One of my earliest memories as a sports fan was a two-week span in 1993 when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, my favorite college football team, rose to the number one ranking in the nation after topping previous No. 1 Florida State only to see it all slip away the next Saturday with a last-second, narrow loss to unranked Boston College.
Since the loss to the Eagles, the Irish have never regained the coveted No. 1 spot in the Associated Press poll.
That was until last night - and the way it happened could not have been more surprising.
Already having a memorable season in which they won their first 10 games for the first time since the heartbreaking 1993 campaign - the Irish were ranked third in both the AP and BCS ratings heading into Saturday. No. 1 Kansas State (at Baylor) and No. 2 Oregon (vs. Stanford) both had challenging match-ups, but both were suppose to win and regain their top rankings.
The Irish, who played earlier in the day, destroyed Wake Forest 38-0 and were put into position to watch both Oregon and K-State play at night.
Surprisingly, Baylor jumped on Kansas State early and often - capping a 55-24 victory. And while Oregon led most of the way, it was the Stanford Cardinal who put together a game-tying drive in the final minutes to send the game into overtime, before kicking a field goal to win it.
And just like that, the Irish were No. 1.
But with a USC team that has had ND's number as of late on the slate next week in Southern California, the 2012 version of the Fighting Irish need to make sure they do not repeat the fate of their counterparts from 19 years ago. That would be losing a game against an unranked team with a chance for a championship on the line.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Colts a pleasant surprise
At 4-3, my beloved Indianapolis Colts are one of the surprise teams of the NFL. Slated by many to be the worst team in the league in 2012, the Colts have already doubled their win total of a year ago.
The improvement obviously starts with Rookie QB Andrew Luck, who has thus far been every bit the star people expected him to be.
Reggie Wayne is back and is having the best year of his career.
Issues still exist on the offensive line and the defense has a hard time stopping the run. Not to mention the constant struggles running the ball themselves.
But this is a good start. Luck has already won more games in his rookie year than Peyton Manning did in 1998.
In 2012, the Colts are playing for their coach, Chuck Pagano, who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is being treated by a La Porte, Indiana-born physician.
This team may have benefited from an easy early season scheduled, but they are Chuckstrong - and we will see how far this ride can taken them.
The improvement obviously starts with Rookie QB Andrew Luck, who has thus far been every bit the star people expected him to be.
Reggie Wayne is back and is having the best year of his career.
Issues still exist on the offensive line and the defense has a hard time stopping the run. Not to mention the constant struggles running the ball themselves.
But this is a good start. Luck has already won more games in his rookie year than Peyton Manning did in 1998.
In 2012, the Colts are playing for their coach, Chuck Pagano, who has been diagnosed with leukemia and is being treated by a La Porte, Indiana-born physician.
This team may have benefited from an easy early season scheduled, but they are Chuckstrong - and we will see how far this ride can taken them.
Election season heating up
One of the most exciting months is that that leads up to a Presidential Election. In addition to the fight for the presidency, many races at the state and local level are interesting as well.
This year, Hurricane Sandy has put an unexpected damper on some of the heated races, including the one for President.
In Indiana, the race between Democrat Joe Donnelly and Republican Richard Mourdock will prove to be a tight battle. It has heated up on a national level as well because of Mourdock's controversial comments regarding rape and abortion. Both candidates were in the La Porte County area today scrambling for votes in Michigan City and La Porte.
The governor race should also be tight between Republican Mike Pence (who is endorsed by the NRA) and Democrat John Gregg, who also campaigned in Michigan City last week. And even though he does not stand a realistic chance to win, Libretarian Rupert Boneham (of Survivor fame) is also a candidate. He will also get my vote, because on my birthday this year he was in Michigan City and signed a picture of himself with the words "Happy Birthday Tim", and gave it to a co-worker of mine who gave it to me.
At the local level, the Green Machine (which is led by super powerful attorney Shaw Friedman) is likely to gain 100 percent control of the County Commissioners if Democrats Vidya Kora and Dave Decker are elected over their Republican challengers Terry Garner and Sharon Kirkham.
The Democrats, in my mind, are likely to sweep the County races - with the only close call coming between Dem. Nancy Hawkins and Rep. Leigh Morris in the treasurer's race.
Although I do not have anything against any of the individuals associated with the Green Machine, machine politics should not exist in any county. People should vote for the candidate or individual they believe will beset serve them, not the party with the money that is able to get you an ill-legitimate garage permit or get your son or daughter a "job" with the county.
That's why Punch 10 voting is wrong and should be outlawed.
Vote for the person. Not the party.
Photo: Democratic Indiana Governor candidate John Gregg speaks to supporters at Ryan's Irish Pub in Michigan City on Saturday, October 27.
This year, Hurricane Sandy has put an unexpected damper on some of the heated races, including the one for President.
In Indiana, the race between Democrat Joe Donnelly and Republican Richard Mourdock will prove to be a tight battle. It has heated up on a national level as well because of Mourdock's controversial comments regarding rape and abortion. Both candidates were in the La Porte County area today scrambling for votes in Michigan City and La Porte.
At the local level, the Green Machine (which is led by super powerful attorney Shaw Friedman) is likely to gain 100 percent control of the County Commissioners if Democrats Vidya Kora and Dave Decker are elected over their Republican challengers Terry Garner and Sharon Kirkham.
The Democrats, in my mind, are likely to sweep the County races - with the only close call coming between Dem. Nancy Hawkins and Rep. Leigh Morris in the treasurer's race.
Although I do not have anything against any of the individuals associated with the Green Machine, machine politics should not exist in any county. People should vote for the candidate or individual they believe will beset serve them, not the party with the money that is able to get you an ill-legitimate garage permit or get your son or daughter a "job" with the county.
That's why Punch 10 voting is wrong and should be outlawed.
Vote for the person. Not the party.
Photo: Democratic Indiana Governor candidate John Gregg speaks to supporters at Ryan's Irish Pub in Michigan City on Saturday, October 27.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Green Bay: The Mecca of the NFL
Last month I had my first chance to visit Green Bay, Wisconsin as I took in a Saints-Packers game at Lambeau Field on an ideal fall afternoon. Getting tickets to go inside was more of a challenge than my father or I had anticipated.
We got lucky. We ONLY paid $300 for the pair.
While it seemed like a steep price, the experience that would follow was one that will never be forgotton. There is a reason people call Green Bay "titletown" and I don't believe it has anything to do with their four Super Bowl trophies.
As a Colts fan from Chicago it pains me to say it, but going to Green Bay is "THE" football experience. I've only been to six NFL stadiums, but it is tough to imagine an atmosphere better than that.
All day long it's a party. Cars are parked in front of homes for more than a mile away from the largest stadium in a small town. Everyone is grilling, having pre-game parties and dressed in Green and Gold.
With the smell of brats in the air, it is the closest anyone can come to a "college atmosphere" at an NFL game.
As we made our way to our seats, we could not find one section of the stadium that was empty. All the bleachers and seats were filled to capacity, and when we finally reached the seats, we quickly found out that moving was not an option.
The fans?
Respectful and knowledgeable. People came dressed in suspenders and everyone was there to have a good time.
And to make things even better, the Packers (including former Colts center Jeff Saturday) topped the hated New Orleans Saints 28-27 in a nail biter.
We got lucky. We ONLY paid $300 for the pair.
While it seemed like a steep price, the experience that would follow was one that will never be forgotton. There is a reason people call Green Bay "titletown" and I don't believe it has anything to do with their four Super Bowl trophies.
As a Colts fan from Chicago it pains me to say it, but going to Green Bay is "THE" football experience. I've only been to six NFL stadiums, but it is tough to imagine an atmosphere better than that.
All day long it's a party. Cars are parked in front of homes for more than a mile away from the largest stadium in a small town. Everyone is grilling, having pre-game parties and dressed in Green and Gold.
With the smell of brats in the air, it is the closest anyone can come to a "college atmosphere" at an NFL game.
As we made our way to our seats, we could not find one section of the stadium that was empty. All the bleachers and seats were filled to capacity, and when we finally reached the seats, we quickly found out that moving was not an option.
The fans?
Respectful and knowledgeable. People came dressed in suspenders and everyone was there to have a good time.
And to make things even better, the Packers (including former Colts center Jeff Saturday) topped the hated New Orleans Saints 28-27 in a nail biter.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
This week in History: Tylenol Murders
It was 30 years ago this week that the entire nation lost its innocence. It was in the wake of the Tylenol Murders, a string of seven deaths in the Chicagoland area. All seven victims had taken a Tylenol capsule between Sept. 29 and Oct. 1, 1982 - and died shortly after to potassium cyanide poisoning.
The crime spree, which involved an individual taking Tylenol from the counters and returning it, after tampering and inserting potassium cyanide to five stores in Chicago, has never been solved. James Lewis, an extortionist spent 13 years in prison for the extortion of the crime - but was found to not have actually been responsible for the murders.
The crime spree did spawn several "copycat" killings, most notable in 1986 in Seattle where a woman attempted to cover up her husband's murder by doing the same thing with Excedrin, killing another woman in the process.
The Tylenol case, while handled perfectly by parent company Johnson & Johnson., is the primary reason why tamper-proof packaging exists today.
The crime spree, which involved an individual taking Tylenol from the counters and returning it, after tampering and inserting potassium cyanide to five stores in Chicago, has never been solved. James Lewis, an extortionist spent 13 years in prison for the extortion of the crime - but was found to not have actually been responsible for the murders.
The crime spree did spawn several "copycat" killings, most notable in 1986 in Seattle where a woman attempted to cover up her husband's murder by doing the same thing with Excedrin, killing another woman in the process.
The Tylenol case, while handled perfectly by parent company Johnson & Johnson., is the primary reason why tamper-proof packaging exists today.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Much hype, but alas no race
In it's fourth year in Michigan City, the Great Lakes Grand Prix superboat race is perhaps the most anticipated event of the year in Michigan City, grasping the town for what is usually a week long party concluded by an awesome display of speedy boats on Sunday afternoon.
This year, everyone at Washington Park seemed to wait until Sunday to have that "week long party," but when Sunday came - so did disappointment, in the fact that for the first time in its ten-year history, a Great Lakes Grand Prix race was canceled.
The event was canceled due to rip currents in the area, which would have caused major danger for boaters had they toppled during the event.
While many fans were disappointed, it was the right decision to make. Search parties were in full force looking for a number of missing persons that thankfully turned up safe on the beach.
The only question is whether or not there should have been a "rain date" in the event that that did in fact happen.
If it's such an important event, you would think it would have happened whether it be later in the day Sunday, Monday or even Tuesday.
Still, the boats were fun to look at as they were parked in the parking lot. But boats belong in the water and unfortunately for Michigan City residents and visitors last weekend, that did not occur.
This year, everyone at Washington Park seemed to wait until Sunday to have that "week long party," but when Sunday came - so did disappointment, in the fact that for the first time in its ten-year history, a Great Lakes Grand Prix race was canceled.
The event was canceled due to rip currents in the area, which would have caused major danger for boaters had they toppled during the event.
While many fans were disappointed, it was the right decision to make. Search parties were in full force looking for a number of missing persons that thankfully turned up safe on the beach.
The only question is whether or not there should have been a "rain date" in the event that that did in fact happen.
If it's such an important event, you would think it would have happened whether it be later in the day Sunday, Monday or even Tuesday.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Biking Chicago: Simply Magnificent
As my closest friends and family members know, riding a bicycle is one of my favorite activities. Learning and touring through the city of Chicago is another. An on June 25, 2012 - I was given the opportunity to combine both passions. The result was an experience I'll never forget - and hope to repeat in the very near future.
My travel mate Ramon and I began our bike tour by parking near his former home on 16th and Jefferson street in the Pilsen neighborhood. From there, we rode down Canal Street to Roosevelt, from Roosevelt east to the Museum Campus, right along the lake northbound east of Lake Shore Drive past Buckingham Fountain, along the Chicago River and then to the highlight of the day.
The Magnificent Mile.
Riding a bike northbound on Michigan Avenue from the Fort Dearborn site to the John Hancock Center is a thrill. With the wind behind our backs on a 72 degree not a cloud in the sky day, it was heaven.
Or maybe just Chicago, which in my book is pretty darn close.
From there, we rode up to Oak Street Beach to get beautiful pictures of the Chicago skyline from the north and the choppy waters of an angry Lake Michigan late in the day. All the while watching beachgoers play volleyball with the Drake Hotel as a backdrop.
As much as I love traveling, no place will ever be more thrilling than the town I can proudly say I was born in.
On our route home, we passed famous sites such as Holy Name Cathedral, Rush Street, the Greektown neighborhood, Picasso sculpture and the Art Institute of Chicago. Not to mention a water break at the fountains of Millenium Park.
If you own a bike and are anywhere close to Chicago, biking through the entire city is an experience that should not be skipped.
My travel mate Ramon and I began our bike tour by parking near his former home on 16th and Jefferson street in the Pilsen neighborhood. From there, we rode down Canal Street to Roosevelt, from Roosevelt east to the Museum Campus, right along the lake northbound east of Lake Shore Drive past Buckingham Fountain, along the Chicago River and then to the highlight of the day.
The Magnificent Mile.
Riding a bike northbound on Michigan Avenue from the Fort Dearborn site to the John Hancock Center is a thrill. With the wind behind our backs on a 72 degree not a cloud in the sky day, it was heaven.
Or maybe just Chicago, which in my book is pretty darn close.
From there, we rode up to Oak Street Beach to get beautiful pictures of the Chicago skyline from the north and the choppy waters of an angry Lake Michigan late in the day. All the while watching beachgoers play volleyball with the Drake Hotel as a backdrop.
As much as I love traveling, no place will ever be more thrilling than the town I can proudly say I was born in.
On our route home, we passed famous sites such as Holy Name Cathedral, Rush Street, the Greektown neighborhood, Picasso sculpture and the Art Institute of Chicago. Not to mention a water break at the fountains of Millenium Park.
If you own a bike and are anywhere close to Chicago, biking through the entire city is an experience that should not be skipped.
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