2016 - Ohio State 30, Michigan 27, 2 OT's

source: OhioStateFootballTickets123.com

source: Ohio State Buckeyes Football

I've watched lots and lots of Ohio State - Michigan games. Many live up to the rivalry hype: intense, hard fought battles.

Up until yesterday, the most memorable game for me was my sophomore year in 1979. Members of the Ohio State team included:
- defensive backs coach/Marin county native and current Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.
- place kicker Vlade Janakievski, who was 2 years ahead of me at Whitehall-Yearling High School.
- quarterback Art Schlichter, who led the Buckeyes to a 18-15 win in Ann Arbor.

Add 2016 to the list. Down 17-7 in the 3rd quarter and 2 missed field goal attempts, Ohio State is able to tie the game with seconds left in regulation.

Like the 2003 BCS Championship (aka Tostitos Fiesta Bowl) versus Miami (Florida), it took 2 overtimes for the Buckeyes to capture the win, thanks to H-back Curtis Samuel's 2 runs in the last 3 plays of the game.

Courtesy of the Big Ten Network, here it is:

Ohio State vs. Michigan 2016

source: CBS Sports
AP Top 25 - week of November 20, 2016

Thanksgiving 2016 is quickly approaching. Short work week, gluttony and big gatherings with friends and family.

Then on Saturday, the long awaited college football showdown of the season: Ohio State versus Michigan.

Ohio State is currently ranked #2, Michigan, #3, something we haven't seen in many years.

Game will be played in Columbus. To get our Buckeye hearts racing and spirits fired up, l close with a video clip of The Ohio State University Marching Band's traditional entrance into Ohio Stadium. GO BUCKS!

Famous Blue Raincoat - The Songs of Leonard Cohen

source: Amazon
Jennifer Warnes - Famous Blue Raincoat
Featuring the songs of Leonard Cohen

Canadian born poet, songwriter and artist Leonard Cohen passed away this week at the age of 82.

His song "Hallelujah" is most recognized with mainstream audiences. Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright, k.d. lang, and most recently, NBC's Saturday Night Live's Kate McKinnon are among a few that have performed the song.

Like Bob Dylan, I find listening to Cohen sing difficult. I'm among those that have to listen to covers from other artists to fully appreciate their lyrics and music.

One notable example: Jennifer Warnes.

Yes, the Jennifer who sang "Time of My Life" with Bill Medley and "Up Where We Belong" with Joe Cocker.

Released in 1986 and making Billboard's 200 in February 1987, "Famous Blue Raincoat" features 9 Leonard Cohen songs (2 co-written). My favorite song from the album is "First We Take Manhattan". Soaring vocals from Ms. Warnes and great guitar riffs from Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Eye Bags, Eyes Bag

PacSafe Citysafe CS 350, 2014

I spent most of yesterday focused on 2 words with 2 vastly different agendas: Eye and Bag.

1. Eye Bags - as in puffiness below my peepers due to allergies, touching or sad media stories, lack of sleep and middle age. I copiously scrutinized the face care aisles at CVS and Target for nearly 2 hours in search of the right relief treatment.

2. Eyes bag - as in search for a new handbag. 

Specifically, a backpack. The PacSafe Citysafe CS 350 I carry lacks the organized compartments needed for even distribution of weight in the pack (bottom heavy). I'd also have to grab the excess material from the top near the zipper in order to open the bag (see photo).

Must haves for all bags: durability, brand cache, carrying ease, AND, something that made me look like I had some fashion sense.

These were my strongest alternatives (so much so they were in my shopping carts):

source: Amazon
Michael Kors Kempton Nylon Tote, size M

Michael Kors Kempton Nyton Tote, size Medium. 

Pros: Nylon material, lightweight, easy to clean. 

Dual exterior pockets

Cons: No water bottle pocket, only 1-2 interior pockets for organization.

source: Amazon
Timbuk2 Commute Messenger, size S

Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag, size Small.

Pros: Lots of storage compartments, side water bottle pocket, durability, additional zipped storage within flap.

Cons: Look is too masculine for my tastes, bulky bag size.

source: eBags
Patagonia Mini Messenger

Patagonia Mini Messenger

Pros: Full storage access within flap, side water bottle pocket, durability, size.

Cons: Too casual.

After 10 hours and recharges to my phone and laptop from all the web surfing, I pulled the trigger. Bought the little sister of the PacSafe CS 350 I currently use - the PacSafe CS 300.

source: Amazon
PacSafe Citysafe CS 300

Why? 

Cost - Amazon offers it for $20 less than most other sites. With Prime, I get free shipping and it arrives in 2 days. I also saved $40 using my American Express Reward Points and Amazon Gift Card.

Convenience - I carry it for everything. Work, weekends, travel, hands free, and makeshift defense weapon if needed. The CS 300 is 1" smaller with a shorter shoulder strap drop and has 2 additional zippered storage pockets my CS 350 doesn't have.

Once I get the bag, I'm fully aware I'll encounter the same issues with the CS 300 as I did with the CS 350. That's OK. I already know what to expect.