Columbus > San Francisco

About a month ago, I was asked to do a Women’s Volleyball Regional at Stanford. I said yes because I had never been to Stanford.

When I was researching what airport to use, I discovered that Stanford was outside San Francisco.
Really?
For some reason, I thought Stanford was in Washington.

Anyway, the discovery of it being outside of San Fran was HUGE! I have never been to San Fran! AND I have friends there das boot!

John & Jeanne are friends of mine from Ft. Myers. I worked with John at WINK back in 1995. They moved to Columbus when he took a job at WSYX. Several months later, WSYX was looking for a lead Chyron operator/trainer and John knew just the person for that job…. The rest is history.

So even though I “blame” my (now) best friend Patty for me moving to Columbus (she hired me), it’s truly not ALL her fault. John is the one who got the ball rolling.

On a side note, I also went to high school with John's brother & sister in-law.  It's a small world!
Anyway – after moving to Columbus, I became close with John’s wife, Jeanne. Eventually, we lived about 3 blocks apart and spent tons of time together. We were both very excited when I bought my house in 1999. I was only about 4 miles away – and there were tons of projects for Jeanne and I to do with the new house!

Unfortunately, soon after I moved into the house, John took a job in San Fran and they moved away. :(

All these years… I never got a game in San Fran.
Jeanne did come to LA once when I was doing boxing at the Playboy Mansion – but I think that is the only time we have seen each other in the past 10 years.

I don't have any photos of Jeanne and I on that trip - but here is one of me in "the grotto"










You better believe I scrubbed my self with anti-bac the second I crawled out of there!

So that brings us to today….. I am going to see John & Jeanne!!! Not only do I get to see them, I am staying with them for the weekend. I am super excited!!

I flew out at the crack-o-dawn just so I could get there and have most of today to spend with them. I got in a little late due to strong winds.

I found their house with no issue.
Wow – houses are so different there! Very interesting architecture. All the homes are separate, yet touch each other. They are all 2-story from the front, however, some have a 3rd story that you can not see from the front façade.

Jeanne and I picked up John from the dentist and then went for a late lunch. I forget where we ate, but it was fabulous!!

We hung out for a few hours at home and then headed downtown to Union Square. We put in our names at the Burger Bar and then wandered around Macy’s for a while. 

The Burger Bar was very good! Any/every kind of burger you can imagine!

After dinner, we drove around for a while.

They took me to Lombard Street – the crookedest street in America. It is a brick street with 8 sharp switchbacks on a 27% grade slope. Some of the most expensive homes/real estate is on this street. However, there is a constant stream of tourists driving down it and taking photos at the bottom.
(Photos to come later – in daylight)

2 blocks away is Filbert Street…..(between Hyde & Leavenworth) YOWZA!
Filbert Street has a 31.5% grade! Which means you enter the intersection and literally can not see the street ahead of you!
(Photos to come later – in daylight)

They wanted to show me the Golden Gate Bridge, however, the lights were not on tonite. Apparently, they randomly turn the lights off at night – some anti-terrorism tactic.

We ventured back home and I hit the hay…. I had been awake for 22 hours!

Columbus

Wisconsin vs Ohio State Women’s CBB – BTN – 2 ET

Was back at Ohio State today – but for a women’s game.

As you know, I love doing OSU Women’s games because of Brittany. Her brother is an old friend of mine.

Actually, he, his wife and daughter flew up for today’s game.

After the game, we all went to BW3s for dinner. It was my first time meeting Amy and Marley – she is even cuter in person!

It was a lot of fun hanging out with them all.

Columbus

Eastern Michigan vs Ohio State Men’s CBB – Noon ET – ESPNU

Getting up at 4am sucked – but there was reward … the old “breakfast club” was back together again!

Back in the day, we did almost every Ohio State Men’s (home) basketball game each season for ESPNPlus. The majority of the Saturday games were noon tips, so we got accustomed to spending out Saturday mornings together.

Our last game was February 21, 2007.
Group photo:

Not everyone working was in the photo – but it’s hard to get us all in the same place at the same time.

In the fall of 2008, Big Ten Network debuted. Therefore, Ohio State basketball was never again the same.

We had one game on ESPNU in the 2008-09 season which the majority of us worked. However, this season, we have 2!!

It was just awesome to all be together again, working the same venue and the same team we had covered for so many years on a regular basis.

The game was of course a blow out as expected.

It was also terrifying for Ohio State. A few minutes into the game, Evan Turner’s hands slipped off the rim on a dunk and fell on his back. It was a horrible fall. The endless replays made us all wince.

Thankfully, he was able to walk off the court, however, we all knew it was a bad injury.

Columbus > Fairborn, OH

Cleveland State vs Wright State – ESPNU – 9 pm et


I feel like it’s groundhog day.
I seem to be stuck in this pattern of getting up and going to a basketball game.

Today I went over to Dayton, well technically, it’s Fairborn.

Good day! Worked with a lot of my friends – always great to see/work with the “Ohio Mafia” (not sure who gave us that label or why?)

But 9pm games suck!
So late when you get out of work.

They had booked me a hotel room but I cancelled it earlier in the week. It’s only a hour drive. Well that was a mistake! I was so freaking tired on that drive back!

Columbus

Florida State vs Ohio State – Men’s CBB – Big Ten/ACC Challenge

Got up early and finished the drive back to Columbus. I didn’t have time to stop at home. I was picking up my friend Amy (Iowa Amy), from her hotel. She had just flown in to work the game and she was on far less sleep than I.

We had about 30 minutes to spare – so we went to Tim Horton’s. She had never been to one before. We stocked up on donuts & hot chocolate to get us thru the day!

It was so wonderful working with her again. I wish we could still do so every week!

Columbus > Bloomington, IN

November 30th – December 1st

Maryland vs Indiana – Men’s CBB – Big Ten/ACC Challenge

On Monday, I unpacked, did some laundry, re-packed and headed out again. Got a much later start than I had hoped, but made it to Bloomington just fine.


Didn't visit my godson, who lives in Bloomington, but there just was not going to be time on this trip.

Tuesday morning I headed over to the truck. Was it really time to do another game? I just did 6 in a row!

Went to Scholars Inn for lunch with Jason. Very good little place!

Game went well. Afterwards, I set out towards Richmond, IN. It is kinda the halfway point between Bloomington and home. Got there around 1am or so.

Orlando

November 24th – 29th

Old Spice Classic – Feast Week Presented by Lowe’s – ESPN Family of Networks

Flew down early on Tuesday morning – looking forward to a day by the pool in sunny Orlando! We were staying at a new hotel this year; not “on property” (of the Mouse House).

It went just almost as well as my day in the sun last Thursday in Tampa.

Landed just after 11am. But my luggage did not.

This has happened before a few times – it’s always on the next flight from Atlanta. There is one just about every hour. So I inquired at the baggage office – there was nothing in my file other than I had checked it in, in Columbus. But the agent agreed it was likely on the next flight that was about to land.

Nope.

The next flight was going to land in 2 hours.

So I headed out to pick up some stuff at Publix and then on to the hotel to check in.

I really wasn’t too angry. It was totally overcast and there was not a chance of getting a single ray of sunshine.

A flight was landing around 2:30, so I planned on being back at the airport by 3. They do deliver late luggage – but they had already lost it once today, I wasn’t counting on them to deliver it to the correct hotel!

I called a little after 2… my luggage had been found!
It was indeed on the flight with me that landed in Orlando hours ago – they just forgot to take it off the plane. So it wasn’t discovered until the plane got back to Atlanta.

It was due to land just before 4pm.

$7 in tolls & parking later, I had my coveted bags!

Got unpacked and “settled”. Then headed out to dinner with the other operator on this show, Ben. We have done this event since the beginning.

We went to a Brazilian steakhouse. It was of course, fabulous! I ate too much of the salad bar and didn’t have enough room for all the filet mignon that I had wanted.

Wednesday, our set day, was good. There are always issues since we have 2 machines – but we manage to solve them! (Usually Ben does).

This year we were thrown a curve ball…. Due to budget cuts, we could not have a B Unit for the 2nd Duet. They looked into an office trailer, a common rental for ESPN Compounds. However, the Mouse House has numerous new rules in effect due to the 2 deaths that have occurred on property over the past year. In order for us to have an office trailer, it was going to require numerous permits and was going to have to be made hurricane proof (ie: strapped to the ground), thus making it even more expensive than a B Unit.

So, they rented a RV!

What?
Apparently there were no any Mouse rules about a RV.

Yes, the 2nd Duet was set up at the dining room table of a RV.
It was pretty bizarro!

On Thursday, I did the 12 & 2:30pm games.

They went fine. Afterwards, my AP, Katie and I, stayed for a few hours to prep for our Friday games.

My parents drove up on Thursday afternoon with a cooler full of Thanksgiving dinner leftovers and were waiting for me in my room when I got back. Yum!

It was a quick evening since it was after 8:30 when I got to the hotel.

Friday, again the 12 & 2:30pm games. This time we left shortly after our games though, which was nice!

Upon returning to the hotel, my parents and I walked around the hotel and then had drinks at the bar. Then back to the room for more turkey!

Saturday, my parents headed to Epcot as I headed to work. There were no games today, however, Katie and I needed to prepare for our Sunday games.

I met up with my parents around 3pm at Epcot.

We strolled around Germany, China & Mexico.

China was fun – they had an exhibit of the Terracotta Warriors which was one of our favorites while in China. It was cool to look at these fake ones, knowing we had seen the real deal!

Then headed back to the hotel. I needed to pack and get to bed… as 5am was fast approaching!

Even though I had enough sleep, Katie and I struggled thru our first game. Going on the air at 10a is never easy.

We rallied in game 2 though!

I have to say that my disposition has never been better on this event. I always end up angry and I truly believe it was because we didn’t stay at that dreadful hotel! No one told me to “Have A Magical Day” – wow!

I left the compound around 3:30 and headed to the airport. Ugh. Traveling on Sunday after Thanksgiving is never fun!!

But this time I had a companion…. Madison was coming home with me.
The last time we flew together was when he was about 6 months old. Wow – much easier now! I didn’t have to lay down newspaper in the airport bathroom for him! He was surprisingly heavy though in my shoulder bag.

Am looking forward to having him back in Columbus, in the house I bought for him.
(We were about to get evicted from our apartment due to his behavior issues and separation anxiety when I was at work)

There is a temporary spot awaiting him in the living room. A little shrine of sorts. Figure he can rest there until I come up with another spot. Maybe next to his sister, Pokey, on the armoire?

Louisville > Columbus

Big East Women’s Volleyball Championship


Ugh – woke up very tired!

Got ready and walked down the street to the Convention Center. Why the event was being held here was beyond any of us?!

They had to build a court.


Why when there were ample facilities at the school?

The show was fun. My friend Paul was the AP - always a pleasure!

Afterwards, I headed back to the airport.

Eventually landed back in Columbus around 11:30p after a layover in Cincinnati. What a long, long day!

Columbus > Tampa > Louisville

November 19th – 21st

Louisville vs South Florida – Big East CFB


Flew down early Thursday morning to enjoy some much needed sunshine!
However, a FAA flight computer crashed and had the most of the flights on the east coast grounded for a few hours.

Agh!!!!

So I got into Tampa a few hours later than planned.

Meanwhile, my father was stuck in Atlanta due to the FAA computer issue. So I was attempting to fix his travel situation with Delta.

My wonderful Thursday migraine was building in the background.

Made it up to the pool – FINALLY!
Are you kidding me?

There were 3 chaise lounges with padding. One patio table with 2 chairs.
And 2 beach chairs – which why were these even at a pool?
Their purpose is to sit on the shore and let the waves wash over your feet – they have no point at a pool!


But that was all that was available. Not exactly comfortable.
I lasted about 20 minutes in it before just laying on the cement.

After about 2 hours, I gave up. My migraine was in full swing and I needed darkness.
So I went to my room and laid down for a while. I HAD to kick it because tonight was my last Thursday dinner with the guys.

Eventually, my meds helped dilute the pain a little.

I threw up too and that usually is the sign of things getting better.

So I got ready and headed out for dinner. We ended up at Mitchell’s Seafood Market – which even though I don’t eat seafood, was fine with me because I know they have excellent steaks. It is part of a chain started by a chef in Columbus.

Tonight there was about 10 of us for dinner. I sat on the end because I was fearful I might have to run out at any moment. One bite of bread and I knew ordering dinner had been a mistake.

I could barely keep my eyes open the pain was so bad.

Dinner came – mmm! One of my favorite meals.. Filet mignon, mashed potatoes & asparagus.

I tried taking a bite of the steak and thought for sure I was going to projectile vomit all over the place.

I gave Jason money and told him I had to leave. It broke my heart to miss out on my final Thursday night dinner AND to miss out on a great meal.

But I knew things were about to get violent.

Sure enough, I was 2 steps into the parking lot and I threw up again!

I made my way back to the hotel and went to bed. I put myself into my little coma trance and eventually went to sleep.

Friday morning – all better! Thank god! That one was a doozie!

USF plays at Raymond James Stadium – where the Buccaneers play.
Grr.. another NFL stadium and their security issues.


Jason and I went out to see the field.






Friday night, I had dinner plans with my friend Mark from Pittsburgh. He works on one of the FOX NFL crews and they were doing the game on Sunday in Tampa. Our crews were even staying at the same hotel.

As we were heading out for dinner, we ran into Dave, ironically a stats guy from Columbus. So he joined us as well. Dave and I used to work boxing together years ago – so it was fun to catch up with him!

It was great to see Mark and this gave him ample opportunity for him to give me crap for not visiting last month when I was in Pittsburgh. He claimed the triplets cried when they found out I was in town and didn’t come over. Yeah right! But he did do a good job of making me feel bad.

Saturday was good. Since the NFL crew was setting up, it was tight quarters in the TV compound!


Our truck

2 of their 3 trucks

I hung out with Mark for a while in his truck. Which is always interesting to see how other shows have things set up.

Can't believe my football season is over!!

After the game, I flew to Louisville via Atlanta. While in Atlanta, I caught up with my friend Dave from Cincinnati. We then met up with a few other guys from Ohio and sat in the Delta Sky Club for a while. That always makes travel a little more tolerable when spent with friends.

On my flight from Atlanta to Louisville, I had an insane flight attendant. She was attempting to share her southern charm and zest for life – but basically she came across as an annoying nut job!

She never shut up on the PA. Went on and on about every branch of the military and giving them thanks, which is common. What’s not common is telling us about every person in her family and listing which branch they were in and which war they fought in. Then she went into this tirade about how the coast guard is an often forgotten branch of the military and never get thanked. It was very bizarre.

I just wanted to sleep.

Before landing, she approached each of us in the first class cabin and greeted us by name and shared a little story and thanked us for our loyalty to the airline. Her story for me was how her family was able to eat because she had a job with Delta – without my loyalty to the airline, she wouldn’t have a job and therefore her family would go hungry.

I finally escaped the loony lady and made my way to National to get a car. For a brief moment I considered taking a cab since I didn’t really need a car. But was already closer to National than the taxi stand.

Upon arrival to the hotel, I ran into several other crew members in the lobby. Several people from my football crew also flew from Tampa to Louisville to work the volleyball game tomorrow – but we flew different airlines.

There was only 1 person running the front desk so the line was long.
Next thing you know the flight crew from my flight walks in. Loony Lady recognized me and of course had to come over and talk to me and thank me and blah, blah, blah. Then when she realized I was with co-workers she started telling them what a loyal Delta customer I was.

It was a scene man!

Time for bed – have to be up in 6 hours.

Columbus

A letter came in the mail from National. It was from their 3rd party claims department. I was to call a number in reference to damage to a car I had rented.

I knew EXACTLY what it was about. It’s that missing third row of seats from the Tahoe I rented in Newark and returned in Hartford.

So I call. Sure enough, that’s what this is about.
I explain what happened, with great detail, because thankfully, I can remember obscure details.

Sue says, “Ok, no problem, I will transfer you to someone who can take care of this.”

The next woman comes on the line. Pretends to not know “the story” – so I tell it again. She gets extremely nasty with me and literally says, “Where are the seats?! Sue told me you knew where they were, now tell me where they are!”


"That is a lie. I don't know where the seats are and I never told Sue that I did."



"Don't use that tone with me!"


This went on and on for about 5 minutes. I was being interrogated over a row of seats. It sounded like I was being accused of murder. It was insane!

Here are a few of my favorite quotes…..
“You probably are not familiar with the process of renting cars, but the car is your responsibility.”

“As I mentioned, I am an Executive Elite member, so that means I rent cars on a weekly basis. I understand that the car is my responsibility, however, the seats were never in the vehicle.”

“Why did you take the car if you knew the seats were missing?”

“I didn’t know the seats were missing. My father owns a Tahoe, it doesn’t have a third row of seats.”

“Don’t speak to me that way!

“No, YOU don’t speak to me that way! I am a loyal National customer, I deserve some respect. What the hell do you think I did with a row of seats – put them in the overhead bin?”

Click.
(She hung up on me)


I was beyond furious! I was so angry that I was shaking. The quotes I shared above, were just the funny ones. She said some horrible things to me and treated me like a criminal.

Of course, I would not stand for this.
I understand that this is a third party that National hires to do its claims – basically a collections agency. However, some respect needs to given to loyal customers. Especially innocent loyal customers who were assured by the Hartford National Manager that the issue was taken care of in the first place.

Next call… National Executive Elite Customer Service.

Result – endless apologies and 2 free days.

Louisville > Lynchburg, VA > Columbus

November 15th – 17th

Clemson vs Liberty Men’s Basketball – ESPN 24 Hours of Basketball

Flew into Roanoke. Went to the mall for a while as I had the entire day with nothing to do.

Then made the 1.5 hour drive to Lynchburg – which was an easy drive.

We stayed at a dreadful place in downtown Lynchburg…. Where there is nothing around! There were tons of hotels near Liberty – not sure why we couldn’t stay in one of those. ??

Downtown is pretty much all boarded up. I did go for a walk and there are still some quaint places – but pretty much dead on a Sunday afternoon.


Ya know how smells can bring back memories… well this place (below) made me think of my grandparents (father’s side) farm up in Michigan. The barn smelled like this. And all I was doing was walking by – across the street. Not to mention the fact that the farm was sold like 20 years ago – so that is a childhood memory!






I found this to be interesting…


I ventured on to a “rails to trails” which ran along the river. I wished I had found it earlier as dusk was setting in and I figured it wasn’t safe for me to go much further.


Yummy!


I ended at the only open restaurant in town (literally).


It was an old train depot. The kitchen was 2 freight cars converted into a kitchen. The booth benches were actually pews from an old church in Allentown, PA. It was full of various antiques. The food was ok.

Walked back to the hotel – where I swear to God I was the only guest for the night!

Monday morning, I ventured out again for another walk and some coffee. Still pretty dead… I did find a little shop – had a bagel & coffee and also picked up a sandwich for later.


Eventually went to work – it was a set day.


That evening I went to dinner with a couple of friends – back at the Depot Grille.

Tuesday morning came quick!
We had a 5 am crew call – agh!

Today was 24 Hours of Basketball for ESPN. It started at midnight and goes til midnight tonight. Our game was the 10a game. Not quite as bad as my friend Jason’s game – he had a 6am tip! Ugh!!

The game was ok. Ranked team vs a not so good team.


After the game, I went to lunch with my friend Heather at this diner on campus. It was very interesting – well the conversation at least. She asked our server tons of questions about the school and about the way of life on campus.

For those of you who don’t know, it was founded by Rev. Jerry Falwell. The students have to abide by a code of conduct that is the complete opposite of normal college life. The code of conduct includes possible reprimands and, later, fines, for such activities as attending dances, violating curfew, viewing R-rated movies, drinking, smoking, viewing sexually explicit material, entering the bedroom of a member of the opposite sex, having an abortion, and participating in unauthorized petitions.

She almost seemed brain washed.
Very bizare!

Then I headed back to reality – the airport!
Where I promptly entered the bar to have a few drinks with my friend Dave from Cincinnati. We were on the same flight to Atlanta. We both had some time to spare in Atlanta as well before our flights - so hung out in the Delta Sky Club for awhile.

Louisville, KY

November 12th – 14th

Big East Football - Syracuse vs Louisville

Only 2 more weeks of football (for me) – where has the season gone?!

It was kind of silly for me to fly to Louisville, I know. It’s like a 4 hour drive. But 4 hours is kinda my limit. Really, 2-3 hours is my limit. But since I was going on to another event after this, it was cheaper for me to fly.

Stayed at a Residence Inn. They are not at all what they once were! Well at least not this one. It was ok – but not at all like they were years ago. Even so, it was nice to have a little extra space.

Got a quick work out in before meeting up with the boys for dinner.
We went to Red Star which is downtown in 4th Street Live.


On Friday, we had lunch at the Louisville Cardinal Café which is a themed restaurant near the stadium. I have been there several times over the years.

Jason and I were done really early on Friday afternoon, so we decided to go bowling… our Director came too.

I got some snazzy shoes!


I had not been bowling since I was in Park City for Jonny & Amanda’s wedding. My skills had not gotten any better!


We had a lot of fun. We had wished we had the idea the night before and had made it an event for our crew. Oh well, maybe next season!

Later we went to the Bristol Café for dinner. Very good!


Saturday I wandered around a bit and took some photos after breakfast. Which by the way was the BEST catering we had all season! Everyone was very impressed!

Camera Deck

TV Compound

The game was terrible!
At halftime, the score was 0-0. Only the 2nd game all season in FBS that had no score at the half.
Saturday night I just hung out at the hotel. Since I was going on to another event, I was flying out Sunday morning.

Columbus

Detroit vs Columbus - NHL - CBJ Vision

Well... there was A LOT of scoring... just not the right team.

DET 9

CBJ 1

Columbus

Alcorn State vs Ohio State – Men’s Basketball – Big Ten Network

Tonight was my first BTN game of the season. I am slated for more than usual this season. It turned out to be a great game – stats wise!

Evan Turner scored the 2nd triple-double in team history – which was pretty exciting!

Styx/REO Speedwagon

Tonight, Dave and I met up with Roger & Darlene at the R Bar in the Arena District. We had a few drinks and then headed over to the Styx/REO Speedwagon concert!

We had 3rd row center floor seats.

A fun time was had by all!!

I may have had a few too many beers.


I puked several times later in the night – which is something I haven’t done in a long time!

Columbus > Morgantown, WV > Columbus

November 5th – 8th

Big East Football – Louisville vs West Virginia

On Thursday morning I FINALLY got my hair done. It’s only been since June!

Then I set out on my drive to Morgantown. We all know how much I hate driving – but it just didn’t make sense to fly this weekend. The closest airport is 1.5 hours away in Pittsburgh. For me to fly to the ‘Burgh, I have to connect in Chicago, DC or Philly. Basically it comes down to 7 hours of airports or 4 hours in the car.

I haven’t been to Morgantown in YEARS! I think I was still working at Ch. 6 and freelancing on the side… so that makes it like 2000?

The hotel we stay in is the Waterfront Place… it’s regular hotel and then also a condo building. It’s actually where West Virginia Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins lives.


There was a nice view of the river from my room. If it had been warmer, I would of gone for a nice long walk along the path.


Thursday evening, I went to dinner with the boys at Oliverios. Apparently it is a Morgantown staple. Our producer grew up in nearby Fairmont. He knows one of the owners of the place and so anytime there are ESPN crews in town, they head to Oliverios. Which also got us a bottle of wine on the house.


Very good, authentic Italian!

Friday was a normal set day. No news there.

Friday night, people were headed back to Oliverios, but not me. I stick strong to my Friday night curfew! I headed to the hotel restaurant. It was surprisingly good for a hotel restaurant!

Saturday night, I sat at the hotel bar and had apps for dinner and watched football.

It’s too far of a drive after a game. When I made that drive home from Pittsburgh a few weeks ago after a game – the last hour was brutal!

Sunday morning I drove home. Wow! Not a good day for wildlife along I-70!