Happy Birthday Biskit, KK Dodges Bullet

It's certainly been an eventful few weeks up here. First off, happy birthday to Biskit. She turned four today and was given a treat of steak and tater tots. For dessert, Frosty Paws ice cream was the choice. Of course, it's all long gone and a very happy pug is now relaxing.

As for me, my MRI diagnosis had the shit scared out of me but thankfully, my surgeon did not see it that way. We looked in depth at the images and he explained different areas and images. Finally, he drained my knee and collected what seemed to be the sixth great lake. Regardless, I was back on my feet, albeit limping, almost immediately after the draining and shot of lidocaine and steroid. The diagnosis was a nasty case of gout/pseudogout. I've suffered a few gout flares on both feet but this was the first on a major joint and it sucked. Thank God its over and I did not need surgery. Living here by myself, I would have been facing a major challenge.

Finally, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Huge Game 7 tomorrow that we need to win. The boys can't send the old barn out like this.

KK Hurting in Chicago

It's been awhile since my last blog. The NFL Draft is in the books. I like most of what the Steelers did but no. 2 pick Jason Worilds will be the true caveat. Great series win for the Pens and I enjoyed some dinner and drinks with my friend Harry over the weekend. However, it was all about to change. When I first moved in, I had an accident and didn't think that much of it. My brother Khris and I were carrying my big screen TV and I was walking backwards. I tripped over a high curb and went down but caught the TV. I felt a tweak in my leg but kept going. Well a few weeks passed and I felt some pain but left it go. I took some pills two weekend's ago and that seemed to help. Well, last Thursday the pain and discomfort came back. I took it easy all weekend but it continued. Sunday was unbearable and I finally got to the doctor this a.m. After x-rays and an MRI, I was diagnosed with:
1.) Partial PCL tear
2.) Large joint effusion
3.) Partial medial meniscus tear
So, I'm hobbling around awaiting an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon later this week. It's ironic as I have never even broken a bone. So with this, I guess I was long overdue. There goes my hopes of finding a softball team for the season. Oh well. Until later my friends, take care and Let's Go Pens!

Chicago Chicken Wing Crisis

Those of you that know me are well aware of my fond affliction for chicken wings. Of course, they have to be to my liking. Any ole wing doused in hot sauce and tossed on a plate will not suffice. At a minimum, I expect the wings to be extra crispy and without breading. Hot sauce is fine but my favorite are wings coated with seasoned salt. I then dip the wings in Frank's Red Hot to control the amount of kick. That said, extra crispy and wet hot wings are fine and delicious. Well, the food Mecca that is Chicago is not aware of this. I've tried wings from at least five bars and at least 4 pizza places. Some of the bar wings were OK, led by Four Shadows and Durkin’s Tavern. Yak-Zie's Bar & Grill boasts the best in Chicago. Well, their flavor and cooking were perfect but the wings were the size of a baby sparrow. The pizza joints can't even come close. Most bake the wings and when you ask for extra crispy, you get them burnt. Wings are to be fried and then if you like, tossed on the grill for a unique finish that many crave. I have thrown away two orders after trying one of these begrudged birds. Thus, I'm pretty much resigned to making them at home as:
a.) I make kickass wings (whole wings).
b.) They're cheaper, fresh and better.
c.) I'm a wing connoisseur and I'm sick of this shit.
A former colleague Al suggested Toon’s here in Chitown and at first look, their menu says "jumbo chicken wings." I'll put them to the test. Until later, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens!

See Ya Later Tone

A lot of people including myself were stunned at the initial report of the trade, but should we really be? The more people that ask me and the more I think about it, this move should have been seen coming but wasn't due to our blind faith and hope for a change in behavior. Santonio Holmes saved the Super Bowl for the Steelers and as fans, we will be eternally grateful. However, the man also had repeated off-field issues, including the latest prompting his suspension. His wake-n-bake comment on Twitter didn't help but when he told someone to kill themself, well that did it for me.
Adios Santonio, it's been real. Thanks for the good memories but not for the bad. You've been awful quiet on your normally boisterous Twitter account today. Guess you've been humbled, if that's possible? Such a shame as the talent is undeniable, yet the immaturity is unmistakable.

Beautiful Day in Chicago

It's about time. We had flurries the other day and the heat was on last night. Now, it's 74 and the windows are open. As you can see, Biskit is a huge fan of this as people are constantly walking by with dogs, kids etc. and she just loves seeing it all. Was pleasantly surprised at the local grocery store to find Heinz dill relish. I'm sure most of you couldn't give a shit about this but I love pickles and Heinz are my favorite. I was able to get them in Columbus but not in Charlotte or Florida. So, the relish is better than nothing plus my parents can bring me some or I can scoop some up when I visit them as the drive home now is very much shorter and a mid-summer trip will be made by myself and said dog. On a lighter note, my very good friend Harry has a great blog that he writes often and he rates different restaurants that he visits. Why bring it up? He hates pickles and has an interesting story as to why. For a good read, visit the Stiff Competition blog. I had no intention of going out today but I have wanted to see what this dogs in bars thing is all about so what the heck, Biskit and I are gonna roll up to Durkin's Tavern for a few cold beers. I hope everyone has a great weekend and we'll be a bloggin' soon. Next topic may include the lack of good wings joints here in Chicago. Kickass pizza and Italian beef but lousy wings so far. Stay tuned!

Great first week in Chitown

Well, I've been here two weeks but it was a great first work week. I spent Monday at the massive Hoffman Estates compound, which is where Sears Holdings is now headquartered. The people were great and the facility is impressive. That said, I'll be spending over 90+% of my time at the downtown office located on State Street. The flagship Sears store is right across the street so it makes it convenient for anything I might need. We broke a record for temperature on Thursday at 83 degrees! That was awesome and people were really enjoying it. The commute to work is easy. Walk a block to a covered bus stop. Ride about a mile and a half to the subway and then get dropped off a block away from my office. It only takes 35 minutes and beats traffic, parking, gas and tolls that's for sure. Biskit is adjusting well and loves it when the windows are open as many dogs live in the neighborhood. The town is abuzz as baseball season nears. I hate the Cubs but at least I'll get to see my Buccos a bunch here in the Windy City. I'm sure they will lose every game but I'll still be there as often as I can. The neighborhood (as seen in the picture) is great and I love the fact that I can walk to just about anything. That's about it for now. Happy Easter to all!

Old School in Chicago

I just moved to the Lakeview/Lincoln Park area of Chicago and went to Mario's Place Barber Shop on Saturday, which is obviously their busiest day. Mario welcomed me as a new customer despite the fact that he was booked solid. I was offered a doughnut and a Pabst Blue Ribbon beer while I waited (now that is impressive) and was given a great haircut with the always-enjoyable straight razor neck shave. I am now a customer until my travels take me elsewhere. Thank you for a great experience, Mario. I know many of you like stylists but I am a barber man for life thanks to my late uncle, Dave Anderson, proprietor of the former Irwin, PA staple Guyon & Anderson barber shop.

Biskit gets a new shirt

OK, so the 'Windy City' is just that and it's cold. I knew that going in but poor Biskit had no idea. This being a dog who has lived her entire life in sunny Florida and is now freezing her little ass off. She has been taken aback that's for sure. Potty outings have been quick and sometimes she just won't go. So, we went to Petco today in search of a sweater. Well, it's no longer winter so they have the spring and summer collection. Don't tell this to Biskit as she shivers and shakes but slowly but surely, she's coming around. Debating on what to do for the evening and I'm probably gonna head out to the local Steelers bar and watch some March Madness. My dad, brother and I enjoyed Durkin's Chicago over the weekend and they made us feel at home. So, it looks like they'll get a return visit out of me. Why the hell not? Last non-working weekday is tomorrow for me (for the foreseeable future) and I'm certainly happy about that.

We have furniture in Chicago

This week is absolutely flying by as I try and get settled here in the Windy City. I was able to get a good deal on a sofa and chair from a local furniture store and have it delivered on the same day. Beats the shit out of the fold-up chairs I was using as I gave my previous couch and love seat to my good friend Rebecca. Biskit is already liking them both and as you can see, she can look out the window to see when I'm arriving. She is growing more and more accustomed to Chicago each day. I love my neighborhood and went on a pub crawl last night and hit three different locales. Each has a different flavor but a common theme: neighborhood bars that cater to the locals. Two offered a free drink which I gladly accepted, not that doing so should surprise anyone but why the hell not? The next fun will be going to the DMV when my paperwork from the bank arrives. I'm sure I should practice up on my Spanish if past DMV visits tell me anything. Looking forward to watching the Pens play the Caps tonight. Hope they can take down Ovechkin. A superstar player no doubt but also a world-class cheap shot artist. Until next time...

World of KK Returns Live From Chicago

Hello family and friends, it's been awhile. In case you haven't heard, I have relocated to Chicago arriving last Friday. I begin my new position at Sears Holdings Management Corporation next Monday.
I'm excited about the new opportunity and to be away from the extreme negative environment of my last stop on the employment wagon. I cannot say thank you enough to my Dad who came and helped me pack, load, drove my car to Chicago and helped unload and unpack. You're the best! Thanks also to my brother Khris who flew in for the weekend to help unload in Chicago. Both of you mean the world to me and Biskit and I couldn't have made it without you. We had a great weekend and sampled some local fare, including deep dish pizza. Very solid. I'm living in the Lakeview neighborhood which is close to everything and an easy commute via bus/train to 'The Loop.' I absolutely love it here so far and the people have been great. Look for frequent updates as I take this next step in my professional career.

Doritos Slap

This is some funny stuff right here.

Cudas Stun Palm Bay!

Many have asked how to hear me on the radio. AM 1230 WSBB will be on the Internet Jan. 1 For now, listen to the New Smyrna Beach dramatic come-from-behind semifinal playoff victory, capped off by a fake XP.

NSB 8, Palm Bay 7

Biskit Speaks: World of KK Coming Back!

Yes, it's about time to bring this blog back from the dead and as you will hear from Biskit, she says it is long overdue.

Coming soon: The ballad of the $3 bucker and other selected tales of weirdness and stupidity.

Champions Again!

Last night capped a perfect season in the 3-year turnaround of a former XOS-sponsored softball team. Founded in 2006 by Kraig Koelsch, this team won 2 games in its inaugural season. Three seasons later, this team persevered to an undefeated 12-0 record. The team is a great collection of XOS, CI, JumpTV and former XOS employees. No matter what happened at the office, these friends stuck together and reached their dream, a championship. Original team members include Kraig Koelsch, Barry Whitley and Bryan Stuckey.

Pictured above from left to right (kneeling)
P- John Geddis – CI, OF Brandon Purington - JumpTV, IF Todd Gray -XOS Digital, OF Dan Scalia – CI, OF Andy Siegler - CI

Middle row
1B/Manager – Kraig Koelsch – XOS/XOS Digital/JumpTV

Back row from left to right
OF – Jay Moore (former XOS), IF - Luis Diaz – XOS FDI, SS – Angel Diaz, C – Bryan Stuckey – XOS FDI, OF – Barry Whitley – Former XOS/JumpTV, 3B Brian Fisch – CI

Not included in the photo are: IF -Sebastian Quinn – XOS/CI/JumpTV, IF - Will Reno – XOS FDI, OF – Jordan Wade – XOS Digital, OF – Mike Stewart – XOS/JumpTV

Note: For myself, I've now been a part of softball championship teams in four states:

Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio and Florida.

Must Read For Pet Owners

A friend shared this with me. It made me tear up as any pet owner would agree. It is so very true.

Enjoy!

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A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

~Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

~Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We do not have to wait for Heaven, to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness.. It is here on earth and has four legs!

Cup Finale on NBC Was Most Watched N.H.L. Game in 36 Years

This is pretty damn impressive for a sport desperate in need of exposure.

-KK

NBC’s Game 7 broadcast of the Stanley Cup final between the Penguins and the Red Wings on Friday night drew an average of 8 million viewers, the biggest American television audience for any N.H.L. game since the 9.4 million who watched the Game 6 Cup finale between Montreal and Chicago in 1973.

City of Champions Returns!

What a great run for the Pittsburgh Penguins! After dropping the Filthy Flyers and then Fat Ted's Crapitals, a sweep of the Hurricanes, the Pens had the rematch they so desperately sought.

It never disappointed and the third Stanley Cup is back in the Burgh after defeating Marian Hossa and the Red Wings. Ironic isn't it Marian? Over 375,000 fans turned out to see the victory parade and that was awesome.

Most of my friends and colleagues offered congratulations, but there are always sore losers. Like Fat Ass John Henry.

He being a Phillies fan was offered congrats last season when the Phils won it all, but the lumpy lard couldn't return the favor in true fat and filthy fashion. Oh well, maybe he ate his hands and couldn't send an e-mail message.

Enough nonsense, what a year it's been in Pittsburgh sports. If only the Pirates could jump the .500 line and finally end the streak from hell. Nice to dream isn't it?

Funny Song re; McLouth Trade

Found this after a post on a Buccos' message board.

Here We Go Again

Another year, another Pirates' starter traded for mid-range prospects. I really want to believe that this management group is different and knows what they're doing, but it's really hard to.

Gone now is Nate McLouth, a fan favorite and quality baseball player. On a team already desperate for run production, this makes little to no sense. Then again, where is this team headed this year, really? While they are playing respectable baseball (24-28), the lowly Pirates will most likely finish well below .500 yet again. This trade clinches that for sure.

If they are blowing it up, then blow it the whole way up. Trade Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Ryan Doumit, Paul Maholm, John Grabow and Matt Capps. Hell, trade Eric Hinske and Craig Monroe if you find a taker.

Anything less than a complete rollover of this club will not be acceptable. That said, it's exactly what will happen. After all, this is the Pirates we're talking about.

Best of luck, Nate. You will be missed.

On a more positive note, Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! Let's Go Pens! And oh yeah, 57 days til the Steelers report to camp.