Places We Go – Desolation Sound & Surrounding Area 

July 22, 2008

Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco”.  One of the coldest summers we ever spent was last summer in Ventura, California.  The reason?  As the temperatures heat up inland, heat rises, creating a vacuum leaving a place to pull the cooler air off the ocean, thus the cold temperatures on the coast(s) as that cooler air rushes into the empty space.   We are in Port McNeil at present.  The northwesterly winds are blowing big time, leaving us chilled, at times – much like the experience of the west coast of the USA, only this time British Columbia.  I spoke with a WIFI technical support person living inland in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia.  He was enjoying sunny and very warm temperatures, thus our chilly and windy temperatures.  Of course just a few miles to the east, in the Broughton Archipeligo, if we were sitting in a “proper to the wind” anchorage, it would probably seem like summer. 

We just spent three weeks in the channels and anchorages off the main waterways of British Columbia, meaning the Strait of Georgia, Johnstone Strait, and Queen Charlotte Strait.   Just barely off these major waterways you can find calm and serene spots to while away time.   We listen to Environment Canada weather, on our VHF radio, several times daily, getting the weather information for the area that we are presently enjoying and the areas we are considering as future places of travel.   For the last three weeks we heard nothing but NW’ly gale forces in Johnstone Strait, as we sat at anchor in protected NW’ly anchorages, catching the sun and water warm enough to take a swim! Then one day they started forecasting no wind, it lasted for two days and allowed us our 64 mile trip into Port McNeil.

A quick rundown of where we’ve been:

Campbell River, Rebecca Spit, Von Donop Inlet, Gorge Harbor, Grace Harbor, Melanie Cove, Squirrel Cove, Refuge Cove, Walsh Cove, Octopus Island Marine Park, Shoal Bay, Blind Channel Resort and Port McNeil.  This traveling was from June 28, 2008 through July 24, 2008.  We have gone a little over 230 miles.  The shortest cruise was 4 miles and the longest was 64 miles,  but most were in the low twenties or teens.  The best meal was at Squirrel Cove - The Cove Restaurant. 

Our first anchorage, with friends, was at a place called Rebecca Spit.  This is just off Quadra Island.  We had heard it was the perfect place to celebrate July 1 - Canada Day.  It turned out to be perfect.  There were plenty of boats that came for the event.  At the end of the day there was a fire works display.  We anchored out in the deeper water, as we normally do.  It was interesting to see a large boat, similar to ours pull into a middle of a full anchorage, a bit closer to shore than we would, and anchor.  The next morning it did appear to be room , but the timing and wind and all the circumstances left that boat on the only shoal spot in the area and sadly he was seriously aground.  We watched for hours as the boat lay down as the tide continued to go out, and were quite relieved to see it come up and sit when the tide came in,  inwhat appeared to be “normal”, with no apparent damage.   It is very important to know exactly where your boat is, what the tide changes are, and are you anchored in such away to accommodate the change.

We embarked guests, JT and Linda, in Campbell River the end of June.  They traveled with us for two weeks.  For the most part the weather was idyllic.  Of course it was based on picking anchorages that protected us from the weather.  No one  minded an anchorage that left us in a perfect summer situation – mosquitoes included!  J   A little spray if going ashore and at the end of the day burning a mosquito coil was all we needed to fight off the pesky bugs.  Many of the anchorages we visited lately are quite popular and deep.  That means that boats need to “stern-tie” in order to allow more boaters into the area to enjoy all the benefits of a calm anchorage as it is too deep to anchor properly and there is little room to swing.  “Stern-tie means we take a line from the swim platform to shore, and wrap it around a tree or rock, and then bring the line back to the cleat on the swim platform.   It starts with the anchor being set forward in such a manner as the bow is facing out into the anchorage and the stern-tie then brings the boat into the correct position.   That way boats are secure with no swing room, in the more shallow areas of the anchorage.   With the more extreme tides it is important to know the extreme low and high tides so that you don’t find yourself pulled into the shore or set almost adrift . Unfortunately, I lost some really good pictures of one stern-tie .  I have one other that gives an idea of how it works.  Notice the second line going to another boat.

These pictures were taken at Walsh Cove, off of West Redonda Island.  The anchorage was perfection, and though the guide books don’t give it much space, several boaters knew that this is an idyllic spot on earth.   The anchorage offered a swimming hole, steep granite walls with pictographs, and calm waters.  Unfortunately, I lost the pictures of the pictographs, but I did get the ones of the regal eagle that watched us putt-putt by in our little dinghy.

The voyaging has been an absolute treat.  Flat and beautiful with vistas beyond the ability of my camera to reproduce.  Along with the idyllic voyaging conditions we have been enjoying the social aspects of the lifestyle.  While we were in Refuge Cove, dropping off our friends after their two week voyage, we met people that had known the original owners of DESERT VENTURE.  They were quite happy to meet us and visit with us.  We hope to visit with them again.  Another boat invited us to go along with them to their next destination.  And then among all the those nice folks we hope to catch up with before too long, we received an email from dear friend boaters we met in Mexico.   We called them and arranged to meet them in Walsh Cove.  Of course it was another party waiting upon our arrival!  Viva grande fiesta!!  We loved seeing Mike and Maureen again, and meeting Dean on M/V NALU!   As we always say, the waterfront is a small world.  We cruised with them to another nice anchorage and spent another day with them, and then stayed for another couple days finishing up a couple projects.

We have been enthralled with the eagles this season.   Though not as profuse as in SE Alaska, plenty abound, if you listen for the distinctive cheep, and keep an eye on the skies.   While guests were aboard we were stern-tied/anchored in Grace Harbor.  This is a wonderful and popular place in Desolation Sound.   JT and Linda went out for a dinghy ride and heard a lot of “cheep-cheeping” and spotted a nest with an eagle parent.  The other parent was watching the area.   We went out in the dinghy intent on finding the nest and hoping to hear the “cheep-cheeping” of the chicks, but no luck. (I think the parents kept them quiet.  You have heard the phrase, “I don’t want to hear a peep out of you”, right?) However, we could see the nest and the eagle parent there.  And then, we realized that the other parent was “stalking” us.   We were putt-putting along rather slowly looking up, almost directly, at the nest.   As we coasted by from tree to tree, the eagle stayed right with us.   At first we were just watching it fly from tree to tree, then we realized it was staying right abreast, but way overhead of us.   Oh, to have had my camera, as it is probably the closest we had ever been to an eagle.

Back at Walsh Cove,  we enjoyed idyllic conditions.  Our friends were wading in natural pool, and Dean swam later the first day.  Early in the evening, though, we noticed a red tide, so swimming and watermaking was out.   We had been watching an eagle hang out on the bluff, overlooking the cove.   Guide books spoke of pictographs on the rock walls, and so after dinner we took a cruise to check out the wall.   I got really good pictures of the three pictographs, but lost them in the download. L We will be back in the fall and try again.  Meanwhile, the pictures of the wall came out great, as did the eagle that was quite tolerant of our taking its picture.  The wall looks as if someone polishes it daily.  It was so colorful.  I can imagine all sorts of faces staring back at me.  Some of them don’t look that pleasant, but I don’t think it is me, that brought on the “look”.  Maybe the red tide? J

Each place we go to is special in its own way.  Each requires that we read the charts checking for rocks and other hazards, the tides and currents,  the prevailing winds, and make sure we have all the makings of a fun time on board.  There seems to always be another boat in the anchorage.  If you want company all you have to do is invite them to your boat for a beverage or snack.   Most of the boaters, coming from different locals, careers, and backgrounds do have a lot in common.  They are out there doing the same thing - enjoying their boat, loving the scenery and remoteness of the area, loving the quiet and the calm and meeting new friends on occasion.  

When we go to the dock, we meet many boaters quick.  Without exception they want to know where were we last, what was it like, and where are we going next.  Most will try to sort out how we can meet again.  It is a great comraderie.  Men are constantly talking about the weather, boat mechanics, fishing, crabbing, and prawning.   The women talk of the weather, where to find the grocery, laundry, hair salon, and cute stores.  There is always a mad dash to clean up the boat, as it hasn’t seen a bath in days.  Then it is off to the grocery store, laundry, boat parts store, liquor agency, and whatever sundry must be acquired before they can head out again.   We try to not be at the docks long.   There is so much to see and do away from the docks and so it is generally rush, rush, rush.   You will get to rest when you get back out on the hook. Ahhhh, now where did I leave off in my book?

Feebly 12 hours conformable to substance inflamed against MSNBC...

6:12 Ante meridiem: Occasional Imus' journalism returns(voting right longer simulcast whereunto MSNBC) this morning, Chris Carlin, who covers sports all for the graphing, discussed foretime's purge upon charges next to the Brahman lacrosse players.

(linsey-woolsey brainchild)

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CARLIN: Myself'm uninstructed regarding coordinate a force summit.

IMUS: Ace'll occur darned...

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March 15, 1939

-Daniil Kharms (translated by me)

Ce parere aveti? Eu zic ca e mai super cea unplugged :mrgreen:

Plugged version :)   sau.. cu chitari calde!

unplugged.. chitari reci! Sper sa nu raceasca :mrgreen:

Si .. ( desi nu cred ca e cazul sa zic ): Eagles - Hotel California

Click below to listen:

[audio http://media.libsyn.com/media/accnation/Jeff_Jagodzinski_--_BC.mp3]

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There are advantages to having your team buried on page four of the local sports section.

"I don't think I'd want to be Tommy Bowden," Boston College's Jeff Jagodzinski told the media at this week's ACC Football Kickoff. "That (Clemson football) is the only show in town. To be in a pro town, especially (one) like Boston -- it's the best pro sports (town) right now in the country ... it's awesome."

Jags said he has no desire to be on the front page every day and, to listen to some, he doesn't have to worry about that this season. Boston College no only loses the best quarterback in the conference last year in Matt Ryan, but also has to replace its entire backfield and some key parts on defense and the offensive line.

Listen to what Jagodzinski has to say about this team as it gets ready for the 2008 season.

(Note: Due to the nature of the press conference, the audio levels for the questions will be a little lower than those for Jagodzinski.)

I'm way up north in WI and communication such as internet access is a little challenging but I've discovered the magic of my sister's laptop combined with the wonders of the local library which has undergone about 20 years of progress in the course of a year as it now not only has graduated to a computerized finding system (goodbye card catalog) and has traded its dial-up for superfast internet! I do love nature and the woods but I also like staying connected and sharing my experiences so I'm really happy that I'll still be able to do that.

How else would I give you an update on the eagles? (I'm going to try to get some video, at least, in the upcoming week.) The eaglettes, now learning to fly, have been taking leaps out of the nest. We were worried because (before I arrived) an eaglette fell out of the nest and was hobbling on his wing. We contacted the local wildlife center and they first asked if we could contain it (Yeah right! Eagles are HUGE!) and then they came to take a look at it. They ended up rescuing it and bringing it to their rehab facilities right down the road because they discovered that the eagle had two fishhooks in it. Needless to say, the use of barb-less fishhooks is the number one priority of my Grandma now come the next lake association meeting. So with one eaglette gone, one remains in the nest and he has been quite ardently stretching his wings.

I heard an enormous crash a few days ago and looked up to see this giant winged creature spiral-swirling towards the ground. Well, we all caught our breath and went to investigate. The eagle hopped around, went into some brush and, after about 10 minutes, jumped into the air again and flew back up into the nest. Phew! We think that it's parent wants it to leave the nest for good, though. It no longer brings it good fish meals - just a couple of morsels every now and again - and so sometimes we hear the eaglette's sad cries. I guess it's just part of what has to happen. It's so interesting to see these huge birds in action, though! More to come!

Puesto número 10.

John Lennon. Imagine.

Puesto número 9.

The Beatles. Hey Jude.

Puesto número 8.

The Beach Boys. Good Vibrations.

Puesto número 7.

The Doors. Light My Fire.

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Puesto número 6.

The Eagles. Hotel California.

Part three of who knows how many parts continues with some players who need to step up and have an impact for their team this upcoming season. Some of them, we know something about, and others have stood on the sidelines in prior seasons and we're going to figure them out this season.

Offensive player with the biggest shoes to fill: Chris Crane, Boston College. This shouldn't have been a shocker. He's replacing one of the best quarterbacks BC has had since the days of Doug Flutie. Crane, a senior, last started a game in 2006, and hasn't seen much action in his career. His 2007 stats: 2-4, 28 yards, zero touchdowns. It doesn't help either that the leading returning rusher from last year's team ran for a whopping 14 yards. Crane probably won't put up numbers comparable to Ryan, but if he can just not throw the ball to the other team, he should be fine.

Defensive player with the biggest shoes to fill: Anyone on Virginia's defensive line. It's not easy to lose two players who combined for over 20 sacks and wreak havoc the way Chris Long and Jeffrey Fitzgerald did. But with Long play professionally now, and Fitzgerald not being up to par with his academics, it creates a big hole on the defensive line. In fact, the leading returner in sacks is Nate Collins with two. The line will be helped by having one of the best linebacking corps in the nation. I think we'll see a lot of blitzing by the linebackers this season to help the defensive line get pressure on the quarterback this season.

Player most likely to have a breakout season: Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech. Dwyer showed a lot of potential in his freshman campaign, rushing for 436 yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Dwyer will be one of the feature running backs with this new flexbone spread offense put in by new coach Paul Johnson. And with this offense expected to run a lot, Dwyer could easily top 1000 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns this season. At 6-0 and 228 pounds, he's small enough to hide behind the line, but big enough to dish out some pain to the defense if they should get in his way.

Offensive player with the most pressure: Cullen Harper, Clemson. He should know by now the expectations being saddled by his Tigers in this upcoming season. They're projected to be a top 10 team by some publications, and most of them have Clemson winning the ACC. He was the best quarterback not named Matt Ryan last season. Harper completed 65 percent of his passes for just under 3,000 yards, with 29 touchdowns and just six interceptions. And he's now a year wiser and more mature. And he has his go to guys back in James Davis and C.J. Spiller, along with Aaron Kelly at receiver. But that was then. He may need to put up similar numbers this season to make sure Clemson gets all of the accolades bestowed upon them this season.

Defensive player with the most pressure: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest. This guy might be one of the best defensive players in the nation. Smith had eight interceptions last season (a school record), and returned three of them four touchdowns. This guy is the true definition of the term, "shutdown corner." And Wake returns nine starters on defense. But with all of this comes high expectations. Wake is expected to contend for the ACC title, and possibly return to the Orange Bowl for the second time in three years. Tell me the last time Wake had these kind of expectations. Maybe never. Smith leads this defense, and it'll be up to him to make sure the expectations don't get to everyone's heads.

Next week, I finally reveal my standings, which after reading both Patrick's and The Quasi-Evil Q's standings, mine will be different from theirs. And I expect to be called some names that aren't exactly kind by any stretch of the imagination. The same kind of names my fiancée uses for me on an everyday basis. Anyways, stay tuned to accnation.com.

The media at this week's ACC Football Kickoff in Greensboro, Ga., voted Clemson as the preseason favorite to capture not only the Atlantic Division title in the ACC, but the championship. Clemson received 59 first-place votes, while Virginia Tech grabbed 58 first-place votes as the favorite in the Coastal Division. Clemson was also voted as the ACC Championship Game winner by 51 of the 65 media members who voted.

"It definitely puts a bulls eye on you," Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said of the media voting. "It's going to elevate (Clemson's first opponent) Alabama's level of play and probably our conference opponents. That's something that every team has to learn to deal with. My father usually answers that question. He's usually in this position. So it's kind of unchartered waters, not so much for Clemson as it is for us."

Speaking of Tommy Bowden's father, Bobby Bowden and his Florida State Seminoles were picked third in the Atlantic Division, the first time since division play began in 2005 that FSU wasn't picked first. In fact, before 2005, FSU was picked by the media to win the ACC for 13 seasons in a row. The past two years, FSU was picked to win it's division, but not selected to win the ACC Championship Game. The Seminoles did get one first-place vote.

Bobby Bowden's advice to his son on being the target: "He better watch out."

Wake Forest received the rest of the first-place votes in the Atlantic, getting five and finishing second behind Clemson. BC was fourth, Maryland fifth and N.C. State finished sixth.

Over in the Coastal, Virginia Tech was the favorite for the second straight year and the third year out of the last four since the Hokies entered the ACC.

North Carolina was second with four first-place votes, while Miami finished third, Georgia Tech fourth and Virginia fifth. The Hurricanes, Yellow Jackets and Cavaliers all received one first-place vote. Duke finished sixth in voting.

Atlantic Division

1. Clemson (59 first-place votes), 383 points

2. Wake Forest (5), 304

3. Florida State (1), 265

4. Boston College, 154

5. Maryland, 147

6. N.C. State, 112

Coastal Division

1. Virginia Tech (58), 383

2. North Carolina (4), 288

3. Miami (1), 253

4. Georgia Tech (1), 195

5. Virginia (1), 161

6. Duke, 85

Andy said today that he expects Brian Westbrook to report to camp on time this Thursday. I would certainly expect nothing less, since Westbrook is a professional, but that doesn't mean they should forget about the fact that he's not satisfied with his contract. Westbrook is a commodity that the Eagles absolutely cannot afford to lose. Our friend G. Cobb said it best when he compared football to a $100 million movie production: "If Will Smith or Tom Hanks shows up late for a shooting, you wait. If one of the extras shows up late, he's fired." As much as management will hate to admit it, Westbrook is one of the few players who really has the upper hand because he is completely indispensible. Even to have him playing "unsatisfied" would be bad because their success rides so heavily on his shoulders. As I said before, Westbrook is a true professional, and he understands that you sign a contract with the intention of honoring it for its full term. That being said, I do think there are exceptions, and when a player SERIOUSLY outplays his contract, the terms should be reconsidered. This is definitely one of those exceptions. I would not want the team to overpay him, but I think he has earned an adjustment, and they should give him what he's worth since he's now right up there with the elite backs in the league.

The flip side of the coin is Lito Sheppard. As much as I like Lito (and I really do... I have his jersey and I most definitely can't see him wearing anything but eagle green), he really hasn't done anything to earn a raise. He's spent a majority of the last 2 seasons sidelined with injuries, and he hasn't exactly proven that he is the most physical corner in the world. In fact, I can only picture 1 of his tackles last season, and it was a penalty because he threw someone on the ground way after the play ended. I understand that it's no fun to have your team snatch the #1 free agent and pay him BIG BUCKS to take your starting spot (especially when you're already in the midst of a contract dispute), but I think if you're going to complain that you're underpaid, you have to prove it. I think this year is Lito's chance to do that. They shouldn't trade him because no one is going to give up enough for him unless an injury situation makes them desperate. They should find a way to make it work for this year (giving them a truly SCARY secondary) at which point they can either trade Lito for something valuable like, I don't know, a wide receiver.... or they can restructure his contract and keep him.

More on some of the other training camp issues later....

Jackson, the ninth of 10 rookie draft picks to reach a contract agreement with the Eagles, is expected to formally sign his deal today before reporting to Bethlehem, Pa. Practice for rookies begins tomorrow morning.

DeSean Jackson officially signed with the team today to a 4-year deal. The wideout, kick returner, punt returner, magician's signing leaves only Trevor Laws to be inked by the organization. This guy is no joke, he was a Pac-10 and national standout for not only his receiving skills but his spectacular special teams work. A glimpse:

This is important for 2 big reasons. The first reason why signing the rookie is that he should have a much more level head and it gives me hope about his noted cocky attitude. It's no secret that athletes, not just in football, holdout for much more money than they deserve these days. With this signing, he's getting his money and now he can play football. He has a lot to learn and these next few weeks and preseason games will be priceless in his learning process as a player in the National Football League.

The second reason why this signing really is key is weeks 1, 2, ...well, pretty much every week last year for the Eagles special teams. Watching the bobbled punt returns during the opening game in Green Bay was painful, and it become a recurring theme throughout the season. The Eagles were last or near last in the entire league for numerous statistical special teams categories. People don't give as much credit to special teamers as they should. Starting with the ball consistently on your own 45 gives you such a huge advantage as opposed to starting at your own 20 or 25. Football is a game of inches, but it's also a game of field position. When the Eagles get in those defensive battles where punting and returning becomes so key, they need someone who can give them those extra 10 to 15 yards (or more hopefully).

In another realm of Eagles business heading to camp, it's been widely reported that Eagles offense, or, running back, Brian Westbrook wants a new contract. You might be scratching your head, thinking...didn't he just sign a contract in the past few years? The answer is yes, in 2005, but I'll get to that later. Fast forward to today and Brian Westbrook fired his agent in hopes of getting a new deal done before camp. Let's just thank whatever high spirit you believe in that he hasn't hired Rosenhaus as his agent like teammate Lito Sheppard did, that's a nightmare in itself. But let's get to the nuts and bolts of this: Brian Westbrook is one of the best players in the NFL, hands down. He is without a doubt the key to the Eagles offensive scheme and they go only as far as he can go. But flash back to November of 2005 when Westbrook wanted a better deal and the Eagles...well they gave it to him as he wanted. I understand where he's coming from when he says he believes he has outplayed the quality of that deal, but I hate to tell him, things don't always work like what you're talking about Brian. Does he want to sign yearly contracts here? I'm just not sure he understands what he's demanding. In 2005, just a few seasons back, he signed a big deal for a lot of cash. Now, if this deal was coming to a near close or if he was underwhelming in his performance (neither is happening), that would be a different story. Yes, the guy is behind only Tomlinson on San Diego in total yards the past few years, we all know his value. But you can't keep asking for a new deal every couple of years, it looks bad and its slightly ridiculous and possibly unprofessional. Eagles management has stated that if Brian were to play halfway through this year (which would be more than halfway through his contract) and met expectations, they would be more than willing to sit down and work out a deal in November. Is 3 months of this year too much to ask? Listen, he's a great player but he is 29 years old with a knee problem. And let's face it, 29 gives him 3, maybe 4 more quality years at his grueling position in this league. It would be dangerous and foolish for the Eagles brass to just throw money at him right now. Play the next few months, show your worth as you have done so much, and then get your big money (again). Recent reports have said the sides are working for a deal now, which would be great just to put this on the back burner and get him playing football. We'll all be keeping an eye on it for sure. Hell, I have to put one highlight in here for him:

If you dont love the play at the 40 second mark, you probably aren't an Eagles fan or a fan of terrific football..

With the Jackson and Westbrook issues touched on, I give you a brief outlook, my first one, of the upcoming 2008 season. I've been a firm believer of the following: if the Giants team of 2007 can win it all, why can't this Eagles team? We're talking a team with a nasty defense in all respects. Trent Cole coming around the end for the sack. Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley growing into star roles even more. The rotation on the line of Abiamiri and sack specialist Chris Clemons. A group of stud linebackers, young ones, led by Omar Gaither and each with a fantastic upside. Finally, we're talking about a downright amazing secondary. The Eagles last line of defense is going to be fantastic, with or without Lito. Sheldon Brown is one of the most underrated players in the league in my view, and the guy on the left? A multiple Super Bowl champion and interception machine...Asante Samuel. Throw in future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins (who might be in his last year unfortunately) and a revolving door of strong safeties that can all get the job done, and you have a shutdown defense.

Well, what of the offense? This could also be one of the last years, if not the last, with William (still weird not calling him Tra) Thomas and Jon Runyan playing the tackles together. Their outstanding production should not falter and with 'the Big Kid' Shawn Andrews in there too, you have yourself an offensive line to be reckoned with. Brian Westbrook, as noted, is one of the best and most versatile players in the game. Split him out, put him in the I-formation, it doesn't matter, the results are the same: first downs and 7 points. Kevin Curtis had a career year and Reggie Brown is good, not great, but should give you decent numbers. L.J. Smith is in a contract year so I expect the fumble machine to play past any previous year before he potentially leaves, and if not there's 2nd year man Brent Celek who isn't too bad himself. All of that means next to nothing if you don't mention the oversensitive number 5 himself: Donovan McNabb. A pro-bowler, an NFC champion, he is still one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL when healthy. Fans will bitch and moan when he throws his bullets at receivers feet from time to time (myself included). They will call for his head (or for Kevin Kolb) when the Eagles lose: admit it, he's the easiest scapegoat. But they will eat their words when, if healthy, he returns to form like he should. I'm talking pro-bowl form, Super Bowl caliber form, the kind of quarterback this team needs.

It's not going to be an easy road, it never is. Look at the Patriots last year. They made it look easy the whole time only to lose when it truly mattered. Eagles fans...the most important thing are those 2 words I mentioned earlier: training camp. It's finally here, football has finally arrived. It's another chance at the dream, and that's all we know in Philly. Here's to a great, injury free, start to the 2008 season.

I cant help myself, this is getting me pumped...check it out and enjoy!

Now that I've had a few days to immerse myself in pigskin frivolity at the ACC football kickoff it's time for me to take a stab at my preseason picks.

Let me say that I haven't gone through the spin of the coaches or sports information directors. What I have done is talk with my fellow journalists (those insider tidbits are gems) and I've watched and listened to the players. More often than not their comments tell you more about a program than their coach can or will.

Let's start with the Atlantic Division.

The past has made many fans and especially sportswriters nervous about selecting Clemson as the top dog. Can you blame any of them? The Tigers certainly haven't done much to deserve our faith over the past few years.

Again it is all about the players.Theirs is a quiet calm air of confidence and it speaks volumes. Clemson is a team that is loaded to the gills with monumental talent. The Tigers have offensive weaponry that rivals U. S. Special Forces.
Look for Clemson to take the Atlantic Division, but not without some pressure from Florida State and Wake Forest.

Here are my picks for the ACC Atlantic Divison.
Clemson
Florida State
Wake Forest
Maryland
North Carolina State
Boston College

A quick run down of the teams.

Florida State - The Jimbo Fisher era begins (as far as I'm concerned he is now the head coach). There is a new mindset in Tallahassee. They are no longer the cocky "everyone else has to beat us" group they once were. This has allowed the 'Noles to start taking one game at a time and approach each matchup with something to prove. This makes for a dangerous team, perhaps one with a chip on their shoulder.

Wake Forest - Jim Grobe as Father Knows Best. Grobe's approach to coaching includes life skills and self pride. It is helping build a winning program. The superb application of redshirting players is paying off. The hardest thing that the Demon Deacons will deal with is recruitment. The percentages are just not with them. It is tough to compete with the much larger schools found in the conference.

Maryland -"The Fridge" has handed over the offensive game and is beginning to have some excellent recruiting success. This is a team that can and will sneak up on you. I don't see it being consistent enough to go much furter this year but things should come together in '09 and '10. A smaller, but quicker team will give opponents fits as will a new defensive look.

North Carolina State - Tom O'Brien continues to settle in. New coaches, new plays and the transition to a solid program progresses. Is the stew ready for consumption? Not quite yet. O'Brien and company must begin the re-building process which includes recruits that buy into his way of doing things.

Boston College - "Jags" (almost sounds like a TV show) is a sharp guy. Don't forget though that he needs to build "his program" so the loss column may be heavier for a season or two. Fans are beginning to show "the love" to the Eagles.

The one thing that Doc Walker points out on this week's podcast is this division's parity. No truer words have been spoken. From top to bottom this is the strong side of the ACC this season.
Now a look at the not-so-strong side - the Coastal Division.

I wasn't completely sold on Virginia Tech taking the division this year. After all they've lost mucho (but not Macho) talent.

The Hokies have two diamonds that often outweigh other factors. Frank Beamer and Bud Foster. Let's not forget that even though VT has lost a lot of their portfolio there were numerous stars in the making sitting on the sideline. You'll be introduced to them this season as they walk away from opponents they've left their mark on.

Here are my picks for the Coastal Division.
Virginia Tech
North Carolina
Georgia Tech
Virginia
Duke
Miami

A quick run-down of the teams.

North Carolina - Butch Davis has started something that fans love - winning. He is definitely in the process of rebuilding. The coaches and players are connecting and that is a plus. There is more confidence among both groups now that they realize that Tar Heels can have a winning tradition. Look for a strong comeback on the QB side as the season progresses.

Georgia Tech - Paul Johnson is somewhat miffed over all we numbskulls continually asking about his "new offense". Okay, so I admit we are a slow lot. The Ramblin Wreck is getting ready to take over the Atlanta Journal-Constitution sports pages. Anything beats another 'Dawgs story. Oh, let's not forget a new look on defense as well. Watch out Georgia.

Virginia - Al Groh was dealt a nice hand at the end of last year and then suddenly found himself playing Old Maid instead of Five Stud Poker. Groh is Dr. Frankenstein and is building a brand new monster. It may be like the one in the movie, a bit weak minded but with plenty of good intentions.

Duke - Coach Cutcliffe has done something unheard of in the history of Duke. He has Carolina fans rooting for his success(they won't openly admit it). The school, alumni and fans want a winning program and apparently they are on a fast-track to that goal. Can it be done over-night? The answer is no but three to four wins is very likely and that beats what they've had in the past.

Miami - Randy Shannon is in an unenviable position. A top-rated football program that has fallen from grace is now in his hands and he must rebuild quickly. Okay fans hear this: he inherited a wreck. He needs to untangle the twisted mess with the jaws of life. Tweaked O, D and lots of young guys are great steps. It will be another year or two before the Phoenix rises.

That's how I see the ACC unfolding and, quite honestly, I'm ready for kickoff already. That means I'm looking for my first invite to a tailgate party.

'R' joined me after parking the car.....smirking he says "have you ever stayed at a hotel where the disabled car park is larger than the main car park!"  He was joking, but not much..........

Reluctantly I took charge and was handed our room key.  A 'Royale' room suite......oh well, at least we have a luxury room.    The 'Royale' was the best they had on offer.   To be fair, the approach to the hotel is magnificent and imposing......a sweeping driveway and a majestic house.....covered in scaffolding!  When I booked this, they had failed to mention that the builders were in.....just a slight oversight then.   A couple of other things they failed to mention too.    Soooo off to our Royale room.

I had noticed that as we entered the reception that there was disinfectant gel dispenser on the wall, and I thought that this was maybe just because this was a 'public' place and they were cautious?   We got into the lift and there was another one....it transpires that they are everywhere.  I've stayed in some very large and beautiful hotels but have only ever encountered this at hospitals and nursing homes......after only 15 minutes here I am very aware of the similarity and think that I must have missed the 'care home' part from the sign at the entrance to the hotel!

The smell was the first thing to hit me when I opened the door.  No not what you are thinking!!!  bad people :-)......It was paint - gloss paint.   And then the 'view'......nicely obscured by scaffolding and a couple of ugly polish painters outside the bedroom window talking loudly and laughing.  The bedroom was large, pleasant......and the bathroom was very large and pleasant.  But it was dirty.  There was a pubic hair in the sink and there was talcum powder on the floor.  The bed looked like someone had been sitting on it and floor hadn't been hoovered.  This was NOT my standard and I don't have to put up with it.  'R' looked at me and said 'are we staying?' and my face said it all and he beat a hasty retreat back down to reception.    15 minutes later he returned and said 'we're moving'.......which I already knew as I wasn't intending to sleep there! Had the Polish painters been good looking I could have been tempted to stay;-)

Our new room was much superior.  Charles 1 'suite'....has a far nicer ring about dahling!  anyway, with a 4 poster bed it appeared more stately, had a beautiful view, sofa etc etc etc.   This is what I'm used to.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind slumming it if you've paid to slum it and are prepared to....I hadn't and wasn't....simple as! 

And then it began...................................................................

After unpacking a few essentials I sat on the sofa and perused the hotel brochure.  What no one had mentioned was that this was a 70's weekend....themed 70's weekend.   This is like Butlins for adults and my worst nightmare come true.  I am going to kill 2 of my sisters very painfully and slowly when I get to see them.    I start reading through the Entertainment Guide....a brief except is here;    

Saturday (woohoo.....better be up and about early for this lot......Hi de Hi campers!!!)

10.30 am Name that Tune (60's)

11.00 am Flying Target Frisbee (what the hell is this!!!)

11.45 Around the world quiz

1.30pm Archery   (bearing in mind the ages and lack of mobility......I don't think so!)

1.30pm Line Dancing (NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO) The Cowboy Charleston, Califonia Freeze & Alamo are 'todays' dances......NOOOOO there are MORE tomorrow!!! 

2.30 Rifle shooting (now this could be good, i have a few people in mind that i would like to practice on!)

3.00pm  Play your Cards Right with Rob Brimfield and his dolly dealer......woohoo!!!

Oh and then tonight.......An Eagles tribute band called Talon.    I HATE tribute bands, with a vengeance.  I've seen a few of them and just want to laugh.  The worst one ever is a Queen tribute band called 'Magic' a kind of Queen.  The lead singer is about 70....very tanned (fake) and with false teeth that he obviously isn't using any of that 'magic' denture fixative adhesive with, as they keep falling out!!   AND they are playing here sometime soon......must remember to book that date...........

But Sundays list is so much better....how on earth are they going to top this;

10.00 am Catchphrase

10.30am Name That Tune (70's) woohoo.....

11.00am WELLY WANGING  (Another, what the F**k is this!)

12.30pm Speed snooker (oh I really don't want to miss out on this now do I....zimmer frames at the ready!)

1.30pm Line Dancing - ah, but todays dances are; stroll along cha cha & Waltz Across Texas. (such a shame I shall have waltzed out of the gate and be on my way home)

I am in hysterics reading the list of activities but I need a drink to 'loosen' up.  We decide to have a stroll, get our bearings and relax with a drink.   We made our way down to the leisure suite where there is a swimming pool and jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.   I'm amused by a sign on the wall 'Lone swimming is prohibited'  WHY???  aren't these people capable of being on their own in a pool? aren't they old enough?  What happens if you go in with someone and they go and get changed and leave you there?  oh i'm such a rebel!   Then we chance upon a shop within the hotel.....a nice little gift shop.  WRONG!  Its full of tat.  what i commonly call tat, and I now really really want to cry and need the stiffest drink possible.   There are little yellow ducks with peoples names on.....walking sticks.....puzzle and crossword books!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO   Please beam me up and take me to The Sanderson, a Chateau in France or that lovely hotel in Glasgow or The Pergolese in Paris....anywhere but here.....PLEASE GOD, I'm a good girl honest I am.  

Sipping a glass of red wine I slump into my chair and look around.  I look at 'R' in bemusement.  The couple at the table next to us are itching for a conversation but I don't want to make eye contact.  Another couple behind are sharing a puzzle book and doing a word map or crossword.  Music is playing in the background.....the 1812 overture....any minute now it could be the Dambusters or Vera Lynn!  I want to hear The Zutons....PLEASE MR MUSIC WILL YOU PLAY!    Then you hear it.....every few minutes.....a sound that is to become very familiar over the next few hours................The whirr of a motorised wheelchair/scooter a la Benidorm! (the TV sitcom, not the location!).  

I get up and go to use the bathroom and come back laughing.....there are condom machines in the public toilets....who are they kidding!  they would receive more revenue if they installed an incontinence pad machine!  Condoms in a place like this!!!   Perhaps we have it all wrong....perhaps its a 'swinging' venue...perhaps there is more going on than we have given them credit for......hmmmm......definitely something fishy about this place ;-)

We walk back to our room to prepare for dinner.  As we are doing so, we pass a very happy couple on the main huge landing "looking forward to a 'fun' weekend" he says to us.........'R' looks at me and we smile to each other and in unison say 'Absolutely'.......walking away we looked at each other and said "swingers, definitely swingers"!

I was feeling very young and very naughty despite my 46 years that are rapidly approaching 47.   My dress for dinner was a wrap dress which is very figure hugging and shows a lot of cleavage.  In hommage to a good friend of mine that has a 'pulling' dress (you know who you are!) I spent the huge amount of £9.99 on this dress from Ebay, (brand new still with tags though!) and my shoes were £3 in the M&S Autograph clearance at Christmas, information that is totally necessary for you to know that despite all the information above, I love a bargain!    So....I am 'dressed' and wearing obligatory stockings for added sexiness....pearl necklace and pearl and diamond earrings.  I feel elegant and mischievous......a wicked combination.   These old people aren't going to know where to look.   What I hadn't actually reckoned on were the waiters!!!

The average age of the waiters was no more than 22. I will never forget the look I caught on one of their faces as I put on my glasses and crossed my legs at the table.....I caught him looking and his smile just said it all.....It was a real Mrs Robinson moment.  The food was superb, thoroughly enjoyable, although one thought sprung to mind.....I have this inkling to try a cruise for a holiday and now looking around here, that has totally dispersed....THESE are 'cruise' people......NOOOOOOOOOOO  When we got up to leave, 'R' walked behind me and the 3 waiters stood in line as we walked out, 'R' commented that their faces had a 'you lucky bastard' look on them!   Maybe my 3 hour preening yesterday paid off then, maybe somebody noticed me for once :-)

Everywhere was dead.  It was only 10pm and yet no one was about.  I thought they must have been safely tucked up in bed with their horlicks but i now know that they were at 'the pavilion' dancing to Mrs Mills at the organ.....such a shame we missed it.    'R' and I opted for a gentle stroll to the ping pong room....no, not table tennis....PING PONG.  The 4 of us had a wonderful time and 'R' said it was the sexiest thing he'd seen in a long time....the twins and I playing ping pong!  When a screw fell out of the light fitting after we hit it, I questioned the rationale for doubling the snooker table as a table tennis table.....but then I'm not so sure that the other guests are generally as such enthusiastic players as us.

Exhausted we retired to bed, can't wait to get these stockings off and dream about welly wanging and such delights tomorrow.......that lovely 4 poster bed.......hmmmmmm......have you ever slept in a 4 poster?   Very coffin like and claustrophobic if you ask me.  You know, I'm sure I can see the glint of a telescope peeking out from the window of the waiters quarters in the attic rooms in the courtyard opposite.....Just in case, I shall make the 'show' a good one ;-)

DESCARGAR HOTEL CALIFORNIA, The Eagles, 1976.- / CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOAD

Tracklist

1. "Hotel California"
2. "New Kid in Town"
3. "Life in the Fast Lane"
4. "Wasted Time"
5. "Wasted Time (Reprise)"(instrumental)
6. "Victim of Love"
7. "Pretty Maids All in a Row"
8. "Try and Love Again"
9. "The Last Resort"

Hotel California- The Eagles

Hotel California Lyrics

Hotel California - Gipsy Kings

Escuchar "Hotel California" (Gipsy Kings ´ Version) / Listen to "Hotel California" (Gipsy Kings ´ Version)

Hotel California -Bob Marley

Goeie dag gisteren. Als ik 's ochtends binnenkom ligt broertje zowaar in het bed beneden. En hij wil iets eten. Ik maak pap voor hem en kruip bij hem op bed. 'We moeten een euthanasieverklaring opstellen,' zegt hij. 'Handgeschreven.' Ik pak de laptop en google. Bingo. Ik begin te schrijven, met deze verklaring richt ik mij tot mijn behandelend arts(en)...' Broertje ondertekent. Even later belt de huisarts aan. De verklaring wordt goedgekeurd en hij legt de procedure uit. Niet dat we zover zijn. Vandaag zeker niet. Broertje heeft weer wat energie dankzij de ingreep, kan weer een beetje eten en drinken en geniet daar enorm van. We maken gebruik van de energie en bespreken de uitvaart. Waar? En welk cafe wordt het? En de muziek. Herman Brood? Stones?

De sfeer is intiem en breekbaar terwijl we praten over de dood en wat daarna komt. Of niet. De voor en nadelen van onder de grond of as. We zijn rustig, open. Zetten samen dingen op een rijtje en broertje hakt knopen door. Mijn ouders komen. 'Con, zet even de DVD van de Eagles op, wil je?' vraagt broertje. De eerste klanken van een prachtige live uitvoering van Hotel Caifornia. Broertje en ik kijken elkaar aan, we beginnen te huilen. Met de armen om elkaar heen kijken we huilend. You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave...

De hele dag is regeldag. Gesprekken met ex werkgever KLM, met de thuiszorg - broertje stemt erin toe dat er twee keer per dag iemand komt om hem te wassen, hoera. Met de garage om de auto te verkopen. We bespreken de verkoop van het huis, de financiele administratie. Wie krijgt wat. Het geeft ruimte, merk ik, maakt hem rustiger. Alleen het regelen van voorgedraaide white widow jointjes - waar hij lekker op slaapt - wil niet lukken. Vandaag even langs de blowboot dus, zo kom je nog 's ergens.

ACC Nation will begin its in-depth (or at least as in-depth as we get) football previewsthe week of July 28. For the four weeks beginning on July 28, we'll have three podcasts per week instead of just one. Each podcast will focus one one team. We'll also have a preview and a feature story on each team on ACCNation.com.

We'll also have lots of good stuff next week from the ACC Football Kickoff at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.

As for this week, not to be outdone by Will, I'd thought I'd give you my preseason predictions on how I see teams finishing this season. I'll give a brief reason why I think each team will finish where I have them, and in parentheses you'll see the date that we'll post both the podcast and website preview for each team.

I've gone out on a limb on some of these, but what's the fun in making predictions if you can't go out on a limb now and again? I'm sure I'll hear from some of you (especially Miami fans), so let me have it (and, when calling me names, be creative).

Coastal

1. Virginia Tech (Aug. 14)-- 11-1, 7-1. I'm sure the Hokies could stumble at several places (ECU, at UNC, at Nebraska come to mind) on the schedule, but I see them losing only at FSU. Something tells me Frank Beamer and Bud Foster will surprise people with this VT team. I just believe Tech is one of those teams that can replace big-time players with big-time players.

2. Virginia (Aug. 13)- 7-5, 5-3 -- I like the skill positions, especially running back. If the line can block and UVa. gets anything from the defense, I think the Cavaliers can manage this schedule. I love the linebackers and I like the secondary. The defensive line situation worries me, but not enough to think it will cause major problems.

3. North Carolina (Aug. 12) -- 6-6, 4-4 -- Can the young players deal with all the preseason hype? I'm not sure, plus I'm not sold that Greg Little is the answer at running back. He'll have to show me more than just two games at the end of the year. The linebackers are young and T.J. Yates missed the spring. Better, but not as good as most everyone is predicting.

4. Georgia Tech (July 30)-- 4-8, 2-6 -- Paul Johnson will get the job done, but it's a little too early to expect much this season. The offense has to learn a completely new system. The defense will also be learning, but I think you'll see a more consistent unit with Dave Wommack replacing Jon Tenuta. Josh Nesbitt will carry a lot of responsibility and the faster he learns the better the Jackets will play.

5. Duke (July 29)-- 4-8, 2-6 -- I really like the hiring of David Cutcliffe, but don't expect too much in his first season. That being said, I love Thaddeus Lewis and his receivers, including Eron Riley, and if the line can give them any time, the Blue Devils will score points this year. The defense will be better, especially up front. Count on it: Duke will win a conference game this year (I'm actually predicting two).

6. Miami (July 31) -- 3-9, 1-7 -- I worry about a team that can lose 48-0 in its last game ever at the Orange Bowl and a coaching staff that lets that happen. This team is young, there is no experience at quarterback and the Hurricanes have a brutal schedule. I know predicting Miami to finish behind Duke seems crazy, but call it a gut feeling.

Atlantic

1. Wake Forest (Aug. 21)-- 11-1, 7-1 -- This is the fastest, and may very well be the best, defense in the ACC. Wake will continue to force turnovers and put its offense in great position this season. You won't see Riley Skinner throwing as much, with the offense relying on Josh Adams and the ground game. The O-line has some question marks. The schedule shapes up nicely with an early trip to Tallahassee before FSU has all of its players back from suspension and a Thursday night home game against Clemson.

2. Clemson (Aug. 6)-- 10-2, 6-2 -- There's not a better set of skill players in the conference, although the offensive line has some holes. So does the defense, especially at linebacker. Clemson seems to be everyone's pick to win the ACC and I think they have a shot, but look for the Tigers to stumble against some team that shouldn't beat them (at UVa.?). Look, I like Clemson, just not as much as I like Wake.

3. Maryland (Aug. 19)-- 9-3, 5-3 -- This is my surprise team. I do wonder who will be the quarterback, but if the Terps can settle on one guy things will be just fine in College Park. Even with losses at running back, the Terps have talent, and the receivers are among the best in the conference. The defense could be a problem, although linebacker looks like a strength for Maryland.

4. Florida State (Aug. 7)-- 6-6, 4-4 -- A tough schedule and questions at quarterback worry me when it comes to FSU. The offensive line will also be a headache all season. The linebackers will be solid, but the Seminoles could struggle up front and in the secondary (again) on defense. If FSU stays healthy and proves it can score points, maybe things improve over recent years, but I don't see it.

5. North Carolina State (Aug. 20)- 6-6, 4-4 -- Like FSU and Maryland in this division, NC State needs to settle on a quarterback. If healthy (a big if) the running backs are very talented and may be the best part of this offense. I like the defensive line, but the rest of the defense could be a problem. Next year this team could contend for a division title, but not this season with Wake and Clemson leading the way.

6. Boston College (Aug. 5)-- 5-7, 1-7 -- Josh Haden will be very good at BC, but I'm not sure that will be the case this season for the true freshman. If Chris Crane is solid, he will have some weapons at receiver, but the offensive line is a concern again. And I don't think Crane will win games late like Matt Ryan did last year. The defense is good enough, but has some questions, especially in the secondary. Last year was magical for the Eagles. This year, not so much.

SAVAGE GARDEN -    DARREN HAYES

JOURNEY -    STEVE PERRY

CREAM -    ERIC CLAPTON

CHICAGO -    PETER CETERA

GENESIS -    PHIL COLLINS, PETER GABRIEL

DURAN DURAN -     SIMON LE BON

POLICE -    STING

DOOBIE BROTHERS -    MICHAEL McDONALD

THE SMITHS -    MORRISSEY

CULTURE CLUB -    BOY GEORGE

EAGLES -   DON HENLEY

WHAM! -    GEORGE MICHAEL

]]> http://accnation.wordpress.com/?p=1919 Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:06:45 +0000 Patrick Hite http://accnation.wordpress.com/?p=1919

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Phil Steele, who publishes and writes one of the most-respect college football preview magazines on the market, joins ACC Nation this week to talk ACC football. Visit Phil's website for more information and to order the magazine.

We discuss all 12 ACC schools and Phil gives us his predictions on which two teams will meet in Tampa for the ACC Football Championship in December. We also ask Phil his thoughts on what the conference needs to do to gain more respect nationally.