Category Archives: Andree

Andree, Baier, Dae Hee, Flowers, Jesse, Russell

Still Laughing – 2015

June 15, 2015 Christopher D. Bennett

Still haven’t really got back to posting much lately, but let’s face it, I really haven’t even touched the camera much lately. I’ve been crazy busy with weddings and graduations and church activities that my free time has been at a premium lately.

When I have had free time, I’ve been devoting it to my BASEMENT PROJECT. A project where I have been returning things that don’t belong to me, re-assigning ownership of some things AND downsizing my own possessions. Although to those that have seen the basement in its current state it might not look like I’ve made much progress, but those people didn’t see what it looked like before this whole process began.

In fact, I made it to the point where I was able to actually set up the GHETTO HOME THEATER. With a couple of donations from Jesse and a couple purchases from Amazon, there is a functioning theater in my basement. However, that is all that can be said about it. It functions. It is definitely a work in progress.

On Saturday I was able to have a soft opening with Russell,Baier, Dre, and Dae Hee in attendance. We watched NIGHT CRAWLER. I feel it was a success that could lead to a couple more soft openings.

Hopefully there will be an actual grand opening when it is “finished” and the GHETTO HOME THEATER will be re-branded the UNION STREET THEATER. Perhaps a double feature of a kid friendly movie for those types that have reproduced and closing with A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. Which I consider to be child friendly as well. That might just be me though.

Well, any way, I should post some pictures. Here are some tulip pictures from Pella.

Maybe I won’t wait so long to post again. But maybe I will.

Andree, Angie, Baier, Basketball, Becky, Bill, Brandon, Dawn, Derrick, Faust, Frank, Jesse, Lowell, Mark, Micky, Naima, Nate, Robert, Russell, Sara, Shawn Lockner, Tim, Willy

ROUNDBALL ORACLES YEAR 11

March 16, 2015 Christopher D. Bennett

Wow! What an amazing season of College Basketball. Especially in the state of Iowa. Almost everybody has something to cheer about:

The Iowa State Cyclones won the Big 12 for the second straight year. They are looking to make good on Hoiberg’s promise of a national championship.
The UNI Panthers won whatever backwaters conference they are in.
Iowa returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006. They have a chance at their first tournament win since 2001. Gold star for Iowa!

There are all sorts of great potential matchups all over the place:

Fred Hoiberg could coach against one of his NBA coaches in the second round.
Iowa State and Iowa could play each other in the Sweet Sixteen.
Another possibility would be a dream point guard matchup between the best 2 point guards in the country in Monte Morris and Kevin Pangos.
The Elite Eight could feature a rematch of the 1944 Final Four game between Iowa State and Utah.

However, if you want to place your name on the List of Immortals like these people:

Roundball Oracles Champions

2014 – Brandon Kahler
2013 – William McAlpine
2012 – Lowell Davis
2011 – Carrie Baier
2010 – Mark Wolfram
2009 – Mark Wolfram
2008 – Mark Wolfram
2007 – Tim Peterson
2006 – William McAlpine
2005 – William McAlpine

All you need to do is contact me and I’ll get you the information posthaste.

The only “buy in” is pride. First place does win a trophy. The last place trying adult, also wins a trophy. Small chance there will be a traveling trophy this year, but I’m not made of money. Maybe some of the rest of you need to start kicking in on the bills around here. I’m looking at you Naima.

In case you need a refresher on how last year’s Oracles did, look below.

Rank	Oracle	Score	Correct	Champion	Last Year
1.	Brandon Kahler	255	40	Florida	18th
2.	Michael Augustin	241	42	Florida	31st
3.	Paul Golden	235	41	Michigan State	DNP
4.	Jordan Toot	228	39	Florida	9th
5.	Jon DeWaard	224	39	Florida	5th
6.	Mark Wolfram	222	38	Florida	8th
7.	Lowell Davis	216	40	Florida	DNP
8.	Andree Jauhari	210	38	Iowa State	28th
9.	Derrick Gorshe	208	38	Iowa State	14th
10.	Carrie Baier	205	37	Michigan State	19th
11.	Robert Henning	205	36	Florida	10th
12.	Bill Wentworth	204	38	Florida	15th
13.	Nate Miller	203	36	Iowa State	DNP
14.	Frank Meiners	201	38	Michigan State	11th
14.	Jesse Howard	201	37	Kansas	3rd
16.	Corey Faust	200	36	Iowa State	7th
17.	Humble Narrator	196	36	Iowa State	33rd
18.	William Mcalpine	196	38	Florida	1st
19.	Angie DeWaard	191	35	Arizona	6th
20.	Sean Clubine	189	36	Syracuse	13th
21.	Carla Stensland	189	35	Iowa State	DNP
22.	Ben Baier	188	35	Arizona	32nd
23.	Jackson Faust	185	36	Florida	16th
24.	Michelle Haupt	181	35	Arizona	26th
25.	Elizabeth Nordeen	181	35	Iowa State	21st
26.	Russell Kennerly	180	34	Florida	24th
27.	Olivia Baier	178	34	Arizona	DNP
28.	Jason Baier	175	35	Florida	24th
29.	Tim Peterson	175	34	Iowa State	22nd
30.	Becky Perkovich	175	35	Iowa State	27th
31.	Shawn Lockner	173	33	Wisconsin	4th
32.	J.J. Baier	164	24	Michigan	29th
33.	Ryan Halvorson	163	33	Arizona	18th
34.	Dawn Krause	149	32	Arizona	23rd
35.	Will Baier	147	23	Iowa State	34th
36.	Sara Lockner	143	28	Florida	DNP

Like I said, if you want in and have some extra pride to spare, you know where to find me.

Andree, Baier, Football, Russell

Week 5 of Highly Inaccurate Sports Prognostication

September 25, 2014 Christopher D. Bennett

So I ran away with last week’s title:

Week 4:

1. Humble Narrator – 21-6 – .778
2. JB59 – 18-9 – .667
3. Dre – 13-9 – .591
4. RMK – 13-14 – .481

Overall Standings:

1. JB59 – 71-32 .689
2. Me – 67-36 .652
3. RMK – 58-39 .597

Not Enough At Bats

Dre 13-9 .519

ONLY GAME THAT MATTERS

Iowa State should be embarrassed for only squeaking by a terrible Big Ten team. Hopefully allowing Iowa to hang around will be an eye opener and they play to their potential on Saturday night against Baylor.

Everybody keeps comparing this game to the Oklahoma State game. Big difference. This team is better offensively. However, something that is being overlooked by most people is that Baylor’s defense is incredibly improved. Their defense might be better than their offense now.

Plus, as good as Baylor’s offense is, it often struggles away from home (in relative terms) and can be slowed down by good defenses (which we might not have, but are getting there).

No way there is a repeat of last year. Too much pride. Too much Rhoads. Too much Mangino. Too much Burnham.

That is why this one is lower scoring than people think.

Iowa State 10 Baylor 6

OTHER CYCLONE STATE GAMES

IOWA (3-1) whoops PURDUE (2-2)

TENNESSEE TECH (1-2) falls to #10 UNI (1-2)

DRAKE – BYE

#8 GRAND VIEW (2-1) rebounds to pound #9 SAINT FRANCIS (INDIANA) (2-1)

TOP 25

#11 UCLA (3-0) lucks runs out #15 ARIZONA STATE (3-0) big.

BIG 12

TEXAS TECH (2-1) gets embarrassed by #24 OKLAHOMA STATE (2-1) THURSDAY!
UTEP (2-1) can’t even keep it close #25 KANSAS STATE (2-1)
TCU (2-0) humiliates SMU (0-3)
TEXAS (1-2) and their JV loses to KANSAS (2-1)

SEC

ARKANSAS (3-1) keeps it close, but falls in the end to #6 TEXAS A&M (4-0)
MISSOURI (3-1) gets crushed by #13 SOUTH CAROLINA (3-1)

PAC-12

#16 STANFORD (2-1) clips WASHINGTON (4-0)
OREGON STATE (3-0) falls at #18 USC (2-1)

ACC

#1 FLORIDA STATE (3-0) nips NC STATE (4-0)

“BIG” TEN

MARYLAND (3-1) gets by a flat INDIANA (2-1)

COACH MAC BOWL WATCH

BYE

BCS BUSTERS

UTAH STATE (2-2) falls to #20 BYU (4-0) big.
MARSHALL (4-0) stays undefeated to get by OLD DOMINION (3-1)
CINCINNATI (2-0) comes close to #22 OHIO STATE (2-1) who is badly missing Braxton Miller, but doesn’t get the job done.

KHD GAMES OF MODERATE INTEREST

Pretty weak collection of games.

GIANTS (1-2) @ RACISTS (1-2)THURSDAY! – RACISTS
PACKERS (1-2) @ BEARS (2-1) – PACKERS
BILLS (2-1) @ TEXANS (2-1) -TEXANS
PANTHERS (2-1) @ RAVENS (2-1) – RAVENS
SAINTS (1-2) @ COWBOYS (2-1) – SAINTS
EAGLES (3-0) @ 49ERS (1-2) – EAGLES
PATRIOTS (2-1) @ CHIEFS (1-2) – PATRIOTS

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

DALLAS CENTER-GRIMES MUSTANGS (3-1) @ BOONE TOREADORS (0-4) – DCG
FORT DODGE DODGERS (3-1) @ MASON CITY MOHAWKS (0-4) – Dodgers on the march to the playoffs!
AUDUBON WHEELERS (2-2) @ MAPLE VALLEY-ANTHON-OTO RAMS (0-4) – Wheelers, big!

Andree, Baier, Faust, Football, Russell

Week 1 of Highly Inaccurate Sports Prognostication

August 29, 2014 Christopher D. Bennett

Usually I only share this info with Baier, RMK, and Dre, but I feel there is just too much knowledge in this gulliver not to share it with the world (wide web).

THE ONLY GAME THAT MATTERS

Everybody knows that North Dakota State has dominated their level of football over the last 3 years, but here are some facts you might not know about North Dakota State, besides that their fan base can’t even pronounce the word bison correctly.

3 Straight FCS National Championships
The last time they lost: November 13, 2012 – 17-14 to Indiana State
The last time they gave up more than 30 points: December 11, 2010 – 38 points by Eastern Washington
The last time they lost to an FBS School: September 3, 2009 – 34-17 to Iowa State
Since then they have won 4 straight games against FBS schools:

Kansas 6-3
Minnesota 37-24
Colorado State 22-7
Kansas State 24-21

Their equivalent of our Cyclone Fanatic (on the Cyclone Fanatic Radio Show) even predicted that they would club us 35-14! Adding: “I’d be shocked if they (Iowa State) can score 17.”

There is a lot to respect about the Bison program, but one thing should be clear. This isn’t the same team that won those 3 titles. Gone is their coach. Gone is most of their starters. Heck, their AD is even gone.

But I’m a big believer in the Pete Bell philosophy:

l’ll tell him exactly
what we’re gonna do.
l’ll give him our offense.
l’ll give him our defense.
Because it’s not what you do.
godd*mn it. it’s how you do it.

Meaning the outcome of this game won’t be decided by what has changed in Fargo, or wherever North Dakota State calls home, it will be the changes in Ames.

Finally, we have a real offensive coordinator. Finally, we have a dedicated quarterbacks coach. Finally, we have an offensive line coach that the players like and respect. Finally, we have speed and talent all over the place.

Yes, there is reason for concern on defense. Yes, we lost 1 of my all-time favorite Cyclones in Washington. Yes, we lost our best linebacker. Yes, the defensive line lost (allegedly) its two most talented interior linemen.

But, we still have the wizard in Wally Burnham as our DC. I’m buying the hype on Mutcherson and Cotton-Moya at safety. I’m buying the hype of the deep and talented linebacker core (I hope Levi Peters sees some time on the field this year. He has the potential to be one of my all-time favorite Cyclones.) I’m buying into the Corey Morrissey hype. I think Jensen and Cousin will be good enough in the middle of the line.

But more than anything, Iowa State needs this game. They need to get the taste of last year’s UNI debacle out of their system. They need to be just like Bull Hurley (from the CITIZEN KANE of arm wrestling movies OVER THE TOP):

He doesn’t even belong on my arm wrestling table. That’s my area, that’s my game, and he’s got no sh*ttin’ business there. And all I want to do is hurt him, cripple him, get him off the table. And so he never dares try to compete against me again.

The Cyclones need to put a hurt on the Bison so that they never dare to try to compete against us again. (Although they will be able to use the excuse that they already aren’t on our schedule through 2020.)

You might be thinking, “Man, that is kind of harsh attitude to take against a little FCS school.”

Allow me to retort:

There isn’t much I remember about that 2009 encounter with the Bison in Jack Trice Stadium. But I do remember this: North Dakota State fans are one of the most annoying fan bases I have ever encountered.

Here is the current Top 5 (College Football Division)Most Annoying Fanbases I have personally encountered:

1. Nebraska
2. Iowa
3. Alabama
4. North Dakota State
5. Missouri

Even while Iowa State was throttling them, they displayed the Nebraska fans’ level of arrogance (FCS level albeit) and Iowa fans’ ability to make excuses (FCS level albeit).

So what will happen?

Gone will be their 24 game winning streak.
Gone will be their 4 game winning streak against FBS schools.
Gone will be their 30 point defensive streak.

North Dakota State likes to play ball control offense. They will try, but after 3 quick scores from Bundrage, Bibbs, and Nealy they will be forced to play catch up. Allowing ISU to pin its ears back and go after the quarterback. A big game from Morrissey and Trent Taylor on the line. A pick by Tribune and another by Mutcherson. This one is over early.

The BiZon go softly into the mid-afternoon.

Cyclones 35 North Dakota State 14

OTHER GAMES IN THE CYCLONE STATE

Saturday is the favorite day of the year for Panther fans. No matter what, their favorite team will win.

UNI’s David Johnson is a stud. He will play in the NFL some day. UNI plays a tougher schedule in a tougher conference. They maybe be the better team, but I don’t believe that UNI can ever give full effort against Iowa. Since all Panthers secretly want to be Hawkeyes, they will find it tough to knock off their idols. But it will be close.

Iowa 24 UNI 21

Last year Grand View upset Drake and then went on to win a national championship. In many ways, this was just a big of an upset as UNI beating Iowa State. Bigger actually. Drake didn’t have The Mess as their offensive coordinator. That being said, I think Grand View repeats. Their coaching staff is just that good or or just that psychotic. Take your choice.

Little known fact: Although he’ll deny it, Grand View is Corey Faust’s alma mater.

Grand View 21 Drake 10

TOP 25 MATCHUPS

(21) Texas A&M 52 (9) South Carolina 28 Johnny Manziel not missed. Not even a little bit.
(13) LSU blows out (14) Wisconsin
(12) Georgia big over (16) Clemson, sorry if you’re in the ACC and your name isn’t Florida State, you aren’t beating a ranked SEC team.

BIG 12 GAMES

(2) Alabama kills West Virginia
(4) Oklahoma mauls Louisiana Tech
TCU nips Samford
Texas Tech humiliates Central Arkansas
(20) Kansas State pounds SF Austin
North Texas (COACH MAC!) shocks Texas
(1) Florida State pounds Oklahoma State (despite struggling early because Oklahoma State has such an ugly stadium that it is distracting)
(10) Baylor whips SMU

BIG TEN GAME OF THE WEEK

Navy shocks (5) Ohio State – My niece is in the Navy. That may have influenced this pick.

SEC GAME OF THE WEEK

(6) Auburn blasts Arkansas – It feels good to be able to cheer for Auburn again.

PAC 12 GAME OF THE WEEK

(15) USC bounces Fresno State despite the fact that their coach is a racist… apparently.

ACC GAME OF THE WEEK

(7) UCLA whips Virginia – God the ACC is a terrible conference. Just…. absolutely…. terrible!

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

I pick these games based entirely on who has the better mascot.

Boone Toreadors embarrass the Ballardville Bombers in every conceivable way.
Sioux City West Wolverines trounce the Fort Dodge Dodgers
Audubon Wheelers nip the A-H-S-T, Avoca Vikings – These Vikings clearly stole their logo from the Minnesota Vikings. D- for effort.

Feel free to add your predictions to the comments section of this here blog entry.

Andree, Angie, Baier, Basketball, Becky, Bill, Brandon, Carla, Dawn, Derrick, Faust, Frank, Jesse, Lowell, Mark, Micky, Nate, Photo of the Day, Robert, Russell, Sara, Shawn Lockner, Tim, Willy

Photo(s) of the Day 0007

May 9, 2014 Christopher D. Bennett 4 Comments

Brandon Kahler – 2014 Roundball Oracles ChampionI apologize for taking so long to reveal the champion of Year 10 of the Roundball Oracles. But I think my post college basketball season depression (or PCBSD as mental health professionals call it) was even greater this year than in years past. You know, something to do with having to play the “What If” game over and over and over again. Cyclone fans know what I’m talking about.

That being said, I’m proud that this is the first time in the storied 10 year history of the Roundball Oracles that somebody that shares my DNA has been able to hoist the unnamed championship trophy.

Past winners have included co-workers, high school locker partners, former roomies, father-in-laws, and once… even a woman!

So I’m excited this year that somebody with Bennett DNA coursing through their veins will be the reigning Roundball Oracles Champ! All is right in the world.

I know that there is a fair chance that you are wondering: “That is great, but I’d really like to know how some of my other favorite Oracles fared this year. I really root for Russell Kennerly. I like underdogs. He is like the Mid-Major of the Roundball Oracles.”*

So without further adieu, I present to you the final ranking of Year 10 of the Roundball Oracles!

Rank	Oracle	Score	Correct	Champion	Last Year
1.	Brandon Kahler	255	40	Florida	18th
2.	Michael Augustin	241	42	Florida	31st
3.	Paul Golden	235	41	Michigan State	DNP
4.	Jordan Toot	228	39	Florida	9th
5.	Jon DeWaard	224	39	Florida	5th
6.	Mark Wolfram	222	38	Florida	8th
7.	Lowell Davis	216	40	Florida	DNP
8.	Andree Jauhari	210	38	Iowa State	28th
9.	Derrick Gorshe	208	38	Iowa State	14th
10.	Carrie Baier	205	37	Michigan State	19th
11.	Robert Henning	205	36	Florida	10th
12.	Bill Wentworth	204	38	Florida	15th
13.	Nate Miller	203	36	Iowa State	DNP
14.	Frank Meiners	201	38	Michigan State	11th
14.	Jesse Howard	201	37	Kansas	3rd
16.	Corey Faust	200	36	Iowa State	7th
17.	Humble Narrator	196	36	Iowa State	33rd
18.	William Mcalpine	196	38	Florida	1st
19.	Angie DeWaard	191	35	Arizona	6th
20.	Sean Clubine	189	36	Syracuse	13th
21.	Carla Stensland	189	35	Iowa State	DNP
22.	Ben Baier	188	35	Arizona	32nd
23.	Jackson Faust	185	36	Florida	16th
24.	Michelle Haupt	181	35	Arizona	26th
25.	Elizabeth Nordeen	181	35	Iowa State	21st
26.	Russell Kennerly	180	34	Florida	24th
27.	Olivia Baier	178	34	Arizona	DNP
28.	Jason Baier	175	35	Florida	24th
29.	Tim Peterson	175	34	Iowa State	22nd
30.	Becky Perkovich	175	35	Iowa State	27th
31.	Shawn Lockner	173	33	Wisconsin	4th
32.	J.J. Baier	164	24	Michigan	29th
33.	Ryan Halvorson	163	33	Arizona	18th
34.	Dawn Krause	149	32	Arizona	23rd
35.	Will Baier	147	23	Iowa State	34th
36.	Sara Lockner	143	28	Florida	DNP

This year might have been the closest year ever. It literally came down to Wisconsin’s last second shot rimming in and out, giving Kentucky the victory in the Final Four. If that shot drops, Micky wins.

But the shot didn’t fall and Micky waits another year, while Brandon’s name is carved onto the List of Immortals!

Roundball Oracles Champions

However, there is 1 more bit of business before I let you go about your merry business. In the pre-tournament post I indicated that I might create a travelling trophy. I am not doing that… at least not yet. I did award a trophy for last place this year. It is an experimental tradition. But I may in the future present a last place trophy to the lowest placing adult that gave full effort to win.

This year’s winner…

Sara Lockner… the Best LoserI am already pumped for next season. I think the Cyclones will be even better next year and if they can make it through the tourney without an injury, I expect to see them in the Final Four next year. So I’ll be seeing you next year in Indianapolis!

*Inside joke that 3 people will get and 1 of them doesn’t even subscribe to this blog!

Andree, Angie, Baier, Basketball, Becky, Bill, Brandon, Dawn, Derrick, Faust, Frank, Jen, Jesse, Logan, Lowell, Mark, Micky, Nader, Robert, Russell, Shawn Lockner, Willy

Roundball Oracles – Year 10

March 16, 2014 Christopher D. Bennett

March Madness is once again upon us. That can mean only 1 thing! It is time for the Roundball Oracles to gather once again and make predictions about the outcome of the NCAA tournament.

I would actually like to start this by quoting the predictions I made about this year’s basketball season at the end of last year’s tournament:

I’m already excited for next years tournament. It is no secret that Iowa State is the rooting team of the grand majority of Oracles, with a few Hawkeye and Kansas fans sprinkled in to mix things up. Plus a few statistical anomalies, (like a UCLA fan) on top for garnish. I anticipate Iowa will actually join the tourney field again next year. Iowa State should have at least a fighting chance to get back to the dance as well. We lose a bunch, but some of the recruits coming in are heralded and I wouldn’t bet against Hoiberg going up against a Big 12 that I expect to be down next year. Plus don’t forget that Michigan will be getting a taste of Hilton Magic next year. 2013-14 should be another great season! Remember the name Monte Morris. I’m guessing you will know it very well next year.
Plus, Steve Alford will be choking at an entirely new school next year! What was UCLA thinking?

I will point out that at the time I wrote that, DeAndre Kane was not yet in the fold.

As always, basketball knowledge is not a prerequisite to participating. Every year when I look at the standings, I think basketball knowledge is actually a hindrance in this competition.

A few things to know that if you want to sign up this year and take a shot at putting your name on the list of the immortals:

1. You do not have to wager any money. The only thing you have to put on the line is pride. And as C.S. Lewis would tell you, pride is the greatest sin.
2. This competition is open to all ages (as long as they can make their own decisions), genders, and fan bases. Unfortunately more than a few of these titles have went home with Hawk fans.
3. There is a trophy for the winner. In fact, this year there might even be a traveling trophy that will go home with the winner for a calendar year. If said traveling trophy does come into existence, it will not be a bust of Kobe Bryant. The Roundball Oracles does not endorse ball-hoggery and low basketball IQs or mediocrity.

Here is a look at last year’s final standings:

Place	Competitor	Score	Correct	Champion	Last Year
1.	William McAlpine	266	39	Louisville	6th
2.	Jason Stensland	253	39	Louisville	8th
3.	Jesse Howard	251	40	Louisville	10th
4.	Shawn Lockner	247	39	Michigan	21st
5.	Jon DeWaard	242	38	Louisville	11th
6.	Angie DeWaard	236	36	Louisville	4th
7.	Corey Faust	234	38	Indiana	2nd
8.	Mark Wolfram	231	36	Indiana	7th
9.	Jordan Toot	218	36	Louisville	28th
10.	Robert Henning	208	36	Indiana	5th
11.	Frank Meiners	206	37	Gonzaga	DNP
11.	Logan Kahler	206	38	Kansas	DNP
13.	Sean Clubine	201	37	Miami	DNP
14.	Derrick Gorshe	200	32	Louisville	12th
15.	William Wentworth	199	36	Kansas	15th
16.	Jackson Faust	197	35	Gonzaga	14th
17.	Toby Sebring	193	34	Kansas	26th
18.	Brandon Kahler	189	34	Syracuse	27th
19.	Carrie Baier	188	34	Michigan State	20th
20.	Jen Ensley-Gorshe	178	34	Indiana	18th
21.	Elizabeth Nordeen	176	32	Iowa State	DNP
22.	Tim Peterson	174	33	Miami	16th
23.	Dawn Krause	173	33	Duke	9th
24.	Jason Baier	171	33	Miami	3rd
24.	Russell Kennerly	171	33	Indiana	22nd
26.	Michelle Haupt	170	32	Ohio State	DNP
27.	Becky Perkovich	166	32	Ohio State	29th
28.	Andree Jauhari	165	32	Kansas	DNP
29.	JJ Baier	163	30	Ohio State	DNP
29.	Nader Parsaei	163	32	UCLA	13th
31.	Michael Augustin	157	32	Indiana	19th
32.	Ben Baier	156	26	Butler	DNP
33.	Your Humble Narrator	139	28	Miami	25th
34.	Will Baier	121	14	La Salle	DNP

And of course, a look at the honor roll of immortals that have claimed the championship in years past:

Roundball Oracles Champions

2013 – William McAlpine
2012 – Lowell Davis
2011 – Carrie Baier
2010 – Mark Wolfram
2009 – Mark Wolfram
2008 – Mark Wolfram
2007 – Tim Peterson
2006 – William McAlpine
2005 – William McAlpine

Sold yet?

You are? Just write me and let me know that you want in (I’m a fairly easy person to contact) and I’ll send you out all the information that you will need to participate with all due haste!

The deadline for entering your bracket is the tip-off of the first game on Thursday morning. So if you suffer from being a Hawkeye fan, you’ll will know whether or not your team made the real tournament by then. Not sure why you would care, but to each their own.

Good luck to all the oracles and GO STATE!!!

Andree, Angie, Baier, Basketball, Becky, Bill, Brandon, Dawn, Derrick, Faust, Jason, Jesse, Logan, Lowell, Mark, Micky, Robert, Russell, Shawn Lockner, Willy

Sadness Ensues…

April 8, 2013 Christopher D. Bennett 2 Comments

“When I was a child,
I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye,
I turned to look but it was gone,
I cannot put my finger on it now,
The child is grown,
The dream is gone,
I… have become comfortably numb”
-Pink Floyd

It is true, one of the saddest days of the year is upon us. The end of the college basketball season. While it is sad that the college version of the greatest game has ended, there are only 12 long days until Iowa State’s Spring Game. That gives me something to look forward to.

The end of college basketball also means that somebody will be crowned the newest King of the Roudnball Oracles. A person that will reign over the prognostication universe for 1 year. Their opinions held in admiration and their words written down and studied for meaning. Then 1 year from now they will be thrown out in the streets to fend for themselves in what is usually a vain attempt to defend their title. Sometimes, the thought of defending their title is too much and defending champions don’t show back up to try and repeat their glory and double their immortality.

That was the case this year. Lowell Davis didn’t return to defend his kingdom, laid down his scepter, and abdicated his thrown. Don’t think for a second that this was because of some type of cowardice on Lowell’s part. The truth is that he was in Tennessee when the brackets were filled out and he was unable to participate since electricity hasn’t been invented in the Volunteer State yet.

The man that stepped up to accept the responsibility of ruling this kingdom for a year:

William McAlpine

Mr. McAlpine joined Mark Wolfram as the only other man, woman, or child to hoist the Roundball Oracles Championship Trophy a third time. Which can mean only one thing: the rest of you need to pick up your game next year. We can’t have two people dominating this pool! Their reign of terror must be ended. Hopefully without a dull thud and a head falling into a basket.

Without further adieu, I present the final standings for the 2013 Roundball Oracles NCAA Tournament Pool:

Place	Competitor	Score	Correct	Champion	Last Year
1.	William McAlpine	266	39	Louisville	6th
2.	Jason Stensland	253	39	Louisville	8th
3.	Jesse Howard	251	40	Louisville	10th
4.	Shawn Lockner	247	39	Michigan	21st
5.	Jon DeWaard	242	38	Louisville	11th
6.	Angie DeWaard	236	36	Louisville	4th
7.	Corey Faust	234	38	Indiana	2nd
8.	Mark Wolfram	231	36	Indiana	7th
9.	Jordan Toot	218	36	Louisville	28th
10.	Robert Henning	208	36	Indiana	5th
11.	Frank Meiners	206	37	Gonzaga	DNP
11.	Logan Kahler	206	38	Kansas	DNP
13.	Sean Clubine	201	37	Miami	DNP
14.	Derrick Gorshe	200	32	Louisville	12th
15.	William Wentworth	199	36	Kansas	15th
16.	Jackson Faust	197	35	Gonzaga	14th
17.	Toby Sebring	193	34	Kansas	26th
18.	Brandon Kahler	189	34	Syracuse	27th
19.	Carrie Baier	188	34	Michigan State	20th
20.	Jen Ensley-Gorshe	178	34	Indiana	18th
21.	Elizabeth Nordeen	176	32	Iowa State	DNP
22.	Tim Peterson	174	33	Miami	16th
23.	Dawn Krause	173	33	Duke	9th
24.	Jason Baier	171	33	Miami	3rd
24.	Russell Kennerly	171	33	Indiana	22nd
26.	Michelle Haupt	170	32	Ohio State	DNP
27.	Becky Perkovich	166	32	Ohio State	29th
28.	Andree Jauhari	165	32	Kansas	DNP
29.	JJ Baier	163	30	Ohio State	DNP
29.	Nader Parsaei	163	32	UCLA	13th
31.	Michael Augustin	157	32	Indiana	19th
32.	Ben Baier	156	26	Butler	DNP
33.	Your Humble Narrator	139	28	Miami	25th
34.	Will Baier	121	14	La Salle	DNP

Willy (re)-joins the list of immortals:

Roundball Oracles Champions

2013 – William McAlpine
2012 – Lowell Davis
2011 – Carrie Baier
2010 – Mark Wolfram
2009 – Mark Wolfram
2008 – Mark Wolfram
2007 – Tim Peterson
2006 – William McAlpine
2005 – William McAlpine

I’m already excited for next years tournament. It is no secret that Iowa State is the rooting team of the grand majority of Oracles, with a few Hawkeye and Kansas fans sprinkled in to mix things up. Plus a few statistical anomalies, (like a UCLA fan) on top for garnish. I anticipate Iowa will actually join the tourney field again next year. Iowa State should have at least a fighting chance to get back to the dance as well. We lose a bunch, but some of the recruits coming in are heralded and I wouldn’t bet against Hoiberg going up against a Big 12 that I expect to be down next year. Plus don’t forget that Michigan will be getting a taste of Hilton Magic next year. 2013-14 should be another great season! Remember the name Monte Morris. I’m guessing you will know it very well next year.

Plus, Steve Alford will be choking at an entirely new school next year! What was UCLA thinking?

I guess some of you are expecting me to defend my dreadful performance in this year’s pool. I won’t. The slogan for this year’s pool was: Prophecy, Revelation, Augury, Luck? Quite frankly 32 people got lucky. I know that my silky smooth jumpshot and my vast array of dribble penetration moves don’t translate into prognostication, but next year, I guarantee you I will finish higher than 33rd. Even if that means I have to limit the pool to 32 combatants.

Andree, Becky, Calendar, Dad, Dawn, Derrick, Evie, Faust, Jeff Kewer, Jen, Linda, Monica, Personal Photo Project, Postcard, Robert, Russell, Sara, Shawn Lockner, Slice of Life

Personal Photo Project of the Week #144

November 16, 2012 Christopher D. Bennett

This week’s Personal Photo Project is a blatant attempt at commerce. Good old fashioned in-your-face-capitalism.

I’ve been talking to Barb Henning of Everlastings about selling high quality Photography 139 products in her store for several years now, but I have always been unable to pull the trigger. However, I’ve turned over a new leaf and have decided to invest some money in “product” and we’ll see where that gets me.

Starting tomorrow (at least I’m 98% sure) a person can go to Everlastings Flowers & Gifts in beautiful downtown Ogden, Iowa and purchase a couple different products from Photography 139.

The first line of products:

Postcards!

This is not a completely original idea. This idea is both stolen from and an homage to my Dad’s line of Slice of Life postcards. Which incidentally will be incorporated into this line of postcards as well. The picture of the #1385 is my Dad’s picture.

The current pricing structure is thus:

1 Postcard = $.75
3 Postcards = $2.00
5 Postcards = $3.00

Series #1 of the Photography 139 line of postcards consists of 5 different images. My hope is that every 3-4 months, I will release a new series and 5 different postcards. The subject matter will mostly consist of flowers or local interest. Look for Series #2 to be released around February or March.

Thanks to all my Postcard Beta Testers:

Jen, Derrick, and Evie Gorshe
Sara and Shawn
Russell Kennerly
Andree Jauhari
Aunt Linda
Becky Perkovich
Dawn Krause
The Fausts
The Kewers
Robert Henning

The second line of products:

Calendars!

The second product line is a calendar consisting of high quality Photography 139 flower images. The first run of these is extremely limited, so the price structure is a little higher than I would like, but there is a chance that a second run of calendars will be printed and the price might go down slightly. No promises though.

Calendar Price Structure:

1 Calendar = $15.00

But what about the future? I’m also looking into releasing a line of holiday cards. Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day. It is somewhat dependent on how the first two lines of high quality products fare in the marketplace. I would consider it highly doubtful that there will be Christmas cards available for this Christmas, but stranger things have happened.

To repeat, these high quality products will be available at Everlasting Flowers & Gifts starting tomorrow.

Everlastings Info:

223 W. Walnut St.
Ogden, IA 50212
Store Hours: M-F 9:30 am to 5 pm; Sat. 9:30 am to noon
Website: http://www.everlastingsbybarb.com/
All major credit cards accepted

These products may come to other venues in the future, but Barb definitely gets to be the launching point for this commercial endeavor.

Yes, you can buy products straight from me, but I don’t accept credit cards at this time. If you need something shipped to you, there would be a shipping and handling fee.

You can find out that info by writing me directly at: bennett@photography139.com

Next week’s Personal Photo Project will either involve trains or mums. We’ll see.

Andree, Baier, Black & White, Candid Portrait