House Update: Drywall Done

Wow. The builders continue to make great progress and are still shooting for end of June for completion. Supposedly, June 29 is the target, but anything can happen.

The outside has been painted as you can see and now it's time for touch up and then I'm told they will start painting the inside and doing floors and cabinets.

It's absolutely crazy how fast this is coming together, yet very exciting on the same hand.

I usually do a drive by every night and bring Biskit. She loves climbing the stairs and as you can see, she's found a new spot on the window sill in the guest bedroom.



I'll find out more this week, but it's gonna be a busy couple weeks. That said, my apartment lease runs through July so I don't have to do everything in a weekend.

On a different note, the Yankees swept the Pirates with ease and the Bucs are now 11 games under .500 and only 1.5 games out of the NL central cellar.

This entire organization is a shitful embarassment to the entire city of Pittsburgh.

Relief Is On The Way, But What About The Bats?

To quote a poster from a popular Pittsburgh Pirates message board “The Pirates kicked their entire fan base square in the,” well, you get the picture.

That’s certainly how the masses (except one fan that nobody takes seriously anyway, except himself) feel.

How could a team so desperately starved for hitting pass on a prospect like Georgia Tech standout catcher Matt Wieters?

A power-hitting switch hitter that stands six feet five inches tall…

Well, we do have Ronny Paulino so don’t take a chance right?

The fact that the Bucs not only passed on Wieters but took a reliever, yes a reliever in the first round shocked the fan base yesterday.

But why should it? Anyone who has followed this team consistently should know and know well that this organization is committed to nothing but itself and its profits. This was made ever so clear yesterday by this insanity.

I have nothing against Daniel Moskos and I wish him the best, but this choice really shows that this organization as a whole is out to lunch.

If Dave Littlefield really thinks Moskos was their guy, he should be canned immediately. If he doesn’t he should take many fans suggestions and resign, letting the fans and MLB know that he wasn’t given the opportunity to do his job by ownership.

As for the commitment by ownership, read this: "Clearly, anybody in the organization could say the goal is to win more games and build a championship team," Bob Nutting said.

So you build championship teams by selecting relievers with the no. 4 overall pick?

Sad my friends, quite sad but not the least bit unexpected.

I’m 33 years old and I hope I see the Pirates win before I die. But I’m really starting to wonder.

It’s a good thing though that they’ll have a closer to close the 40 games they win when he’s called up.

Yikes! I Haven't Even Moved in Yet

So I'm driving home from work Tuesday night and I see a massive smoke cloud and a few helicopters flying over top. As I get closer, I realize the fires are very close to my apartment.

But, they're even closer to my new town home. I took a ride to the new place and a road less than 1/4 of a mile away was blocked off. I'd say the raging Florida wildfires were less than 1.5 miles away. Now that is scary.

Good thing though, they were contained. Here's some more info from my good friends at WFTV.com (sister station of my former employer WSOC-TV).

Firefighters in New Smyrna Beach were keeping a close eye, Wednesday, on a fire that crept dangerously close to some homes. The fire burned about 50 acres just southwest of the intersection of Turnbull Bay Road and Martins Dairy Road near the Sugar Mill Country Club, Tuesday night.

Firefighters said they had the fire under control, but they were keeping close watch on the hot spots, because they were burning close to homes and because neighbors know what could happen if the fires reignite.

To read more, click here.

Fantastic Week

I had the best week in a long time this past week. My parents joined me for some fun in the Florida sun. I'm truly blessed to have the best parents in the world.

We did as much as we could and had a blast. Some highlights were the St. John's River Cruise where we saw birds, alligators and all sorts of beautiful plants. We also trekked to St. Augustine (along with my friend Gary Usina) and did the tour with a stop at the Fountain of Youth (pictured, below). That was neat. Of course we went to the beach/pool a bunch of times and just enjoyed each others company. My friend Julie was also here for a few days and enjoyed catching up with my folks.

They also had the privilege of watching the world's worst softball team lose again last Thursday. But, we remain undefeated at the bar.

Thanks again Mom and Dad for a great week. Biskit and I miss you already and send our love. SEE YA SOON!

Happy 30th to John Henry

My pal the piggy celebrated at Hooter's and boy is this vintage. Enjoy!

Progress and Relaunch of Iratefans

The house is really coming along nicely. The roof is finished and electrical wiring begins. Windows are to arrive within a week and then they will drywall the place. After that, it's smooth sailing and I am ready to leave apartment life for good.

Here is a picture of my kitchen and garage. The door opens into the garage.


I've already met a neighbor who will let Biskit out for me while I'm working and that is huge. I have a great view of a wooded area in my backyard and I look out into some beautiful old trees from my master bedroom.

The tentative closing date remains end of June/early July which is perfect as my lease is up end of July.


We're revving up Iratefans.com again as the shitful Pirates are back at it again.

It's really a damn shame how bad this team is year after year and the entire organization is run extremely poorly. There is no accountability whatsoever.

For those looking for a forum to vent, I offer the fastest-growing Bucs site on the net, MaximumGrilledPirates.com.

Same Old Cleveland Brownies

I liked this image so much I had to blog it for everyone to see. It's nice to see some things just don't change.

Tough to chide an ND guy, but now that he's a Brown, screw him.

So I Got Promoted...

Please excuse the mug shot but you get the point. I've been elevated to Senior Manager following a stint as Project Manager. Here is the news release for your reading enjoyment. Please e-mail me if you would like a new business card. The first 50 requests will receive a signed and numbered card. These will be worth big money.

XOS Network Enhances Customer Support with Internal Structure Changes

Additional technicians combine with current leadership to offer the most comprehensive XOS support services to date

ORLANDO, Fla. – May 14, 2007 – XOS Technologies, Inc., the leading technology provider for maximizing the value of content, commerce and services for sports organizations and fans, today announced a series of structural changes to its Network Operations and Support Center as the XOS Network of more than 150 partners continues to expand.

Jeff Young, XOS Network vice president of Operations, today announced new leadership appointments for XOS employees John Henry, Kraig Koelsch and Jeffrey White. Young designated the new leadership positions to accommodate the company’s rapidly growing support center staff. XOS Technologies continues to demonstrate “strong organic growth” which places a heavy emphasis on support services, according to Young.

“We’ve continued to make some big investments to ensure that the superior level of service that our Network partners are accustomed to continues to exceed their expectations even as we grow,” Young said. “The XOS Network Support Center has expanded its well-rounded team of experts to include an even greater variety of skill sets. In addition, with a new management team in order, our partners will continue to receive the same prompt responses to help them answer their questions immediately.”

As part of its continued investment to enhance its support center, XOS promoted Henry from project manager to senior manager of Partner Support. In addition, Koelsch was promoted from project manager to senior manager of Fan Support and White was promoted from partner support representative to project manager.

In his new position, Henry will oversee a team of partner support representatives and ensure that the evolution of the team progresses smoothly, adequately and with no interruption to Network partners. Henry’s professional background includes more than six years of sports-specific Web experience – four of which were spent at CSTV Online and its precursors, and two with AOL.

Koelsch’s new role entails daily oversight for the fans of the XOS Network partner teams to ensure complete satisfaction with premium site offerings. Koelsch served as programming manager for two years at AOL and Netscape before joining XOS. Prior to that, he spent nearly three years as the online content manager for Cox Television's wsoctv.com, the No. 1 Charlotte ABC affiliate, where he achieved record page view, page weight and ad revenue figures within first year.

White began his XOS career working in the trenches of the XOS Support Center, where he formed solid relationships with many of the Network’s partner teams. In his new position, he will lead a designated support team in assisting select Network partners.

The XOS Network Support Center focuses on assisting its professional and collegiate sports partners with troubleshooting regarding:

*Web production and development
*Web publishing (non-digital media assets)
*Web content implementation
*Digital media
*Information technology
*Streaming video across broadband networks

The XOS Network Support Center offers partner and fan support 24/7 through a variety of options including e-mail, phone and live instant messaging based on customer preference.

“Our Network support team needs to be as dynamic as the content that our partners are delivering to fans via the Web, “Young said. “To this end, we’re always examining ways to ensure the best possible support for our many and varied partners. Today’s announcement goes to the heart of our belief that no matter how superior our technology offerings, people make the difference”

XOS Network President Nada Usina also added, “The XOS difference can be summed up by one word – integrity. When we say 24/7 service we mean it. Nothing proves this more than our partners’ trust in that XOS promise. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Just ask any of our partners who have switched to the XOS Network from other providers whose integrity couldn’t match what is demonstrated by XOS every day.”

Happy Mother's Day! Roof Roof, Woof Woof!

First off, Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, Kathie Koelsch. Also, Happy Mother's Day to all the rest of the mothers out there as well.

Had a good weekend thus far with Fat Bradley. The slob currently is asleep after eating 10 mini doughnuts, a bag of Gardettos, half a can of peanuts and half a bottle of wine.

We're having tacos tonight and Lonely John Henry will be attending. I was pissed that the race was rained out last night, but it is always great on a Sunday.

We went to the dog beach yesterday (Smyrna Dunes) and were horrified to see the damage caused by the latest storm last week. I'd say more than half of the beach is now ocean.

Biskit loves it there and it so so peaceful. So that's what makes it so sad.

In other news, the house is going awesome. The guys are working sunrise to sunset 7 days a week.

Here's to hoping Dale Jr. end up driving the no. 3 car (with GM Goodwrench) for Richard Childress Racing next year. That would be awesome.

Happy Birthday Biskit, House in 50 Days!

Biskit turned 1 today and my friend Fat Bradley and I celebrated by buying her some Doggie ice cream, which she loved. She is all better from her colitis and happier than a pig in shit.

Also, I found out today that my new townhome will be ready ahead of schedule. The builders are targeting end of June. I am so excited as I finalized my options today and toured the site with the head foreman.

I look forward to entertaining my family and friends. My parents will be here in two weekends along with my friend Julie.

In other news, Alan Faneca told the Steelers to screw off in a manner I've not seen in some time. It's really ugly. I hope they get Polamalu squared away.

The Walls, Come.....Tumblin' Up!

So the picture sucks but don't blame the photographer. I got as close as I could as there were 10 Mexicans running around.

I'm so excited and every day brings more progress. I got promoted today at work so congrats to me. I'm now a SENIOR Project Manager.

Bow down to my presence.

Don't ask what it all means as it's as confusing as a Pirates personnel decision.

But, we press on and count down until home ownership.

Look Closely: Second Floor Appears

Biskit is under the weather with a form of colitis so says the best Veterinarian, Dr. Ginger Bryant Hutchinson from the Glencoe Veterinary Hospital in New Smyrna Beach.

But regardless, Biskit and I are so happy with the progress of our new house. On a side note, Biskit turns 1 this Friday May 11.

Send gifts to:

Biskit
C/O Kraig Koelsch
13104 Lymestone Court
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168

p.s.s Thanks again to the best parents in the world for helping make this dream come true. Biskit and I love you very much!

Damn: Maybe It Was a Good Pick

A punter in the fourth round? Take a look and judge for yourself. That's one hell of a shot laid out by new Steelers' punter Daniel Sepulveda.

Update: Foundation and Walls

This shit is really coming together. Just a few days ago, KB Home was acting like a spoiled brat and now today, I have concrete, a foundation and a back porch. Baby steps I understand but this is absolutely cool.

On a lighter note, the Steelers took LB Lawrence Timmons from Florida State in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

I've heard nothing but good things about him so it's a solid pick to replace the downward-trending Joey Porter.

April 23: Dream Comes True

After some rough sailing I have finally secured the loan and KB is coughing up more than they would have liked in closing costs.

Before it was a dream, today it is a reality. I am a homeowner. Special thanks to my realtor and friend, Richard Wize and home loan coordinator extraordinaire, Jennifer Matacale.

This is the beginning of my plan to rid myself of debt and while it will be a significant lifestyle change, it will be necessary one that will pay off big time.

The foundation will be poured this week!

If you are in the market, consult these two. They are good and they try to help, which is a rarity these days.

Richard's Web site information is linked above and Jennifer can be reached via the information below:

Jennifer Matacale, Home Loan Consultant
Countrywide Home Loans
1530 Cornerstone Blvd. #120
Daytona Beach, Fl 32117
(866) 804-1921 Ext. 3016 Toll Free

Big News in KK Land

That's right, I am finally going to be a homeowner. I was able to find a good deal and am building a townhome in New Smyrna Beach. Scheduled completion date is end of July, which is perfect as that is when my lease runs out.



(Note: For the above picture, my place is located in building A, lot 4....to the left (only green peg). Notice that I am surrounded by conservation land that will NEVER be built on.

Biskit and I are very excited and will be posting progress pictures often. It looks like a great investment opportunity and thanks to the best parents in the world, I have more of a downpayment than ever imagined.

So stay tuned, we be buildin'.

p.s. Had a scare with Biskit over the past week. She had two episodes of appearing wobbly and lethargic. She was checked and given a clean bill of health, but we are monitoring her closely.

Spring Training: A Big Reason I Moved Here

Well the Bucs might have lost but I saw some good things today.

The following are random thoughts after the Bucco loss:

First, Ian Snell's velocity was impressive. Sitting there seeing him hit 96 mph consistently was awesome. And when he missed with a pitch, it wasn't by much.

Tony Armas Jr. looked good, but nothing like Snell.

Brad Eldred (pictured above) can hit. Eldred is also a liability in the field. The picture was take right before his home run.

Jose Castillo is skinny. Real skinny.

How long until we consistently hear Bixler calls when Jack shits the bed this year at the plate in the no. 2 hole? Nice, solid stroke on the HR today.

Many people commented on my Iratefans shirt....all positive, including many Braves fans.

Dave Littlefield was laughing and joking with people for most of the game and appeared to be writing a decent amount. He was also frequently on the phone.

Carlos Maldonado may weigh 300 pounds.....in his legs alone.

The pitchers were to blame for the stolen bases (on Einar Diaz), but every throw Diaz made also seemed to bounce to the bag, and also into centerfield.

Why is Adam LaRoche no. 96? I know it will change but still, why?

Neil Walker showed better discipline (minus the K), but he looked awful on the line drive that went over him. He has a ways to go. But that's OK.

Decent amount of Bucs fans at Disney complex today.

Lots of Only Bucs Network admins (crusty and old codgers) at the game.

If you are a baseball fan and have never been to spring training, you're missing a real experience.

That's all for now...

KK Dodges a Major Bullet

The shock is now gone and the cleanup begins. So many times, the people are forgotten. The killer tornadoes came a little close for my liking this past Friday.

They missed me by five miles, but hit my city of New Smyrna Beach, just thankfully not to the west.

Twenty people lost their lives and many lost everything. Let's hope we can all stand side-by-side and help them rebuild.

Thanks to the many who called, instant messenged and e-mailed. Biskit and I are just fine and prepared to do our part to help our fellow Floridians.

Crazy as it is, Biskit may have saved me had the storm come our way as she was going ballistic, running and barking in my bedroom and eventually hiding under the bed. I took her outside to wee wee and thought it was just a bad storm brewing.

Little did I know the weird skyline and eerie feeling was an actual monster lurking nearby.

Needless to say I now own a quality weather radio. God Bless all those who were victimized by the 2007 killer tornadoes of Central Florida.

For information on how to help, click here.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Estimates show the tornado that hit New Smyrna Beach caused $5.9 million in damage in the New Smyrna Beach area. The latest tally shows 25 homes were destroyed and 91 were damaged.

Let the Pounding Begin!

There were rumors swirling about the re-emergence of the Salt Mine and I'm here to confirm that indeed a salt mine has been spotted in Central Florida. So grab your pick axe and have at it.

Who doesn't love to pound salt?

Shitty Reporting

What a mess this past weekend concerning the Steelers hiring of a new coach. First. SI.com's Michael Silver said it was Mike Tomlin. Then ESPN backed him up. The next day, SI backed off a bit as ESPN stayed with it.

Out of nowhere, the Pittsburgh Tribune and reporter Mike Prisuta say Russ Grimm was offered and accepted the job. It obviously wasn't true, but nobody I know that reads the Scaife rag gives it much credibility anyway.

So, everyone is asking, "KK, what do you think about the Tomlin hiring?" Well at first, I didn't know what to think but after reading and listening to the man, I'm thoroughly impressed and support him 100%. He'll need the support of diehard fans as the racist asshole Steelers fans will certainly turn on him fast. I sure hope this isn't the case, but I know better.

That said, congrats Coach Tomlin. Here we go Steelers, Here we go!