#2 at the Moon

My second favorite sports bar, is a little more low key than Buffalo Wild Wings, and to be quite honest, it's not really a sports bar, but they do have their fair share of tv's and what really gets you is their food, especially their amazing wings. Number 2 on my list is the Crescent Moon Ale House. The Moon is located at the Northeast corner of 36 and Farnam, just west of Midtown Crossing. Many people tend to forget about this little hole in wall, but the locals here in Omaha love this place. Known for its German beer, the Moon to my surprise has some of the best bar food I have had in Omaha. They have a full menu that includes appetizers like homemade onion rings and Wisconsin Cheese curds, all the way to soups and salads like the Buffalo Chicken salad (which is my favorite), as well as delicious 1/2 pound burgers that are to die for. The burger I recommend, that is if you like spicy things, is the South of the boarder burger which has fresh sliced jalapenos, peperjack cheese, and a spicy ranch dressing. All their sandwiches are pretty big so don't worry about not getting enough food, plus they include a pretty hefty order of fries along with burgers and other sandwiches. But for me, the wings are to die for. They have inferno, thai peanut, garlic parmesan, honey bbq, and chipotle sauces to choose from. My favorite is the chipotle, but I usually switch back and forth between that and the inferno. The best time to experience the amazing wings at the Moon is on Thursdays which they have what they call their Wing Fling. With this deal, one can order as many of their famous wings that they want for just 40 cents a piece, as long as you purchase a drink. They also have $3 Boulevard pint beer specials. This is quite deal, but friday is also a great day to go to Omaha's Original Ale House, as they roll out their Free Food Happy Hour from 4-7pm plus happy hour prices on drafts, wine, and premium well drinks. Good Service, great food, friendly environment, and that's how The Crescent Moon, Omaha's Original Ale House makes it into my top three.

-Sink

My top three sports bars for food and watching the big game

For these next three blog posts, I will be sharing with you my absolute favorite sports bars in the Omaha area to get great food and have a great time while watching the big game.


So you are at home, its a Saturday afternoon, college football games are on TV and all you want to do go sit down with your buddies, have a cold one, and share some delicious chicken wings. This is usually the dilemma I face, and where do my buddies and I go?
#3 on my list goes to Buffalo Wild Wings. A great place to relax and watch some football while also enjoying a great atmosphere, that welcomes people old and young. The Omaha location is off of 76th and Dodge. I assume many of you out there have either been to or at least heard of Buffalo Wild Wings, or BWWs as I like to call it. If you are a person who loves the idea of having tons of sauce options for your wings, then this is place for you. They have 16 different sauces to choose from, and 4 seasonings as well. Wings are the primary choice when you are at BWWs but they also have a full menu that includes other appetizers, combo meals, sandwiches, and even ribs. I usually split an appetizer with my friends when we are there. I recommend either the potato wedges, the buffalo chips or a the sampler platter. The food is decent, to be honest I have had a lot better wings for half the price but what this place has that other sports bars don't is the fun environment. TVs are everywhere, so chances are they will have have your team on TV. They also have game controllers where you have the option to play texas hold-em and trivia games against other people in the bar. It makes for an awesome place to catch the game with your buddies, or even on a week night to kick back and relax after a hard day at work. Again, food is average, but when you go to BWWs you get lots of choices, a friendly environment, and plenty of TVs. Also keep in mind if you are a UFC (mix martial arts fan) Buffalo Wild Wings has all the big name fights because of their subscription to Direct TV.

-Sink

As detailed as it gets

#jrm322 blog post on a feature story that won the Pulitzer Prize in 1979. Story is titled "Mrs. Kelly's Monster."

When I first began reading this feature story, I thought I was reading a short story. Jon Franklin does a wonderful job of bringing the reader into the story. The use of present tense and the exceptional detail Franklin gives, makes the reader feel as though you are in the emergency room with the doctors, nurses, and Mrs. Kelly. To be honest though, I felt the story goes into to much detail where Franklin could also lose the reader. I know the procedure that the doctor performed was very extreme and difficult, but the description he relays during points of the surgery is not needed in my opinion. Parts of the story could be left out, and Franklin could still achieve what he is trying to do, and that is taking the reader inside of that emergency room to show the difficulty of the procedure.

I do have to say that Franklin does give us a great idea of the emotions going on in the room. Dr. Drucker and the other nurses, and the anxiety and concentration they had during the story makes the reader more inclined to the read the article, but like I said, Franklin lost my attention to the feature story, but including too much. There is no need to go into extreme detail of the tools the doctor uses. Half the readers aren't going to understand what these tools are, as well as where all of her aneurysms are in Mrs. Kelly. But on the other hand, this piece did win the Pulitzer Prize in 1979, so who I am to say there is too much detail. This makes me think of the bigger picture. Feature stories these days focus on different things, and take different angles then what stories were meant to do back in 1979. Maybe my criticism is not needed, and though I thought the story was too much like a short story and had too much detail, the story accomplishes what the author wanted, and that is to take the reader into the story, and into that emergency room for an inside exclusive look.

take some time away from your busy life

Being a college student, I know what it is like running around all hours of the day, doing various things like studying in the library, making sure to get a workout in, going to class, getting in some work hours, grabbing lunch before the dining hall closes, and even playing in some intramural sport games. Lucky for me, this is what schedule is like and though its hectic, it's not nearly as bad as what other people have to go through on a day to day basis. In many cases, people get so consumed with all their tasks, that it leads to lots of stress and no free time. Some of you may be thinking, well what else I'm supposed to do? It's college and I have to get myself ready for what lies ahead in life. Not to say that that isn't a true statement, because it is very true, but something else to think about is, "I'm I enjoying life and having fun?" You don't ever want to look back on your college experience and think, "wow...I missed out on so much because I was so consumed with other things."
For me, its quite simple. Too many times we live life in the fast lane, and thats not going to change. But in order to benefit ourselves and make ourselves happier, you have to separate yourself from your hectic schedule and take time for yourself.

Back in high school I had opportunities to go on a number of different retreats. These retreats were centered around a spiritual basis, but what I enjoyed most about those retreats was "getting away." No worries in the world. I could relax, have time to myself and also spend time with those around me. Even just taking a night off and spending time with those people in your life who really care can help make you a happier individual.

Obviously I'm a sports guy, and for me, escaping my busy schedule means watching the Notre Dame Football game with a few of my closest friends. Just me, my boys, and Notre Dame football. No studying for tests, no filling out job applications, no working and no going to the gym. Being a sports fan is my temporary vacation away from my high speed life. Even as I am writing this blog, I feel happy, and stress free. It's just little moments here and there. For some people, maybe its going to see a new a movie in theaters, or maybe going to the park to have a picnic with a friend or two. Maybe its just you, sitting at home getting lost in a book or even taking a nap with relaxing music in background.

The point is, make time for you. I always say, "I love me some me." So this weekend try to create some time yourself, and escape the world. If you have a busy week ahead you maybe only able to take an hour or so to do what you want, but at least you get away and reflect. I know what I'll be doing, and thats finding that perfect spot on the couch while I cheer for my Irish, as well as spending time with those I Love.

Now after giving a lecture on how to escape life, lets get back to talking about sports.
here are a few college football match-ups I think you should keep your eye on.
11FSU vs. 21CLEMSON
7OKST vs 8TexasA&M
14ARKANSAS vs. 3ALABAMA

other than that, I believe LSU will handle their business against West Virginia, and Oklahoma has nothing to worry about with Mizzou. Look for Notre Dame to reach 2-2 after the weekend and look for a high scoring game with Oregon vs Arizona, which the Ducks should win as well.

-Sink

Vick's Controversial Return

In a weekend of sports that was filled with baseball teams clinching playoff spots, Flloyd Mayweather won by a "never before seen" knockout in the 4th round to keep his undefeated record, and Notre Dame got there first win of the 2011 season. But in the midst of all these sporting highlights, came the well anticipated return of NFL superstar, Michael Vick, to the city and team where he began his roller coaster career. This was Vick's first time playing against his old team since he was let go by the Falcons a few years ago when he faced jail time for his dog fighting charges.

Now lets rewind for a sec...when Vick was released from prison, many believed the guy was done and had no chance to play in the NFL again. I mean come on, the guy had been out of the league for 2 full seasons, plus who would take a chance and sign a man that so many fans around the nation had grown to hate. Well Andy Reid, coach of the Philadelphia Eagles decided to be that guy and take a chance on the so called "washed up" quarterback. Vick would be the backup to Donavan McNabb his first season back in the league which looked to be a frustrating one. He had to serve a suspension at the beginning of the season and once he was able to play, he didn't see the field very often. Fans understandably were growing impatient and began to think signing Vick was a big mistake. Last season proved to all the non believers that he still had what it took to be an NFL starter and more, a franchise quarterback once again. He had his best season ever and lead the Eagles to playoffs.

This year lies big expectations for Vick, and in the second game of the season, he had to return to his original spot of success, where he would face boos and cheers from the fans, and an Atlanta Falcons team that many believe is a Super Bowl Contender.
The night would end up being disappointing for Vick and his Eagles as Falcons won 35 to 31 and Vick suffered a concussion in the third quarter. the game lived up to the hype and brought an even bigger story to front. Vick, one of the most controversial players in the NFL and his miraculous comeback to not only MVP type performances, but winning back all those fans that grew to hate him when he went to prison. Fans still don't like Vick but he continues gain more and more respect from not only fans but other figures around the NFL. Though his "welcome home" wasn't he planned, I'm sure it brought a sense of closure to all he has had to go through these last few years of his life. Check out the link below to see how ATL quarterback Matt Ryan did compared to Michael Vick sunday night.



-Sink

Mr. Rogers, "its for the kids"

After reading a sad, yet inspiring story about the ten members of the Oklahoma State Basketball team who died ten years ago in a plane crash, this story titled "Can You Say...Hero" by Tom Junod brought more of a smile while I read over the article.

When reading Junod's article, at first I had to take a step back and look at the structure, then I realized exactly what he was doing. The way he sets up his article is be relaying stories, personal stories of Fred Rogers and his interactions with other people, most of the time with children. He conveys and tells these stories as if he were telling them to a child by always beginning them with, "once upon a time." He retells a lot of stories of Rogers' past, ultimately showing us who this man that we call "Mr. Rogers from his TV show, truly is. When reading these captivating stories, you can't help but think, wow Mr. Rogers is actually a pretty cool guy. I personally would describe him as a "man for others." Look at that Jesuit slogan that I plugged into my blog post. Score!! After telling a few stories here and there, Junod also puts in his own piece and personal experience of when he first met and interacted with Mr. Rogers. In Journalism, I always felt that the best way to get your audience into a piece is show and relate to them by using personal experiences in their stories. Thats what I enjoyed most about Junod's piece. He incorporates these heart felt stories, whether its the simple story about the bunny, or the story about the kid with cerebral palsy whom he asks to pray for him. All these stories have formed Rogers in some way or shape and they help the audience understand him that much more.

As for Junod's personal piece in the story, I don't really have a problem with it, in fact I think it helps us see a connection between the writer and the subject (Mr. Rogers). It adds yet another personal account that again, relays Junod's overall meaning of the story.

here is something funny, a Mister Rogers prank call http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26hGQF8wkvI

-Sink

this was written for my #jrm322 feature writing course

How the NFL honored 9/11

It has been ten years since the attacks of 9/11. When looking back on this historic day in our history, so much in our daily lives and culture changed. 9/11 whether we like it or not will always be a crucial day in our lives for many many years to come.
Yesterday the NFL introduced some very heartfelt and emotional tributes to 9/11. I do believe at times that the NFL can over do some stuff but the NFL hit the bulls eye this past weekend. Each game introduction wasn't about the players but rather paying tribute to our country and those who died 10 years ago, as well as those serving in our armed forces. Numerous players ran out of the tunnels holding American flags. Fields were then covered by American Flags the size of the entire field. There were also 4 games that all tuned into a Marine playing the trumpet from Washinton D.C. As fans and players remained silent, the music proved to be the perfect introduction to all the games that were being played. Players were also given the chance to honor their country on the field by wearing red, white, and blue football equipment during the games. Cleats, arm bands, patches, and even hairstyles were sported to show just how important this day in history means.
So many people have that day 10 years ago fresh in their minds, and the feeling after it all happened was the feeling of "we will get through this all together." Yesterday, while watching the NFL games, it wasn't about who you thought was going to win the game but rather that same feeling we all felt ten years ago.

Aside from the 9/11 tributes, the first week of the NFL proved to be an exciting one at that, and if you missed any games check out http://www.nfl.com/ to get caught up on all that you missed.

-Sink