Dome 2008: WC v. Helias

For the third time in the last 5 seasons, the WC Cardinals made the trip to St. Louis for a shot at a state title. In 2004, the Cards came up a yard short on a 2-point conversion in overtime (going for it was the right decision, I'll be glad to expound on why if you care to listen). In 2006, the Cards took care of Hannibal with little trouble. Now the 2008 matchup pitted the Cards with another one of the vaunted Missouri programs - Jefferson City Helias.

You can read the Globe's articles on the game to get the details.

Cover Article

Main Article

Here are my observations:

- Early in the game it looked like it was going to be a really long trip home. The Cards were completely unable to move the ball on their first 2 (or may have been 3) offensive drives. I mean not at all. Helias seemed to be playing on Webb's side of the ball on every snap. By the second series, WC was backed up into the shadow of their goal post, leaving Helias very good field position after a punt. Helias promptly threw a long pass and scored. But then everything changed.

- From their own 20 and thus far completely unsuccessful at running the ball, WC did something WC never does. They dropped Mack Kyle back and sent Boo Rogers on a fade route. Mack threw it right on target, Boo out battled the corner (who covered it well) for the ball, then streaked up the sideline and into the end zone. This happened late in the first quarter and was the first time anyone on the WC side took a breath since the opening kickoff.

- Webb's defense, now not having to play on a short field finally, took care of some business, holding Helias out of the endzone until the closing seconds of the first half. During that time, WC found ways to scrap and claw its way to 14 more points, building a 21-7 lead. Helias' late score sent the teams to the locker room at 21-14.

- I'm not sure I've ever seen the Novocaine principle (this is a reference to the movie "Remember the Titans", where coach Boone says that he only runs 4 plays, just like Novocaine, give them time and they always work) play out more dramatically. After not being able to run the ball at all early in the first quarter, WC slowly began to make small gains using their veer offense. I think 2 things were happening. One, the WC players were slowly beginning to win the war in the trenches - by force of sheer will. Second, a few completed passes were forcing Helias to back some people out of the box and opening up lanes to run through.

- Momentum shifted again in the third quarter - well, really it shifted right before halftime when Helias scored. In the third quarter, Helias scored twice and took the lead 27-21 (Parker Graham - I think - blocked the second PAT). As the third quarter closed it didn't look good. After WC scored to tie the game early in the 4th quarter (missed PAT), one particularly obtuse WC fan turned to my brother-in-law Brayden and asked if this seemed familiar. He was referencing the 2004 game. I momentarily thought about asking Brayden if he wanted me to hold the guy while he kicked him. Decided it was better left alone.

- WC got the ball back and scored to take the lead 33-27, a failed 2-point conversion left the margin at 6. It was the right decision to go for 2, it just didn't work out.

- Helias responded going ahead 34-33 and again shifting the momentum and emotion.

- But then the ultimate Novocaine drive ensued. Webb went 72 yards on 10 plays and Braxton Baker put it in the endzone with about 2:30 left in the game. This time the 2-point attempt was successful - though from the stands I don't know how, Jeremiah Box was hit at the line and I thought he was stopped. This left the score at 41-34 and a knot in the stomach of every WC fan. Why?

- Does anyone remember the playoffs last year against Carthage when Mack went like 70-yards to put WC up late in the game only to watch Carthage score again to win it? That's probably something that was on some minds.

- Not this time. Webb's defense made two stops and then came up with an interception that ended Helias' hopes of a state title. A couple of plays, a couple of knee's and Webb City's Cardinals hoisted their 8th state football championship.

This was an epic struggle of a game. Yeah, that sounds really over the top, but seriously I'm not sure I've ever seen a game where the momentum shifted more times or one team's relentless persistence at running the football paid off more directly. I told my wife at halftime Webb should be able to run the ball in the second half, they were wearing the Helias defense down. As the 4th quarter began, what had been 2 yard first down gains became 5-8 yard gains, which set up much better play selection options on 2nd down and when needed a short third down.

This group of seniors concluded their high school football careers having lost only 1 game. I'll let you figure out which one that was. I guess if you're going to have to deal with having been among those who lost to Carthage for the first time in 20 years, being able to exhibit 2 rings and claim a 3-year record of 39-1 (it may be 38-1, 2006 may have been the year that WC had an open week during the regular season) isn't a bad response.

This team found ways to win games at times when it was hard to see how they could. Remember, this is the same group that pulled one out of nowhere in week 2 against Rogers. This team, while very talented, won several games by just refusing to give up - which we saw in a big way last weekend at Kearney. To me, a team that out-performs even their own ability is always deserving of great respect because they are exemplifying the principle of a team being more than the sum of its parts.

Congrats to the 2008 Webb City Cardinals. You earned every one of your 15 victories and are deserving champions.

Bedlam

I'm going to be as brief as I can.

I hold no particular crazy ideas that my Cowboys are likely to take down the Sooners on Saturday. Can it happen? Absolutely, I've seen it done - at home, on the road, close game, easy win (only once on that one). But the reality is that OU is really good this year and it'll take a much more inspired performance from the Pokes than we saw against Texas Tech to have a chance against the Sooners. But none of this is the reason for the post.

This week ESPN's College Gameday is going to be held in Stillwater. I'm only aware of this happening one other time - also a Bedlam matchup and we won't talk about the outcome. I'm excited for the Gameday guys to be in my old stomping grounds, going to Joe's, etc.

One of ESPN's commercials this week (one of it's "Every week can change the season" series) includes a type-set frame showing b-roll from both OU and OSU games this season that says "Every rivalry game is bedlam."

WRONG!

One, that is a term that OU and OSU have adopted for their series of meetings in the gambit of sports each year. That term, while not copyrighted that I'm aware of, is specific to this rivalry.

Two, not all rivalries are the same. I'm not saying that the OU/OSU rivalry is the greatest in the country (I think it is, but that's not what I'm saying here so back off all of you Ohio State / Michigan fans - but really this isn't a good year to make that particular argument). I am saying every rivalry isn't the same.

Oklahoma certainly isn't the only state to have 2 large, Division 1 schools that have for several decades been in the same conference, but that's no gimme either. When I moved to Missouri I had to learn that most of the wonderful people in this state don't even understand that OU and OSU are separate schools - here in MO there's always just been MU (though MSU is in the process of raising it's profile). Some states who do have multiple big schools have them in different conferences and this tends to take away from the intensity of the rivalry (in my opinion) because the outcome of all their games don't directly correlate to the success of the season in all cases.

I would also argue that the depth and intensity of this rivalry is deeper and higher than some others. This rivalry runs deep, dividing the state, cities, and lots of families. And please understand, it's difficult (and in my opinion not possible) to not choose a side. Each school has a distinct history and heritage and those who are aware of those tend to identify with what they see as the ideals of their school / team. At least I hope that's why we choose our sides and not something stupid like they've won some titles.

Want a representation of how deep this runs? When I moved to Joplin, I owned 1 red shirt (that I can remember, there might have been 1 other). I went to a high school whose rival was red and white, then went to OSU. I had no use for anything red. Times have changed a little and I'd like to think I've grown up a little too. My closet is now fairly well stocked with WC red (no crimson & cream - really, who thought the cream part was a good idea?).

Let's be clear, Bedlam is serious business.

I won't get to watch the game live, we'll be on the way back from watching WC play for a state title. Please don't call me or text me about it - and yes, I'll ignore your call if you do. I may DVR the game and try to watch enough to know the outcome.

Thanksgiving 2008

I would be amiss not to take a moment (at least) to identify some things that I am thankful for this year. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, just a few that come to mind and they are in no particular order:

- My wife - We've been married about 3 1/2 years now and I have a hard time remembering much about what life was like before she came along. I am certainly blessed to have her.

- A job - I do feel particularly blessed to have the job that I do, certainly working at Christ In Youth is a great opportunity. Even beyond being thankful for my specific job I am thankful to have meaningful work. I believe God wired us to work and so I am thankful to have that opportunity. Also, in a difficult economy I am thankful to be employed.

- Family - We are blessed to have several groups of people who love us dearly because they are our families. It is easy to take family for granted when you are young, but the older I get, the more I realize that not everyone is so lucky and tomorrow is not guaranteed.

- Freedom - Yes, I know it's borderline unacceptable in today's ministry culture to be patriotic, get over it this isn't about patriotism. I'm thankful for the men and women who have fought to defend the liberty that we enjoy (and often take for granted, such as when we don't like what's going on, but don't want to listen to anyone else's ideas). Thousands and thousands have given their lives in defense of the freedom we enjoy. A side note. On a flight this week, a United Airlines crew gave an open first class seat to a young man in his Army uniform who was traveling with us. If you see someone in the military today, thank them for their service.

- Football - Yes, this one is markedly less important than the others, but I'm still thankful for it. I'd list NASCAR, but anyone who reads my blog knows that about me anyway, plus that season is over (but February is coming!).

- Jesus - I'm listing this one last, but in reality He is first. His sacrifice has opened the door for all of mankind to be restored to God if only they will accept Him. It is easy to get used to and comfortable with the story of what Christ did on the cross, but don't forget that He didn't have to and without Him you'd have no hope.

Semi-Finals: WC v. Kearney

I listened all week to stories of the beatings that the Kearney Bulldogs had delivered to the 2002 and 2003 WC Cards - both in WC and both in the semi-final round. Some (my wife included) seemed to be under the impression that what had happened 5+ years ago had some bearing and somehow worked against the 2008 Cards chances to overcome the #1 team in the state and advance to the finals in St. Louis. I did what I could to explain why that made no sense what-so-ever.

For anyone who didn't see the game or listened and wasn't there, it was ugly. It was an ugly, physical battle between two very good football teams. WC lost 3 fumbles in the first half. Yes, you read that right. They've done a good job this season of not turning it over, but in a tough game it appeared they might give it way by repeatedly coughing it up. In spite of the fumbles, WC's defense kept them in it and after a blocked field-goal late in the 2nd quarter, WC went to half-time down 7-0 (which felt like a victory from the stands).

To make matters worse, WC had to kickoff to start the 2nd half. But the D again came up big, forcing Kearney to go 3 & out and setting up the O with good field position. The O finally got on track, driving down for a touchdown to tie the game.

Another stop by the D and WC was in business again, driving down and ultimately scoring on the last play of the third quarter. When WC kicked off to start the 4th quarter Webb led 14-0 and seemed to have the momentum.

What followed was a lot like the 1st quarter - ugly, physical, and scoreless. Webb came up with the stops they needed - including a 4th & 2 deep in their own territory - and managed to avoid turnovers. With a chance to ice the game, WC chose to punt on 4th & 1 near mid-field with less than 1 minute remaining in the game. On the snap, a defender reached out and hit the ball before Patrick (Drake) could get it snapped. According to what Pat told us after the game he just swatted it backwards - rolling on the ground. Fortunately the ball rolled right to the punter (even popped up to him at just the right time) and he narrowly avoided getting the punt blocked.

With time winding down, Boo Rogers intercepted a pass and ran out the clock.

As expected, WC fans started streaming out of the stands onto the field until the PA announcer announced that MSHSAA rules don't allow fans on the field. Whatever, I'm sure Kearney would have abided by that rule if they'd won.

The Cards are again Dome bound for a showdown with Jeff City - Helias. As with Bolivar and Kearney I don't know anything about them. They've not really been tested in the playoffs, but I don't know what kind of quality opponents they've had either.

One thing I've observed - sadly - in my 5 or so seasons of watching WC sports is that their great fans do have their faults. WC fans are loyal and they will drive hundreds of miles in droves to support their team, but frankly they are about the most negative bunch I've ever seen when things aren't going their way. We weren't 3 plays into the game when people started giving up and talking about the blowouts in 2002 and 2003 against Kearney. Now listen, I'm the pot (calling the kettle black) on this one, but you've got to at least keep your head up long enough to see how things are going to go. If you're going to give up before the other team even scores, don't make the drive. But that's just my opinion.

No prediction for next weekend. Just glad to be making the trip.

Worst Airtravel Moments

In theory I like to fly. I certainly have no aversion to the act of riding in a large aluminum object as it hurtles through the air at high rates of speed. The drawback is the hurrying, the waiting, the dragging, the breath holding (for a number of reasons), and the repetition of the preceding. Then again, the alternative is countless hours behind the wheel – which can be good or bad.

Here are my least favorite moments in air travel:


Putting your bag on the scale and just hoping the scale reads 50.0 or less. In a pinch, I would totally consider debating a ticket agent about the accuracy of their scale and when it was last calibrated. Of course it’s not going to work, but it might make me feel better, you never know.

Putting your carry-on items on the conveyor and hoping you didn’t leave a sharp object or other contra-band in there from a previous trip…and that your liquids are < or = to 3.4 ounces (because 3.5 would pose a grave danger to everyone involved, no really, who came up with that number?).

Seeing ATL or ORD on your itinerary – that’s Atlanta’s Hartfield-Jackson International and O’Hare International – because it almost guarantees you’re going to get hung up somewhere for some amount of time (and when you’re going to and/or from a small regional airport that can spell disaster with a very limited number of flights).

Arriving in a major airport to find that your connecting gate is 4 terminals away and you’ve got 15 minutes. Remedy? Stop and get some Starbucks, because either your departing flight has been delayed and you’ve got time or you’ve already missed it and now you have lots of time. Venti House, no room, thank you.

When a fellow traveler sits down next to you in the terminal (or worse on the plane) and shortly exhibits that they are suffering from either a cold or pneumonia. Sweet, my wife likes it when I bring her gifts. Here you go, honey, a week of hacking up a lung.

When the flight attendant uses the term "Deplane". If you're not familiar with that term let me define it. It means "to get off an airplane." Now if it's used after you arrive where you're going it's a good thing. But when you hear it shortly after boarding that's bad. It means something is wrong - such as the bathroom is not working or the engine fell off - and you're not going anywhere anytime soon.


There you have it. Hopefully you can enjoy one or more of these wonderful experiences on your next trip. If you’re really looking for some fun, book a trip on one of the major holiday travel dates…through Chicago and Atlanta to Tri-Cities, Tennessee and drag everything you own with you. For the record, I have nothing against either Chicago or Atlanta, my track record for getting through their airports without delays just isn't very good.

The Coffee Test

Yes, I’m sure I could write something worthwhile about how to judge a good cup of coffee. In fact, let’s just do that real quick. If I can see the bottom of the cup (even if it’s a small cup) that’s not a good sign. I used to be pretty easy to please when it came to coffee and I’ll still drink about whatever is available, but I’ve figured out that most restaurants brew really, really weak stuff that isn’t great anyway. You can tell immediately when someone is serving the good stuff – dark, rich, and strong.

Now, back to business…

In a seminar at the Rejuvenate Marketplace this week Dean Jones (previously identified as the Meeting Planner for this particular event) was taking a group through how to write a good RFP (Request For Proposal) when he said something I thought was really perceptive. We were talking about how to get a handle on meal pricing for a prospective venue when planning an event years in the future when he said, I can tell you in less than 1 minute whether I’m going to be able to afford meals at a property.…I just ask what they charge for a gallon of coffee. It was good that he finished his statement quickly or he’d have lost me. He continued, if they're charging $75 for a gallon of coffee the dinners will start at $50/person, breakfasts at $24, and lunches at $35 and I can’t afford to do meals at the property. But if they're charging $20/gallon for coffee breakfasts will be $18… (I would have listed quote marks, but didn’t want to be guilty of misquoting him and I’m sure my notes aren’t perfect)

You get the impression that Dean might have planned a few events to know what prices will be based solely on the coffee. Given how few meal functions we’ve planned at hotels in my time at CIY that was a great insight and will probably save me some time whenever I’m asked to figure out meal costs for a catered event. The one thing he didn’t say was whether that was Starbucks coffee or just whatever the caterer serves. Either way it was helpful to get some insight into that subject.

Sunrises

From the 9th floor of the Sheraton Oceanfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia I was able to watch a beautiful sunrise yesterday morning. It was awesome to watch the sky go through the color changes that lead up to the appearance of the sun as an orange ball that seems to rise out of the ocean.

Watching the sun come up I noticed something. When it first appears not only does it look orange instead of the bright yellow we typically think of, but for the first few moments you can actually look right at it without having to squint. I suspect it has something to do with the angle it’s at relative to the atmosphere that is causing the sun to look orange and obscuring its brightness just enough that we can get a look at it.

This reminded me of something in scripture. In Exodus 33 we read the account of Moses getting the chance to see God. Moses asked God to show him His glory. God replies that He will cause His goodness to pass by and allow Moses to see His back, but will He would cover Moses so that God’s face was not seen. God let Moses see as much as He could without overwhelming Moses to the point of death.

I am thankful that God knows us well enough and loves us enough to create opportunities for us to see Him in ways we can take and understand. For me, that usually translates into something that wouldn’t be meaningful to anyone else, but speaks directly to my heart. It is tempting to wish that we could understand and explain everything in life, but the older I get the more I think that when it comes to the big issues in life we are better left trying to discover and understand. Why? Because that is what causes us to continually seek God. If I could explain God, had a full understanding of who He is and what He is about, would I really be likely to daily seek to grow closer to Him and know Him better? Probably not.

Yesterday evening shortly after dark a full moon radiated brilliantly off the water outside my hotel. It was equally awesome to the sunrise that morning. I tried to take pictures of both with my cell phone, neither does any justice to what I saw.

Speed Dating with Venues

Yes, you read that right. For the second consecutive year I’ve had the chance to attend the Rejuvenate Marketplace. The Marketplace is a gathering of meeting planners (such as CIY) and religious meeting suppliers (primarily Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus along with specific hotels and convention centers). The idea is to put the planners together with the suppliers and give them time to figure out how one may serve the other.

One of the unique parts of this particular gathering are the pre-arranged appointments. Each planner is scheduled to meet with 38 – yes, that’s right 38 – suppliers in a two-day period. The way it works is that the Marketplace creates a table for each planner, who then sits as the suppliers scurry from planner to planner on their schedule. Every 7 minutes the chimes ring and it’s time for a new face, new city, new list of reasons why the planner should bring their meeting to a given location. You can’t really watch or experience this process without being reminded of speed-dating scenes you’ve watched on TV or in movies. Heck, even the Marketplace staff acknowledges the similarities.

This morning I got the chance to talk to lots of great potential venues. Many of which may never host a CIY event, some of which already are, and a few may indeed land a MOVE, Believe, or SuperStart event as a direct result of this event.

As entertaining as this is and as much value as it has, for me there is also great value in connecting with previous acquaintances and taking in educational sessions. The educational sessions at events like this might tend to take a backseat and be treated like an afterthought. Thankfully the people at Collinson Publishing saw the value in investing in quality presenters and providing information and training that are of great value to the planners (and in some cases the suppliers as well). While what I do is not quite what the typical planner might do, I’m probably the closest thing at CIY to a planner – based on my understanding of what a planner does. The difference is that I don’t really operate in that world most of the year. But at certain times I have to put my planner hat on – which makes this very, very valuable.

I observed this afternoon that an added benefit for me (and CIY) of attending an event like this is getting to see how other planners plan events. You have to figure Dean Jones – who is the planner in charge of this event – knows his stuff for Collinson to put him in charge of planning a meeting for planners. And clearly he does. Things are well thought through and well done.

The event is just small enough that the staff (at least one of them) will call you by name. In my case it’s Chris Collinson, who called me and personally registered me for the event. He picked me out across the room and called me by name (no chance he could have read my name badge from where he was). Certainly they accomplish what we at CIY need to be doing in terms of connecting with their clientèle. I’m generally skeptical, but this event – for the second year – has taken away my skepticism specifically because knowing my name and genuinely caring that I enjoy and benefit from the event stands to benefit the Marketplace staff none. No really. Reason? Because what CIY paid for me to be here doesn’t even cover the cost of the hotel & meals they’re serving – not to mention the cost of the event. So Rejuvenate doesn’t benefit financially from me. Certainly they need planners who have viable events to offer in order to make the show go – that’s what causes the suppliers to put up what I suspect is fairly big money to fund the event. I definitely give the staff an A investing in the people who attend and making us feel valued.

Round 2: WC v. Neosho...again

For the second game in a row, Webb City had the daunting task of taking on an opponent they’d already beaten in the regular season. In some sports this isn’t that big of an issue, but in football it’s a tall order. Motivation to even a score combined with the importance of game planning are huge in football (especially in high school), so even if you took someone down in the regular season you can’t take them for granted in the post-season (take Carthage in 2007 for example).

For the second game in a row rain was an issue for WC. Unlike last Wednesday, this time it was cold and rainy. And unlike last Wednesday, I wasn’t there. So please understand that the account and observations that follow are based on text messages from Jayson French and the part of the game I caught on the radio via the internet.

The short version is that Webb got their business taken care of. It was an ugly first quarter with no score and several missed opportunities, but when WC woke up in the second quarter they began the kind of methodical dismantling of Neosho that a fan loves to see. Why does a fan love to see that?

They demonstrated the ability to control the opponent’s offense, keep them off the field and maintain possession of the ball while putting sufficient points on the board to win comfortably.

For most of the 4th quarter WC enjoyed the continuous clock mercy rule that exists in MSHSAA football as a result of having a 35-point lead. A late touchdown by Neosho stopped the continuous clock for the last couple of minutes of play.

Webb’s rushing attack did what it does – hit people in the mouth and pound them into submission. Mack, Seth, and Braxton did their thing, each scoring (Seth scored twice) and Jeremiah Box added the 5th score.

Defensively the Cards were tough up front and did their classic bend, but don’t break routine. The one time Neosho scored it was at the end of the game and came as a result of a fumbled punt return. But that does bring up one thing to be discussed: mistakes.

While a solid and fairly dominant performance, WC cannot make the kinds of mistakes they did on Monday if they hope to continue their march to St. Louis. Fumbles, penalties, interceptions, mental errors on defense, these are the things that will end your playoff run all too soon. I am sure that John and the coaches are preaching that message this week in anticipation of a home tilt with Bolivar on Saturday afternoon.

Yes, that’s right. Because Bolivar beat Union and the way the scheduling works with MSHSAA, WC will host their third consecutive playoff game on Saturday afternoon. I could explain why and how, but you’d be asleep before I got finished.

I don’t know squat about Bolivar except that they beat what was supposed to be a very good Union team (one of 2 teams in Missouri class 4 ranked ahead of WC). My guess is that they might have a common regular season opponent or two and I’m sure Robin Sigars knows all about them.

My take: The Cards will have to protect their house. Any team that travels to WC faces an uphill climb – and not just because of the chat piles. The crowd will be huge and probably loud. If the Cards play well – limit mistakes, execute on both sides and in special teams – they will be a tough out in their house.

Round 1: WC v. Branson (again)

Yes, the playoffs are upon us and WC cruised through their round one game - a rematch with a surprising Branson. Perhaps my expectations are a little tough when I say that a 34-0 domination was a little bit of a snoozer. I mean really, what do I expect?

Weather was a factor in this game, but only temporarily. Cloud to ground lightning strikes in the area forced the game to be suspended for about 30 minutes. When play resumed, WC went about methodically dismantling Branson (again). Unlike their first match up where virtually everything went right for WC in the first half. Webb didn't have any pick-6s or returns for a touchdown. Instead, WC limited Branson to 11 yards of offense in the first half (82 yards for the game) and used their dominant ground game to put points on the board.

Webb put together a nice drive from their own 5 yard line with about 3:30 remaining in the first half, scoring as time expired. The drive included a couple of long runs, a nice pass by Patrick Drake (my brother-in-law) on 3rd & 11 to pick up a first down, and one of those plays the fans love - where the quarterback lowers his shoulder and turns a defender upside down.

Meanwhile, down in Neosho, Carthage's season was unraveling...quickly. The first half was back and forth and looked to be a real battle. But then the unthinkable for any Tiger fan happened. Trey Derryberry - Carthage's QB - went down with a concussion and was out for the night. My understanding is that their second string QB suffered an injury as well. Combine those injuries with a couple of turnovers and Carthage's season ended with a thud in a 39-13 loss.

Honestly, I really kind of wanted to play Carthage again, beating them is just fun. With that said, Neosho is a good football team and the Cards had better bring their A-game on Monday night or there'll be no Saturday game.

I won't be there Monday night - out of town - someone will have to fill me in later.

Ben, this is for you. My prediction for Monday night: Webb City 34 - Neosho 21.

I also predict someone will sit in my seat. That's fine as long as we all understand that I get it back whenever the next home game is. If anyone has any problems with that they'll have to beat me to it!

My Mutant Cell Phone Battery

I've never had the latest or greatest cell phone, but I've always had a reliable phone that generally got reception in areas where others couldn't. Recently I acquired a new phone, my first Motorola (always been partial to Nokia's). This phone is a definite upgrade from my previous one, which I'd affectionately termed "the brick". The new one is no iPhone, Blackberry or G1, but does have a camera, is good on text and navigates the internet as needed.

But the shocking thing about this phone is the battery life.

I charged it last night, which was the first time I'd charged it since October 20th. Yes, that's right it lasted almost 14 days. The first question I usually get about it is whether I talk on it or not. While I've never been accused of being Chatty Cathy, I was definitely north of a hour of talk time in that 2 week period.

So it's true. My cell battery is a mutant. Take that all of you iPhone junkies!

Oh, and my incoming calls and text are still free... but that's about the network, not the phone.

Who has phone envy now?

Week 10: WC at CJ

Honestly, this was a fairly boring game. WC predictably came out flat against an opponent that was undermanned. The good news for the Cards is that they rolled fairly easily over CJ and to my knowledge avoided major injury. After a couple of romps it will be back to business for the Cards Wednesday night as Branson comes back to Cardinal Stadium - certainly looking for some revenge.

One would hope that with the stakes being much, much higher now and a very good opponent coming to town the Cards will come to play.