Category Archives: Travel

Game #1: Penn State Vs. Michigan.

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On Saturday I drove to Ann Arbor to meet up with Luke and catch the Michigan – Penn State game. The morning got off to a great start when I woke at 5:40 am head to the shower and head out only to find there was no hot water. Perfect. Luke and I met up with his friend from college Danielle and her boyfriend Tobias.. We grabbed a couple beers and then began our march to the Stadium. As you can see by the pictures below it was interesting to say the least.

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Of course Michigan won the game. I’ve been to probably 7 Michigan games with the hope they would lose and I think it’s only happened twice. Considering their 0-2 record when I bought the tickets this game was a sure thing. Or so I believed. Michigan was able to run between the 20’s pretty effectively but the difference in the game was an early fumble by Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli in the first quarter which lead to a touchdown. There were several shady calls (Instant Replay and Pass Interference) which only confirms my belief that playing at Michigan is nearly a certain defeat if it’s a close game.

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Other than that it was a good time. Our seats were great, the weather was perfect and the assholes who sat behind us left at Halftime. After the game we headed out with Luke’s friends for a couple drinks where we had Strongbow on draft. With those drinks and the two pints of Magic Hat #9 I had during dinner made it a successful trip.

Thanks to Tobias for driving me taking me to two different liquor stores in search of a case of Magic Hat. The search was unsuccessful but at least an attempt was made.

** BIG TEN & Notre Dame Stadium Map:


View BIG TEN Stadiums in a larger map

A Baughman Wedding.

Nick and Jenn Baughman.The Baughman’s.

This weekend Julie and I headed to Deer Creek in Ohio for the Baughman Wedding. This was probably the last wedding I’ll be at or in for some time so we made sure to stick it out until the very end of the night. It was well worth it.

Jenn on the loosing end of the ‘cake cutting’.Stefani, Kristin, Lori.Jamal and Baughman fighting over a pitcher of beer.Baughman on his special night.The Bronder’s.Julie and Nik Bronder.

The Photographing of a Photographer:

Bride Groom, Photographer & Assistant.

A Professional at work.Look at his form… it’s all in the fundamentals.In the zone… mental focus is paramount.This is where the long hours of planning pay off… endurance.At this moment I’ve been caught photographing a photographer.The equipment of a veteran. Fluids are vital.

While Cook and I waited for the photographer to do his thing we began to notice how as the ‘shoot’ went on he really stepped up his game. His form was precise, his focus intense and his timing perfect. In two words, it was: GAME ON.

The Heights:

The Heights: Gary Massey, Arden Banks, Jamal Wittenberg, Ryan Carter, Nik Bronder and Nick Cook.The Nick’s: Nik Bronder, Nick Cook, Nick Baughman.Kristin (Thompson) Jeffery, Nik Bronder, & Lori Fobes.

This weekend was probably the first time in 9 years that I’ve seen this many people from the prestigious Franklin Heights High School. It was fun to see everyone and a good time was had by all. Now on to the ten year high school reunion.

The Groom at the bar.Bronder and the Bride & Groom.Baughman with his dad Jeff, the best man.Bronder, Gary and Jamal.Cook and Uncle Brian showing the fist pump.Jen and Nick at the end of the night.

Uncle Brian:

Nick Cook and Uncle Brian (aka: Johnny Lawrence).Johnny Lawrence.

Nick Cook’s uncle Brian made a appearance after shooting Karate Kid IV: Johhny Lawerence Fights Again.

The rest of the photographs are on Flickr.

Anatomy of The Beerman.

Anatomy of The Beerman.

The man in the photograph above was my Beerman last night and it was my privilege to sit in his section.  He was the absolute professional; as you can tell by his attire.  This Beerman was equipped for any situation, if a play was occurring behind him he could go to one knee in a split second.  If he for some reason was required to dive out of the isle he could brace himself with his right wrist knowing full well it was ready for the task at hand.  If for some reason at the last moment he needed to clear a way out of  section 124 he could do so with his ‘Macgyver’ like shoulder pad.

This was my Beerman.