Morning Coffee

by Peter Bean on Feb 21, 2007 11:30 PM CST in Quick Hits

Date: Thursday, 2/22/07
Powered By: Red Hook ESB
On the iTunes: Apocalypta: "Reflections Revised"

Ooooh! A new format for the Morning Coffee! Okay, nothing drastic. Rather, I'm trying to write these things in the evening, as carving out time first thing in the morning is rather difficult. So, the new goal is to set aside the time in the evening before bed, pick something from the iTunes, indulge in a beverage, and write. Plus: I think we'll all enjoy comparing notes on music and beer - two of my (your?) favorite subjects.

Some terrific news from MB-TF, as we learn Roddrick Muckelroy is fully healed heading into spring practice. If you've been reading my notes for any amount of time, you know how high I am on Muckelroy, so here's to hoping the nerve damage, which "could have cost him permanent use of his finger," is gone for good. Texas could really use Muck's playmaking abilities on the field in '07.

Some less good news broken in this diary, which noted that 2007 recruit Ahmard Howard has been arrested on marijuana possession charges. Following up at Orangebloods, I learned that both Howard and fellow '07 recruit Brandon Collins were taken into custody, but that both passed a drug test, and appear to have been "victims" of the Wrong Place/Wrong Time thing. The driver of the vehicle they were riding in appears to be the one who's taking the fall here, and though charges will likely be dropped against these two young men, let's hope it's the last time we hear their names in the news for this kind of thing. Must we learn every lesson the hard way, gentlemen? (For me, the answer to that has always been 'yes,' but I hope they're better than me. For the record.)

I speculated below that Texas had moved into a #7 slot in seeding with their win over Texas Tech, and ESPN's Joe Lunardi agrees, moving the 'Horns up a seed in his latest Bracketology. Lots of interesting speculation in the comment section of the post below, including, "Has 54b told one joke too many?" (Miss Oaxaca votes 'no.' Miss Maine votes 'yes.' We'll see.)

The wheels are officially off. The Lady Horns dropped another game last night, this time to Oklahoma State in Austin, 64-52. The loss drops Texas to 5-9 in the Big 12, tied for 9th place. To the Lady Horns fans who are calling for Jody to walk away. . . it's hard to argue.

Double T Nation has the latest on the fate of the Cotton Bowl.

Drifting further off topic here - amazingly, scores of Bill Simmons' readers write in to him with notes that encourage him to write about things other than basketball. Let this be an official vote that Bill Simmons write about nothing but basketball. His latest ruminations on the Las Vegas All Star weekend are delightful. His decision to throw himself into basketball writing of late has been a blessing. Great stuff.

--PB--

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Comments

coffee

I like the additions of music and beverages. I've always felt that non-sports topics had a place somewhere on here.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 21, 2007 11:41 PM CST reply actions

Me too

In the cases where I -do- write these in the mornings, there's always room to talk favorite coffees, too, which for many of us, is a lifeline to the waking world.

And especially in the offseason, there's no reason we can't/shouldn't enhance our pageant talk with some other off topic discussions.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 21, 2007 11:43 PM CST up reply actions

speaking of

I've been seriously considering ordering some 100% Kona Coffee (blends don't do it for me), despite the insane price. But I need to wait until I can spring for a burr grinder. No way would I subject that to a blade. Know any specific companies/roasters in Hawaii you would recommend?

by Jason Mayer on Feb 21, 2007 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

Site

I got some for a friend for a birthday gift, and used this site as my starting place. You can buy through them, or research the farms at the site and go hunting for a solid import price.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 21, 2007 11:55 PM CST up reply actions

site

I was actually poking around that site a couple of weeks ago. There are just so many options, although it would probably be hard to go wrong.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 21, 2007 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

What is the coffee

that they harvest from a certain animal dung? Any one ever tried that?

by Wells on Feb 22, 2007 9:05 AM CST up reply actions

Kopi Luwak

from Indonesia, I think. I don't make enough money to try it.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 9:33 AM CST up reply actions

French press or a machine?

Only on the weekends do I have time to make good coffee. I can't go back to the machine days for the quality brew. I'm a french press only guy now.

Damn... just re-reading that makes me realize what a pansy metro-sexual I've become.

Cats and dogs sleeping together.

by EYESofBEVO on Feb 22, 2007 9:57 AM CST up reply actions

i own and use a french press too, EOB

nothing wrong with working for good coffee, and there's nothing manly about drinking crap.

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 9:59 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly

I made quite a stir at my office when I openly declared the coffee made there wasn't fit for my taste buds. So, now I bring my own every morning.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

If you're going to drink coffee, make it well

French Press is definitely a better cup of coffee and worth the few extra minutes, but if you have a burr grinder and a decent coffee maker you can get a good cup out of that. Just use cold filtered water and get the coffee off of the hot plate and into a thermos and it'll stay good. Good coffee is really good.

by Bob LaBlog on Feb 22, 2007 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

I'm a french press guy as well

Have you found much good coffee in New York, BZ? I find that most of the 30-or-so coffee houses I've tried have been thoroughly disappointing.

by BrooklynHorn on Feb 22, 2007 1:46 PM CST up reply actions

i'm hardly a connoisseur

but i like this place that's on my walk to school, Porto Rico Importing Co. apparently there are a couple in manhattan, but I go to the one on St. Marks between 1st and 2nd.

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 1:55 PM CST up reply actions

Kona

I don't understand the love for Kona. It's expensive because there isn't much of it and it's incredibly consistent. You will never get bitter Kona coffee, but you'll never get a great tasting cup of Kona either? Why not go for Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee instead? Personally, I'll stick with my Sulawesi Kolassi, roasted by Anderson's here in Austin.

by Bob LaBlog on Feb 22, 2007 12:06 PM CST up reply actions

kona

I disagree about never getting a great tasting cup of Kona, but that's more about personal taste than anything.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 1:53 PM CST up reply actions

And for us Limey Longhorns...

... Morning Tea?

On another topic, on another meltdown, the Aggies absolutely demolished the woeful Cowboys 66-46 last night in Stillwater, putting the nail in the coffin on either a NCAA or NIT bid. http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaab/recap;_ylt=Aiij2v2bFkm_hm49LVlrn6TevbYF?gid=200702210446

Their counterpart Cowgirls meanwhile put any slim hope the Texas WBB team had of playing in the post-season to rest, as PB noted above. Texas has lost five straight, marking the first time in the program's 33-year history that the Longhorns have a five-game losing streak. Tiffany Jackson only managed 4 points, but did reach the 1,000 career rebound mark, which doubtless serves as little consolation to her for suffering through the past three years after a Freshman season that showed so much promise. Texas will have very little chance of signing another #1 national recruit (Tiffany and Erika were both at the top of their respective classes, and Brittainey was #3 last year) once they witness how our school has wasted so much talent. Tiffany was expected to be a first-round draft pick in the WNBA after this season, but will now be lucky to get drafted at all.

The OSU men and Texas women have followed similar (downward) trajectories as the season progressed, starting off well then just completely imploding. Sean Sutton likely will only get 2 or 3 seasons to right the ship in Stillwater. Has Admiral Conradt reached the end of her tenure? WBB fans in Burnt Orange everywhere must be hoping so, other than the die-hard "Jody's Roadies" bunch.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out, given that Jody's de facto boss - Chris Plonsky - was hired by Jody when she was the womens' AD. Gotta be fun to fire your former boss!

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 3:22 AM CST up reply actions

Stick to the brickies' teas

Ty-phoo, Tetley's, PG Tips, etc. If you're not going to brew loose-leaf and drink with raised finger, keep it old school.

One man's opinion.

(And if you really want to keep it old school, have your morning mug of tea with a bacon roll. Mmmm.)

by DC Trojan on Feb 22, 2007 8:06 AM CST up reply actions

PG Tips has good bags

They've got a pyramid shape which somehow makes the tea taste much more fresh than other bagged tea that I've tried.

I really liked Whittards Original when I was in Scotland. That's a really good black tea.

by Bob LaBlog on Feb 22, 2007 12:11 PM CST up reply actions

Tea

One type of tea I have tried that is normally bitter but packs a wicked kick (great for waking you up or staying up) is Yerba Mate. It is some S American (Andes Mts. I think) tea that uses a different combination of plants and has added uppers in one of its different ingrediants, I don't know what it is though. They also have different combinations for flavor b/c the Yerba Mate straight up is decently bitter. The preferred flavor amongst my friends is the Chai Spice blend.

"If all you're going on is my confession, forget it. I'm simply not credible." "Bounce a ball in hockey -- that's a mandatory drug test right there."

by El Jefe Del Muerto on Feb 23, 2007 9:01 AM CST up reply actions

Great place for Austin tea shopping

http://www.chadoteamarket.com/

They have like five different blends of Yerba Mate, including a really tasty one with orange and spice. They also have like 90 varieties of loose-leaf tea, and all the implements you need to make the perfect cup.

< end of commercial >

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 24, 2007 3:09 AM CST up reply actions

While we're on the subject

If you're an Apocalypta virgin, do test the water. Really engaging music.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 21, 2007 11:49 PM CST reply actions

apocalypta

I'll give it a shot. Right now I'm enjoying !!! - Myth Takes. Why do bands go with un-pronounceable names?

by Jason Mayer on Feb 21, 2007 11:54 PM CST up reply actions

ApocalyptA

How is their original music? I have that cd where they play MetallicA. I like it and it came in real handy when my boys were babies. Hook em!

by screaminhorn on Feb 22, 2007 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

It's great

The Metallica covers are what sort of got them on the map, but I prefer their original compositions.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 22, 2007 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

my history with Apocalypta

I was watching that movie with Ben Stiller, Your Friends and Neighbors, and during the credits I said, "Holy crap, are those strings playing Metallica?" Then I Napstered all their Metallica covers when I was a freshman in the UT dorms.

But I haven't heard any of their original stuff. I'm intrigued.

by hornbone on Feb 22, 2007 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Cotton Bowl

I am guessing that they will more it to Jerry Jones' new stadium once it is complete along with the Texas vs OU game. A sad day for Big Tex.

by Wells on Feb 22, 2007 9:18 AM CST reply actions

cotton bowl

How easy or difficult will it be for the Cotton Bowl to move to the new Cowboys stadium when it's finished? It seems, to me at least, to be a no-brainer.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 9:54 AM CST reply actions

Re: Change of venue

It's not set in stone that they will move ovre to Arlington. The biggest draw (other than being perfectly 1/2 way between the two schools) is the state fair. I remember reading something that neither school wanted to move away from the Cotton Bowl because of that, unless it went to a Home and Home.

by GoHorns on Feb 22, 2007 10:36 AM CST up reply actions

cotton bowl

I was actually just talking about the bowl game itself.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 10:56 AM CST up reply actions

Myopic Dallas City Council

We've talked about the demise of the Cotton Bowl before on this forum, so you may already know this, but it's worth mentioning again becuase of its shear stupidity...

When looking for a new place to build his stadium, Jerry Jones went to the Dallas City Council and asked them to put in $320 million and he'd demo the Cotton Bowl and put Jerry World in Fair Park.

In addition to the economic boost that would give for SE Dallas, it would almost have kept the Cotton Bowl game and TX/OU in Dallas. But the Council in their infinite wisdom balked and Mr. Jones went to Arlington.

Months later Deloss Dodds and OU's Castiglione came a knocking at the Dallas City Council's door and said, "hey look, if you don't fix up that piece of crap stadium, we're walking." So if Texas and OU would agree to sign a contract to play the game through 2009 or 2010, the City Council would approve a $50-million rennovation.

So Dallasites are paying $50 million to keep one game for four more years when Jerry would have given Dallas 10 home games plus playoffs and the Cotton Bowl and TX/OU for $320-million for what will probably be the next 20 or 30 years.

Truth be told, I may not have all the facts and I'm sure Jerry is huge SOB to deal with when it comes to business, but letting the new Cowboys Stadium go to Arlington was assanine.

I don't think there's any doubt the Cotton Bowl is going there and I think they're voting on it soon if they haven't already. TX/OU will be soon to follow. The money is just too big and the facility will be the finest in the country.

It's really sad...and there is no consolation for being Miss Runner-Up.

Be nobody but yourself in a world that desperately wants you to be like everybody else.

by 54b on Feb 22, 2007 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

Durant Finalist for Naismith

And the only Freshman, to boot.

Remember, TJ won this back in 2003, and got his number hung up in the rafters as a result.

http://blogs.chron.com/longhorns/2007/02/durant_almond_law_and_jackson.html

Also on the list: Brandon Rush, Jarrius Jackson and Acie Law IV from the Big XII, and FOUR of Florida's starters: Noah, Brewer, Green and Horford.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 10:02 AM CST reply actions

By the way

In 2003, when TJ Ford won the Naismith, guess who wasn't quite able to catch him for the award?

Carmelo Anthony.

If Durant missing out on POY means us enjoying a similar fate, well. . .

Go Acie Law!

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 22, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

Tiffany a finalist for the WBB Naismith

http://texassports.com/index.php?s=&url_channel_id=33&url_article_id=5893&url_subchannel _id=&change_well_id=2

All five of Maryland's starters made the final list, while UNC has three. Duke, Georgia, Rutgers, Stanford and Tennessee each placed two on the list. The only other Big XII player to make the list is Courtney Paris.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 23, 2007 5:49 AM CST up reply actions

The Chronicle's Duarte...

... also disagrees with PB and me, and says that Jody Conradt is "the right person to turn things around. Conradt is an excellent teacher. She still has the energy. Even though some of the teaching methods have changed over the years, she still finds a way to get through to her young bunch."

http://blogs.chron.com/longhorns/2007/02/conradt_deserves_to_leave_on_o.html

He also writes an article for the paper called "There's No Quit In This Coach". http://chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4568616.html

Maybe he's right, and I'll agree Jody has to be allowed to go out on her own terms, but I just don't know if I can bear to watch another year or two of sloppy basketball before she gets the team back to the elite level.

One of the commenters on the Chronicle says it best: "I think that Conradt is putting her ego before what's best for the program.

What's worse, she always blames the players - it's never her fault. Funny, the players change, but the results are the same. The only constant is Conradt."

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 10:08 AM CST reply actions

wasn't texas

in the final four just 4 years ago? the same year that the men's team made it? with that point guard who transferred from Stanford because our doctors cleared her to play after 94 concussions? what's changed in the last 4 years?

yes, believe it or not PHF, when Texas women's basketball is on, I actually watch it. unfortunately for them, and I guess by transference, you, it's not so easy to find on TV in New York. thanks again for the updates.

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 10:19 AM CST up reply actions

Yes

... and they were one basket away from upsetting UConn and making it to the championship game. And it was due almost entirely to Jamie Carey, who transferred from Stanford after suffering 4 concussions and being declared ineligible by their medical staff. That was an icredibly balanced team, with absolutely lock-down defence and lights-out offense whenever we needed it. We also had three players on our starting lineup who could sink the three at will - Carey, Heather Schreiber and Kala Bowers - and a massive true Center who could thug it up with the best of them - Stacy Stephens.

Then the wheels came off the program. We haven't had a true center since Stacy graduated, and for some reason Jody hasn't allowed the team to shoot the 3 much since Jamie graduated. We still play pretty decent defence, but our offense absolutely sucks this year. Texas has had several highly-touted recruiting classes, but the woman responsible for those classes is now an assistant coach at Baylor.

After the Final Four season, Texas lost in the Sweet Sixteen in 2004. We lost in the 2nd round of the NCAA's in 2005, didn't go last year, and won't go this year - even though we're a host site. And we haven't contended for the Big XII crown since 2004.

That all being said, BZ, thanks for making the attempt to watch! You might get a chance to see Texas play this weekend, even in NYC, according to texasports.com:

"Texas closes out its regular season home schedule on Saturday, Feb. 24 when it hosts Big 12 opponent Texas Tech in a 3 p.m. contest on "Texas Senior Day".

In pre-game ceremonies, taking place approximately 10 minutes prior to tipoff, the UT women's basketball program will honors its two seniors (forwards Katrina Robinson and Tiffany Jackson).

The game will air nationally on FSN (FOX Sports Net) and will be broadcast on the radio in Central Texas on KVET 1300 AM. The game also will be broadcast via internet audio."

It's going to be sad to see Tiffany play her last home game in Burnt Orange, and even more sad to send her out in such an ignominious fashion. I just hope the girls can pull it together long enough to give her just one more win.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 10:51 AM CST up reply actions

2 things

"defence"? blimey!
stacy stephens still gives me nightmares

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

stacy stephens

is actually one of the nicest people you'd ever meet.

by Jason Mayer on Feb 22, 2007 11:04 AM CST up reply actions

Agree

Under the basket, she could leave you black and blue. In person, she's a big ole teddy bear. I hear she's been a big success as the Director of Basketball Operations at Colorado State. Still one of my all-time favorite Longhorns.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 11:09 AM CST up reply actions

Sorry, indoctrination is already taking hold

I am now using 's' instead of 'z' (i.e. authorisation)

I am now also using the extra 'u' (i.e. flavour)

And I am being forced properly spell 'defence' with a 'c' instead of an 's'

I feel so dirty.

Officially a Limey Longhorn

by patienthornsfan on Feb 22, 2007 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

i'm fine with the s/z and the c/s

those are just matters of taste. but the extra U in flavor and color are completely superfluous.

where's hornbone? this is ripe for another eddie izzard quote-off. i'll get us started. put a "g" in there. yeah, a little silent "guh" sound...in case of any emergencies.

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 11:20 AM CST up reply actions

You know why we pronounce...

"herb" like that?

Because it has a fucking "h" in it!

by hornbone on Feb 22, 2007 12:22 PM CST up reply actions

well, you know

they say britain and the united states are two countries divided by the Atlantic Ocean. And yeah, it's true.

by billyzane on Feb 22, 2007 12:35 PM CST up reply actions

You'll get over it...

... it beats listening to smarmy Brits sneer at your spelling.

by DC Trojan on Feb 22, 2007 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

that simmons column was great

when are we going to Vegas next? a little march madness action...hey guy?

Crystal Balls

by MMHorns on Feb 22, 2007 1:09 PM CST reply actions

Bake Sale forthcoming

The BON Editorial Board is rounding up ideas to fundraise for this very purpose. Selling t-shirts is fine and dandy, but what we really need is a bake sale.

(Yes, we'll have Ahmard Howard make the brownies.)

Of course, I'm still waiting on our first tycoon reader (you out there, Cuban?) to get hooked to BON and fully fund a lifestyle of blogging and debauchery.

So, yeah. Vegas soon.

--PB--

by Peter Bean on Feb 22, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions