't want his job.

SI Sportsman of the Year

Kudos to Derek Jeter, who will grace the cover of the next Sports Illustrated as the first Yankee to win SI's Sportsman of the Year. Now, the Yankees need to get off their butts and go ahead and give Derek a nice contract extension this off-season, before his deal expires at the end of 2010.

GO YANKEES.

Did Pearson screw up on the road?

I can't find it on any other source, but the CAA Hoops blog is reporting that Ryan Pearson (who's been stinking since I hyped him all-CAA 1st team after a couple games - go figure) will sit a game after stealing a pillow from a hotel on the road this weekend. I-d-i-o-t-i-c...if true. I'm still waiting on additional information besides one blogger's post.

For those of you who have studied or taught Greek roots, you know that sophomore doesn't mean wise yet...

Ritter got married...and I missed it

In anticipation of our attendance tomorrow night in DC for Josh Ritter's sold-out show at the 9:30 Club, I did a little search on Google and just found out some info I should have known: Seems like Mr. Ritter became a married man in May of this year. No wonder he looked so happy when my family saw him in Richmond in late May. His new wife is a fellow musician, singer/songwriter and former tour partner, Dawn Landes. I found this article on her in an Irish paper. Lastly, her latest effort, entitled "Sweetheart Rodeo", comes out in the U.S. on January 19th.

Of course, I'll have a review of the Ritter show sometime later this week. His October 2007 show there was the reason I knew I needed to see him live (and twice in one year is kinda lucky).

Good luck to another Mason team

My only opportunity to be in journalist happened briefly in college, when I covered the Mason women's volleyball team for the school newspaper, The Broadside. (I got to write one baseball-related column as well, which I have saved somewhere in my belongings.) So, I've always had a soft spot for the team at Mason and especially our great coach of the last 25 years, Pat Kendrick. Kendrick and company won the CAA title last week in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 2-set deficit to beat VCU in Richmond. Mason's comeback was the first time EVER that a team came back from 2 down to take the title. It's always, always good to beat VCU as well.

The team was awaiting news of their NCAA bid today, and the news is in: They'll travel to Ames, IA this week to take on no. 7 Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Good luck to the Patriots, who feature also the CAA's best player in Holly Goode and once again the league's best coach in Pat Kendrick (her 8th honor). Mason's record currently stands at 23-8.

GO MASON.

A win for the Cowboys, a loss for Mason

Well, I'm late posting about both of these games, but it's been a very, very busy Thanksgiving weekend. I really need to go to work tomorrow to relax. Dallas did what I expected them to do on Thursday by having an easy time with the Raiders. They're a solid 8-3 overall, a game over the Eagles (who they beat already), and two games over the Giants (who they lost to already, but have next on 12/6). Of course, all the focus now is on how Dallas performs in December. December has been downright cold to the Cowboys since the last decade, and the slate of games coming up is tough as Hades. It's put-up or shut-up time ONCE AGAIN for Dallas. I don't have great expectations, since Dallas never seems to live up to expectations. We'll see what happens. Hey, if A-Rod can turn into October gold, ANYTHING can happen.

Mason's first true road game of the season went a lot like last year's road games...Mason gets a lead, and loses it late. We only lost by five to Tulane, another "big conference" team, but again, it's a game we should have won. Mason got great performances from Cam Long (24 pts and 5 assists) and Luke Hancock (14 pts - the ONLY consistent Patriot this season so far, and he's a FRESHMAN), but no one else scored in double figures. Our inside guys, Pearson and Morrison, only got off nine shots combined, and three of our new guys (Wright, Vaughans, and Foster) did little to help offensively by shooting 2 for 14 from the field. We killed ourselves by shooting 55% from the field in the 1st half, and then only 36% in the 2nd.

At 3-3, we're probably where we should be at this point in the season. Still, I hope we have a better showing (and a win) vs. local "rival" GWU on Wed. night in DC. (For some reason, GW really, really wants to win this battle of the Georges.) That game will be on MASN. at 7 pm. Mason will also be on MASN on Sat. at 5 pm vs. UNCW in our first CAA game on the season, in one of the places where we ALWAYS lose...evil Trask. UGH.

GO COWBOYS. GO MASON.

Thanksgiving break pics

...plus, more on Facebook, if we're "friends"...

Thanksgiving

More than likely, this blog will take a short sabbatical for the the Thanksgiving holiday and return this weekend with holiday weekend pics, a recap of Cowboys vs. Raiders, a recap of Mason vs. Tulane, and another post or two on something that pops into my head. In the meantime, I have a lot to be thankful for in 2009.

I'm thankful for my wonderful wife and incredible children. I'm thankful my parents are still going strong at 79 and 80. I'm thankful for my siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family. I'm lucky to have so many I can turn to, if needed. I'm thankful for my friends, some who have been part of my life for nearly 20 years. I'm thankful we sold our old house of 8.5 years in 2009, and were able to purchase a new one. I'm thankful I was able to switch jobs in 2009 to a more positive place to work. I'm thankful for another Yankees title (you know I had to throw that one in there). I'm thankful for my faith, even if it and I aren't perfect some of the time. I'm thankful for my health. I'm thankful for getting up every morning and going to bed every night.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Safe travels, far or near, and be thankful...for something.

One week...

Only one week until Josh Ritter's (sold out) show at the 9:30 Club in DC...can't wait. This is one of Sophia and Tyler's favorite Ritter songs (honest...just watch them dance and sing to it).

The Good Wife

Another new show we've been enjoying this season is "The Good Wife" on CBS (Tuesdays @ 10 pm). I had forgotten how great an acctress Julianna Margulies is, since it's been years since I watched the early seasons of "ER" and I haven't seen her in much since. "Wife" also starts Chris Noth, who's TV gold from "Sex & The City" and "Law & Order", and Josh Charles, also a fave of mine based on his role in "Dead Poets Society" and the classic ABC comedy "Sports Night" (the episode where he talked about his brother is one of the most powerful scenes in 30 minutes of TV I recall seeing in my lifetime). Again, another show with fine performances, great writing, and strong stories - even if the "women betrayed by her politician husband" felt a little too pulled from the headlines before the show aired. Plus, thanks to the wonderful world of the DVR, we watch the 10 pm show at our convenience without commercials. Gotta love technology.

He does it again

Luke Hancock of Mason was named CAA rookie of the week for the 2nd week in a row, sharing the honor this week with Hofstra's Halil Kanacevic. Check out his un-freshman-like stats from the Mason website:

For the season, Hancock is averaging 27.2 minutes off the bench with 9.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.0 rebounds. He leads the team in assists, is tied for second in rebounding and he's fourth in scoring. His 50 percent shooting from the field on the year is second-best on the team as well and he is tied for third in 3-pointers made.

Those minutes are the 2nd most on the team, behind Andre Cornelius. Sure, he probably wouldn't have gotten as many if Cam Long had been healthy without the leg cramp issues. But, Hancock has stepped when he's gotten on the floor. He deserves the early-season accolades.

Congrats, Luke...and GO MASON.

Sophia sings in church pics

Dallas escapes the Skins...barely

I was not a proud Cowboys fan today based on their performance for nearly all of their game vs. the much-hated and very local Washington Redskins. For most of today's game, Washington was the better team, and the team that deserved to win. But, when the game was on the line, Dallas came up with a timely and precise drive, concluding with Tony Romo's TD strike to Patrick Crayton. An INT on the Skins' last drive sealed the victory. From the POST:

It was the division-leading Cowboys (7-3) who appeared perplexed for most of the game. In fact, during the second half, many in a crowd of 85,277 booed Romo, as several of his passes were the ugliest things in the team's stunning facility and Dallas trailed, 6-0, for the first 57 minutes. But Romo delivered on the second possession of the fourth quarter, accounting for all of the yards on a nine-play, 60-yard drive that was capped by his 10-yard pass to Crayton in the middle of the end zone with 2 minutes 50 seconds left.

Rookie defensive end/strong-side linebacker Brian Orakpo had Romo within his grasp, but as he has done throughout his career, Romo spun away from Orakpo, rolled left and directed his receivers until he located Crayton. "Just Romo being Romo," Orakpo said. "Very elusive, very slippery. That's all she wrote. Touchdown."

Dallas's 7-3 record gives them the best mark in the NFL East, with a good opportunity to improve to 8-3 on Thanksgiving Day vs. the 3-7 Raiders (however, Oakland is coming off a good victory vs. Cincy - so, Dallas shouldn't overlook them...after all, the Skins should have beaten up today). Check out the remainder of the Cowboys' brutal schedule after Oakland:

@ New York Giants
vs. San Diego
@ New Orleans
@ Washington
vs. Philly

Ouch. After two crappy performances in a row, it's once again that time of the year where Dallas has to step up and usually doesn't. We'll see soon enough.

GO COWBOYS.

Mason leaves Puerto Rico with a win over a Big Ten opponent

Kudos to Mason, who didn't leave Puerto Rico winless this weekend. Mason defeated Indiana this morning 69-66, led by a career game from F/C Mike Morrison, above (17 pts., 13 rbs., and 7 blocks - all career highs). Mason got some key baskets from a trio of players when the game was on the line, including a desperation three from G Cam Long that went in, as the shot clock was expiring, with 5.4 seconds left. It was one of those "NO!", "YES!" moments. Cam came up big today, and showed that all-CAA potential many were hyping before the year started.

From the Mason website:

Cam Long and Luke Hancock made clutch 3-pointers in the final 1:33 and the George Mason men's basketball team held Indiana without a field goal over the final 2:57 as the Patriots topped the Hoosiers, 69-66 in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan.

Andre Cornelius' jumper with 2:19 to play tied the game at 62-62 and after an Indiana turnover, Hancock made a 3-pointer from the wing to put Mason ahead 65-62. The Hoosiers tied the score again going 3 of 4 from the free throw line, but Long stepped up as the shot clock and game clock were winding down and banked in a trey with 5.4 seconds to play. The Patriots fouled Indiana before it got a shot off and the Hoosiers made one free throw before intentionally missing the second. Rashad Whack got the rebound and made a free throw with 0.6 seconds to play to ice the game.

Mike Morrison set a new Puerto Rico Tip-Off Tournament record with seven blocks, the most by a Mason player since George Evans had seven against American on Dec. 18, 1999. He finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds, both career highs. Cam Long had 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals and Luke Hancock again flirted with a triple double with nine points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Cornelius had nine points while playing terrific defense for 33 minutes.

The one disappointment: The last two games from Ryan Pearson, who had a miserable 2 pts, 3 rbs, and 5 fouls in today's game, following up a poor performance against Ga. Tech. However, others stepped up. Kevin Foster had another solid game off the bench, with 8 pts. on 4/8 shooting. Check out Luke Hancock's stat line above, too - 9 pts., 8 rbs, and 8 asts, and a huge 3-pointer to give Mason the lead at the end of the game. CAA rookie of the week again this week?

Mason improves to 3-2 on the season, and next takes the court Sat. night at Tulane.

GO MASON.

No luck for Mason in 2nd round in Puerto Rico

George Mason lost to no. 21 Georgia Tech on Friday afternoon 70-62, in a see-saw game that saw Mason take an early lead, start to get blown out (down by 21 in the 2nd half), and come back to close it to 6 in the last minute. From the Mason website:

Kevin Foster led Mason with 15 points and nine rebounds. Andre Cornelius had 11 points and Luke Hancock had eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Mason shot just 35.8 percent from the field while Georgia Tech shot 46.9 percent. Mason was outrebounded by 10 and sent Georgia Tech to the free throw line 37 times.

I'm liking what I see out of Foster so far in these two games; he's very impressive inside and outside, and has incredible athletic ability. Again, a freshman (redshirt). Corelius (3/5 from 3-pt. range) and Hancock (check out that stat line - he can do a little of everything) are giving us tons of quality play at the guard spots so far in four games (Hancock can play F as well). Since I didn't see this game live, I'm not sure why Ryan Pearson played so few minutes this game, unless it's because Foster was playing so well in the same position. Cam Long played more, but shot a pathetic 2-10 from the field. Sherrod Wright got a lot of playing time for the 2nd game in a row, and looks like a solid option when Long is out.

We were killed this game by Ga. Tech's run to end the 1st half and the continuation of that run in the 2nd half. I like our efforts to fight out way back into this game - that never-say-die attitude will benefit us. We lost by 8 to an ACC team - that's nothing to be ashamed about. Mason's future is bright, this season and next.

Mason falls to 2-2, with one final game in P.R. on Sunday vs. Indiana, who lost to Boston University yesterday. It's our 3rd chance to face an opponent from a power conference, this time the Big Ten. I hope we can leave the island with at least ONE win in the sun.

GO MASON.

Some recent pics

Mason loses a heartbreaker to Villanova in the final seconds

So close. So close. So close. Mason lost 69-68 to no. 5 in the country Villanova this afternoon in a game that was ours until 20 seconds to go. Sure, we can nitpick about not getting a shot off in the final 13 seconds...but, we can nitpick about anything (like not converting all of our free throws down the stretch, which would have made that winning three obsolete). Let's give kudos where kudos is due: Mason played their hearts out. They dominated a top-5 opponent from a so-called power conference for 39 minutes and 40 seconds. If Villanova is a top-5 team, then college hoops has some pathetic teams near the so-called "top." Mason played most of the 2nd half with freshman and sophomores on the court, including many who haven't had much of a chance to play in the first two games. Mason played nearly all of the 2nd half with Cam Long again on the sidelines with cramping issues. (This is a big concern now.) Mason deserved to win this game.

But, we didn't. Does it suck? Sure. But, it's the type of game that prepares you for a conference game vs. UNCW in mid-winter, or any other CAA opponent. When you've played the "top", and you almost, oh almost, succeed - no one in the CAA standings scares you. When you're playing mostly sophomores and freshman in November, you know what they are in March? Oh, they're now sophomores and juniors. They're ready for anything thrown their way in downtown Richmond.

Ryan Pearson is a future all-CAA 1st teamer. He should be considered even this year. Andre Cornelius fears no one on the court, and I friggin' love it. Luke Hancock has moves that a white boy from Roanoke should not possess. I love the potential of guys like Sherrod Wright, Kevin Foster, and Rashad Whack. Mike Morrison, even though he was foul-prone in the 1st half, played smart basketball in the 2nd half to stay in the game and give his team everything he had. The potential for greatness is there...it just may not be there in early to mid November. But, wait. If not in March, then next November. This Mason team will be one of those "top" teams.

We get another chance tomorrow vs. a "so-called" power conference team. Mason takes on Georgia Tech in the 2nd round at 1 pm, again on ESPNU. I won't be leaving work early to see this game, but I'll be keeping tabs. Georgia Tech is no. 21 in the nation. We'll see. They're very talented like the Wildcats, but like us, they're coming off a loss and back-to-back games. Anything can happen. Anyone can win.

Mason falls to 2-1. But, it's not a deep drop. We're only going to get better.

GO MASON.

Mason vs. Villanova

Today's the day: Mason tips off in Puerto Rico at 2 pm vs. Villanova. I'm optimistic, because we're won in an early season tip-off type tourney before against a bigger name program (Kansas State, two years ago, in Orlando). I'm pessimistic, because they're clearly the more veteran and talented team. It's hard not to like Villanova. They have a great and classy coach in Jay Wright, who's leads a clean program and brings in good kids. Each year, they're near the top of the Big East conference and usually do some damage in the Big Dance.

Villanova also has one of the best guards in the country, Scottie Reynolds (above), who graduated from nearby Herndon High School. I've been a fan of Reynolds since his high school days, considering his emotional journey personally as well (chronicled in the POST when he was a high school senior and yesterday in the USA Today). Reynolds isn't even leading the team this year so far in scoring: So far, Corey Stokes, another starting guard, is averaging 17 ppg along with 4.5 rbs and impressive shooting from the field. Villanova is soooo loaded at the guard position, similar to the NCAA team from a few years ago led by Randy Foye. The pressure will be on our guards to slow these guys down...and that's a concern considering our best guard, Cam Long, is suffering too much from early-season cramp issues. Larranaga may need to play a three-guard line-up a lot during these game (or I can see freshman Luke Hancock getting some good time, again, since he can play multiple positions).

I think we have an advantage down low. Villanova starts Taylor King (a transfer from Duke) and Antonio Pena. Both are decent players, but I think our starters of Pearson and Morrison can stay with them. Pena's off to a great start, averaging 10/10, but he's never shown this much in his career until this point. I worry about foul trouble, because our depth is young. This is the type of game where a veteran like Louis Birdsong could help by getting quality minutes and putting a body on King or Pena, but he thinks he's a three-point shooter for some reason now. I think Larranaga will soon do to Birdsong what he did to Jordan Carter during his final year at Mason: Introduce him to Mr. Pine.

Best case scenario: We pull off the shocker by a few points. Our guards are lights-out from behind the arc. Our inside guys dominate, and get their limited options there in foul trouble. Their guards can't hit the broad side of a barn.

Worst case scenario: We look like a CAA team playing a much better opponent from the Big East and lose by 20. They would really, really suck.

Tyler discovered by accident, playing with the remote control in the basement, that we have ESPNU, so I will be able to watch the game from the comforts of home. He may be watching with me. He's already got his "Let's Go Mason" chat down pat.

GO MASON.

P.S.: Villanova is currently ranked #5 in the COUNTRY in the AP poll. We've only once beaten a team that high in our history, when we beat UCONN in the 2006 classic to get to the Final Four. Anything can happen.

Modern Family

One of the new shows this fall that I like the most is ABC's new comedy "Modern Family". Even though it received stellar reviews before the TV season started, it's always difficult to know if a show will take off. Well, three of the four new ABC comedies on Wed. night have done well (we also like "Cougar Town"). "Family" is funny and heart-tugging, often within the same scene. Great cast, well-written, and much-needed on a Wed. night to get you over the hump and into the weekend. Plus, if you're a parent, there's a ton you can relate to. Did I forget to mention it has Julie Bowen, too (been a fan since "Ed)?

All hail Hancock

Mason's Luke Hancock is the first CAA Rookie of the Week this season. Kudos to my favorite freshman, thus far.

Mason vs. Villanova in TWO DAYS...my "what we need to do to pull off the shocker" is coming soon...

GO MASON.

The true heroes

Because of where I work and the industry I'm in, I have opportunities to witness moments that may stick with me forever. Today was one such moment. My worksite today was visited by hundreds of Wounded Warriors. In case you don't know, the Wounded Warriors program was created for soldiers who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq and were severely wounded. The program was created to assist these soldiers as they transition back to the "real world" or transition into a job setting after the war experience. My worksite was having a job/internship fair today for the Warriors.

Like many, I lined the main entryway to my government site's main building. Each of us was given an American flag to hold or wave as they soldiers entered. From my work office, I saw the soldiers getting off their military buses and out of cars and buses. I went downstairs to greet them as they entered. As soon as the soldiers entered the main doors, all of us burst into applause. We kept clapping until every single soldier made their way down to the conference center. I saw soldiers without arms, legs, and in many cases both. Many seemed to be carrying emotional scars as well. It was hard not to feel admiration for these men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country. It was hard to hold back tears.

Many of us are lucky. We go to work in suits and ties. We get paid well to do our jobs. We have jobs that require little stress and little worry, and we can go home at night to our families. Many of us will never know the experience of what war truly is, and how it changes and shapes you. Many of us are too wrapped up in meaningless things, when so much is happening that matters thousands of miles away.

Say a little prayer tonight for those who serve, and have served. Please.

Woodbridge's first opponent is set

Woodbridge's football team had a bye based on their 10-0 regular season record and first place finish in the Cardinal District (perfect regular season for the 2nd year in a row). They now know their first round opponent in the regional playoffs. On Friday, Woodbridge will host district foe Osbourn Park, who beat Riverbend last night 28-13 to advance. It's always bad to look ahead, but a potential unbeaten battle between Battlefield (in nearby Haymarket) and Woodbridge is possible in two weekends. Of course, WSHS may have looked ahead last year when they lost in the first round of the playoffs. They've done well despite losing their all-state RB to graduation and Rutgers and their head coach during the regular season. Keep it up, WSHS.

GO VIKINGS.

the kids

After dropping off Sophia to choir practice yesterday at church, we headed with Tyler to the 10 am service at our Episcopal church. Right away, he showed he didn't want to sit or hang around us, heading for the side aisle and the front of the church. We've contemplated leaving him in the daycare option at our church before, but during this H1N1 season, it really seemed a bit scary. He's now had at least one shot.

I took him to the daycare in the church basement, and quietly disappeared. Within 10 minutes, one of the older women who watches kids during the services came up and Julie said "do you think she's looking for us?". She was. Tyler was melting down, and refused any sort of comfort from someone other than his parents. When I arrived, he was standing by his Yankee jacket, trying to yank it off the hook, and screaming for his daddy. I felt like crap. How selfish of us to try to attend church without him!!

I calmed him down, and took him outside (beautiful day in No. Va.) to mellow. We went to the post office and walked around inside. We checked out the magnolia tree in the front of the church yard. We walked around the sidewalks. We made it back into church just in time for communion, and a little blessing for our boy.

Tyler often becomes a daddy's boy on weekends, refusing Julie after she's been his primary caregiver all week long. I wish I could better understand what's going through his 18-month mind sometimes. When I left for work this morning, he was in his crib calling out my name. It's hard to drive away. Despite the stresses of having a toddler again, he's my little guy.

I watched Mason's first basketball game on Friday night with Tyler sitting in my lap at the computer, since there wasn't a TV option for the game. He was cheering and clapping along with me, and really wanted to keep watching even though I had to take him upstairs for bed. He kept calling out "ball ball" and pointed to the computer as we walked up the stairs.

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I think yesterday's meltdown by Tyler on the way to Mason and at the game got to Sophia at points. She can easily tell when her parents are at their wit's end, and she goes from being excited about an event (she had been talking about going to the Mason game all week) to wanting to go home. I worried about Sophia being short-changed before Tyler was born; I think it happens too much sometimes. She definitely doesn't get the attention she had before, and she shows and feels it. If she cuddles up next to a parent, Tyler will whimper and want to be right there next to us, too.

She's been wanting to play football a lot when I get home from work or in the late evening before she goes down for the night. Football is us taking a little soft football and fighting for it in the middle of the living room floor. There's tons of tackling (gentle, on my part) and tickling. It makes her happy. There's many days when I'd rather sit on the sofa and just relax, but I often give in because it makes her smile and gives her some attention.

I think we could do more...for example, she would have loved yesterday to go to the game with just me. I haven't had enough daddy/daughter time with Sophia since her little brother was born, and we need to get back to those moments. I cherished that time.

School is good for her right now. She's also busy with Daisy Scouts, including two events this week. Sophia's really looking forward to Christmas, pointing out many, many things that Santa can bring in the Toys-R-Us and Target holidays books. Ｉcan't wait to see her face on Christmas morning.

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I can't believe my son is closing in on 2. I can't believe my daughter is almost half-way done with her first year of school. Time flies. Cherish every moment. We finally got around to seeing "Up", Pixar's latest on DVD, on Friday. The theme of the film, even though it was animated, was poignant. The beginning...brilliant. The message at the end...lasting. Yes, cherish every moment.

Work beckons. Gotta go.

Mason rolls in the 2nd half to start 2-0 (and its 18th in a row at home)

Julie & I were reminded today why most people don't take an 18-month old to a sporting event that requires a ton of sitting. Our little guy refused to nap in the car on our way to Mason or around Fairfax today, so at one point this afternoon, Sophia, Julie, and I sat in the car at a light at Roberts Rd. and Braddock while Tyler screamed and cried at the top of his lungs. We arrived at Mason, and Tyler eventually started to chill once we began to walk around campus (...and what a changed campus Mason is...note the Northern Neck building above, one of the new dorms. Ironically - as Julie noted - it houses the new Mason Starbucks, and you can't find a Starbucks in the entire Northern Neck). We noticed the lack of trees and a lot of students who seem spoiled rotten rich and spend most of their time chatting about being drunk and using the "F" word. Honestly...were some of us "older" folks like this in college?

We got to the game early, since we were already on campus, and found our seats with about 20 minutes to go before game time. Then, we realized we had left our camera at the Mason Starbucks. Guess what? You can't locate a phone number on 411 for this location, or find ANYONE in the Patriot Center who can give you a phone number to call it? So, Julie ran across campus to retrieve our phone - stopping first at the INFORMATION desk in the Johnson Center to get a phone number, and guess what!? They don't know it!! - and luckily it was being held for us. Maybe it's a good Northern Neck vibe.

As for the game, after a pathetic first half (up 28-24), Mason roared back in the 2nd half to win the game 60-44 over Dartmouth. I thought we were going to be the 2nd CAA team to lose to an Ivy opponent today (W&M lost to Harvard, but honestly...W&M is kinda like an Ivy school). THANK GOD FOR RYAN PEARSON, who should be a first or second team all-CAA performer by year's end. Damn, he's good. Pearson had 19 pts. and 10 rbs. today. Mike Morrison is showing quite a bit in his new starting role as well, getting his first CAREER double-double with 11 pts. and 10 rbs. And I said it after game one...I'm loving what I see outta newcomer Luke Hancock already. Hancock had 12 today, and showed he defend, hit the three, take the ball inside, rebound, and he's a solid ball handler. Did I mention already he's a white guy? That's nuts in Fairfax. Most of our white guys have foreign names or get cheered when they get off the bench every 10 games. Hancock is a Virginian, too, which makes his addition even nicer. Keep it up, youngster. Cam Long: 9 pts. Gotta give us more, Cam. (It would help if you shot at least double-digit times.)

Meanwhile, my Cowboys stunk it up vs. Green Bay, but I expected us to lose one of the last two games anyway. It's tough to win on the road against two tough opponents (Philly last week, and now Green Bay). Honestly, I didn't see ONE MINUTE of this game because of the Mason game. Already, I can tell it's college hoops season...I'm way more wrapped up in Mason's 2-0 start already than anything that happened to Dallas. I may care a little more next weekend vs. the "resurgent" Redskins (pun intended), but I doubt it. Dallas is my current A-Rod...they gotta prove they're worth the love/focus. Mason does so every year. No worries yet, too - Dallas at 6-3 is still leading the NFC LEAST (and has the same record as the defending champ Stillers).

Next up for Mason: On the road to Puerto Rico, and our big game vs. nationally ranked (top 5) Villanova on Thursday at 2 pm on ESPNU. I worry about this game...clearly, we're a young team with a long way to go until March. We could lose by 20. Who knows. Anything can happen, but I think a more experienced team with have no trouble with us in November. March: Different story.

As for Tyler, our tired little guy is sleeping...hopefully for the entire night. (He has a very tired sister, too - we walked Sophia a lot today and she had to put up with a melting down brother, too - I didn't even mention his meltdown in church today because we left him in the nursery so we could attend church without him running up the aisles and disrupting the service...that's another story for another day. I'm too tired now to type anymore.)

Sophia's little piece of her teacher's history

Sophia came home from school on Friday with big news about her teacher getting engaged in school on Friday, but it was very difficult for us to piece together the various tidbits she was giving us in an inconsistent manner. One of the classroom moms sent out an e-mail on Saturday with the details. Here's her message:

Hello Ms. Melvin's Class Parents,

I wanted to share some wonderful news with you, I am sure you might have heard bits and pieces already.

Yesterday while I was in the office Ms. Melvin received some beautiful flowers from her boyfriend Thomas, but it had no note. We all admired her gift and she headed back to class. When she turned the hallway corner she noticed her students standing out in the hallway with many teachers standing around. When she stepped in front of them to see what they were doing her boyfriend Thomas was a the end of the Hallway on one knee and the kids held up a sign that read,
"Ms. Melvin, Will You Marry Thomas?". Thomas had a ring in his hand, the whole hallway was full of cheers, tears and clapping as Ms. Melvin answered, "YES!".

It was so special to have witnessed such a fantastic event and the kids were ecstatic to have taken part in this glorious moment!

Congratulations Ms. Melvin!!!!!

Sophia told us she got to hold up a "M". Pretty cool. Of course, Thomas seems like a show-off...:).

Congrats to Sophia's teacher, Ms. Melvin.

It's a close one, but Mason pulls out victory no. 1 for 2009-10

Whew. Liberty took a 19-pt. deficit down to three points, but Mason held on for its first win of the season 76-72. Mason was led by sophomore guard Andre Cornelius with 17 pts, including 4/6 from behind the 3-pt. line. Fellow sophomores Mike Morrison and Ryan Pearson added 12 pts. apiece (Morrison had 7 rbs; Pearson had 8 rbs, and was a perfect 6/6 from the line), and freshman Luke Hancock (I'm gonna love this kid) finished with 11 pts in his first official game as a Patriot (he's looked good in a scrimmage vs. Georgetown and the exhibition game vs. Va. State).

Cam Long, our junior all-conference selection, had a solid 7 pts., 5 assists, and no TOs, but was put on the bench with cramps with 18 minutes to go in the 2nd and never came back. That's not a good sign. The team didn't look as sharp without him in the game in the 2nd half.

From the POST article on the game:

George Mason's season opener Friday night was everything that Coach Jim Larranaga hoped for, everything he feared and, with freshmen and sophomores shuttling on and off the court all evening and his leader sidelined with leg cramps in the second half, it was about what he expected.

The 76-72 victory over Liberty before 6,014 at Patriot Center was punctuated by wild swings of both exhilarating and sloppy basketball. A 19-point lead early in the second half slipped to three with 2 1/2 minutes left before the Patriots rediscovered their half-court offense, freshman Luke Hancock beat the shot clock with an off-balance basket and sophomore Andre Cornelius converted critical free throws.

"We are a very interesting team, aren't we?" Larranaga said. "We can play very well for a while [but] there are always going to be periods where that, even if there's a little bit of a letdown," the Patriots are going to be in trouble.

I was able to watch most of the game on a CBS website online, even though the picture quality was iffy and not very consistent in terms of a connection. It was interesting to hear the Mason radio guys on the feed, since I never hear their commentary. I love bias!!

Mason's next game is Sunday vs. Dartmouth, also at home. We've now won 17 in a row at the Patriot Center. I'll take some pictures of the action when we're there on Sunday.

GO MASON.

Give me Liberty...

Mason opens regular play tonight vs. the Liberty Flames, one year removed from a 23 win season and a win in OT over us at their place. The difference? That team had stud freshman Seth Curry (who decided Liberty wasn't good enough for him, and is waiting out a year at Duke) and Anthony Smith (who averaged 17 ppg/6rpg). From the POST:

Outlook: Patriots Coach Jim Larranaga's probable starters are forward Louis Birdsong, the team's only senior; sophomore forwards Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison; junior guard Cam Long; and sophomore guard Andre Cornelius. He also will turn to several of the team's seven freshmen throughout the game. The Patriots, who have won 45 games the past two years in reaching the NCAA tournament and NIT, have not lost a season opener since 2002-03. The Flames, 23-game winners last season, were picked to finish seventh in the Big South.

Mason needs wins tonight and Sunday to build up some early-season confidence going into next Thursday's big game vs. Villanova. Both of this weekend's games are at home, which should help (considering we've won 16 in a row at the Patriot Center). I hope they don't look ahead; every game is crucial.

Tonight's the night. GO MASON.

Mason signs its first player for 2010-11

The college signing period has begun, and Mason started the ball rolling with its signing of local guy Jonathan Arledge of DC. From the Mason website:

Nov. 11, 2009

George Mason University head men's basketball coach Jim Larranaga is pleased to announce the signing of Jonathan Arledge to a National Letter-of-Intent on Wednesday as the Patriots signed the 6-foot-9, 230-pound forward from Washington D.C. Arledge will matriculate to the university in the fall of 2010 and begin playing for the Patriots in 2010-2011.

Arledge will come to Mason from KIMA (Kamit Institute for Magnificent Achievers) High School where he will be a senior this season. Last year as a junior, he averaged 11.9 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game playing on the wing for Coach Levet Brown.

"Jonathan Arledge is a unique big man," Larranaga said. "At 6'9" and 230 lbs. he has the size and strength to play inside with the best big men in the country. But what makes him special is his velvety smooth soft touch from 3-point range. Jonathan is a very versatile player and a perfect fit for our program. He comes from one of the top up-and-coming high school programs in the area under Coach Levet Brown, KIMA, and is working hard to have a great senior year and college career. We are very excited about having Jonathan and his family join our George Mason family."

Arledge was also recruited by Georgetown, George Washington, Temple, Drexel, Penn State, Providence, VCU, James Madison and Northeastern before deciding on Mason. According to Brown, Arledge has only been playing basketball for four years since transitioning from football, where he was a quarterback.

"He has a lot of room to grow," said Brown. "He has a lot of upside. From what we're hearing (from his doctors), he's going to end up about 6'11". He's a kid who can put the ball on the floor, he's left-handed, he can shoot, and he has great form.

"He has a great attitude."

6'11? In a Mason uniform? Once again, the list of schools rejected for Mason is quite beautiful (including CAA rivals). It will be curious to see how he develops during his senior year and at Mason.

One day til the first game vs. Liberty...can't wait.

GO MASON.

PS: Arledge is ranked the no. 31 center in the country by ESPN.