Sports and Dating

I'm very frustrated with my Pittsburgh Penguins.  They had a chance to clinch their second round playoff series versus the New York Rangers, at home, but were instead blown out, 5-1.  They still hold a 3 games to 2 lead in the series, and can clinch it on Sunday, but it's frustrating to see them blow an opportunity like that.  After struggling in the first round versus Columbus, I don't feel very good about their long-term chances in the playoffs, even after they dominated the Rangers for most of the series until last night.

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The Steelers, who are in the middle of this year's NFL Draft, continue to confound everyone by drafting players that don't solve their perceived greatest needs:  a cornerback and a wide receiver. They took a very good linebacker, Ryan Shazier, from Ohio State, who definitely will fill a need, likely taking the spot that Larry Foote had before being let go.  In the second round, they took a monster of a defensive lineman, Stephon Tuitt, from Notre Dame.  He, too, fills a need after the Steelers lost a couple of free agents on the line.  But CB is a bit weak, with an aging Ike Taylor, the suspect Cortez Allen, and much maligned William Gay the only veterans there.  It was hoped that the Steelers would take a CB earlier, but now it appears they'll end up getting a developmental pick that likely won't help much this year.  Their third pick, Dri Archer, from Kent St., is a speedster running back, who it seems Tomlin likes having on the roster.  He's had one almost every season, and none have worked out, the latest being La'Rod Stephens-Howling, who blew out his knee last year before the season even started.  He's a little guy, so it remains to be seen whether he will be able to hold up to playing in the NFL.  I'm hoping the Steelers can get some hidden gems in the remaining rounds of today's draft.

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While eating dinner with Miss M on Thursday, a group of women walked by and after seeing the food on our plates, immediately came over to us to ask what we were eating.  It was kind of humorous.  It got worse, though, while two of the women were talking to Miss M, the third asked specifically what I was eating, and I drew a blank and told her, "placenta".  The incredulous look on her face told me I said something wrong, so I said, "Well, I might be pronouncing it wrong..."  She chuckled, and Miss M, who heard this conversation, spoke up and said, "Polenta."  I'm pretty sure my face turned a shade of red only seen on Mars.

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After saying goodnight, it still seemed early, so I took the top off the Jeep and cruised over to the Mall area in SW.  It was very relaxing.  It was a beautiful night, and traffic was light, and DC really is an incredible place.  It was a nice drive home, though I spent the whole time wondering what Miss M thought of me and whether we might see each other again.  We did end up exchanging emails last night, and she told me she would like to get together again.  So, we'll see.

Have a great weekend, everyone!