Category: OLD SPORT SHORTS (Page 43 of 68)

An old guy’s perspective on all sports

Retirement is not without Hassles: Hawaiian Time #928

May 2, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I would have to say that the Hawaiian Islands have been poetically inspiring these past few days. There was plenty of time on the five-hour plane ride to write. We were also up early this morning with the three-hour time difference from Portland. Dinner last night was at 7:30 but really 10:30 for us. Most importantly sports scores have gone my way with the Cubs, White Sox, and Trailblazers all recording victories. As I wrote to my dad years ago, “Hawaii is a magical place where {insert favorite teams} always win.” (See Post #49). I hope this continues for the next 7 days that we are on Maui.

It’s a bit cloudy today, so burning these pail shoulders shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve started reading Into the Wild, a book by Jon Krakauer. I actually stole it from our anniversary hotel room in tiny McMinnville, Oregon last week. The Big Apple, New York City is next week. Both cities are mentioned in the silly poem that follows. Yesterday’s poem (See Post #927) was a bit personal and heavy, so I felt that that today’s effort should be lighter. My wife and I were walking along the beach path this morning and we saw a partially clothed statue of Buddha, reminiscent of our recent trip to Thailand. (See Post #884). She couldn’t help but laugh about “Buddha Butt.” I know it’s sacrilegious and disrespectful but that’s what sick humor is often all about:

Buddha Butt

Thailand islands,
Maui sun.
The Big Apple,
Among all we’ve done.

McMinnville magic,
Wrigley vines.
Phoenix to Tucson,
Temples and shrines.

O’ Canada yet,
San Francisco next.
Each new adventure,
A bucket quest.

It’s been a good year,
Of traveling around.
And next fall,
We’re Egypt bound.

We’ve been to the top,
And even underground.
We’ve searched the world,
And here’s what we’ve found:

From naked David,
To tomb of Tut.
Nothing’s sexier,
Than Buddha Butt.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Week in Review #922

April 27, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

I spent some time this past week cleaning out and finishing up some of the poetry starts on my Evernote app. Whenever I get an idea, I store it on my phone and work on it from time to time. There are still hundreds of these snippets on file, and while I wait at the doctors office or have some down time I use them for inspiration. I added three new poems to the blog this week, but have written little about my other activities. I decided this morning to catch you up on my retirement life. Whoever you are?

My wife and I are headed to Hawaii next week, only to return for a day before another trip to New York City. As I result, we’ve packed a lot of errands and activities into this week’s social calendar. Naturally, I had time to watch all the updates available for my favorite television series, including Game of Thrones, The Curse of Oak Island, Billions, Schitt’s Creek, and Fosse and Verdon. It will be several weeks before I get back to them again, since I’ll have more constructive things to do. I also went to the chiropractor, got a new prescription for my glasses, cooked dinner, called my sister, talked with my son, enjoyed C’est Si Bon on date night with my wife, finished our wills, took a financial seminar, did my daily runs, and went skiing. This weekend my wife’s youngest daughter is visiting her sister here in Portland, and they will all go wedding dress shopping. Both daughters are getting married this year. Right now, I’m waiting for my wife to get out of bed so we can take the dogs on their highly anticipated Schnauzerthon. They are restless!

Along with some lighter bedtime reading, I am slowly making my way through, The Girls Who Went Away, the disturbing stories of young expectant women who were forced to give their babies away for adoption. It’s a very emotional book, especially for an adopted child like myself. I will write more about it under the “Diary of An Adoptee” category on this blog. A blood relative suggested that I read it, and I’ve found it to be very eye-opening. I may never know the true story of what my birth mother went through, but I’m sure it’s even worse than what I’ve imagined. There are some heart warming moments when mother and child are finally reunited later in life. Honestly, this is probably not going to happen for me.

On the lighter side, I continue to refer to the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die calendar on my desk. Easter Island; Jerusalem; Jiagsu, China; Northern Ireland; Lhasa’s Potala Palace; Mount Yoshino, Japan; and Seville, Spain are all yet to be personally explored. Only Tuscany and Greece were already crossed off my list. The bottom line is that I’ve really only seen about 20% of the world and will realistically only only visit about 35% in my lifetime. The calendar continues to reference places that I’ve never even thought of visiting.

Sports have been a big part of the week, as the Trailblazers move on to the second round of the Playoffs. Their buzzer-beating victory over the Thunder was one of the most exciting I’ve watched. Also, the Cubs have been playing better baseball, winning three game series against both the Diamondbacks and Dodgers. The White Sox continue to flounder near the bottom of their division. Indiana University baseball moved to the top of the BIG conference and into the National Top 25 polls, but then lost their opener against Minnesota. #2 ranked Oregon State was surprised by Nevada. It was also the week of the NFL draft, with little interest for me. In addition, the Portland Timbers were off to a rocky start before defeating both Columbus and Toronto on the road.

Last but not least, I did finally get to the ski slopes this season. It was a beautiful day on the mountain but the snow was a bit sticky. There were also some icy spots in the shaded ares, and my day started on my butt. The fall didn’t hurt, but I badly scratched my exposed back sliding backwards down the hill. With the spring-like weather, I did not have on the traditional layers of clothing that would have normally protected my skin. The tumble, followed soon after by another slip, also destroyed my confidence, as I struggled to regain any form. It was difficult to turn in the slushy areas and this took a toll on my legs as the day went on. I have to admit that at my age I did consider hanging up my skis, but there were also some moments that will probably get me back on them again next year. My goal is to ski into my seventies, but balance is getting to be more and more of an issue.

I’m ready to leave my comfortable life as a homebody and hit the road. We’re in an area of Maui that we’re very familiar with, so it should be relaxing before the Oregon Auto Dealers Convention begins. I’ll have to attend some dinners, receptions, and seminars reminiscent of my working days, She also has television business in New York the following week, so we’ll go to some Broadway Shows and I have tickets to a Yankees game with a friend’s son. Retirement life is busy…and good, despite a few scrapes.

Old Sport Shorts: Rip City #918

April 24, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Last night, Rip City had became R.I.P for the OKC Thunder in one of the greatest finishes I’ve seen. In fact, I had ruled out the Trailblazers victory chances with them down by 15 with 7:12 to go. Honestly, I was at the other extreme with a comfortable 9-point lead at 3:29 in the 3rd quarter and joined my wife in the other room for another episode of Schitt’s Creek. Damian Lillard was on fire and his bobble-head on my office shelf was nodding in agreement. I felt even better because the Cubs had easily defeated the Dodgers 7-2 on another channel behind the crafty pitching of Jose Quintana. By the time I rejoined the Blazer game, Russell Westbrook had given the Thunder a 4-point advantage as the end of quarter was near. It was a tough, physical game with Enes Kanter in pain and holding one arm at his side. “Just what we needed – another injury,” was my sour thought as the Trailblazers hoped to advance in the NBA Playoffs.

I had finally gotten to a game this year and saw an amazing Rip City 28-point comeback over the Sacramento Kings, behind seven threes and 37-points from rookie Anfernee Simons. Lillard did not play nor did his side-kick C.J. McCollum, I did however leave the Moda Center with a new Trailblazers hat and the bobble-head. It was a sign of things to come. The victory earned them a #3 seed, but would require both snapping a 10-game post-season losing streak and winning on the road to get to this chance to finish off the Thunder. I had forgotten that they were formerly the Supersonics, a long time rival neighbor of the Blazers and a bitter loss for the city of Seattle. In fact, the future of the Blazer franchise is in doubt after the death of owner Paul Allen. It was even more incentive to advance in his honor.

With everything on the line, the score tied, the clock running down, and Paul George in his face, Damian Lillard drilled a 37-foot dagger at the buzzer and waved goodbye to the Thunder. It’s a shot that’s becoming a Lillard trademark, allowed him to hit the 50-point mark for the game, and certainly got me off the couch to celebrate. With the Indiana Pacers already swept out of the Playoffs, I’m fully behind the Trailblazers as my wife and I head to Hawaii. I’ve had some memorable sports moments in Maui where I once wrote a postcard to my dad stating, “it’s a magical place where the Colts and Cubs always win!” I hope to add the Trailblazers. (See Post #49)

Retirement is not without Hassles: Ashes and Ivy #908

April 14, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

With my upcoming 50th high school class reunion, I will morn the loss of close classmates Grant and Dennis. My good friend Grant passed away decades ago, but just four years ago I had dinner with Dennis and his wife Sue at Michael’s in my hometown of Elkhart, Indiana. Two months later he died unexpectedly. On July 5, 2016, I took Sue to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and she surprised me with a small metal film container of Dennis’ ashes. Together, we spread them down the first base line along the brick right field wall. I wrote this poem to honor this occasion while watching the Cub’s game from the stands yesterday. Maybe someday I’ll join him on the field?

“Ashes to ashes,
Dust to Dust.”
To rejoin the Earth,
is final must.

A special spot,
Where memories lie.
Set them free,
When I die.

Beautiful white flakes,
They fall like snow.
And come to rest,
In a place I know.

Where Ernie Banks,
Played the game.
And earned his place,
In the Hall of Fame.

Where home runs fly,
Over ivy covered walls.
And destiny is forged,
By bats, gloves, & balls.

Bricks and Blue,
Is what I choose.
An eternal nap,
Win or lose.

It’s my last wish,
To take the mound.
And be a part,
Of sacred ground.

Grave reminders,
Are not for me.
Make me part,
Of that grassy sea.

When my fate
Is finally sealed.
Just spread my ashes,
On Wrigley Field.

I also ran across a similar request from a Steve Goodman called, “A Dying Cub’s Fan’s Last Request:”

Build a big fire on home plate out of your Louisville Sluggers baseball bats, And toss my coffin in. Let my ashes blow in a beautiful snow, From the prevailing 30 mile an hour southwest wind. When my last remains go flying over the left-field wall, We’ll bid the bleacher bums adieu, And I will come to my final resting place, out on Waveland Avenue.

Steve, I hope you meet Dennis!

Retirement is not without Hassles: Sweet Home Chicago #906

April 12, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

There’s only one thing better than “Home Sweet Home,” and that’s “Sweet Home Chicago.” I’m writing from the Hotel Chicago Downtown (a Marriott property, of course) right next to the House of Blues. Tonight it’s the band Citizen Cope, a name I don’t recognize, typical of most on this month’s calendar. The only familiar one is Julia Michaels, who we saw open for Pink at the Moda Center earlier this week. I remember seeing the Allman Brothers many years ago at this HOB venue on New Year’s Eve. I also went to a concert back in the days when I was involved with PROMAX and their annual convention. In the meantime, I’ve had lunch there on a couple of occasions and have been to locations in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Orlando. When it comes to the blues in Chicago, I think of the House of Blues and Buddy Guy’s. Unfortunately, I never saw the actual Blues Brothers perform live, but have seen several decent imitations through the years.

This morning’s run was along the Chicago River Walk, but I wasn’t able to get far because of construction. Our room looks out over the river, between the two iconic circular Marina City condo buildings that at one time looked like something out of the Jetson’s. In the past I’ve been able to follow the Chicago River down to the Lake Michigan waterfront where you can see the famous Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. The wind is beginning to pick up here, but at least the sun is shining. This afternoon I’ll take a walk through Millennium Park to the Art Institute of Chicago near the signs marking the start of Route 66. I’ll pass Harry Caray’s, Dick’s Last Resort, Catch 35 and Smith & Wollensky as I contemplate a martini lunch. Tonight, dinner is at the nearby Chicago Cut Steakhouse. There’s always plenty to eat in Chicago, as I anticipate an Italian Beef sandwich at Wrigley Field during Saturday’s game with the Angels.

My wife is having lunch with her clients, so the afternoon is mine here in “Sweet Home Chicago.” The Museum of Broadcast Communications is also in the neighborhood, so that presents another touristy option that I’ve managed to avoid all these years. Perhaps, there will be too many reminders of my working days, but I do have good memories of listening to WLS radio for the hits and WGN-TV for the Cubs and Sox. You certainly couldn’t count on hits from the Cubs and Sox! This morning on my run it was WXRT radio through my ear buds. It’s decided – I’m on my way down memory lane before I spend any time with Rembrandt.

Retirement is not without Hassles: World Travelers #902

April 10, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

It’s another busy evening for my wife and I with the final Portland Trailblazers game on our agenda. It was originally going to be I.U. alumni night with former player Yogi Ferrell on the Sacramento Kings roster. However, after a sour I.U. basketball season, there was little interest in a meet-and-greet. Instead, some good friends are joining us to celebrate “Fan Appreciation Night” and a chance for the Blazers to move up a spot in the playoff picture. It caps off an active week between travel adventures that has included Aladdin, Lines for Life, Dumbo, and a Pink concert. Tomorrow we leave for Chicago and a chilly afternoon at Wrigley Field.

We may even see some spring snow as we return to our homeland. The “Windy City” will certainly live up to its nickname that once had more to do with politics rather than weather. Heavy gusts have played havoc with flight schedules all over the country. We’re hopeful that there won’t be delays getting in and out of O’Hare. Dinner is planned for one of our favorites, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, and my wife has business meetings scheduled. I’ll explore some new ground on my own while she works. For example, there’s a Rembrandt Exhibit at the Art Institute or “Mummies” at the Field Museum. I will make a decision depending on the weather and my busy retirement schedule.

As we ponder future travel, I refer once again to the 1000 Places To See Before I Die calendar on my desk. This week’s destinations include the Maldive Islands, Chili, Mexico, France, South Africa, and Greece. Although we haven’t been to some of the exact locations pictured, we have done some exploration of France and Greece. The graceful Chateau de Chenonceau in Loire is at least one featured spot that we retain found memories. A souvenir porcelain Limoges box of the structure can be found in my wife’s collection. As I then look ahead to next week’s daily destinations, they include the Grenadines, Sweden, Uzbekistan, Shanghai, Ethiopia, and Easter Island – all are yet to be visited by us.

I feel good that my taxes are paid and payment has been arranged for next year’s trip to Egypt. However, two upcoming weddings will definitely put a dent in our travel budget. Fortunately for us – airfare, hotels, and rental cars have already been pre-paid for upcoming visits to Chicago, Rochester, McMinnville, Maui, New York, Steamboat, and Vancouver. This is what I saved for all those working years – the opportunity to see the world. My working wife dutifully continues to save and allows me to join her on most of her frequent business trips. There’s so much left to see, while only time and money stand in the way.

Old Sport Shorts: Bitter #898

April 6, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

After feeling like I pulled off a major victory by simply getting an elusive UPS package in my hands (See Post # 897), I’m watching my 17th straight Final Four without an Indiana University presence, but several Hoosier-grown players. It’s being held in Minneapolis where I watched from great CBS issued seats my Cream & Crimson lose to eventual champ Duke in 1992 Final Four action; the last of the Bobby Knight era. That game was held in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, while this year’s event is at the newer U.S. Bank Stadium. At least, there’s little danger of a roof collapse. Looking back a few decades, the Hoosiers lost to a 7th consecutive championship bound UCLA team in Knight’s second year of coaching at Indiana, but had won it all on three consecutive occasions prior to the Minneapolis loss. I have fond memories of those years, and they certainly spoiled me on expectations for Indiana basketball. That was a time when we were a perennial power and Final Four appearances were a rule rather than a rarity. I’m not bitter!

After another frustrating I.U. basketball season, I have my doubts that the program will ever see another Final Four, at least in my lifetime. This I never imagined 20 years ago. At least it will say on my virtual tombstone “Been There. Done That.” Speaking of things I never expected to see, it was almost Purdue’s turn this year, as they have somehow managed to build a far superior team with strong future expectations. The Boilermakers and Spartans led the BIG conference again this year and both made it to the Elite Eight. Only the Spartans advanced to Minneapolis and the U.S. Bank Stadium excitement. Indiana finished the year with a bitter loss to Wichita State in the disrespected N.I.T.

I remember how embarrassing it was to drive down to Bloomington, Indiana and watch the Hoosiers lose to Lipscomb University 74-69 in 2008. I had never even heard of the Nashville based school before that time. It was all part of a season that started in Maui with two losses in the Invitational and a narrow consolation victory over lowly Chaminade. The only good thing about that trip is that my friends and I ended up spending less time in the gym as spectators and more time in the glorious sunshine. It ended up being the worst season in the history of Indiana Basketball, finishing with the fewest W’s (6) since 1915–16 and a 1–17 conference record. The only win was against Iowa at Assembly Hall. That was ten years ago and marked the transition from Kelvin Sampson to Tom Crean following disastrous NCAA sanctions. This is when the bitterness really started.

Kelvin Sampson took his Houston Cougars to the Sweet Sixteen this year, while Indiana struggled under second year coach Archie Miller. Even Lipscomb was making fun of Indiana’s #1 seed in the N.I.T. “Coming live from Assembly Hall, 45% of the time they lose every time” was their Twitter statement as both teams were scraping for a spot in the Big Dance. Lipscomb ended up with a #5 seed in the Little Dance, but advanced to the Championship game after easily beating I.U. eliminator Wichita State at the Garden. The Bison then lost to Champion Texas who showed their worth as a #1 seed -just one more thing that I.U. could not accomplish this year. At least, Tom Crean, who now coaches the Georgia Bulldogs failed to make either tournament. I think you can feel my bitterness.

It seems of late that the teams I want to win consistently finish second. My adopted Oregon Ducks men’s team barely failed to get to the Final Four, while their women’s team lost in a close Final Four match-up against top ranked Baylor. In the smaller of the round ball battles, the struggling Cubs won big in their season opener to give me a false sense of positive momentum but have fallen short in six straight thanks to poor relief pitching. The “W” flag has not been flying for a week. Even my White Sox have somehow performed better, but they are still only 3-4. My I.U. frustrations have extended into baseball season with the only consolation being a 3-5 Cardinals start – each St. Louis loss is a victory for me. This shows how desperate I am to share my bitter misery with my friends. It’s as pathetic as I.U. free throw shooting and Cubs pitching, and you can brand me with a bitter “L” on my forehead.

And, one last reason to be bitter, after watching this year’s Final Four. Kyle Guy of Indianapolis just hit a clutch three and made three last-second free throws to lead the Virginia Cavaliers to their first National Championship appearance. Kyle attended Lawrence Central High School and was the 2016 Indiana Mr. Basketball. He had deep Indiana roots with a great grandfather who was the commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association and in the Indiana High School Hall of Fame for both basketball and football. I.U. somehow let him slip away in the recruiting wars, just like Michigan State’s Aaron Henry of Ben Davis High School in Indy. Granted, we got home grown one-and-done Romeo Langford, who brought much needed optimism to the program but in the end failed to meet expectations. Coach Archie Miller has made some inroads with in-state recruiting at I.U., but in the bitter end we’ve fallen short on keeping great players from crossing the border. Should we build a wall?

Retirement is not without Hassles: Thai Sunset #891

March 29, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Another sweaty four miles this morning, trying to burn off yesterdays cheeseburger spring rolls. It’s now my favorite Thai dish, designed to dip in ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. Unique foods like this are why I travel the world. Any dish that I can find that does not require utensils is big in my cook book. However, I was surprised to find out that in Thailand they do not typically use chopsticks. Spring rolls are particularly hard to handle between two wooden sticks.

We met some fellow Hoosiers at the pool yesterday here in Phuket. We actually lounged next to them all day long without a word spoken. It wasn’t until my cousin showed up for Happy Hour in an I.U. T-shirt that the ice was broken.The comment, “You would look better in Black & Gold,” told us immediately he was a Purdue grad, feeling cocky about their success in the NCAA tournament. Fortunately, his wife was a fellow I.U. under-grad like my cousin and I, while he had a Masters from the Business School.

Since it’s Friday morning in this Time Zone, the Thursday night tournament session was actually early this morning and Purdue beat Tennessee in overtime to advance to the Elite 8 for the first time in 18 years. As we sit poolside next to him again today, I can feel his Boiler pride. He’s on a work Visa and they now live in Singapore but are originally from Columbus, Indiana. Meeting them is another “small world” travel phenomenon. We did find some additional commonality in the Cubs Opening Day victory over the Texas Rangers that took place in the middle of the night here.

Diet Coke does not exist in Thailand, but even if it did Marriott would’t serve it. I’m often forced to drink Pepsi Max at this resort. We did however also buy some Coca-Cola – No Sugar at the local grocery. None of these options are as good as a Diet Coke, so I am suffering a bit here in paradise. We also keep a supply of bananas and Oreos in our full kitchen, along with some dinner leftovers of fried rice and pasta. I’m sure I’ll be up a few pounds when I step on the home scale. I will say though that I haven’t sweated this much in a long time. Maybe that will help in the “Battle of the Bulge.”

I continue to marvel at the magnificence of this resort, with all the comforts of home. However, once you wander into some of the nearby rural areas you’re suddenly in “third world” poverty. The loop that I run around the lagoon has some homeless camps, restaurant shanties with tarp covered roofs, and there’s rubbish scattered everywhere, even around the make-shift shrines. The area hotels all have security guards and gates in front, separating those that have from those that don’t. I remain impressed by how hard-working and service-oriented the Thai people truly are, and the friendly hospitality that they exude.

I’m grossly over-tipping out of both ignorance and guilt. I’ve found that there’s a 10% service charge built in to most checks, but still continue to add 20%. This means I’m even supplementing that tax, hoping in my small way to breathe some life into the local Thai economy. There remains some guilt on miscalculating conversion rates on all those .65 cent tips early in the trip. Then I remember that wealth is not all about bahts or dollars here in Thailand, it’s about having a turquoise ocean in your backyard. We ended another perfect afternoon with a Thai massage and a priceless sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Retirement is not without Hassles: Paradise #890

March 27, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Just another day in Paradise, with a few more to go here in Phuket. We had another great dinner last night, but the Thai spices are hard on my digestive system. I think I’m ready for a steak, but instead it looks like Italian tonight. My wife is making the reservation as I write. I sometimes think that the first thing she thinks of every morning is where our next meal will be, while I’m contemplating another “Tums for the Tummy.” A run will help, so as soon as she gets ready we’ll take a stroll by the beach and around the lagoon. Swamp does not seem like the appropriate term for Paradise, but it did have a stinky, damp smell. We did not see any strange creatures, just a pack of black dogs romping on the beach.

There were no thunderstorms yesterday, unlike our narrow escapes from heavy afternoon rains the previous two days. We spent the day at the pool, and I have the skin color to prove it. “Red Man,” my wife called me last night, despite the use of a 30 sun screen. I did run back and forth to the Renaissance to watch the game in the morning, but other than that I spent about 6-hours on my back reading the Girl of Venice – in and out of the pool to cool-off. This morning I’m already quite sweaty after 4 miles of hot, steamy roadwork. My wife, of course, had to stop and read a restaurant menu. We did find a third Marriott property along the main road, just beyond Micky Monkey Beach and the Renaissance. Maybe the beach got its unusual name because there’s a full-sized flying trapeze and a school where they teach the basic aerial arts? It does not have anything to do with Mickey Mouse.

Regular season Major League Baseball starts at just past 1 a.m. Phuket time. I doubt that I will see the opening pitch as I traditionally try to do. By the time I get up tomorrow morning, the full slate of Opening Day games will have been completed and the Sweet Sixteen will tip- off with Florida State playing Gonzaga at 6:09 a.m. Both Oregon vs. Virginia and Purdue vs. Tennessee follow. All three of these games will have a strong bearing on my bracket standings. Up until this point, I’ve been surprisingly competitive in both friendly pools, with pride more than money at stake.

It will be in the 90’s again today with rain later tonight. It’s time to head to the pool with a new book, Swimming Lessons, and a quick dip wash off some of this lagoon odor. My cousin is meeting us for drinks at 3 this afternoon after his Thai language class. Maybe he’ll teach me a few new words besides Wat (Temple), Nahm (Water), and Hong (Room). Put two of these together and you get Toilet or Water Room. The Temple throne is inside. Outside is simply Paradise.

Old Sport Shorts: NIT #889

March 26, 2019 / mikeljohnston1 / 0 Comments

Not In Tournament. I keep telling myself this yet here I am in Phuket, Thailand up at 6 a.m. monitoring the Indiana Hoosiers against Wichita State on the internet. As soon as it gets light outside, I will run over to the nearby Renaissance Hotel and actually watch the second half with my cousin. THAIU. A fellow I.U. Alumni, he lives in Thailand part of the year to teach English to Chinese kids. This involves a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection on his computer that apparently has a secondary benefit of tricking ESPN into identifying his location to be within the United States. My computer won’t allow me to watch the game here in Thailand, as I learned from trying to tune-in the previous two I.U. basketball games. Hopefully, the game will remain close at halftime when I arrive there on foot. I’m just waiting for the sun to come up so I don’t have to navigate the narrow road in the dark.

The game is starting out in typical I.U. fashion this season with poor shooting and sloppy turnovers. We’ve already fallen behind by 11 and only have 13 points with less than 8 minutes to go in the half. Romeo Langford is not playing again due to an “NBA related injury” so the spotlight is on Juwan Morgan, playing his final game at Assembly Hall. The winner goes on to Madison Square Garden for the Championship round of four. The goal at this point would be to simply stay in range and hope for a better second half, as has often been the case with this team. Inconsistency has been their trademark with long scoring droughts and silly ball handling errors. They are often hard to watch, so going out of my way to do so may be a bad idea. The last time these two teams played was in the actual 2015 NCAA Tournament, so both programs have fallen on hard times. Wichita State won that game 81-76 to advance to the Sweet 16. Hopefully, things turn sour this morning for the Shockers!

I.U. was down by seven points when I made the one-mile-plus run to my cousin’s hotel, extending my running streak to 3,741 consecutive days. They made a run to eventually tie the score but sputtered pathetically in the end to lose by ten 73-63. I knew that when The Shockers hit the 60 mark first that the game was over. They hit eleven 3-pointers and made 18 of 25 free throws. The Hoosiers were a miserable 7-13 from the free throw line and only 33.3% behind the arc. As a result, The Shockers are going to a “Garden Party” and the Hoosiers are going back to class. It used to be that the first sign of spring was that I.U. was still playing basketball and Purdue was not. Instead, the Boilermakers are in the Sweet 16 and will play Tennessee on Thursday (Friday morning at 6:20 a.m. here in Thailand). The good news is that I don’t have to watch I.U. any more this miserable season. As I ran back another mile from my cousin’s hotel to mine along the beach, I also savored the additional good news that I’m in beautiful Phuket, and it’s only a short walk to the pool to drown my basketball sorrows. Besides, baseball season starts tomorrow!