Member for

13 years 2 months
Points
52.00

Recent Comments

Date Title Body
My brother and I attended…

My brother and I attended this game. It was a bit of a shocker in that Bo rarely won a bowl game. The Husker fans were super nice post game. My favorite memory was finding a sports bar nearby where my Bruin bro could watch his UCLA team after the UM game. We found a bar that had photos of Bill Freehan, Dick McAuliffe, the Gator, and other 1968 Tigers. Behind the bar was a beautiful prematurely grey young woman.  Yep, the owner - Jim Northrup’s daughter.  My age! I tried to impress, tried to make convo, tried everything in my pathetic book of flirting, but she was as surly as the Grey Fox. I was shut down as if facing our Wolverine defense.  A great memory nonetheless. Go Blue!

Bama big.  Koegel Viennas…

Bama big.  Koegel Viennas properly burned on a charcoal grill.  Nikka Coffey gin dry martini.

Night of the Wolverine by…

Night of the Wolverine by Dave Graney & the Coral Snakes

I have been a resident of

I have been a resident of Austin for years and have many Longhorn and Aggie friends.  I also have a son at College Station, a daughter who graduated from the University of Michigan, and a TCU grad.  Given the countless Big 12 games and campuses I have visiited, A&M is far more classy than Sparty.  Not even in the same zip code. A&M is actually closer to UM's fan base than UT, as Longhorn Nation disappears when the winning stops.  Now Texas Tech maybe ...

 

The Kinks - any run of their

The Kinks - any run of their golden age lps - Face to Face, Something Else, Village Green Preservation Society, Arthur, Lola vs Powerman..., and Muswell Hillbillies.

Just don't.

Just don't.

West Texas A&M Buffaloes

Just south of the panhandle.

Almost had a heart attack

as I initially thought you meant Mattison ... death wheeze ...

High Schools

Seegoblu - my kids went to Westlake (EANES ISD).  As Silvermassy mentioned, it is known to be very strong academically, both in Central Texas and across the state (US News and World Report gives Westlake high marks FWIW).  My wife and I couldn't be more pleased with the education our daughters received (and son still receiving).  While there is some of the "keep up with the Jones" Silvermassy refers to due to the socioeconomic makeup of Westlake parents, I see more competitiveness around earning strong grades and getting into colleges of choice.  Westlake is still a public school - I liken the academic environment to UM, more friendly and helpful than snobby and private.

Anderson, Austin, Vandergrift and Lake Travis are all excellent high schools as well.  You may want to consider work location as it relates to school districts.  Lake Travis and Vandergrift are quite far from downtown Austin.  If you are working far west or northwest, then these schools would be great choices but if you are working in central Austin, the lack of freeways and heavy traffic could wear you down.  Westlake covers much of west Austin, Austin High closer in to downtown and Anderson covers more of north central Austin.  If you are working from home, Lake Travis ISD and Vandergrift gives you access to lake life, pretty views and water sports whereas the more centrally located schools give you better access to Austin.

My wife and I are happy to help offline if you like.  Go Blue.

Austin-based since 2006

I have lived in some great cities across the US and abroad and Austin easily tops my list.  The city is pretty, with great weather 9 months out of the year, and has fantastic music, food and sports scenes.  What I like best is the diversity of it's population - techies, BBQ bubba's, politicians, students, cowboys, entrepreneurs, music hipsters, church goers, party goers, athletes, normal Joe's - and just how damn friendly folks are here.

Two of our daughters went through their high school years in Austin (one of whom I am proud to say is now a Jr. at UM) and our son is still in high school.  Your teenagers will get a great education as the schools in Austin are very, very good.  

I have a pretty good network in Austin and am happy to connect directly if you want more perspective.  My wife can wax poetic around neighborhoods and school districts.  Good luck making your decision.

BGE

Austin-based Wolverine who works at Stubb's BBQ.  No question - splurge and get a Green Egg.  Don't get the largest size - more coals and harder to control the temp.  Spend more on good charcoal, preferably lump.  The BGE is great for smoking and seering.  I have a Genesis too and it's more for the wife.  While not available in the Lone Star State, always smoke or grill with a Bell's Oberon in your hand.  I'm stuck with lesser beers and ales.

 

Generational advice

I outfitted my daughter (born early 90's) in UM cheerleader garb. Michigan was equal to Disney. Ensconced in AustinTX she eventually blew off the Longhorns for UM. Do not waver - stay focused.

Vampyros Lesbos

Thank you Blue! Celebrating by listening to the soundtrack from this classic 1971 West German/Spanish film soundtrack, accompanied by a fine aged wine from the early 90's. Go Blue...Blau...Azul!

Baseball retro

George Sisler

Charlie Gerhinger

Bill Freehan

Rick Leach

I knew Ryan Swope and he is no Denard Robinson

But he is a hell of a football player. I am Austin TX based and Swope is one talented dude. He went to to the same high school as my kids - Westlake High (alumni include Drew Brees, Nick Foles, Tanner Price). Followed him for 8 years. Pick him in future fantasy football leagues. Having said that, Go Blue.

UCLA

Fight fight fight

Brian - the kid makes it harder

Brian - hate to tell you this but having a kid doesn't lessen the pain any.  Yeah - youv'e got the distraction element but not much else.  Maybe another shoulder to cry on.  Actually it can get tougher.  My kids went from cute to mocking to now having a freshman at UM calling me and asking what the hell just happened in Arlington and how should she deal with depression (drink, wait - don't drink says the dad).  

 

Not diabolical enough - need to triple cross

Brian - your list does not induce the required fear and loathing.  I fear a larger number of fans than we care to admit would clap their hands and sing along to a couple of your choices.  

Here's a short list of songs intended to cripple, insult or lobotomize:

  1. The Tourniquet of Roses by the Residents
  2. Happy Boy by the Beat Farmers
  3. The NIght of the Wolverine by Dave Graney & the Coral Snakes
  4. The Strain (a song about taking a dump) by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
  5. Let It Be by Amorphous Androgynous
  6. The Weeping Song by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
  7. Sometimes I Wish I Was A Pretty Girl by Robyn Hitchcock
  8. Lime Green Jelly (from the Classic LP - Songs for Swinging Larvae) by Renaldo & The Loaf
  9. Fat Man by Lydia Lunch
  10. Put Your Ear to the Ground and Open Your Heart to the Sky by John Giorno
Sparty is what Sparty does

A brutal game but the high road presser makes me feel damn proud to be a Wolverine.