I Fixed The Washing Machine -- And I Have Some Things To Tell You

Ok, we have a Kenmore washer and it started making the most horrible griding noise ever.  Of course, that's when I think, "Oh crap, here we go having to buy a new washer.  Now is NOT the time."

Well, as luck would have it, a Google search of "My washer is making a grinding noise" yielded instructions on how to replace the "motor coupling" which is designed to fail so your motor and transmission (yes, a washer has a transmission.  I was shocked too) are not destroyed by a malfunction.

Well, it was a wonderful opus on how to take off the cabinet (the metal that is around the bowl) and all of that.  When I was confused by the lack of ways to take off the console I started poking around until I found an unwilling store manager who didn't want me to call the corporate office on her.  She had a technician call me (he was the only nice person I talked to all day) and he said, "Oh, don't take the cabinet off."

Sweet!

So, without further ado, the easy way to fix the motor coupling on your Kenmore (and many other kinds of washers including Whirlpool.)  (There's the coupling right there.)

1. Unplug the washer.  Please.
2. Pull it out from the wall and tip it back.  You want to lean it against the wall so much that it won't fall on you.  For everyone this is different, but you just need to feel like you can stick your head under the washer and it won't fall down.  Believe me, this is preferable to taking off the whole cabinet and dealing with all of that.  When a tech tells you that adds half an hour to his job that means it's going to take you AT LEAST an hour.  That's bad.
3. When you tip the washer back you'll see everything.  There's a water pump (it's attached to the side of the motor, the motor, and the bowl.  That's pretty much it.
4. There are two metal clamps that hold the water pump to the motor.  They have been annealed on the ends.  Just push up the annealed end and it should pop off.  Pop off both springs and gently pull the pump away from the motor.  DO NOT REMOVE ANY HOSES.  It's not worth it.  Just kind of push it to the side.  It won't go too far, but it'll be fine.
5. Now you have the motor exposed.  It has a rod sticking out of the side which is what you pulled the water pump off of.  PLEASE TAKE NOTE what direction the rod is pointing.  It's shaped like a flattened oval.  So, it only fits on the water pump one way.  Be sure you know which way this is.  It's very IMPORTANT.  If not, you'll fight to get the motor back on and realize you have the rod turned the wrong direction and you'll have to redo this all over again (like I did.)
6. Remove the electrical connections to the motor.  It's just one set of them that are altogether.  It's no different that the 17 pin connections for old printers.  Just slide it off gently.  There may be other wires, but they don't come off and the wires are usually much longer.  So, don't bother.  Just do the big one. 
7. There are two clamps holding the motor in place.  Each one pops on with an annealed end, but is also screwed on.  In my case I needed a 1/4 inch socket.  Just gently remove the top on first, because it's harder, then pop off the bracket.  
8. Then, place your hand under the motor, because it is HEAVY and will drop, and unscrew the other screw.  Gently let the motor down to the floor.
9. At this point you probably see the broken motor coupling.  Something is cracked or out of place.  Remove all of that and get ready to start over.  If the male ends don't come off the transmission or motor grab a pair of pliers and gently rock them back and forth to get them off.
10. One of the white plastic pieces goes on both the motor and the transmission.  They may not feel like they go on very easily, and that's ok.  Take a larger socket, get it on the wrench, and place the socket on the face of the white piece (NOT the prongs) and gently tap it into place.  Hammering it will break it.
11. Now, you have to put this thing back together.  Were I you, I'd put the black piece (the center piece) on the transmission end so all you're doing it trying to fit the prongs from the motor side (your side) into place. 
12. Ok, this is where you scoot up to the washer.  Pick the motor and gently slide it up to the transmission.  Use your knees/legs to help hold up the motor and you GENTLY slide it into position.  Be gentle, it may take you more than one try.  ALSO remember that you need to have the motor rod turned the right direction so that when you get this done the rod is pointing the right way AND it will fit back into the water pump.  That's a big deal.
13. Once the motor slides back into place (and you'll know because all of the sudden this job felt easy -- just for a moment) hold the motor up with your knees/legs and place the clamps back on.  Remember, take your time.  Get one on and screw it back in, then to the other.  You'll need your knees/legs for leverage because clamping the clamps back on requires more force than you would think.
14. With everything screwed back on on the motor's end, lay back down under the unit and place the water pump back on the motor (very easy) and replace the clamps.  They only go in one place, so you won't get lost.
15. Guess what?  You're done.

That's the easy way.  Please do it for any Kenmore or Whirlpool washer -- I bet it works with others too.  But, in particular, I was working on a Kenmore Elite Model # 110.24972300.  If you don't know your model number it's exposed when you open the lid.

Happy handymanning!

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Wow, It's Been A While

So, I'm still working for genxxl.com and I've been writing all over the place since January. Please come visit us! We always like more traffic! We've got sports, fitness, nutrition, diet, exercise, gossip--the whole nine yards.

I can't believe I haven't been in here since January!

Anyways, Things are really looking up. Work is going well--school is going well--and the Lakers won yet ANOTHER NBA title! What can I say, I'm a sucker for the Lakers!

I think it's been such a crazy year because 2009 had it's own craziness, but that craziness was not nearly as fun as this craziness. There's alot of potential coming to fruition in 2010 and it's a cool thing.

My Band program is growing and expanding--I can finally teach like I need to. Not like I want to--but like I've needed to. It's nuts that I spent so many years doing it without any support and now I've got so much support I don't know what to do with it all.

I'm not even sure what the rest of 2010 will bring, but it's definitely going to be interesting with a new baby coming at the end of September and probably about 200 kids to manage--plus all of my writing duties.

What's happening in your 2010. I'd kinda like to know! :)

Come Visit Me

I'm working pretty hard with my wife Heather over at genxxl.com.

We've got sports, fitness, nutrition, and a pending redesign. Yes, I'm not here, but I am there!

I'm writing as The General and running a feed on Twitter as genxxlgeneral.

I've Been Working, But Not Here

So, I've taken on some freelance writing jobs and I'm officially out of time to write here...yeah, no time at all.  I'll chime in every now and then to keep things updated, but as of now I'd probably be better off if I just got to work.

Please check back in every now and then to see if I have anything new going on.

Peace...

A day without a perdurable is like a day without sunshine

Yeah, I know, sounds weird, but I like the idea.  According to the magic of the internet a perdurable is:  Very durable; lasting; continuing long.  Like a perdurable truth....something that you can teach your kids or, if you teach school, your students.  Something like "Perfect practice makes a perfect performance" or "Anything is possible."  (Personally, I like the Adidas slogan 'Impossible is Nothing', but my kids don't really get abstract advertising yet.)

The perdurable for the day:  John Wooden says "Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."  

My baby has courage.  The FP is 4 we go hiking today and she walked up to 3 different people today who were walking their dogs and said "Can we pet your dog please?" with no trepidation whatsoever.

We've always said our kids were fearless, but this is just the coolest thing...they have little to no fear.  It will serve them well.  

I wish I was fearless, but you know what?  That's what I can wish for my kids to have better than me.

Peace.

Doing More Of My Own Thing

It just so happens that I'm not with a High School Marching Band Staff this fall. I guess the economy has hit even healthy non-profits so I'm out of work at the present time in the whole marching band area. When I got the word I was NOT pleased and not sure what we were going to do. After a week to reflect I've pretty much landed a freelance gig writing on men's fashion, shoes and fragrances, gotten good feedback from other bands about helping them out, and gotten my materials out to a bunch of local schools so I can pick up some more private students.

At the end of the day I felt alot more free. I was reminded a few years ago that I have unique talents that could be harnessed to enrich kids and produce income for my family. The example that was given to me was a lady who held a camp in the woods one each summer for middle and high schools kids and she cleared more than I make in a year in that one week. That's not bad.

So, everything seems to be falling into place. I was telling my Pastor about this and he came out of the blue with this idea for using this campground that's right here in Metro Atlanta. I mean, I have a good idea in hand, I don't need to have hundreds upon hundreds of kids attend to do well for myself on it, it'll be something I love doing, and I don't have to go to the hills of North Cacalack or Tennessee to do it? That's what I'm talking about!

I guess the thing that makes this the easiest is the idea that I have an entire school year to figure this thing out, prep it, promote it, fill it and do it. Even on the smallest scale I could have 10 kids come to my first event, hold it at a church and do quite well for everyone involved. That's promising.

That's doing your own thing. Everyone forgets that even the biggest started small. I guess we're starting real small.

Getting Back in a Groove.

So, we reconciled on one more last hoorah at the Dis in August.  This should be a fun trip where we're going to be exceedingly organized and be able to do everything we want to do.  We found a picnic lunch option at Animal Kingdom, we're taking the kids to Sanaa, Heather's going to have free time at DHS and I'll have free time at Epcot.  Quite perfect I think.

I haven't posted for a while here because I started a sports blog called "The MM Sports Link" 

Plus, I just started a blog for my Bass Clarinet material called "The Bass Clarinet Guru"

Please check out my other stuff as I branch out into the blogging world.

We've got alot going on at home with the summer rolling along and my attempts to expand my musical teaching pursuits.  I'm looking for more private students and multiple teaching jobs with local marching bands.  Needless to say, it's busy around here.

Keep in touch!

Peace.

I'm moving all the Sports!

So, I decided yesterday that I was moving all my sports stuff to a different blog.  Basically, everything ishard to find here with my personal stuff and the sports together.  So here it is:

The MM Sports Link

I'm also adding it to my blogroll in case there you forget about it.

Enjoy!

Man, I wish I could do this more often...

So, we had a loss of a job in the family.  Not a major one, but still a significant amount of money every month down the toilet.  This couldn't be helped.  Companies are cutting all over the place. All I can say is, at least I'm a teacher and musician (meaning there's lots of ways to supplement my income.)  So, it's a solveable problem. I'm going to pick up some more private students when the school year starts, but I found a ton of writing jobs online that looked fun.

If you can tell from reading my blog you probably realize that the jobs I most wanted related to sports.  I actually posted an update on twitter on that said "I wish I could write sports blogs all day."  Man, if I knew how to make money on that I'd do it in a heartbeat.  I'd be like the Sports Guy lite.  But, I'm not moving to LA and buying Clippers season tickets!  I can't!  (I mean, I'm a Lakers fan.  That would just be sacrilege.)

So, I'm thinking of actually doing a sports blog, going all the way with it.  I also thought about writing on music, but once again, how does one ACTUALLY produce income based on advertising from a website.  That has got to be a hard deal.  I'll tell you, I don't see how you would do it.

So, we're working it out.  

On a happier note, we're going to Augusta for our anniversary next month!  We've been to Savannah a few times, but that's just too far when we're going for one night.  Augusta seemed like the next best place.  Before you even ask, NO I'm not going to play golf or get anywhere near Augusta National.  Two things you need to know about me:  1)  I don't play golf.  2)  I have a high respect for the game and that's why I don't play it.  

Not to get off on a tangent here but I can't help it.  I was in an instrumental methods class in college.  That's the one you take your senior year to LEARN HOW TO TEACH.  In that class my professor (also known as college band director) suggested that if we wanted to get connected to people and become influential as music educators we should learn to play golf.  ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!?!  Ok buddy, if you like golf, fine, play it.  It takes WAY TO MUCH TIME!  I like being at home.  That's why I bought a house....to live in it!  This is the same person I used to tell at like 9 or 10 at night when I was still in the music building to go home.  Constantly.  At least twice a week for 3 years.  Now I know why he can't teach.  He's trying too hard.  Being in your office all the time doesn't make you successful...it makes your family lonely.

Alright, back to Augusta.  I found this cool B&B near the Riverwalk(the room has a balcony and an antique sleigh bed, how cool!?) and a cool restaurant to eat dinner and a very cool cafe to eat lunch at on our anniversary.  I'll report on it when we get back.  I've never actually been there, so it seems like Savannah-lite.  Heather will be pregnant and possibly feeling it when we go so just a nice light city and a little walking should be nice.  I'll give Augusta this, it's so small that you just find a pocket and stay in it and you're cool.  Everything is bunched together.  It's not like living in Atlanta where it takes 30 minutes to get everywhere.  Yuck!

So, if you know how to make money writing a blog, please tell me, I'd totally do it...and like it!  Otherwise...peace. 

Showtime!

Your 2009 NBA Champions....The Los Angeles Lakers!

I told my dad last night when we were over for dinner that we were going to win.  He knows sports, but he tells me they won't close it out tonight.  I remind him that Orlando is probably done.  I didn't think they'd lay down...but they'd do a form of it.  Guess what?  They did.  They gave up.  The only thing that's heartening for them is this.....

I read a tweet from Rachel Nichols who said that Dwight Howard made Jameer Nelson sit on the bench and watch the Lakers celebrate.  They're clearly planning for next year.  I don't blame them, but Dwight better work on scoring if he wants that to happen. (Oh, and free throw shooting)  Dwight, I feel bad for you because you're going to have to contend with this young Lakers team every year for a while, and LeBron, and Chris Paul, and the Nuggets. 

Bill Plaschke says that the Lakers should be able to pay Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom.  Man I hope so.  If so, we can do this 3-peat thing again.  Maybe more.  We know Kobe's going to sign a new monster contract in 2010 and this nucleus will be together for a few more years.  YES!  Please just be warming up.

Congrats to Kobe for being named the Finals MVP.  Go home and sleep.  Until October!  I'm tired of hearing how many games you've played in the past 18 months.  I'm sure you are too!

Trevor Ariza...I hope the Magic feel stupid for trading you....because you couldn't shoot!

D-Fish....I extolled your virtues on my blog previously and nothing was cooler than to see you and Kobe share that moment right when the game ended.  I don't think anybody could have come into the league at the same time as a player like Kobe and done more with such a great player.  People say the Lakers fear Kobe.  I don't know if that's true, but he definitely respects you.  Maybe when Phil retires you'll be the new head coach of the Lakers?  Please?

Thank you Dick Vitale for railing against the idea that Phil can't coach and he just wins because he has talent.  That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard too Dickie V!  I guess Bob Cousy and Bill Russell weren't talented.  Or those doofuses from UCLA..Walton and Alcindor.  Yeah, they stunk!  (Really?!?!?!)

Let's get you to six so we can have the Jordan conversation Kobe....  I just heard John Barry say that the closest thing to Jordan is Kobe.  Ok......let's get all the way there!

Ok, I'll do it!

I've never any of these things before, s I'll do this one.

104 Things About Me:

1.  I go by my middle name.

2.  I'm a junior....thank goodness I go by my middle name or I'd be "junior this, junior that" all day long.

3.  I'm an only child.

4.  Even though I'm an only child my Father is 7th of 8 children and my Mother is 1st of 4.

5.  Even though I live in Atlanta I don't think it's the greatest city in the world.

6.  And I secretly wonder why so many athletes and famous people move here.

7.  And I think Chicago is actually the greatest city in the world.

8.  I've had asthma since I was 7.

9.  It stopped me from having athletic stamina.

10.  But it didn't stop me from playing a wind instrument.

11.  It's never acted up while I was playing.

12.  Except when I played a concert in college where the auditiorium we were playing in was filled with smoke from a fish fry.

13.  I briefly considered getting a performance degree and going to a conservatory.

14.  As much as I'd like to learn to play other instruments I just haven't mastered the one I'm on yet.

15.  I scored over 100% on a District audition in High School.

16.  I've played in Carnegie Hall.

17.  I've never had any formal training using vibrato, but I've used it without complaint for the past 15 years.

18.  I always wanted to learn to play jazz, but I was never allowed to join jazz band in High School or College.

19.  I have a 5 octave range.

20.  I wore contacts for about 2 years.

21.  But they got old really quick.

22.  My "thinking face" looks confused.

23.  I was a dork in High School.

24.  No one's surprised by that.

25.  I love Sour Cream and Onion Chips

26.  We used to have Charlie's Chips down here, those were my favorite.

27.  I ate croutons out of the box when I was a kid.

28.  But I liked Cheezits even more.

29.  I wasted alot of years not eating things that are really good.

30.  I stopped wasting time when Heather taught me how to eat.

31.  Especially broccoli.  Man am I an idiot?

32.  Until this October I had no idea what an Arnie Palmer was.

33.  I've probably had a dozen or so since then.

34.  When we go out and lamb is on the menu I don't pass it up.

35.  Because I know I'll be jealous when Heather orders it.

36.  Except at Sanaa at Disney. (I had the Short Ribs) 

37.  The first time I "met" Heather she was 17 and I was 19.  I'm not sure if we ran into each other two years earlier.

38.  I didn't actually know I was meeting her since we were at a music camp.

39.  I was a counselor and she was a student.

40.  We met again two years later.

41.  I asked her to marry me the first time we talked on the phone.

42.  Here we are 3 kids and nearly 10 years later.

43.  I used to be really annoyed by Christians.

44.  Especially Christians who kept telling me I needed Jesus because I might die tomorrow.

45.  It took 10 years after first hearing that for my Pastor to explain that you need Jesus so you can live tomorrow.

46.  I went to a formerly Baptist university.

47.  I say formerly because they don't have any ties to the church now.

48.  And because I've never seen so many drunk people in my life.

49.  I don't drink.

50.  I don't smoke either.

51.  I've never done drugs.

52.  I get tired of people of who don't get that having a wife and children is more important than their crap.

53.  I teach.

54.  I wish I taught High School.

55.  But I'm not crying about it.

56.  I've had 26 different Principals and Assistant Principals in 9 years of teaching.

57.  I once had to explain to an administrator why Woodwinds are softer than Brass instruments.

58.  I've marched the Orange Bowl Parade.

59.  I was on the outside of my row.  Even my friends from Illinois saw me on TV.

60.  I once had to knock a drunk guy down with my instrument marching to a football stadium in college.

61.  In my family, I'm the person who gets on the horn and gets stuff done.

62.  I thank God everyday that I married Heather.

63.  I honestly think she's the only person who would even consider laughing at half the things I say and do(even if it is begrudgingly.)

64.  I know I'm not funny.

65.  But sometimes I like to pretend that I am.

66.  My High School Band went to Midwest the December after I graduated.

67.  I went with my Community Band 7 years later.

68.  I knew I was good when my Band Director referred to me as a"killer".

69.  I wish I liked Hockey more.

70.  My favorite sport is Basketball.

71.  After that it's Football.

72.  Baseball comes in 3rd.

73.  I'll follow any sport that looks remotely interesting.

74.  We love the Olympics in our house.

75.  I participated in the Ceremonies at the 1996 Olympics.

76.  And I played in the Cultural Olympiad.

77.  I'll never forget when they announced that Atlanta was getting the Olympics.

78.  Heather cracks me up.

79.  At least once every 2 or 3 days she says something that's so funny it makes weak and I'm on the floor laughing.

80.  Actually, Heather makes me weak in the knees.

81.  I never really understood the infield fly rule.

82.  Heather showed me that Softball is the only women's sport that is as entertaining or more entertaining than it's men's counterpart.

83.  I've been a Lakers fan since the 1983 Finals.

84.  I've been a 49ers fan since the 1983 NFC Title Game.

85.  I've always been a Braves fan.

86.  All of this in spite of the fact that I am a native Georgian.

87.  For the longest time, MacGyver was my FAVORITE TV show.

88.  It recently was supplanted by NUMB3RS.

89.  I have no desire to be at work constantly.

90.  I wonder why other people do.

91.  I hate it when parents refer to watching their kids as "babysitting".

92.  Good artistry impresses me, regardless of the field.

93.  I still wonder why Pete Rose isn't in the Hall of Fame.

94.  My kids are hilarious.

95.  Our cats are afraid of thunderstorms.

96.  So am I.

97.  I hate it when dentists lie and say they are "fun".

98.  I love good music.

99.  I hate bad music.

100.  I hate it when people don't take pride in their work.

101.  It makes me feel better when I see someone that does.

102.  I am a great seller.

103.  Heather's better than me.

104.  I love Heather desperately.

The End. 

HA! I knew I was right!

Went out last night to watch Game 4 of the Finals. Had a good time with the company (James from Ramblings of a Beggar) but the game was driving me crazy.

Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy) writes Retro-Diaries for games that he enjoyed or puzzled him. I'm not going to steal his idea (that would be crap) but I do want to do something like that. I'll call it 20/20:

8:50 p.m.: Order some chili-cheese fries. Heather says I ordered them because she wouldn't let me eat them...actually, they just sounded good.

What this really means: As James said, we feel manly when we eat Chili Cheese Fries.

8:55: James arrives and we start talking. For 2 guys with 7 kids between them, we've got plenty to talk about.

What this really means: Guys with kids are more interesting than you think!

End of the First half: I look up and we're sucking. Losing by 12. At this point James says "Do you think the Lakers have a comeback in them?" to which I answer "They better!"

What this really means: My stomach is starting to reject my Open-Face Roast Beef Sandwich.

Beginning of the Second half: Still talking

What this really means: Guys with kids have alot going on.

James asks me who makes me crazy on the Lakers: I say "Bynum, because he needs to gain 50 lbs, like yesterday!" James says he was thinking Lamar Odom, because he's so inconsistent. I shoot back with "Yeah, he's just an inconsistent player. I can handle that."

What this really means: Andrew Bynum makes me crazy.

Now James asks me my favorite question: "Why is Derek Fisher getting more minutes than Jordan Farmar?" Jordan's the future, but D-Fish is our 2nd best defender (IMO) and at the end of a game if a shot needs to be made, he'll drill it."

What this really means: Derek Fisher is my only hope right now.

Moments later: The Lakers are within 4, I look up, realize they're within 4 and breathe a sigh of relief.

What this really means: That sandwich is looking up!

Moments after that: Pietrus is just standing in front of Kobe with his hands at his side. It's like they're having a conservation in the middle of the game. Maybe Kobe was smack-talking in French, who knows. Then Kobe jacks up this sideways 3 right in Pietrus' face without Pietrus even making an effort to defend, and it goes down anyways. Kobe more than likely smack-talks some more in French just for emphasis.

What this really means: For all the good he's done, Pietrus is actually a doofus.

All by the last 5 seconds of the second half: We talk, James moves his chair to get a better view and my head is swirling because I can't believe we're going to lose.

What this really means: Sandwich took a nose dive!

5 seconds left: Kobe mauls Dwight and I'm dying because I really think we're sunk.

What this really means: I hate being wrong.

Dwight goes to the line: I'm cringing just waiting for the first free throw to drop so I can ask for our check.

What this really means: You caught the cringing part right?

Dwight misses the first one: I'm thinking "If he misses the second one Derek Fisher is going to make him pay.

What this really means: He's not ready, even is they win this game.

Dwight misses the 2nd: and I'm tapping my foot faster than I ever have. The nervous energy is ridiculous.

What this really means: If he doesn't win a championship his entire career will be defined historically by Free Throws.

The Lakers inbound: The ball goes to D-Fish and Jameer Nelson doesn't bother to play defense. The shot goes down. James remembers what I said earlier and stares at me in disbelief with mouth agape. I love this game!

What this really means: I was right!

Overtime starts: and just hoping for a miracle, because the Orlando Cockroaches(I mean, Magic) just won't die.

What this really means: You caught the cockroach part, right?

31.3 seconds left in overtime: D-Fish drills another 3. I could see it coming. He got hot at the right time. James isn't shocked this time.

What this really means: I was right twice! HA!

Moments later: Pau takes a sick run down the court and dunks with Pietrus leaning into his back. At this point I think there was a language-barrier. Pau with his Spanish accent and Pietrus with his Frenchiness. More than likely Pietrus said something like (insert bad french villian accent)"Hu, hu!!! Why must you dunk on us like theeeeeeeeeeeees!" and Pau said (insert Zorro here) "Because I squash bugs like you for sport! Hahaha!" I'm just sayin'.

What this really means: If I didn't already hate French, I would now. That whole exchange was ridiculous.

The Lakers go up 3-1

What this really means: This series is officially over. Sorry Orlando, better luck when Kobe, Pau and D-Fish retire.

Ok, you got your one....

I was right, initially, that the Lakers would win this series in 5 Games. I should have stuck with that prediction....... oh well.

But let me tell you this...The Magic shot 62.5% in Game 3 from the field, amazing. Good job. I never said they were a bad team. But, is anybody talking about how the Magic shot an NBA Finals record 62.5% from the field in Game 3 and almost lost? Anybody? Really? If it were me I'd be saying "Uh, I'm glad we won, but no one will ever shoot that well again and we still almost lost. DANG!" I'm not making a homer statement because I'm a Lakers fan, I'm speaking the truth. If the Lakers had done that I'd be HOT right now. No joke. That is totally unacceptable. You needed miracle-level defense to stop the Momba and barely won. Ouch!

I remember being in Orlando during the Eastern Conference Finals and listening to the homer picks like "The Finals is already over, the Magic are SOOOO much better than the Lakers!" I don't care how big of a Laker-hater you are, that just isn't true. So now we'll see if I'm right.

I'm going out with James from Ramblings of a Beggar on Thursday to see Game 4. I fully expect to watch an entertaining game that the Lakers win handily. Not easily. I never said the Magic sucked. But we will win handily. Enjoy your only Finals win Orlando Magic, we all gave you one to be fair. Please don't wait another 14 years to make the Finals again, we do like you, just not against MY Lakers.

Peace

Whew! Two down two to go!

I watched the entirety of Game 2 last night and I am feeling much better(now that I'm recovering.)

We played a tight game with an Orlando team that didn't even try to win Game 1 and then turned around and did as much right as they could.

They didn't play a perfect game and neither did we, but they allowed themselves plenty of opportunities to get a decent cushion and they continually missed free throws and easy looks.

Then, they almost won the game on an inbounds play that was brilliant (actually, those are Kobe's words, but I agree) and then that opportunity was squandered by Courtney Lee. Reflecting on the game I bet alot of people are going to be saying "Oooh, the Lakers are in for a fight now....oooh my gosh!"

Really, are they really in for a fight? Without Rashard Lewis' outburst in the first half the Magic would have been down an easy 15. Again!

Do they play better in Orlando? Oh yeah. We were at Disney World during Game 6 of the East Finals and I listened to the entire second half on the radio(while charging Heather's Zune in the car) and I've got to tell you, Amway Arena is loud. Half the time I couldn't hear the local announcers. But, can the Magic win Game 3 just because they're at home? I don't know.

I'm, hopefully, going out to see Game 4 on Thursday and I would love for that to be a game to finish a sweep of this series. Orlando is a really good team, better than Cleveland, but they aren't better than the Lakers.

Last year we found out that the Celtics were better than the Lakers in The Finals. This year we're finding out that the Lakers are the best team in basketball. I heard Stephen A. Smith make that comment in April ("The Lakers are the best team in Basketball.") and as good as that made me feel I was curious. What about Cleveland, Boston and Orlando, who were torching the East?

Well, we found out. Boston is nothing without KG (they better thank their lucky stars they didn't lose to Chicago), Cleveland is a LeBron who doesn't know how to close and a bunch of garbage, and Orlando is the most talented team in the East whose only real matchup advantage against LA is Dwight over Bynum.

Last night I heard Mike, Mark and Jeff comment more than once that Stan Van was probably begging the officials to let the players play through fouls in the post so Andrew Bynum wouldn't get into foul trouble because then Lamar Odom would come in and he was KILLING them. Man I hope we can pay him this offseason. I fear that if he leaves it might be like James Posey leaving Boston.

Bynum is part of the future with Pau and Trevor Ariza(who is playing like an animal in the playoffs) but I don't expect him to get it at 21. After he gains 50 pounds of muscle, then I'll be expecting it. In the meantime, Magic fans can enjoy their one matchup advantage as the walk towards another loss in the NBA Finals. I was being nice when I thought we'd win 5 because I thought Orlando would win Game 3 at home. No longer. If you saw how deflated they were after Courtney Lee missed that layup (a hard one, but still, a layup) then you'd know what I mean.

Lakers sweep.

Back from the Dis

Well, we got back from another great trip to the Dis, and the last one for a while.

We went down Thursday morning and checked into Coronado Springs. It's a pretty resort, but the rooms aren't any nicer than the rooms at any other moderate (we've stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, those rooms were much nicer.) We made out way out to Epcot and got spend the night in World Showcase. We'd never really gone into the park and JUST done World Showcase, so that was nice, to just walk around and soak it in. We got to see Miyuki make candy art. It's absolutely incredible. She just makes animals out of this starchy sugar in no time flat. You can tell that she's work tirelessly to learn how to do it and worked even harder at being really good at it. We were hoping to get picked for her to make us something cool, but alas, we got there a little late, but it was still a good show.

We had an amazing dinner at the Tangierine Cafe. It's the counter-service restaurant in the Morocco pavilion but it's super-expensive and you get a TON of food. We had exactly what we had the last time we were there Shawarma Combos. Lamb and Chicken cuts with Couscous, Taboulleh, Hummus and bread. Uh, yum!!!!! It couldn't have been better.

The next day was Magic Kingdom all day. We had an incredible lunch at the Crystal Palace. We met all the characters really quickly and the FP even got to walk in the dance party with the characters. It was really cute!

It was also the day that Heather took the FP to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This time she picked the white all-princess dress. It wasn't princess-specific but she looked so beautiful in it. Heather took pictures of her after they were done in the boutique and you could see a bride in her since she was in a white dress. I took the little kids back for a nap then came back and met the girls for a night in the park. We were bushed, especially the girls, and we crashed when we got back to the room.

Next day was Hollywood Studios...Heather's favorite park. We had a decent morning, but the kids were being crazy. When we got back for nap (I didn't think we'd need one) Heather suggested going somewhere for dinner outside of DHS(we had Hollywod and Vine booked.) I didn't want her to give up her favorite park (but that ended up working out.) So, the JB didn't want to sleep so we went for a walk and starting thinking about where to eat dinner. I made a call into Dis Dining and at first I tried to move our Hollywood and Vine reservation later and found out that Maya Grill(the sit down place at Coronado Springs) was 2 dining credits. Then, on our walk, I found out that Maya Grill was only one credit. So, I took it.

Well, the JB and I had walked to El Centro, the main building where everything(including Maya Grill) is. The front entrance of Maya Grill is right next to the door we came in and out of everytime we went there. I look over and I see a hostess at the desk talking to a guy in a chef's jacket. I walk over and ask if they do specialty desserts. The chef, Marc, responds "Well, you got any ideas about what you'd like?" I come back with "Well, you've got the chef hat on!" Which he did, actually a cap that said chef on it. So he and Alexandra, the hostess, start throwing out the house cakes the bakery has and eventually they say Strawberry Shortcake. Well, now you're speakin' my language! Marc even said he'd cut from the cake a portion for the right number of diners and redecorate it for us. Then we were talking about why we're celebrating Heather and Russian comes up. They say they've got this Russian girl that works outside at the bar right next to the lake. She agrees to come talk to us because they thought it was cool the Heather was learning to speak. So they all conspired with our server, Edwin, who was great to bring the cake in and everything. It thought it turned out very cool, and the cake was very much like the cake we had on my birthday at Citrico's.

The next day was Animal Kingdom and our night out. Animal Kingdom is a short day in our family. We hit the character spots in Camp Minnie-Mickey early and found out that Safari Daisy is only there from like 12-1, after which point she goes to MK and spends all of Donald's money (even though they're not hitched!) We had a great breakfast at Tusker House where Safari Daisy is one of the characters, YAY! Daisy isn't Heather's favorite character, but Donald is mine so I figure Daisy is appropriate, especially in a specialty outfit(which is hard to find since they're park-specific.)

Then we had out night out. We ate at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's in Kidani Village which is HUGE!!!!, just like everything else at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We parked where the Security Guard told us to go and followed the elevator to the Lobby where we were told to go, then we thought we were going the wrong way down the hall, so we took the steps back downstairs and ended up in the Employee Break Area. They were shocked to see us. But, two guys who worked the kitchen at Sanaa took us ALL THE WAY back to the front where the restaurant is. They were very nice, and they even admitted that they didn't know the door we came out of was there until we came out of it (as Heather said, we passed through the Mystic Portal.)

The meal was incredible. We had a bread course with a Tamarind sauce, a Cucumber Raita, and a Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Uh, yum! Then we had a selection of 3 salads(Red and Golden Beets, Chickpeas and onions in a viniagrette, and okra and tomatoes) and Heather had a Tomato Soup with Paneer Cheese. Well, after we ate all of that our server (they call themselves Merchants) asked if we were going to try for our entrees. Are you kidding!?!?!?! We're all business about food in this family! Heather had a Lamb Rack with a pilaf that was very cool and I got Beef Short Ribs, Basmati Rice, and Spinach with Paneer Cheese. WOW! Heather's taught me alot about eating and I would have never gotten the Spinach in the past, but this time it put my meal over the top! Oh, then dessert. Heather had a orange infused layer cake with saffron sauce and I had a Chai Cream. Wow!

So, ready to explode we went to MK and hung out. Had some Dole Whips. Went back to the room late and crashed.

The next day we went back to Epcot so the FP could do Soarin' (her favorite ride, and mine.) We made our way back into World Showcase and met Mulan, got Miyuki to make us candy this time (a green tiger) and had some eats in China (I had this cool Beef Noodle Bowl) and then Heather headed off to DHS by herself. I took the kids to Club Cool and tried some Coke products(I love the Kinley Bitter Lemon) and then we went back to the room. By all accounts Heather had the best time of the trip, for her, in DHS. I am so glad she had a good time.

We got Heather at DHS after nap and headed over to Downtown Disney. We had a really great meal at Wolfgang Puck Express. It has got to be the second best Counter-Service value on the Dining Plan because it is SO expensive. We found a lovely set of earrings for a friend of Heather's and then it was sleepy time.

We finished off our trip in Magic Kingdom. We were able to get the FP on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad twice and I was able to take her on Splash Mountain (and avoid the mega water cannon.) We got back on Buzz Lightyear and we were abl to eat at Liberty Tree Tavern in the Benjamin Franklin room. We drug ourselves back to the car, but not before anice man in the Art of Disney store entertained the CCM for quite a while while Heather waited on me and the FP to come back from BTMR.

All in all, a great trip. Now we've got to put some real space between now and the next trip. Heather docked at the Beach Club on her boat ride to DHS from Epcot and she's in love. Maybe that's where we're going next...

Salon Music for Bass Clarinet

I remember being at BOA Summer Symposium in 1999 and hearing Timothy Mahr talking about wanting to be a composer. I think he even does clinics on this topic now. His premise was simple: If you want to be a composer, then be a composer! That's it. Just do it. (I think some guy from Oregon might have thought of that one first)

Anyways, I always WANTED to be a composer, but I had these grandiose ideas that I could never get on paper. So, a couple of years ago I gave up the grandiose ideas and went with something I could control...I started writing for myself. In the past 18-20 months I've probably written 100-150 pieces for myself. Some big, many small. All of them for me, solo Bass Clarinet, that's it. (Well, I did write a Concerto for Bass Clarinet, but not this nutbag Corigliano-style piece, something much more neo-classical) So, I've got all kinds of music laying around that's just for me. Then I realized something.....

I can actually do something with this stuff!

Alot of my music is, on some level, extremely difficult. 9 times out of 10 that would be due to range issues, occasionally it would be for some extended technique. I've thought about recording and, the more I write, the more I want to record. It's all my stuff. I'm not being sized up against someone else. Not that that's a bad thing. There are tons of really good Bass Clarinetists out there (you'd be surprised, unless you're on of those people, or know one of them, then you'd know because playing at that level on this kind of instrument speaks for itself.) But it's like being a popular musician, you play YOUR stuff, not someone else's and when you DO play someone else's stuff it's out of respect. I really don't care how my version of "Echange" would stack up against Mike Lowenstern's (his is very good by the way.) I care a whole lot more about MY playing, MY sound, and MY style. I didn't spend four years in college working with a style-meister just to sit here and copy people.

That's my big problem with popular music and ESPECIALLY with Christian music. People copy each other in very eerie ways. I heard a song on the radio today that I was sure was Sheri Carr. All the idiosyncracies were there from Sheri's singing and yet the artist was someone else. Huh? I mean really? That would be like me performing "Echange" and playing it EXACTLY the way Mike Lowenstern plays it, so much so that people think it's him. That's disrespectful to him (because I'm basically misrepresenting myself) and to me (because I'm better than that. Really, everybody's better than that!) Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but at some point you lose yourself in that.

So, by doing MY thing, and doing it well I cultivate a style of playing that is altogether unique. If we didn't have anyone doing this musically we would never change periods, styles, or ideas. All the original ideas in music are not taken, we just have to willing to look for new ones.

That doesn't mean you can't be influenced by people, but it does mean you have a responsibility to yourself to do something more inspired than a straight transposition of something that's already been done. You could even release an album of hymns, but you'd still have to play them YOUR way with YOUR sound.

This means that if you're into contemporary techniques, you should use them, and if you're not...DON'T! Not everyone can do everything. Not every pro owns every piece ever played..they pick and choose their spots. You should pick and choose yours too. That's what I'm doing, fighting my own battles. Fighting an unseen opponent, the radio in your head, will drive you to distraction...

So, I'm the Salon Music for Bass Clarinet guy. Call me Schubert, Chopin whatever but I'm not comparing myself to anyone, just me.

Peace.

D-Fish vs. Mike Bibby

So, here in Atlanta you can listen to 680 and be bored to death, or listen to 790 and have people talking who are actually thinking of intersting things to talk about. So, the other day they're discussing how much of an effect Mike Bibby has had on the Hawks. Monumental! Then they say, well, would the Lakers be where they are with Mike Bibby instead of Derek Fisher? And they conclude yes!!!?!?!?!

Are you serious!?!?! Mike Bibby is a good player who played well like one time in the playoffs for the Queens...I mean Kings. He's never hit a big shot in his life. D-Fish on the other hand has hit a myriad of big shots. And, I don't care if he's old and has lost more than a few steps. If something needs to be done, he can take care of it. Hit a 3 at the end of the first half to give us the lead, decapitate someone to send a message, whatever. Personally, this argument is stupid. Why don't we just do the Kobe/LeBron Muppet video with D-Fish and Mike Bibby "Hey Mike, have you seen MY 3 championship rings? You know, each one of these cookies represents a championship ring that I myself have won!" Enough said.

You know what else, I'm tired of hearing about how great Chaunvey Billups is and how he's this great facilitator and how Kobe is this selfish little boy. Last night, Kobe scored 41 and had 5 Assists. Chauncey had 18 points and 7 Assists. I'm over it! I'm not saying he isn't a great player, because he is, but he's not Jesus to Kobe's Herod. It isn't like that. Let's get real. MJ had garbage around him except for Scottie and he was NEVER villified for taking over. And this sin't because I'm a Lakers fan, it's because I'm tired of hearing about this mess.

While we're on the subject of mess. Can we talk about officiating? When is Chauncey gonna get called out for flopping!?!?!?! That foul on the 3 that got called on Kobe is one of the biggest flops I've ever seen!!! When will he get called out like everyone else? Yes, Kobe flops, and it drives me nuts, but I'm tired of the Lakers getting a bad rap because everyone's so comfortable calling him out and no one else. When will the NBA be investigated by someone for shaving points and manipulating the outcomes of games. It's getting old. When the Lakers win the NBA Title I want it to be fair and square.

I do have something positive to say, about the Nuggets. Nene and Chris Andersen are MONSTERS! I'll take either one of these guys any day of the week! What I don't understand is why the Nuggets don't funnel everything through these two guys. This series would already be over if George Karl were smart enough to figure this out. But, since he's such a genius I guess he knows something I don't. Or, he's not and he's getting more credit than he deserves. Either way, he's the curse. The Bucks might have had a chance against the Lakers in '01, except he couldn't get them to the Finals. The Sonics could have beaten the Bulls in '96 if he had figured out that Gary Payton could guard MJ. I had forgotten about this until Bill Simmons brought it up the other day in a very nice column he wrote on espn.com. I'm with you Bill! George Karl is a curse, just like Starbury.

You know what, why don't we just start an All-Dirt team while we're at it. I've seen Chauncey do things these playoffs that make me lose all respect for him. So, we'll have a 3 guard lineup with D-Wade, Chauncey and Rajon Rondo on the All-Dirt Team. Who's going to step up and take those 2 spots in the front court? We'll have to see. (In case you can't tell, I like CLEAN, physical Basketball.)

I can't TOTALLY whine about television programming....

Alright, I don't just latch onto any TV show anymore. It's got to be REALLY cool for me to even consider watching it. Nowadays I catch most of my TV online after the show's already aired. We do watch TV here but it's sporadic on "appointment" TV.... So, when I made appointments to watch "Life" and "Knight Rider" and then both shows get cancelled, I'm not happy. "Studio 60", cancelled. "Committed", cancelled.

So, when I read that "Life" gets cancelled I lament, just like everyone else "Why do all the well-written shows get cancelled?"

Then, I remember that I've missed the ends of the last couple of "NUMB3RS" episodes and totally missed the season finale. Well, about 80 minutes later I'm caught up and realize...THIS is my favorite show! (not of all time, but it's getting there, that's another story.) Not only that, it hasn't been cancelled! It's a juggernaut, it always performs well and it's probably the kind of show that runs until the creator decides it's time to stop. (A situation people can live with.)

There's something oddly believable about this show. The way the characters are written, the way they're acted. You actually learn about the people they've created for this show and you care. It's more like reading a book, where there's time to learn about everyone and everything that's going on. I don't get it completely, but I love it.

The way they move people in and out of the team that the show is centered on is crazy. When I think about it, the team has changed alot since 2005, and not all at once. The young actors they bring in are people I've never heard of but can really act! It's almost like "The Magnificent Seven". All the guys in that movie were younger and relative unknowns when they came on the big screen.

Here you've got Rob Morrow, who most people have heard of before, David Krumholtz (who was the manager with the slicked-back hair in "Ray"), Peter MacNicol (who is pretty famous in his own right ("Sank you Lord!") and Alimi Ballard (the quizmaster from "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch". Do you know how long it took me to figure out that was him!?!?!)

Oh, and did I mention Judd Nelson? He's so very cool that I can't even describe how he makes the show for me. There's something about it that is just so cool you can't help yourself but love him. The best thing about Judd Nelson is that he's been in everything. He was the Executive Producer who lost it on national TV in the opening scenes of Studio 60 and he had his own show "Dear John." He's just great. If wasn't such a funny, laid-back dude he could have easily been the creepy character actor in "The Game." He's everywhere!

Combine all of that with the fact that Bill Nye the Science Guy works at the fictional college where Charlie Eppes teaches and you've got a really cool show.

I guess the best part of the show, in the end, is how the show is written around the relationships of the cast. The way everyone relates to each other makes every second of the show intriguing because you're always learning about the characters. Everything on this show moves on relationships. That's what's so cool. Can't everyone relate to having a crew, a family, somewhere where they fit in? And if they don't, isn't that what everyone wants? Jesus works for that too :o)

I suppose it's not all bad, TV that is. Not ALL of the well-written shows get cancelled and NUMB3RS is still on the air.

You beat us by 30..haha, we beat you by 40!

The playoffs are in full swing and I'm wondering what's going on. I mean, let's face it...the Cavs and Lakers are on a collision course for the Finals which will probably go 7 games. But, the other day when the Rockets beat the Lakers by 30 I was NOT happy. WTH?????!!!?!?!?!?!?! Who is this Aaron Brooks guy? He needs to jump back and the Lakers needs to step up. Well, they did. We beat the Rockets by 40 yesterday. I know, it's pitiful.

So, what's the deal? Can we just turn the switch on and off game to game? If we're that good we will surely win a title no matter how well LeBron has the Cavs playing (I know, their coach is Mike Brown, but he's not Phil Jackson, ok?) The problem is that I think some of the guys think they can flip the switch DURING games. Um, hell to the no!

We have no business toying with anyone at this point. This is not exactly a "Season lacking in other good teams." Back in the day the Lakers would toy with teams until the finals. The Bulls toyed with everyone, because they had no competition. The Rockets of 94-95 did the same thing. Have we looked around and seen all the goodness in the league this season? Ughhhh! Wake up gentlemen.

If only we had a way to press everybody all the time, they'd never be able to outscore us. I've secretly wondered why the press wasn't used more anyways. I know it's tiring, but come on people, you're whole job is to work out and play a game...how tired can you get?! Then I watched a couple of pros try to it and I realized that most of these guys either don't care or can't do it. You'd be shocked at how much better Mario West looked running a press for the Hawks than anybody on the Miami Heat. However, I let it go but I had no answer for that, then Bill Simmons had a back and forth with Malcolm Gladwell and Part I gives a fabulous explanation for the lack of pressing and a great way to utilize it.

Now, moving on to Urban Meyer. I never had a problem with him until this morning. I read this article and realized that he is a jerky jerk. You mean to tell me that since you just got to Florida then you can tell former PLAYERS that they are either for or against you? Are you serious? Here's what I want to see...Urban Meyer put on some pads and play at Shane Matthews' level. I think you can figure out the rest.

So, I'm over this

Earlier today I blogged for the first time in a while and breifly mentioned the poor officiating in the NBA. Well, I took the kids upstairs for a bath and saw the end of the Nuggets-Mavericks game 3. The entire time I had the game on the Mavericks were up. With hardly any time on the clock the Nuggets pushed the ball the Melo whilst and after he was obviously fouled he drilled a 3 pointer to win the game. Right in front of the official, the Mavs bench and Mark Cuban. The game ended and the Mavs stormed the court and I was expecting something along the lines of the Melee at the palace a couple years ago.

Fortunately, that did not happen (although it would have been funny to see Mark Cuban getinto it with the official he was CLEARLY looking for.) When is David Stern going to stop the madness??.....when he retires and we get a commissioner who cares that WE care that the officiating sucks. As I said this morning...it drives me nuts. I have the inkling that I'm going to be complaining about this alot between now and the last game of the Finals. Uggghhhh!