IBM Bowling League - No 3-Peat :'(

I forgot to mention that last Thursday was the last week of the 2010-11 IBM Bowling League.  Unfortunately, we failed to three-peat and I won't be joining the ranks of Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.  I'll have to settle for Hakeem Olajuwon or join Tom Brady's club next year instead.

I wouldn't say we bowled badly.  Perhaps we had players missing one too many games this season (I missed 6 weeks).  Or maybe we just got unlucky versus the opponents we faced.  Whatever the reason, it was still another fun year and I'll be looking to rebound next season.  The following is my game log that I decided to share with you.  I also didn't come out completely empty-handed.  On the last night, I won about $70 ($35 via team winnings and another $35 since I had the 3rd highest handicap series on the last night).

A Sad Day in Fantasy...

So I officially dropped Gilbert Arenas from the keeper league that I run.  It was a very sad day for me.  I've held onto Gil' for years...stood by him during all his knee injuries and suspensions.  Year after year I kept him, only to see him start with a good first half and then fall apart the rest of the season.  This year he has been healthier (and more sane) than recent years, but the move to Orlando has been devastating to his minutes and fantasy value.

Fantasy basketball is all about stat accumulation and those who receive minutes will put up numbers.  You'll see in the picture below that I added two injured players (Tyreke and Millsap), but I can afford to since I'm on a playoff bye week and can take a risk that these two will be back next week.  If not, I'll just replace them with healthy players.
But yes, a sad day in fantasy basketball for me indeed.  Gilbert is still my guy and I'll likely re-add him at the end of the year to have the option of keeping him again next year in case his situation improves.  Until then, I'll be watching guys like Dwight, LBJ, and LaMarcus carry me to a fantasy title (I hope)!

So Many Birthdays...

There seem to be a lot of birthdays in February and March, but I guess that's not too surprising.  Summertime can be quite romantic and maybe the warm weather makes it easier to you-know-what. Anyway, here's a shout-out to all my friends with birthdays the last few months and how I celebrated or plan to celebrate with them:

Kevin (January 13) - I really need to go visit you in Texas before you graduate.  Let's make it happen this summer!
Jeff (January 15) - Can never go wrong with beer pong on your birthday!  Can definitely go wrong with discovering the crooked Stacker game however.
Nate (January 18) - Hanging out with you in Phoenix never gets old, it just gets far.
Ben (January 29) - I better see you in April when I come to Virginia buddy!
Chet (February 3) - Great food at Firebirds but man, hard to keep up with your drinking even for me!
Elsa (February 5) - Settlers and China Magic Noodle, can't complain!
Dad (February 9) - Wandering Horse at Talking Stick with the entire family.  We really need to get you off CRT TVs.
Kavita (February 24) - First time at Sapphire will always be a memorable one!  Now to just find time for an LA trip!
Brooke (February 25) - It had been so long since I'd been to Champs.  Oh and thanks for introducing me to Hub!
Valentina (March 2) - A gaming get-together sounds great!  Too bad there are like a million games I'd want to play with you.
Chris (March 3) - If only I could eat as much sushi as you!  Thanks for showing me Oishi.

...and upcoming...

Pamela (March 8) - Sorry I couldn't be there last weekend but according to your blog, it sounds like you had a blast! I hope to celebrate with you at the end of March when I'm in town!
Chuck (March 12) - Edward Fortyhands lol!  Man, I heard you had a nasty gash down the side of your arm when they carried you out of the house ducktaped to the chair.  Hope you're recovering well!
Matt (March 17) - You better be doing something the weekend I'm in town!
Teqas (March 22) - Vegas probably isn't happening, but we'll think of something.
Fenzel (March 22) - Party at your place?
Sam (March 24) - Too bad Black Forest Mill is closed now...but hello Black Forest Haus!
Hudson (March 26) - Although you live in the middle of nowhere now (j/k), I'd still be willing to make a trek out there.  Question is, are you gonna do anything?

Happy Birthday to everyone or anyone I missed!