Random Thoughts: Things that pop into my head
FC Cincinnati went from the worst team in MLS to the Eastern Conference semifinals....in one season. Then went toe-to-toe with the No. 1 seed. It was a hell of a turnaround and run. By the way, the performance by Philadelphia Union/MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake was one of the finest I've ever seen.
Blink Cincinnati I: We parked in Covington, had dinner (McK's BBQ) and walked across the Roebling Bridge to The Banks. We took the street car to Washington Park and walked the blink route all the way back to Covington, stopping at Fountain Square for music. We ended the night on the rooftop at Braxton. We live in a hell of a town.
Perfect example of one of many challenges for the Reds: Every Reds topic/question I bring up is answered by fans with some type of shot at Bob and Phil. It's exactly the way it use to be with Bengals/Mike Brown. The Reds have become the default punch line for fans with everything good that happens in town with the follow-up response of "why can't the Reds....../if the only the Reds........."
Don't judge me: I print out the tap list when we go to a brewery. I like to know my options before hand. I don't like to be unprepared and panic order when I'm standing at the bar.
We have added the show The Watcher (Netflix). We are two episodes in. I think I like it. I think. Will it differentiate itself from all the other haunted house shows/movies?
My rooting interest in the MLB playoffs is with Dusty. I think he's a Hall of Famer win or lose, but it would be really cool to see him get a ring.
Ever hear a song for the first time a long time and get reminded how great the song is? I heard Stop Draggin' My Heart Around by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty this week. Damn, that was great song.
Coffee creamer update: Tried The Grinch Gingerbread Cookie by International Delight....not bad.
Former Bengals assistant Kyle Caskey is doing some sweet film breakdown on YouTube with Caskey's Clicker. He offers an easy to understand look at what happened and why. I had no idea Tyler Boyd got blown up on the Joe Burrow scramble, then got up, and caught the 3rd and 8 pass. Check out Burrow's RPO read and flat footed/shortstop like throw to Tyler Boyd. Kyle joins us each week at 6:35 on The Roundtable Show.
Homeowner Tip: As Kelly can attest to, I'm not handy around the house. At all. But I do have one yearly tip. With temperatures dropping, be sure and unhook garden hoses connected to the house. I learned a hard lesson about 15 years ago. The remaining water in the hose line froze, the hose expanded, causing the pipe to burst. My basement flooded. What a mess.
Quote of the week I: "I think we know who we are now"-Joe Burrow
Quote of the week II: 'They are a sleeping giant, they are only going to get better and better"----Jim Curtin, coach Philadelphia Union on FC Cincinnati, following the semifinal matchup.
I'm cautiously optimistic that the Bengals have in fact tapped into something with Shotgun/RPO aspect of the offense and Burrow accepting a 'take what you are given' mode. Can it be replicated every week? Probably not. But it should open up other opportunities.
Spoiler alert for NBC's Chicago PD................... I'm bummed that Jay left the show.
If you have kids that play sports, soak up every single minute of every single game....no matter the distance traveled, time required, weather experienced, result of performance. You will miss those moments when your kids are grown up. I'd pay good money to go back and attend one of Peyton's soccer tournaments or Casey's baseball tournaments.
Breakfast tip: Check out Reality Tuesday in Park Hills, Kentucky. Family owned for 20+ years. Really nice people. Great coffee. I get the Jack Bauer size (24 oz, get it?). Grab a breakfast sandwich....(fried egg patty, turkey sausage, swiss on an everything bagel) then pull up a chair to read a print version of the Enquirer that is on tables. The decor is a hodgepodge of tables and chairs with art on the wall. It's just down from Covington Catholic HS.
Given the option to be happy/optimistic or unhappy/negative, it fascinates me how many willingly choose to be miserable.
I don't know how Yankees fans listen to John Sterling. The shtick is just so amateurish. The guy is a character of himself.
The Bengals will be favored in their next three games....imagine getting to the bye at 6-3, after all that happened in starting 0-2..........
The truest evidence of the damage Phil Castellini did to the fan base won't be revealed until the 2023 season attendance. It's not going to be pretty.
Blink Cincinnati II: I did not think Blink was as good as past years. It felt like fewer installations that were too spread out and too many big building opportunities missed. I don't get the murals without lights....at night. What's the point? Plenty of vendors/food trucks. Give me more artists.
In a bit of a surprise, we bailed on the show Wrexham. Started strong. Faded. Seemed to kind of lose its way. Disappointing.
Compared to what's unfolding in other NFL markets, isn't it cool to have a QB that is drama-free and with the self awareness of Joe Burrow?
Ever been to La Torta Loca? (8645 Haines Dr # A, Florence, KY)...best Venezuelan and Mexican food we've EVER had. Don't believe me? Ask C. Trent Rosecrans, Tom Gamble, Chad Brendel, etc. Owners Karina Presti and Edgar de la Cruz are such kind, hard working people. They started with a small spot in Florence and recently moved to a bigger spot. Fresh, authentic, killer food. Reasonable price. Get the bump tacos. You are welcome.
Being a fantasy league commissioner is like trying to herd cats. Oh, the challenge of getting all owners to respond and participate in league discussions.
Ever wanted to know what it's like to run a MLB organization from top to bottom? What If Sports has a computer simulation game called Hardball Dynasty. You are in charge of EVERYTHING....from the draft to free agent and international signing to setting the lineup and overseeing your fictional teams from the Rookie Ball level to the ML level. Games are computer simulated three times a day.
My country music listening this week: Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, Tyler Hubbard, Nate Smith, Luke Combs, Blake Shelton.
I have three random socks that came out of the wash/dryer without matches a month ago. What is a reasonable time frame for matches to appear vs just tossing them?
We hit brewery No. 53 last weekend: Moeller Brew Barn in Monroe
HERE is our recap of 53 breweries within 50 miles of our home.