Turning 21

If you follow college basketball even in the slightest, chances are you are at least vaguely familiar with Big 5 basketball here in Philadelphia. The Big 5 is an informal organization of five Division I basketball programs, UPenn, Villanova, Temple, St. Joes, and La Salle, within Philadelphia (and, in the case of Villanova, in the nearby Main Line) .

Members of the Big 5 have been in the national spotlight for years, most recently with the Villanova Wildcats making a run deep into the NCAA Championship Tournament last spring. Just three years ago, St. Joes was in the national spotlight as Jameer Nelson and Delonte West (both of whom are playing significant roles in the NBA as we speak) lead St. Joes in an incredible run that landed the Hawks at the No. 1 ranking in America for a number weeks throughout the season. They too made a run into the NCAA Championship tournament, eventually losing in the Elite 8 to Oklahoma State. Throughout the 80's, 90's, and early into the new millenium, Temple was a staple in the tournament, reaching the Elite 8 in 2001 under former coach John Chaney and players such as Lynn Greer, Quincy Wadley, Kevin Lyde, and David Hawkins. They lost their Elite 8 matchup to Michigan State, who reached the Final Four for the fourth straight year.

Since its establishment in 1955, the Big 5 has been a series of rivalries where the teams' records were left at the door, and anything could happen. Arenas (most often, the Palestra) fill with spectators and the excitement is palpable. Tensions rise between fans who wander into opposing cheering sections. Nobody is safe from the harassment the student section hands out. The biggest rivals within the Big 5 are St. Joes vs. Villanova (a.k.a. the Holy War) and St. Joes and Temple (recently revived thanks to "Goongate").

Tomorrow marks another meeting between St. Joes and Temple, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Liacouras Center. St. Joes has had the recent advantage in the series, winning seven of the last eight meetings. However, as aforementioned, numbers get thrown out the window when these two teams meet. Temple (6-7, 0-1) is coming off a rough loss to A-10 favorite Xavier on Saturday and St. Joes (9-5, 2-0) is coming to the Liacouras Center on a three game winning streak.

As a student at Temple, I learned quickly that there is nothing about St. Joes that we don't hate. This rivalry is so embedded in the students and players that it can be elation after a win, or immense diappointment in a loss. Personally, I have been looking forward to this game for weeks. Every part of me wants Temple to stomp all over St. Joes so bad that their student section will leave early. I want a blow out. I want it to be over before halftime. I want to put in the scrubs, and still maintain the lead. I want Phil Martelli to kiss Dunphys feet. It's that bad. It's just like how much Eagles fans hate the Cowboys (or, as I like to refer to them, the Cowgirls).

Go Owls.

This blog was started under the premise that it would follow "me" through 2007 as I try to keep my New Years resolutions. Let me first introduce myself and then tell you about my resolutions.

As you have probably read from the title of this blog and my short bio along the right hand side of this page, my name is Kris and I'm a newly-single 20 year old junior at Temple University. I recently changed my major from Secondary Education/History to Finance and Real Estate. I am a sports fanatic. No lie. Everything revolves around sports, and I'm sure most of my posts will reflect whats going on in the sports world. I follow pretty much every Philadelphia sport, with the exception of the Flyers (this year, for good reason it seems). Uhh, other than that I would say I'm probably pretty bland, and definately old-fashioned to a T. I listen to mostly old classic rock and some jazz music, however good hip-hop now and then is a good change.

My favorite TV shows (when I have the chance or time to watch them) include: Sportscenter, Entourage and Family Guy. I'm not really big on reading, but I do enjoy Dan Brown novels (yes, the trendy decision, I know) and the Harry Potter series. In terms of movies, I dont really watch too many movies or go to the theater very often, but I enjoy pretty much anything but murder/horror/sci-fi flicks.

Ok, the small background is outta the way. Onward with the New Years resolutions. As per usual, New Years Resolutions fly right out the window about three weeks after said resolutions are made. Lets hope I can make it at least a month. Here are some resolutions, or goals for the new year (in no particular order):

1. Go to church more than four times a year.

2. Stop eating fast food on campus as a resort to random urges in the middle of the day.

3. Go to the gym at least twice a week. Maybe three times.

4. Stop swearing. As much.

5. Be proactive. In everything.

6. No more impulse purchases.

I think most of these resolutions are pretty basic, yet somehow I'm sure I'll find a way to weasel my way outta doing them as much as I'd like.

Most everyone who has stepped onto a college campus has probably wandered into the campus bookstore, to either look at the over priced propaganda or to help someone buy books for an upcoming semester. Anyhow, the bookstore at Temple is a wreck. I wont mention who we are affiliated with, but if you insist on knowing Google would do the trick. So, I drove down to campus two days ago to get my books, with the hope of trying to beat the beginning of semester rush that is just oh-so fun. I was looking for a book for my intro accounting class; a book that, I was told, should only cost $79 brand new, all access codes included and all that jazz. I was told this by email by the prof teaching the class, with confirmation from both a manager of the bookstore and by the distributor of said textbook.

Take a guess what happened next. Yep, more than 3 fine TU bookstore employees showed me where the book should have been. Not only was it NOT new, no access codes were there, nor anything else that should have been attached. And the price wasnt $79, either.

I despise the bookstore. The managers have gotta be in the back laughing the whole way to the bank as they see kids like me shelling out $500 a semester for books that, frankly, I probably will never read. (Note to self, if you want to start a business, open a bookstore on a college campus. Knock down the prices of the other bookstore just a tad, and bingo, you're golden). In our bookstore, books that should cost $60 cost $90. When you want to sell them back, you'll be lucky to get $20 back for the same book you paid $90 just three months ago. The bookstore, in turn, will sell your book for at least $50 in profit to some sucker next semester.

Unreal. I have, in my biased eyes, never seen a more poorly officiated game in my entire life. Especially in the playoffs, when its all or nothing. Off of the top of my head, I could name at least 5 bogus penalties that cost the Eagles the game. What makes it even worse is the fact that the Saints expected the calls to be made.

Case in point: 3rd and 11, Eagles final possession. Garcia is rushed but is able to get the pass off in time and completes it for a first down (or so I thought). Nope. False start. Do you know what usually happens when there is a false start? THE PLAY IS BLOWN DEAD IMMEDIATELY. Nope, this crew (who, by the way, made similar calls when we played Dallas on Christmas) decided to let the play run, see if the Eagles made the first down, and then decide to penalize them.

And there were some totally, totally bogus holding calls that really impaired numerous drives. Yes, I am whining, and deservedly so. I hate losing, I do (whether it's in a sport I'm playing or a team that I'm following). I dont mind losing to a team who is better prepared or who out plays us or dominates us to earn the W. I do mind, however, referees who have a bigger hand in the game than the players do.

The NFL is rigged. They got what they wanted, the "feel good story" of the Saints moving on to the NFC Championship. Now every jerk journalist can write how this victory really helped to rebuild New Orleans. The'll make accusations that a football team actually matters to people who lost everything in a natural disaster. NEWS FLASH: If I lost everything I owned, everything I worked for, and even a member of my family to a natural disaster such as Katrina, the last thing I would care about is a football game. I cant wait to see how many ESPN articles are written from that point of view this week. The NFL, the NO FUN LEAGUE.

Today is my last day until I move back down to Philly for the spring semester. We had a party for my great grandmother's 95th birthday, with friends and family coming and going as the afternoon progressed. It was good to see everyone together before I left. I'm about to pack up for tomorrow, which isnt much because I dropped a buncha stuff off a few nights ago when I went down for the game against St. Joes.

Ok, so an update on my resolutions, numbered in accordance to my first posting of said resolutions. [Pass/Fail]:

1. 0/2 for church services [Fail]

2. Since I'm not yet on campus, I havent eaten any fast food. Although, I did get a steak from Geno's when I went to the game....[Pass]

3. I cant really go to a gym around here becuase there is no reasonably priced gym that I coulda joined for about two weeks, although I'm sure I coulda gone to the Y on a guest pass if I really wanted to... [No decision]

4. This resolution went out the window when the Eagles played last night. Oh, and when some old guy in a Buick pulled out in front of me. [Fail]

5. Having nothing to do, and needing the money badly, I decided not to go to work on an optional day because I didnt feel like going anywhere or doing anything but laying around and watching TV, and hanging with the guys [Fail]

6. Went to American Eagle yesterday in the mall, bought clothes that I really didnt need.... [Fail]

So, if my math is correct, I scrapped a pass on only one of my six resolutions so far, and was undecided on another. Thats pretty crappy. Better get it in gear, I'll tell you that for free.

The Evolution of Dance

This video is hilarious.

So, I'm sure you've all had classes where you know its gonna be bad even before you step into the classroom. Mark my accounting class as one of those. After the book fiasco (see below) and then homework before the class even started.....I can only imagine it getting better from here...NOT.

Here's a link for all of those who hate Windows and AIM:

http://www.corriere.it/Primo_Piano/Scienze_e_Tecnologie/2006/12_Dicembre/28/pop_animazione_2.shtml

Ok, so its Wednesday and I have completed each one of my classes, at least in some capacity. It should be a decent semester; I have human resource management, macroeconomics, stat 11, accounting and computer and information sciences. Each of my teachers are pretty laid back, yet wont be afraid to crack the whip if need be, which is good for everyone in the class. I think my favorite class will be stat 11 with darin. His last name is something ridiculous, but he's real cool. He's a younger professor, but he wont play you thats for sure. He's pretty humorous, but I think he wont let that interfere with his teaching, especially if some kids are in need of help.

Dr. Wurst is hilarious. His class is now on class capture (you can go back and watch/hear it online afterwards) so if I miss something because I'm laughing at him or dozing off to sleep, I have a feasible alternative to help me out.

My other profs are pretty cool, nothing special, but I dont really know them too too well yet seeing as I've only sat in on one set of classes. Temple's school of business (Fox School of Business) is really on top of things I'll tell you that for free. It's a totally different ball of wax from the School of Education (the profs in the Ed school were good, I'm talkin about all the red tape drama you had to deal with to get something done).

Now, I am thinkin of running down to the Burlington Coat Factory to get a scarf, some gloves and a hat because it is freakin freezin up here on North Broad Street. It was like 70 degrees last week; where did this cold come from?

Mmkay, so the first week of a new semester is over, only fourteen to go. Every semester starts the same way, with my making promises to myself that I'll actually read assigned chapters or that I wont procrastinate with easy work that will build up. We'll see how that works out.

Temple plays a doubleheader today, with the men tipping off at 2:00 pm against Rhode Island, followed by the womans game at 4:00. Before then, I gotta get some accounting work done, but I'd rather watch the college basketball on tv. Later, my boy Jeremy is having his girlfriend and a few of her friends over to my apartment to make us dinner and all that. Should be the most complete meal I've had since coming back to school.

Random question: does anyone know how to set up a web based email to be run through Microsoft Outlook?

Where did this weekend go? It seems like just yesterday I was doing my laundry and preparing for the start of the weekend. Oh well, I guess.

Last night we had a nice dinner party with a few girls from Villanova last night. People there included (other than myself): John, Tommy, Deep, Davis, Dave, Jeremy, Danielle, Karen, Melissa, and Ashley. I went with Jeremy to pick up the girls from the train station, 7:30 or so, and when we got back to my apartment, the girls went nuts in the kitchen. First, Karen (the main cook), made baked brie with apricot jelly for the appetizer. Next, she made a home made vodka sauce for the penne pasta she had cooked. She also added fresh proscittuo to the blush sauce. They then prepared a nice salad and some bread for the rest of the meal.

It was amazing to say the less. I have enough seconds to last about the next week. Plus, it was pretty nice to not have to go out to get with others, but rather have them come to us. We had a good time and a good meal.

On the topic of my resolutions-- I went to a nice service today down outside of Port Richmond, at St. Adalberts . It is a Roman Catholic church, in a Polish neighborhood, so some of the services are actually in Polish (see the link, they have the times for each service at the website).

I'm 1 for 3. Yahtzee.

Less than twenty four hours from now, Temple will travel to the Palestra for another Big 5 basketball match up. This time, it will take on cross-town rival Penn. It is a homecoming of sorts for new Temple head coach Fran Dunphy, as it marks his first return to the Palestra since leaving his former home arena behind when he moved onto North Broad Street just months ago. Dunphy was the coach at Penn for 17 seasons, winning 10 Ivy League Titles and leaving the school as the winningest head coach in Penn history (310 wins, I believe).

I love the Palestra. Absolutely love it. The atmosphere is unrivaled. Even better is the ability to do some serious heckling to the opposing student section. Each year, the Penn kids have "roll out" signs that are usually pretty funny and/or over the top. I remember my freshman year, when I was there to watch Penn- La Salle and I saw the most outrageous signs I had ever seen at a sporting event. Period. La Salle was in shambles after a rape scandal ravaged their line up and shook up the entire program. Penn unveiled a "Hide the women and children" sign and "Inmate #060606 now entering the game." Both were classless, yes, but a tad funny nonetheless.

Penn kids, like every other school in the Big 5, are usually characterized in a certain manner (yeah, I'm gonna play the "rich" card, you knew I had to). In the minds of Temple students, kids from Penn are spoiled, rich brats who can get away with anything and everything thanks to mommy and daddy's wallets (kinda the way people think about 'Nova, too). Moreover, I think it is more of a rivalry because of the "city kids" mentality versus the "suburban kids," the way the rivalry first started. Either way, I dont like seeing a Big 5 loss in any capacity, probably perhaps because I have friends at each school (except, thank God, St. Joes). A Big 5 win is a good win, regardless of records. Actually, I dont really mind Penn as much as I despise the other three schools in the Big 5. Dont mistake that lightheartedness for pity, because I hope we stomp Penn into the ground. Not one single player on Penn's current roster has won a game against Temple, and I sure as heck would like that trend to continue. I cant stand Steve Danley, a F/C for the Quakers. He irks me the most, even though he only averages slightly over 10 points per game. He is one of the most uncoordinated and goofy basketball players I have ever seen, (and that is saying something, seeing as we are stuck with a 7 foot goof by the name of Serg) .

My prediction: Penn 70, Temple 63. Leading Scorers: Mark Zoller (UP)- 19 pts. Ibby Jabber (UP)- 17 pts. Dionte Christmas (TU)- 22 pts. Dustin Salisbury (TU)- 15 pts.

(For even more coverage click here )

Ok, so I just read on the Soft Pretzel Logic blog (if you like sports, this is right up your alley) that there are over 3,000 tickets still available for tomorrow nights Temple vs. Penn basketball game. That is absurd. Capacity, according to Wikipedia, is slightly over 8,700 seats. There is no way there should be that many seats left. C'mon people, its Big 5 basketball, a true Philadelphia tradition.

I want the Palestra to be so full that I am almost sitting on my neighbor's lap. Its the only way to watch a game at the Palestra.

I am still too fired up to write a semi-objective post about the Penn-Temple game. I will post tomorrow afternoon.

The city of brotherly love. The Liberty Bell. Eagles football. Cheesesteaks. They all go hand in hand, no? Well, the brotherly love is always in the air, the Liberty Bell still has its crack, and the Eagles' season is over, so this entry must be about cheesesteaks. If someone can tell me a better way to spend $7, I'll entertain the notion for a few seconds before replying, "Thats beat."

My allegiance to Genos is known, but I'm not gonna lie, Pats tasted awfully good tonight. So good, in fact, that I decided to spend $14 and grab a second one. I know many people who are fully devoted to one establishment or another, but my idea of a balanced diet is a Genos steak in one hand and a Pats in the other. Wiz wit'. And be generous with both the wiz and the wit'. Although, in all honesty, I enjoy looking at Genos' pictures, autographs, etc etc, but I am not a fan of the big picture with the cop on it, that announces to everyone that this upstanding officer was killed by a Middle Eastern man.

Furthermore, the "if your child can read English, you can thank a marine" sticker is awfully tacky. Perhaps the most notable sign posted at Genos is the "This is America, When Ordering, Speak English," which has drawn ire from local residents and politicians. "Geno's sits at Ninth and Passyunk, the hub of Little Italy turned home to thousands of Mexicans," writes Inquirer journalist Gaiutra Bahadur. Ironic.

It's a Sunday, in January, and there is no football. Feels weird, not gonna lie. Oh well, I didnt mind it. I saw a few people I went to high school with this weekend. One at a party last night and the other guy came in from Pittsburgh for the day. It was definately cool to see each of them and just shoot the breeze.

Anyway, this article doesnt really have any particular aim, but I was thinking that since the Eagles are done and the Sixers and Flyers are sputtering as we speak, the least I could do is look forward to the Fightin' Phils. I was talking to a friend of mine earlier, and we were discussing that we say the same thing every year about the Phils. "This year is the year we finally break through and take down the Braves," or something as such.

I dont know what is much different this year, but I can honestly say that I will be stunned if we dont make at least the Wild Card spot in the N.L.. I mean, look at this roster:

C Rod Barajas
1B Ryan Howard
2B Chase Utley
SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Wes Helms
LF Pat Burrell
CF Aaron Rowand
RF Shane Victorino

And the rotation:

1. Brett Myers
2. Freddy Garciaa
3. Cole Hamels
4. Jamie Moyer
5. Adam Eaton

Only a few weeks 'til pitchers and catchers report!

While perusing Philly.com a few minutes ago, I came across Will Bunch's Attytood blog. The lead blog was what really caught my mind-- using U2 to conduct a church service?! Are you kidding me? I think it would really alienate many whose beliefs are considered old fashioned and those who want a normal Sunday mass. Altough, as Will mentions, if it puts butts in seats, who am I to criticize?

There is nothing on TV tonight. Absolutely nothing. My boys, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, are playing (basketball) at Syracuse tonight, and its not on TV. A good Big East match up, and its not televised. Nope, the fine folks at ESPN would rather broadcast Mississippi St.v.s Ole Miss. What a pillow fight. At least SportsCenter is on tonight.

Remember when Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa were the talk of the town in Major League Baseball? Now, it seems they have been reduced to two second-tier athletes begging for a second chance. Its what they get for using 'roids.