Yeah, I'm a Scrabble junkie

Dayton

2009-08-14T22:22:55Z

For my first time in D1 for the Nationals, I guess I did OK, although it's hard to not be a bit disappointed.

I started well, beating the 5th seed, Scott Appel, in the opening round, playing nearly perfectly and bagging Scott. I went 4-3 on days 1 and 2, then 5-2 on day 3. Then the competition got fierce, and my play got more inconsistent.

In the end, I split 'em down the middle, winning 15 1/2 of 31. Feh.

Overall, though, a great experience. I felt like I belonged in D1 most of the time, although I missed CRYPTOS as an outplay against Panupol, which would have been sweet coupled with my win vs. Pakorn (see http://cross-tables.com/annotated.php?u=4380#0 for that fun game). I also had quality wins over Peter Armstrong (seeded #21), Joel Wapnick (#29, who finished 4th), and Tony Leah (#10), even if he wasn't terribly gracious in defeat.

The tie game was also memorable, and can be found at http://cross-tables.com/annotated.php?u=4379#0 if you'd like to play along.

My rating went up nearly 100 points, so I'm rated back about where I belong, I suppose. But I realize how difficult it is to win consistently at this level, and just how many ways there are to lose close games.

Kudos to Wiegand, etc. If I find some time (a precious commodity these days), I may do a more detailed report.

Trashman spotting

2009-08-14T17:39:59Z

Thanks to Ross Brown for spotting this one, from The Onion:

Redeye in brief

2009-01-20T18:23:56Z

Memorable tourney. Started poorly, finished strongly, ended up right in the middle, finishing at 15-14 +57 after a 6-9 start on the first day.

After playing in tourneys for 6 years, and nearly 1000 games, I finally got my first 600+ tourney game. I've had several 590+ tourney games, and many 600+ games in club, but the 606 game was also cool in that I got to play a 12-letter word.

You can view the game here, if you like.

The 606 game held up as high game for over 10 rounds, until Joe Gaspard scored a whopping 640. I wasn't done, though, as in round 26, with fatigue setting in, I got a 658 against Steve Pellinen, who bested me in our 3 other pairings. Steve managed only 250, and the 408-point margin of victory is also my best ever, topping my previous high of 401 (590-189).

That game can be viewed here. I may annotate and upload a few other games later, but I'm wiped...

A new dawn has come to America, though, and I'm giddy as a schoolgirl. May Obama's vision of hope and change bring about peace and prosperity, both of which are badly needed...

Now, it's time to catch up on some badly-needed Z's...

Accepted!

2009-01-14T03:22:31Z

Our "dream home" was scooped up by another bidder. But we found an even nicer one!

It looks small from the outside:

But it's deceptively large, just under 2000 sq. ft.! Here's the living room:

Here's the kitchen, with all new appliances:

Family room (they're throwing in the 65" projection HDTV-friggin' sweet!):

Even the basement is nice:

The location is ideal (one of Money magazine's top 100 places to live -- came in at #30), the budget is doable, and I can't wait to move in! Though I will have to -- sellers will need at least a month to vacate, and my apartment lease goes through the end of April.

Still have to do an inspection, but the offer was accepted, and I couldn't be more giddy!

Changes aplenty lie just ahead. Blended families, a dog and cat coexisting (hopefully), new schools, new friends, and the joy of moving.

Severance/vacation pay run out at the end of the month. I'm hearing about several possible gigs that start around then, so I'm hopeful, but we can swing it financially regardless.

Ah, the roller coaster ride continues...

Layoff

2008-12-16T17:56:09Z

Well, the recession has become a depression:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-wi-gehl-jobcuts,0,7393292.story

I was laid off yesterday.

Just this past weekend, we had looked at homes, and found our dream home.

Now everything is on hold, and I'm back to looking for work in the worst economy in my lifetime.

Bah humbug...

On a cheerier note, happy 60th to Scrabble!

And a tidbit from this trivial list to mark the occasion:

Janet Street-Porter once described Scrabble as more addictive than cocaine, champagne and group sex.

The Redeye can't come soon enough...

Elmhurst tourney

2008-12-01T02:31:01Z

Started 1-3, then won 4 in a row to get into contention, only to lose the last 3. 5-6 record brings my rating back below 1600. Saw loads of crapola. Sigh.

Summary (Mine/theirs)

L 389-393 DIALISTS OUTRAISE / none
L 382-426 FLORIST STRATUMS / CYANITE SLATTING
W 581-358 DIALOGUE SNEERING IDEALISM (3X3) SHIVERS / CARLINES
L 302-399 none / UNISONS SERENELY
W 416-360 LAUWINES ORIENTAL / RESEEDS VARICATE*
W 449-330 MELEEING* AIRIEST PLINKERS / NESTING
W 466-290 SMIDGES PRELATE / none
W 425-402 GILTHEAD MISTIME / RECLINED
L 372-390 PICTURE / REDLINES
L 351-491 SARCENET DAEMONE* SEPALINE / ROADEOS
L 374-438 VIPERINE REDIALS REDIALS / ATTENDS TRAINER

Averaged 410+ (vs. 391), got 24 bingos (vs. 13). Outbingoed* opp 3-1 in penultimate game, yet lost by 140, as no other play was higher than 18 and had to exchange twice in a bizarro game. Saw 8 U's and 9 I's in final game, which featured 5 exchanges and a duplicate bingo. Won high play (158 trip-trip) and high game (581) of the tourney.

Challenge grid isn't too exciting:

	Valid, challenged	Phoney, unchallenged	Phoney, challenged
My Plays	(none)	MELEEING DAEMONE	UREDIALS
Their Plays	(none)	EUCAIN VARICATE KANEF	VICUNAE

This chart was generated by cross-tables.com

I was overrated at 1800+. I'm now underrated below 1600.

Next up: Redeye. After a string of subpar tourneys, I'm hoping to bounce back.

It's a fucking blizzard out there, and the Packers have been virtually eliminated. Winter sucks...

Happy hyaloids yadda yadda...

McCain campaign implosion

2008-10-15T01:56:50Z

It just keeps getting better (or worse, depending on your persuasion). After railing for months about how associations matter, now we learn (via Murray Waas of The Huffington Post) that Johnny Mac's transition chief once worked on behalf of none other that Saddam Hussein.

A month ago, the polls were virtually even, as lukewarm GOP supporters warmed to Sarah "I'm completely vindicated of any wrongdoing and I'll say that repeatedly because some morons apparently will believe anything and refuse to recognize baldfaced lies" Palin. Since then, J Mac has imploded in myriad and comical ways.

Obama is far from perfect. But it's simply astounding to me that anyone with a speckle of gray matter could possibly support the wildly erratic geezer that JM has become.

Prediction: Obama in a landslide. The odds of him winning with 375+ EV's are currently at 53%, so that's not exactly going out on a limb.

And, in case you're not offended (or laughing) yet, a parting shot:

Pee in my pants!!

2008-09-28T21:14:06Z

Holy crap! The Brewers are in the playoffs!!

Time to pee in my pants!!

Packers lost? Badgers lost? Aw, too bad. Who cares?!?!

The Brew Crew is in for the first time since '82!!!!! Woo hoooooooo!!!!!

New gig

2008-08-28T16:51:40Z

After doing mostly contract work for the past 12 years, I finally landed a permanent gig. The title is Technical Specialist within the finance group of a construction equipment manufacturer.

I start the day after Labor Day. They gave me a decent offer, which included a week's vacation for calendar year 2008 (unexpected), and 2 weeks in '09 (also a bonus). They also waived the normal 60-day wait for benefit eligibility.

Heading to the Dells for Labor Day weekend with Josh, my girlfriend and her son, as well as her dad. We're staying at a hotel next to what used to be Lake Delton, but is now just a giant mud puddle due to a flood and a breached dam. Free tix to a water park are included. We'll also go mini golfing, take a mini steam train ride, and I found a place with 2 pinball machines for Josh and I to go nuts on. As a bonus, the machines are Family Guy (our favorite) and Lord of the Rings (which we haven't been able to find in years).

Now, if only Obama can ride the tide into the White House. I predict a resounding victory, far from a landslide, but I see at least 5 red states should turn blue this time around...

For the first time in quite a while, the stars seem to be aligning in my favor. For now, at least...

I'm grateful for all things, big and small. Being down for a while helps one to appreciate the good times...

My default setting going forward here will be to screen all comments, as some people simply have no manners or common decency...

Mundelein

2008-03-25T19:45:40Z

The string of strong tourneys continued, though not due to my brilliance. Phonies were phlying, and most stuck. I got Gibsonized, and finished 12-2. Rating will go from 1770 to around 1810, which seemed unfathomable just a few months ago.

I had 32 bingos in 14 games, which seems impressive, but not when the number of phonies is taken into account. Here's the list (Mine / Theirs):

G1 (W 458-353): FEARING REMELTED SPUMONE / LINEATE
G2 (W 474-408): WANNABE MELINOID* OUTWHINE* GLORIOSO* / STRAYER TOASTED
G3 (W 523-308): BEVELING TITMOUSE STATIONS RENAILED / RARITIES
G4 (W 493-394): ERINGOS DIVERSION (to -ON) ANTIFAT / GESTURE ELECTRON
G5 (W 403-282): WENCHES EUPNOEAL* / none
G6 (W 371-355): CARTALS* / NIFTIEST ANTIQUED
G7 (W 452-394): BASINED BITTERED HORNTAIL / EVACUEE
G8 (W 416-409): OUTBAKE TERRARIA / RERAISES
G9 (W 411-408): DESEXING BANGTAIL / RETRIED NAILSET
G10 (L 400-479): TINDERS / GIRLIER STOWAGE ASTOUND
G11 (W 411-306): HAPLITES SCUFFING / RAREBITS UNSEATS
G12 (W 423-308): FORTIFY MOILERS / SEDATED
G13 (W 500-383): TEAROOM PLECTRON / NOTIFIED UNRAISED RESAILED
G14 (L 318-393): HISTONE / ENHALOS RAFTERS

Average score was just over 432. Drew 17 of 28 blanks.

Humbling challenge grid (though it's mostly green):

	Valid, challenged	Phoney, unchallenged	Phoney, challenged
My Plays	PUTTO FORSPENT	PREMELTED MELINOID OUTWHINE GLORIOSO HAENS EUPNOEAL CARTALS JOMONS JAPON RUNNILY	OXALIZED
Their Plays	(none)	DIAZOS	MIDAXIS PERFULOUS OVERHIP SAVIONS FORADINE

This chart was generated by cross-tables.com

Redeye

2008-01-26T23:09:33Z

I haven't posted here in months. Plenty going on these days, but my desire to write here has waned.

I had a great Redeye tourney, and wanted to share a few tidbits from that tourney. I finished 19-9, 4th of 26, despite being the 23rd seed. My rating, which had never topped 1700, went from 1592 to 1766.

I drew as well as I ever have, which is the primary reason for the result. Two stats sum up how ridiculously well I drew: I got 35 of the 56 blanks, and I exchanged only twice while my opponents exchanged 20 times.

It was a great time, and thanks to Steph Steele for once again treating us Scrabble addicts to a great time, despite the frigid temps outside and the sauna-like temps inside. Can't wait to do it again next year (with 2 more games added, of course).

Two positions of note: Here's the board against Ben Withers, who found the only winning play (Note: Ben challenged WILDERS, which is entered as "Pass"):

Chris Lipe had this position, and found the only outplay, and though it didn't win the game for him, it was a cool play:

Answers in comments.

Dayton in brief

2007-08-10T16:50:10Z

Extremely disappointing tourney, going 15-16 -626. I never won more than 2 in a row, nor lost more than 2 in a row. Each of the first 4 morning sessions started with 2 wins, only to be followed by 2 losses.

Scoring average was only 388, more than 40 below my average. 8 losses were by 100+, with only one blowout win (by 229). I went 11-6 with split blanks, but got double-blanked nine times, managing to win 2 of those games. I got both blanks only 5 times, and only won 2 of those games.

I missed the T hook to QUINTE in a crucial spot, and missed the E hook to LOIN in another key spot. I challenged CHAINES and DISMALS, passed up an opening AMAZON and played MAZUNA* instead, losing 40 points. Let IMPRISES* and RERINSE* (rerisen) stand. Got several phonies past my opponents: GOETITE* (goethite only), OUTPEAK*, ECCE*, C(AR)BINERS* (missing BIC(O)RNES), SURDANS*.

I lost 3 or 4 winnable games, but stole (or had given to me by opponent's mistakes) 3 or 4 others. Had some nice plays (FILTUU? through an E was probably my best find--answer below), but mostly struggled through crappy racks.

Two highlights: the reading of "Dylan's Dad", the play by Frank Tangredi, was extremely fun and moving. Kudos to all of the cast members! I also went to Cincinnati to catch a Reds/Dodgers game. Gametime temperature was 97. It was uncomfortably hot all night, but the new ballpark was cool, and I had a blast.

Thanks to everyone, especially Chris Cree, Lois Greene, Darrell Day (my roomie), Chani Katz, Jason Idalski, Frank Tangredi, Gary Cleaveland, and my traveling companions, Adam and Leah. Apologies to some of my opponents for my kvetching.

Kudos to all the money winners. Not sure when my next tourney will be, but it will be either Chicago, Fenton, or Minnesota vs. Wisconsin.

I decided, despite my weariness, to go to club last night. Naturally, the good tiles returned, and I averaged 460+ and 2 bingos/game, going 4-0 +700 or so (before handicaps). Where were those tiles when I needed them?!

Now back to work...

Answer: FILTUU? through an E = FaUT(E)UIL

Dayton bound

2007-08-02T18:56:48Z

According to the test data for the PC (catch it while you can), I finished in 10th place at 20-11. I'd have finished in 5th if only I could've pulled off the last game, which I lost, 470-450. I'm sure it was a winnable game. Sigh.

On a more important note, I started a new job this week. I'm getting mucho dinero for pretty simple work, and I get to work from home. It's a 4-month gig, but it might last longer. The timing was perfect, as unemployment benefits were about to end.

I've been going to all the Scrabble clubs in a 100-mile radius (both Milwaukee clubs, Madison, Chicago, and Oshkosh) for a few months, winning about 80% of the time and averaging nearly 440. So, though I'm optimistic, I'm hardly overconfident, as the field is certain to be a challenge.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Dayton, and will file a report of some sort when I get back...

Dayton prize fund inequity

2007-07-17T14:57:28Z

Here is the breakdown of the prize payouts by division in Dayton, based on numbers from cross-tables and the official prize list:

Div Players Entry $ Prize $ % payout
1 91 $10920 $28250 259%
2 111 $13320 $6575 49%
3 107 $12840 $4450 35%
4 67 $8040 $3175 40%
5 84 $10080 $2825 28%
Tot 460 $55200 $45275 82%

I can't be the only person who's offended and upset that the top division is being heavily subsidized by the other four. I realize nothing can be done about it, but holy shit, the inequity is off the charts here. I've never attended a tourney, much less a major tourney, where the payout was less than half of the entry fees collected for every division, but more than 2 1/2 times as large for the top group.

As contributions poured in from Hasbro and private parties, they should have been distributed more equitably.

Elitism is always offensive, never moreso in the Scrabble world than now.

Arden Cup

2007-05-29T07:20:00Z

I had a horrific tourney, going 8-12. I suck, but had a great time.

Here's an awesome play that typified my luck/my opponent's skill. Look for this one in a future Scrabble News.

What's Melissa's play?

I got away with BREADER*/B(OXLIKE), missing BAR(T)ERED. I told you I suck.

Answer in comments. Kudos to Nathan Benedict, Sam Rosin, and the other winners, and thanks to Jason Brooks, Liz Berman, and all the other tourney organizers.

Trip to the E.R.

2007-03-28T16:20:00Z

I've been rather sick for more than a week now. Started with a cough and cold, then became the flu. Despite taking numerous OTC meds, symptoms worsened. Then the headaches started. They were worse than any I've ever experienced--extreme jolts of pain that lasted only a second, but that were excruciating.

Despite not having insurance, I couldn't let the situation go unchecked. I was terrified, as the pain was unbearable, and I had no clue what was causing it.

At the clinic, I was given an anti-inflammatory shot. Symptoms continued, and I was referred to the E.R. The doctor was concerned that it could be encephalitis, which would require a spinal tap. I made a lame joke about the "pain going all the way to 11", and the doc clearly didn't get it.

At the E.R., many tests and X-rays later, I was diagnosed with a viral infection, and possible pneumonia. The care was great, but I was miffed that they wouldn't give me a meal, as my blood sugar was crashing. All I was given was graham crackers and orange juice.

I was given a few prescriptions (antibiotic, muscle relaxant). Last night, I only awoke once during the night (first time in a week). The headaches and hacking cough persist, though not as severe. The fever seems to have finally broken.

There will be thousands in charges, to be sure. Sigh.

It's really been a week from hell. Thanks to my dear friend, Jean, for helping me make it through the worst. Hopefully, the worst is now past...

Once again, all comments will be screened. Obviously, those who relish in my misery will not be welcomed here.

cgp roto ruckus reply

2007-03-24T20:06:35Z

I haven't posted here in quite a while. Recent cgp activity compels me to reply here, as I am unable to reply there.

I am currently unemployed, and have been for over a month. If I were able to pay off the roto debt, I obviously would. The simple fact is that I can not. As soon as I'm able, I will.

My previous job didn't pay very well. Money was very tight. I paid off debts as I could, but I remain in serious debt. The two individuals I owe money to requested, for different reasons, that I pay them in full.

Although the request was reasonable, and the amount relatively small, I was unable to pay off the amount in full. My budget simply didn't allow it.

I'm hopeful that my next job will pay more. However, until I find another job, I remain deeply in debt and struggling to survive.

In time, all of my debts will be paid. I truly regret the ill will that I've created. I understand that some will never forgive me.

To Mike and Jason: Again, my sincere apologies. You have my word that you will be paid in full in time. I once again offer to pay interest, should you request.

I have been very sick of late, and I have no energy or desire to get into any heated arguments. I am screening replies, and will not reply to any scathing missives.

Reply from Sen. Feingold

2007-02-13T20:55:46Z

With the House currently debating a meaningless resolution, which is paving the way for a more important future vote on the funding of the war in Iraq, this seems like an appropriate time to share the reply I received from Russ Feingold a few days ago...

Dear Mr. Hartsman,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the war in Iraq. I
appreciate hearing from you about one of the most important issues
facing our country today.

I strongly support our troops who have courageously answered the
call to service, but I remain deeply concerned that the mission in
Iraq is undermining our top national security priority: fighting the
global terrorist networks that attacked our country on September
11, 2001. In October 2002, I voted against the resolution
authorizing the President to use force in Iraq because I questioned
the shifting justifications for this mission and feared that it would
weaken our capacity to combat terrorism.

Since the war began, I have repeatedly pressed the Administration
to provide a clear strategy for success in Iraq and a strategy for
winning the war against the global terrorist networks that threaten
the United States. Unfortunately, the Administration's misguided
and Iraq-centric policies have allowed Iraq to become a haven for
terrorists, and have diverted resources and attention from other
places around the world where terrorist networks that threaten the
U.S. are operating. I am deeply concerned by this
Administration's decision to increase troop levels in Iraq, which
ignores the wishes of the American people and members of both
parties.

On January 31, 2007, I introduced legislation that uses Congress's
power of the purse to force the President to redeploy U.S. forces
from Iraq no later than six months after enactment. This
legislation will allow the President adequate time to redeploy our
troops safely from Iraq, and it will make specific exceptions for a
limited number of U.S. troops who would remain in Iraq to
conduct targeted counter-terrorism and training missions and to
protect U.S. personnel. My bill will not hurt our troops in any way
- they will continue receiving their equipment, training and
salaries. It will simply prevent the President from continuing to
deploy them to Iraq and will provide a hard deadline for bringing
them home. I encourage you to visit my website for a more
detailed account of my work on Iraq at
<http://www.feingold.senate.gov>.

I have worked hard to try to ensure effective oversight and
accountability for reconstruction efforts in Iraq. The economic
costs of this war have been staggering, and I am dismayed that we
are running up debts to pay for this war that the next generation of
Americans will be called upon to pay. I continue to push for
accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer money in
Iraq. I led efforts to create and then extend the life of the Special
Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR), whose office is
charged with making sure that U.S. reconstruction dollars in Iraq
are not subject to waste, fraud or abuse.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, the
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Senate
Committee on the Budget, I will continue to work to end our
involvement in this war. Thanks again for contacting me about
this extremely important issue. I look forward to hearing from you
in the future.

Sincerely,

Russell D. Feingold
United States Senator

If you wish to contact me again, please visit
http://feingold.senate.gov/contact.html.

Notre Dame tourney notes

2007-02-06T04:03:23Z

Josh came along for this tourney, his third one with his Dad. We were both looking forward to seeing the Notre Dame campus, though the forecast was for bitter cold temps. I picked him up from school at 2:00, and we hit the road. Chicago traffic was typically brutal, but we were in no rush. We lost an hour to the time change, and arrived at our hotel around 8 p.m.

Keeping to what has become a tradition, I forgot to pack exactly one item. This time, it was syringes (for insulin). We found a nearby Walgreens, and I picked up some lip balm and a trinket for Josh. As usual, I slept poorly, as the heating unit kept kicking in and out throughout the night, waking me repeatedly.

I parked at a lot rather distant from the tourney site, and used a call box to request transport, which the director assured was not problematic. The disembodied voice simply laughed at my request, but gave directions to our destination. So, with the wind chill around a brazillion below zero, Josh and I headed out on our frosty journey.

About 10 minutes later, we were by the Golden Dome. But none of the buildings had signs, so I couldn't spot our destination. Out of necessity, we found an open building, and warmed up briefly in the lobby, which had a nice heater. Josh's fingers were numb, and he was whining, which causes me to lose my patience and cool.

We finally find the right building after a few more bitterly chilly minutes. But I don't know where in the spacious building the tourney is being held. There is a Starbucks here (I'm guessing Winter's never been to this one), but no one can help. After searching to no avail for several minutes, we seek a bathroom. I'm now worried that I will miss the first game. Fortunately, Jason Idalski comes into the bathroom, and we're rescued.

The tourney starts 30 minutes late, so I'm actually early. I'm seeded 8th of 14 in D1, expected to win about 5.5 of 12 games. I haven't had much success against this field, and I'm coming off a horrendous RedEye (9-17), so I'm hardly brimming with confidence.

Let the games begin!

G1 vs. SK: He gets a nice 2X2 PI(L)FERS for 48 on turn 2, but I get AAINLOV to an open S (1) to take the lead. His (D)ENATURe for 77 is followed two turns later by ANSeRIN(E) for 71, and he's ahead, 282-191. But I come back with CEIIKSS (2) for 83, then challenge off his GORZY*, and pull away, 426-389. Power tile distribution (PT): Me QSSZ SK JSSX?? This is the first of SIX games in which I got double-blanked. Amazingly, I win four of them.

G2 vs. DP: I choke and play (G)EsNARIA*, which gets booted, then follow with AN(G)ARIEs, but he gets D(E)XTRINE for 84. I'm ahead, 225-192, before the game goes south. I hold on REBATOS, and foolishly challenge. He follows with JERRY for 62 and CHUB(B)IEr for 69, and runs away, 515-305. DP, the top seed, finishes 11-1. PT: Me SSSZ? DP JQSX?

G3 vs. LS: I challenge off COATIES*, then get AEGIMRS through an R (3) for 86, ADEGRTU through AD (4) for 63, and L(E)CTERNS for 74 before she gets a late OEsTRIN. Despite getting double-blanked again, I hang on to win, 460-426. PT: Me JQSSSX LS SZ??

G4 vs. MP: The game is close through the midgame, until I get INOSITE for 74, followed immediately by (G)AMELaNS for 83, which draws a challenge. I win, 414-302. PT: Me JSSSS? MP QXZ?

Lunch break. I've already played the top 2 seeds, and though I'm 3-1, my cume is negative. Fortunately, the building has a food court, so we don't need to go out into the Big Chill.

G5 vs. EDG: I challenge off his TOR(T)INIS* (INTROITS would have played), and he later unsuccessfully challenges my DUNK(ER), and I'm up 144-89 early, but he comes back with JEFE for 63. DEVEiNS for 78 puts me back ahead briefly, but he gets plays of 37 and 40 (twice), while I'm unable to score 20 the final 7 turns, and go down in flames, 327-397. PT: Me QSSX?? EDG JSSZ

G6 vs. AM: After an exchange, I get SPORTI(V)E for 68, but he gets ENDEARs 2 turns later to pull even. His NINNIEs gives him the lead as I'm swimming in vowels, but I get CITROUS late to pull ahead, and hold on to win a tight endgame, despite getting double-blanked yet again, 382-380. PT: Me JSSZ AM QSSX??

G7 vs. EM: He strikes first with dANGLES, but after 7 turns, I'm only down by 5. He gets a nice 9, (dE)MEANING, then draws the second blank and gets (U)nDERPAY to a TW for 92, and coasts to an easy win, 424-350. PT: Me JQSSXZ EM: SS??

So at the end of day 1, I'm at 4-3, -169. I tell Josh over dinner that my goal for Sunday is to go 4-1, which would give me a chance to cash. We brave the cold to go to a sporting goods store, and I get him a Notre Dame t-shirt and a Colts long sleeve shirt, which he wears under his Peyton Manning jersey the next morning (to match his Dad's jersey). I sleep a little better, and we find a closer parking lot. Though it's even colder, the walk isn't nearly as brutal, as we get to take a warm shortcut through the library (which has the famous "Touchdown Jesus" painted on one of its walls).

G8 vs. JC: After a few fishing plays (which I normally avoid), I get PEATIER on turn 3, but see nothing good the rest of the way. His SUNRISe for 79 gives him a lead, and he never looks back, cruising to a 454-373 victory. PT: Me X JC JQSSSSZ??

At 4-4, -250, it's looking bleak. I'm in 9th place out of 14, and cashing seems unlikely. Time to kick it into another gear...

G9 vs. HL: I start with BEIOSTY (5) for 81. She pulls even on turn 4 with NOTIFIE(R), but I get GAIn(L)IER the next turn, then challenge off her CADIZ*. cURLINGS draws a challenge, and a big lead withstands her late COINERS, and I win handily, 495-375. PT: Me JSSSX?? HL QSZ

G10 vs. FL: I start horribly, taking a flier on LAXATED*, which gets the boot. Instead of 40 for LATEX, I get zippo, and the board is tight. I then try DINOSSU through an open I (6), not sure if it's good. It survives a challenge, and the rout is on. I get (T)ENURING for 86, VIG(O)ROuS for 62, FEZ for 52, and pILEATE for 72, while FL exchanges thrice, and creates openings for me to pounce on. I win by 401(!!), 590-189, getting the high game for the tourney, good for $20. PT: Me all 10! FL: yuk

So my cume goes from negative to positive quickly, and I zoom all the way to 3rd place.

G11 vs. JI: I open with HUNKIE, a new 6, which gets held briefly, but JI hooks it with the R in GENITOR. I get ABEEIST through a K (7). His SOUnDER gives him a lead, but it goes back and forth the rest of the way. He gets IMaGINE for 75, then I get AI(G)RETTE for 68 and PEEP for 56, and it's down to a tight endgame. We're both under a minute on the clock, and I find a way to win, 463-460, and it survives a recount. I move into 2nd place. PT: Me SSZ JI JQSSX??

DP gets Gibsonized, so it's a rematch for 2nd place in the KOH match.

G12 vs. EDG: I get away with JUTTER* for 40 on turn 2. He holds my FLUORI(C) for quite a while. After a minute, I draw provisional tiles, which included both blanks and an S (I had kept an S). I'm not certain of the word, and fear a successful challenge, which would put both blanks back in the bag. He challenges, and my heart sinks. I'm pleasantly suprised that it's good. I get an easy WETneSS for 83, then challenge off his G(R)AVIDES*, and the game's in the bag. His GRIDDL(E)S late isn't nearly enough, and I win, 408-309. PT: Me JQSSS?? EDG SXZ

So, I win the last 4 in a row to finish 8-4, good for 2nd place. My rating will go up about 50 points, to near 1670. I averaged 416+, drew only 10 of 24 blanks, but had 30 of 48 S's. I had 22 bingos to my opp's 18. No phony bingos stayed on the board, though some phony non-bingoes stuck. I was double-blanked in HALF of the games, but still went 4-2 in those games. I drew both blanks in four games, going 3-1. The blanks were split only twice, and I was 1-1 in those games.

Josh told me on the drive home that he had the "best weekend ever", even though he didn't get to swim. We made it home in just over 3 hours, and caught the Super Bowl. It was the perfect end to a great weekend. Josh is seriously considering playing the game competitively, learning words and strategy from his Dad, and promising to work on his attitude, as he is a terrible loser at the tender age of nine.

No rush there. I won't push him. I want him to enjoy the game. But it's nice to think about our taking trips to tourneys together someday and having him actually compete.

We both hope to return to Notre Dame sometime, though hopefully in the spring, summer, or fall. I'm hoping to go to Urbana for another tourney next weekend.

1. VALONIA(S)
2. SICKIES
3. ARMIGE(R)S
4. GR(AD)UATED
5. OBESITY
6. SINUSO(I)D
7. BEA(K)IEST

What's a few million between friends?

2007-01-31T20:09:27Z

This almost doesn't qualify as "news", given its predictability. An audit points out that millions of buckeroos have been wasted or can't be accounted for in Iraq, and that despite spending over $21 b-b-b-b-billion on "rebuilding" the country's destroyed infrastructure, electricity output in Baghdad (which is currently about 6 hours per day) is still below prewar levels.

When Uncle Sam sets his mind to doing something, he makes damn sure he does it well. Salute!

Iraq is broken far beyond our ability to repair it...

Yet, W wants to throw another $1.2 b-b-b-billion Iraq's way, which will certainly make everything hunky dory, because money solves everything, right?

And despite overwhelming voter opinion and a growing antiwar movement, despite the Iraq Study Group's recommendations, despite advice from Generals on the ground in Iraq, and despite Congressional opposition, W is sending more troops.

Meanwhile, back in New Orleans, 18 months later, entire neighborhoods remain in ruin...

What a great country!

Feingold: "clearly one of the greatest mistakes in the history of the nation's foreign policy"

2007-01-26T17:55:11Z

Finally, a Senator with cajones (Wisconsin's Russ Feingold) is going to introduce legislation to use the "power of the purse" to end funding for the war in Iraq.

The purely symbolic resolutions passed earlier in the week are meaningless.

Congress acted to end funding for the Vietnam War. They have power to do so with this war, though there may be a Constitutional battle.

The rest of the pussified Dems fear a backlash. But Feingold, who has decided not to run for prez, has always been against the war (he was the only Senator who voted not to fund the war in the first place), and he is the clearest and loudest voice amongst those who want to bring this fiasco to an end.

With the anti-war drumbeat growing louder every day, the time is clearly right for Feingold to act. Like the resolutions, though, it's likely to have no effect on W's march forward. It's possible the Supreme Court may need to rule on the Constitutional issues very soon, which would likely rule against W's power grab.

We live in interesting times, indeed...

A close(r) look at PETA

2007-01-25T16:43:05Z

I tend to agree with the goals of PETA -- animal rights seem like a pretty noble thing for compassionate humans. However, I've never felt that PETA's tactics were justifiable. In fact, I find many of them repugnant, immoral, and illegal.

A couple of PETA workers are about to go on trial for dumping 92 dead animals in a dumpster. The trial will be watched closely by many. The above story pointed to a rather damning website, which exposes PETA as a rather hypocritical (to say the least) organization.

My co-worker is a PETA contributor. Make that was. When I showed him the above info, he was at first indignant, then tried to rationalize, then finally decided (after a prolonged bout of cognitive dissonance) to write a rather angry letter to PETA's president. Good for him, though I suspect it won't alter PETA's agenda or tactics in the least.

To quote my co-worker: "The world's going to hell. I can't trust anyone."

That sums it up succinctly...

Super Bowl prediction, "experts" are idiots

2007-01-24T18:10:08Z

My prediction: Colts 34 Bears 13. I don't think it'll be close. I'm willing to give anyone interested the Bears + whatever the spread is. I'll even throw in a 1/2 point to break any possible ties.

The Bears don't deserve respect. They may be the most overrated team in history. This is probably the most lopsided QB matchup in SB history.

Just how little respect to the Bears have amongst the "experts"? All eight of the espn.com prognosticators picked the Saints to win last weekend. Of course, now they all look pretty foolish.

Of the 65,000+ votes cast to date at superbowl.com, 54% are picking the Colts to win. My guess is that Bears fans (rabid and deluded as they are) are stuffing the ballot box to keep it close.

I'll be at a Scrabble tourney in South Bend (on the campus of the "University of Notre Dame du Lac" -- that's their full official name) on that weekend. I'll be driving back home, hoping everyone in Chicago is watching the game (thus minimizing traffic), with the goal of getting home for the second half of the game. Josh is coming with me, and we'll listen to the first half on the radio.

It's cool to have two teams from the Midwest in the SB, though it will probably be of less interest to those on the coasts. Peyton can help cement his legacy with a win, and I have supreme confidence that he will shred the Bears' secondary the entire game.

A blowout will drive many casual fans from watching the entire game. But seeing the Bears get destroyed will keep me glued to the bitter end.

In the remote event of a Bears win, I will immediately go into hibernation, and will probably not be able to experience happiness ever again...

"The dogs of Iraq are pining for your troops' dead bodies"

2007-01-23T15:08:49Z

Ayman al-Zawahri is shaking in his sandals. Bush will assure all of us tonight that he's gonna win. This time, he means it. Really.

Redeye scores, bingos

2007-01-18T22:05:55Z

My bingos / theirs. Other 60+ plays are noted in parentheses.

G1 L 366-387 ELECTR(O)N 74 / (E)YELINER 86 nOTIFIE(D) 72
G2 W 440-439 DEMErIT 92 / LESBIAN 78 InCE(P)TED 86
G3 L 403-407 GINGALS 78 (created phony hook of (SHOALER)S*) / TWISTI(E)R 67 SHoALER 89
G4 L 327-431 none / CREDITs 71 FOLKIEs(T) 66
G5 L 405-438 aUDILES 73 (EXIST 60) / TROO(P)ING 62 UrANITE 77 HEADSET 106
G6 W 489-442 FARtLEK 86 ACIER(A)TE 72 (S)PANDRIL 89 / AGIOT(A)GE 64 RETA(I)NED 70 tONUSES 78
G7 W 402-391 FIL(I)ATED 86 (I)NVERITY 80 / wHATNO(T)S 74 DENTILS 81
G8 L 395-415 vITIA(T)ED 67 COIN(H)ERE 78 (chal) / MUNCHES 86 sLOGANS 66 (I lost this game on time)
G9 L 351-420 (B)RINDLER* 64 / SKITT(E)RS 67 LABORER(S) 70
G10 W 359-329 mEATIER 66 LUCE(R)NES 61 / none
G11 W 483-437 LOGANIA 68 DATiV(E)LY 80 (chal) UNRISeN 66 (FAZE 70) / MELTAG(E)S 72 RADIC(A)TE 69 SWATHED 75
G12 L 286-402 STAIDLy 68 / SA(R)TORII 62 T(I)NSTONE 64
G13 L 270-472 URB(A)NISE 78 / AMOR(T)ISE 74 POLlING 72
G14 L 398-419 RESCUIN(G) 74 (HAFIZ 91) / POACHE(R)S 88 ViRGuLE 85 (I squandered a 257-79 lead in this game)
G15 L 341-392 HE(R)NIAtE 80 ((IN)JURE 63) / (C)ISTERNS 74 (R)EBATInG 70
G16 L 360-378 (C)REOdONT 77 COVERL(E)T 71 / DES(T)INED 62
G17 L 317-404 none / QINTARS 95 AIRHEAd 80
G18 L 371-404 TOTAL(I)SE 66 TABlOID 74 / BARITES 68 PARENTE(D) 83
G19 L 381-393 ToRNADI(C) 62 / UNIDEAL 74 TIcKERS 83
G20 L 313-403 ANTIQ(U)ES 69 / ENDEARS 78 EVICTIo(N) 76
G21 W 411-307 UNSTAcK 81 / (G)LEAmING 70
G22 W 578-307 MADDENS 78 STEELED 76 DOMINAT(E) 86 BRISANT 79 (chal) (ZAIrE 81) / ANTLERS 73
G23 W 430-414 CAROTID 72 RETAiLS 63 (RITZ 83) / BARIT(O)NE 90 VUGGI(E)ST 73 AREOLES 66
G24 W 480-408 ENER(V)ATE 86 ESSAYED 111 / VALETIN(G) 64 OUtRULE* 71
G25 L 381-504 FOrEMAN 70 ENTEROn 78 / QUEERIS(H) 110 (chal) DUSTMAN 69 SINGLES 73
G26 L 344-417 none / HOSTILE 65 MERRIeR 65 ARoUSING 58