Breaking News - Babypolloza 2011 Strikes Again

This reporter has received news that another couple has doubled the count of the 2011 Hootie and The Blowfish - Babypolloza Event.  A BIG Our Life shout out to Michael and Adrian on their great news.  When I first heard the news that Adrian was expecting a child, I jokingly said "you having twins" and Michael looked at me and said "you beat me to the second part of the news, Yes, twins!".  I then looked at Adrian and she confirmed the news - which at that point I am not sure my reaction was much different than their reaction when they found out.  I didn't believe them but pictures don't lie - two babies.  Wow, two babies, talk about getting put into the game without any warm-up.  They say the best way to learn to swim is to jump in the water.

They are going to be great parents.  We are super happy and excited for them! (and are praying for them)

PS - Aubrey and Wyatt are available to keep overnight or weekends, if you want some practice.

The moment YOU all have been waiting for...

12/13/11
3:30pm
MUSC Prenatal Services 
North Charleston Office

We arrived at our appointment on time and with the kids (for the grammar challenged that plural for Aubrey and Wyatt).  You're probably thinking, "Who thought this would be a good idea?"  I thought it would be a good idea to take the kids and let them see the "baby in mommy's belly" on the screen with us.  It has been an awesome experience for LA and I each time and we wanted them to be apart of it.  We did consider not taking Wyatt but decided that if Aubrey went Wyatt was going also.  For those considering doing this here's a couple of tips:

1. This isn't The Lion King or Dora
2. If you can't figure out what you're looking, I am pretty sure a 3 year old and 21 month old isn't going to have a clue either.
3. Unless your kids are older, I am pretty sure that they will never remember and those 35 minutes of their life that they lost, they would have enjoyed playing on the playground at daycare more.
4. After about 3 minutes, you are going to need some entertainment for the kids and realize that this wasn't a good idea.

We survived the appointment and got good news.  10 fingers, 10 toes, all the organs and the umbilical cord look great and the baby is about 14 ounces and healthy.  There are no markers for downs syndrome which make our risk that same as any 29/30 year old having a baby.

I wanted Aubrey to make a video about the "baby in mommy's belly" for the big announcement but didn't have a chance tonight because we had Little Gym.  Aubrey determined what we are having after carefully analyzing the following pictures:

So what do you think it is? Boy? Girl?

Aubrey tells us that we are having a girl and her name is going to be Kelly (or I guess Kellie).  She has as good of a chance as being right as LA and I.  We are 0-3 on finding out.  Hang on for about 134 days and we will all find out at the same time.  Well, actually I will be the first to know then LA, immediate family and everyone else.  Check back after the new year for the poll to pick the gender, day and time.

Is It A Boy or A Girl?

Today @ 3:30pm is the much anticipated 20 week ultrasound when we CAN find out if we are having Boy 2 or Girl 2.  The Chinese calendar say it's a boy.  LA and I thinks it's a girl.  Adrian's voodoo a few years back said we would have a girl, boy, girl (and I must say that it has been very accurate with all everyone that it has been done to).  What do you think?

Check back in later tonight to find out.    

PS - We are praying for a report of a healthy baby today, boy or girl it doesn't matter.

The Belt is Back - 2nd Time

The Belt Is Back Home

2 Time Belt Champion in 2012

When your playing for the belt "every game matters" (at least those that give you a shot at the belt)

What do you think their talking about in Atlanta, Blacksburg, Miami, Tallahassee, Baton Rouge, Tuscaloosa, Eugene, Stillwater and Boise...They are saying Oh, my! They have the belt again for the second time!...For all of you who thought we were through...You were wrong! WE'RE BACK.



I am not sure what Dabo, The Chad, and K Steele did but in 7 days they found the brakes on the train that after missing two exits (NCSU and SC) and picking up speed and heading for a horrific crash, slowed down enough to take the exit for the ACC Championship without crashing and hit the gas and then the nitrus to steamroll a good Va Tech team (that was crushing their opponents and now a team who's only two losses were to Clemson) that presented every possible problem (running QB, running back, receivers that catch, and a defense that ate offenses) that we have had all year and found a way to stop them cold and knock them out in the second half.

The Good
1.  NO TURNOVERS (created 3 turnovers on D)
2.  Andre Ellington (give me 21 more of him and we would rule the football universe)
3.  10 Wins (1st time in 20 years)
4.  ACC (Another Clemson Championship - 14th) Championship
5.  Tajh Boyd
6.  D. Allen
7.  Defense - MUCH improved tackling, playing assignments

The Bad 
1.  Mike "Mr. Bad Apple" Bellamy (sent home and suspended indefinitely, went from the dog house to the out house...he has some growing up to do.

And now finally a poll that matters (unlike the BCS):
The OurLife Wk 12 Poll
1.  Clemson (Title Belt Holders)
2.  Doesn't Matter
3.  Irrelevant
4.  Unimportant
5.  Can't Hear You
6.  Not A Big Deal
7.  Who Cares
8.  Insignificant
9.  Your Team

The OurLife Summary
After taking taking the exit from perfection in Atlanta, GA by receiving a butt whooping by Ga Tech, that led to a squeaker at home against Wake where we were outplayed on both sides of the ball, and then reaching terminal velocity(with losses at NC State and SC) that had us headed for complete destruction and a 9-5 record.  I was not very confident in our chances after those 4 lack luster efforts (you can go back and read my thoughts) BUT I still gave them a chance if we could get Va Tech into a submission hold like the figure four and that is what happened.  We walked the aisle with a champions heart and determination because we had held the belt before and we wanted it back.  It wasn't easy but we had the belt to play for and #91 - the Clemson great Chester McGlockton (who had tragically passed away earlier in the week).  The defense looked like the defenses of old when Chester played and dominated the line of scrimmage holding the VT running attack in check and limiting the passing game to one touchdown.  Tajh looked more comfortable and was completing passes.  The OL wasn't perfect but got the job down in pass protection and giving Andre just enough room to run.  As always turnovers are important and we got 3 and didn't give any away and that doesn't guarantee a win but you don't win many giving the ball away 3 times.

I am satisfied with the 10 wins and a 10-3 record but DISAPPOINTED because we lost to NC State (not a good football team).  I was one of the ones that thought 7 or 8 wins would be all that was possible.  I give Dabo, football staff and team credit for their accomplishments.  Enjoy the victory but work starts soon for the Orange Bowl game and winning the 11th game.  It's pretty cool that we get to go back to Miami 30 years after winning our 1st National Championship.  Let's take our record in Miami to 2-0.

Looking for the video highlights, stats and the kitchen sink - click here.

Payday
What was this victory worth to Dabo - about $400,000 raise to median ACC Coaches pay which is around $2.2 million (plus his bonus money).  How about The Chad? He signed for $1.3 million - not bad for a man that was making high school coaches pay 3 years ago.  

USA Today Coaches' Poll
Let's look at how the coaches who vote in the final USA Today coaches' poll ranked Clemson (Actual Ranking #14):
Our Friends
#9
Al Golden - Miami
Chris Petersen - Boise St
Larry Porter - Memphis
#12
Steve Spurrier - SC (even after this video)
Our Enemies (Each of you have a butt whooping coming)
#22
Larry Fedora - Southern Miss (who also ranked his team at #16, 6 spots ahead of Clemson, interesting - who has been offered the UNC job)
Kyle Whittingham - Utah
#21
Ron Zook - Former Coach of Illinois
#19
Pete Lembo - Ball State

College Football Bowl Season
I wanted chaos in the BCS but I thought it was going to come from multiple no loss teams but instead it was multiple 1 loss teams causing the chaos.  Each 1 loss team with a valid argument.  I am not sure that "every game counts" like the BCS would have you believe.  I do think Alabama outplayed LSU (but did lose at home) but since they only lost by 3 points, is that loss is better than Ok State's lose to Iowa State (which I don't think is an excuse but it did happen after learning of a tragic plane crash involving the basketball coach which the school has a history of tragic accidents)?  Yeah, maybe but if you look at who each team beat, their ranking, and record, Ok State has a valid argument to be #2 and playing for the national championship.  I have a problem with computers that use some secret formula (like it is the recipe to Coke or Diet Coke) that no one knows except some nerd in a cubical in South Dakota and is dependent on the data being entered correctly (and as close as Alabama and Ok State were this year, just like an error last year changed the order of some teams lower in the BCS who's to say it didn't happen this year with rankings #2, #3?  I also have a problem with how the teams are selected for all the other bowls (for example - Va Tech and Michigan in the Sugar Bowl this year and Boise going to the Las Vegas Bowl).  It is hard for me to understand why football, the number 1 sport in college athletics is the ONLY sport to let computers decide who plays for the national championship instead of it being played out on the field.  Most folks would say it is the because of the kids and their education and extending the season makes it too long.  Whatever, what about the NCAA extending the season of the 20 DII schools (FCS) who are currently in the PLAYOFFS while players are still having to go to class.  Did I miss something about DII football players being exempt from classes and exams.  Is their education not as important as the players at FBS schools.  The DII playoff schedule is as follows:

Nov 20 - Playoff Field Announced (20 teams - not selected by computer)

Nov. 26 - First round

Dec. 3 - Second round

Dec. 9 and 10 - Quarterfinals

Dec. 16 and 17 - Semifinals

January 7, 2012, 1:00 pm ET, Pizza Hut Park, Frisco, TX - championship game

Based on my memory from college, seems like at least four teams would be playing during most college exam week and maybe 8 teams.  The only difference is the DII schools only play an 11 game season and don't have any bowls to attend.  In my limited functioning mind, it would seem that we have enough smart people (like Greg and Jeremy) who could figure out a playoff system with 20, 16, 8 or 4 (but I really don't like 4) teams and figure out the Bowl System.

Let me give you 281 reasons the BCS and Bowl System will continue in some form in college football

     Reason 1 - 281:  2011/2012 Bowl Payout - $281 Million dollars

It reminds me of the silly season in golf when pros are playing in small fields for large pay days.  Based on my calculations the projected ACC take from college football silly season - $44,980,000 (divided by some conference formula and distributed to each member school).  And that my friends is why we have the bowl system.  However, I believe a legitimate college football playoff would generate substantial money for individual schools(with additional home games) and probably exceed the $281 million currently being distributed BUT for any of this to happen the OLD ESTABLISHMENT (see Fiesta Bowl fiasco last year, which don't think isn't/wasn't happening at the Sugar, Orange and Rose) has to be replaced and all the current FAT CATS that are living the good life have to be cut from teat that is feeding them and get real jobs like everyone else.

From The Weekend That Was Football and Championship Week

I forgot about a couple of things that happened over the extended Thanksgiving weekend of college football.

*Did you see the Michigan punter after he bobbled/dropped the snap?


*Did you see the kind words Arkansas coach had for the Mad Hatter after he kicked a field goal late in the game (not safe for children)


*Last week UT (in the south UT is Univ Tennessee; elsewhere it might be Univ Texas but not on this blog) beat Vandy in OT and in the UT locker room after the win you would have thought they won the national championship again and their coach said "...the one thing Tennessee always does is kick the shit out of Vandy". (1st SEC victory of year; six point victory in OT; I am not sure what he will say after a 10 point SEC win but that might never happen - especially after what happened this week....
*A UT loss at Kentucky which I hope The Joker said "the one thing, UK always does is kick the shit out of UT" (attributed to someone else on twitter) 
While I am on this UT rant...
*How did I miss out on the college head coaching gig?  Serious career mistake.  I could have had a losing record in WAC,  and still been hired @ UT with a contract like the following:

• 1.8 million per year increasing to 2.3 million by 2015
• Buyout 5 million until 2/2013; 4 million in 2014/15; only 2.5 million after 2/15/15
• Kiffin Clause - If Dooley leaves (which that isn't happening because I don't think anybody would want him after his UT debacle (unless his father hires him for Kennasaw St where Vince is consulting w/them as they begin a football program, thus far) before 2/15/12 he pays 4 million; 3 million a year later; 1 million in 2014; and drops by 250k the last two years of contract
• That is crazy money and even if he is a failure he gets paid.
• Do not mean to pick on UT (because it is happening at all colleges.  There needs to be a performance clause.  If you have a losing record then your buyout decreases for every loss up to a $0 buyout if you are a totally incompetent) but saw this info and was somewhat shocked but also realized that he isn't the only coach making that kind of money.  I understand he is a professional and wants to win but call me stupid that 5 million hanging out there is a heck of a cushion even if you fail.  But to be honest, it might not be worth the 5 million for all the criticism and complaining from all the crazy fans while losing before being canned.  BUT 5 big ones in then bank account and sitting on the beach somewhere with enough fruity drinks that can make you forget about the crazy fans and all the bad names you were called.

*UPDATE = B1G fan hoax - nicely played. Click here for the details of the hoax You can attend the B1G Championship game free, get free parking and get paid $75 as a "seat filler" (click the link to find out how).  If your in Indy and looking for something to do.  Even if you don't get picked, $9 will get you a ticket.  Pretty cheap entertainment for the evening. I am pretty sure the same thing is happening for the ACC Championship game and he Orange Bowl.

*Suh is a punk...a lot of bad stuff happens between the white lines of the football field and in piles that normal people (like you and me) never know about BUT intentionally stepping stomping on someone is crossing the line. And if you don't think he stepped on him intentionally, then try telling LA's she's not pregnant.

*Turned on CU vs Iowa basketball game last night and was shocked to find CU up 20 and held on for the win. Good shooting covers many inadequacies (much like a good offense does in football).

*RIP Chester McGlockton - former Clemson lineman great and played in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders

Final Four

On Thursday of this week my niece, Meghan's #7 Armstrong Atlantic Pirates women's soccer team will begin play Thursday at 3:00pm in the NCAA DII Final Four in Pensacola, FL against the St. Rose Golden Knights. Since she went out with her season ending knee injury (she has had successful surgery and has started rehab) in the Peach Belt conference championship, they have fought on without her with three victories (2-0, 1-0, 2-1). I don't think it will be much of a game - how tough can you be when your school name is St. Rose (sounds more compassionate than I'm gonna kick your ____) and even if you try to toughen up the name with catchy mascot/nickname like Golden Knights(the only Golden Knights should be Army), it still doesn't invoke fear in your opponent. However, if you are a Pirate you walk on the field ready to rape, pillage and plunder (do whatever it takes to win) and your opponent is scared to death before even taking the field.

Good Luck to the ARMSTRONG PIRATES (ARRRRRRRRRRRR)

The NCAA DIV II Womens Soccer Bracket can be found here.

Weekend Review

The Battle For The Palmetto State
To be honest, battle implies at least two people or more fighting to the finish and this more like a bully on the playground (can you talk about bullying anymore...anyway) who demanded your lunch money (and took your lunch money for the last two years) and you emptied your pockets as he was walking up and gave him an extra five. 

The Good
1. That we didn't get beat any worse
2. Andre Ellington

The Bad
1. The offense
1b. The defense
1c. RED ZONE (you can't beat anyone if you can't score in the red zone...taking FGs and giving up touchdowns...that math never works)
1d. Losing to freaking SC (they were/are the better team)


Summary
Just read last weeks post it all still applies.  Last week I mentioned we were on a road to 9-5 and we are now one exit closer and I actually think we are still accelerating.  I am beginning to believe Sandra Bullock has taken over for Dabo and she can't slow down because there's a bomb on board.  We got out manned across the board, couldn't make the necessary plays (Sammy dropping an apparent TD early in the game - after 11 games, we finally found out he was human), made Shaw look like a Heisman candidate (along with every other QB we have faced - except BC and UNC), and too many 3 and outs.  I mentioned it early on and I think it has become a factor, when The Chad's offense is clicking it puts up points but when it is off (because of your inability to execute or their defense being superior) the defense is stressed (and our D is not anywhere near good enough to be stressed) because of the quick 3 and outs - pretty sure Clemson had a three play series that last less than a minute (like 38 seconds).  We have a bunch of problems and they won't be fixed in a week (just like they weren't fixed in the prior 14 days).  Congrats to the Gamecocks, I hope you get the Cotton Bowl invite because the house of Jerry is super nice - definitely worth a road trip.

Clemson vs Virginia Tech
ACC Championship Game
Title Belt Game (click for game info)
My only comment on this game is that we have a chance.  If we can get them into a Ric Flair Figure 4


or hit them like 45 year old George Foreman (a punchers chance). 


The key to Va Tech is playing them early in the year.  The key to Clemson is play them late in the year.  We have three goals still in reach - win ten game, win the ACC, win the freaking Belt back.  You don't get a shot at holding the belt two times in year very often.  This is important.  They have to show up ready to play and regain some respect.  How much character do they have?  We will find out Saturday evening.  I hope we leave Charlotte with the ACC championship, Title Belt and 10 wins.  It would be a salvage to a disappointing 4 game stretch.