Zombies, Physics and Golf in One Post!

Bringing you the important stuff on a daily basis.

The only way to make this post better was if it came with a pet monkey (every guy's secret fantasy). Actual Physicists have determined that the mall is the best place to be (like in Dawn of the Dead) when the zombies come for you. A farmhouse in the middle of nowhere is the worst place to be, (like in Night of the Living Dead). That's assuming zombies walk randomly, which may or may not be true. I thought they were attracted to brains, but what do I know? Check out the scientific proof of this groundbreaking work. And you thought Physics was boring! When there's no more room in Hell, the dead will go shopping!

And for those with time on their hands, Zombie Golf Riot is a flash "golf" game you can play on your computer at work. Clubs are things like chainsaws and the ball is zombie heads, so it's not something that will appeal to everyone (or anyone!).

"Quote of the week"

"I just walk down the hallway and wave at everyone - like I'm their Mayor"

Zeb Stewart - Senior year in South Halls

Big Ten Football Season Begins

AND ENDS THE SAME DAY?

My hairdresser's daughter (who has to work less and less on my hair each year!) Tristalynn Bixler-Kint is now a majorette with the Blue Band. If talent really matters, she will be featured one day. With Luke Skerpon, son of Don Skerpon, already ensconced in the piccolo section, that makes two members of the Blue Band I currently know.

When I was in school, I only knew one. Mark "Beef" Heckel was a captain of the Blue Band in addition to throwing the hammer on the Track team. He is now our Official Bouncer and Enforcer, always ready to encourage payment of our annual dues. He is also the premiere Field Events Official in the nation. We have yet to find out if he can golf, but then again, we already know most of us can't.

A-Team "Plus" and a Little Miracle

I inadvertently placed the wrong photo of our A-Team on the previous post! I have included the correct one here, with the added bonus of US World Track Team member Bridget Franek! We will make every effort possible to insure Bridget attends our outing next year (along with as many other team members as possible). She may not be aware that she is already a member of our group, as our rules of inclusion are rather weak! Also pictured is Harry "W" Smith, Clark Haley, Steve Balkey and Nick K. She dresses them up quite a bit, wouldn't you say? Ignore the 2007 time stamp on the photo!

And Montgomery the Pomeranian is now home, following an extended hospital stay involving every form of treatment imaginable. All 4 Vets agree that he skirted death through a small miracle. The veterinary medical world is the model we should be following in our efforts to remake our own. Or something like that.

The A-Team Brings Back the Mirth!

The quartet of Clark Haley, Harry Smith, Steve Balkey and Nick K. represented PSU Track Alumni Golf at the 5th Annual Kevin Dare Golf tournament Monday. With the pirate admonition to "take no prisoners" it was inevitable to anticipate a good score. "I pity the fool" who thought otherwise. When the smoke cleared and the tax-code sized rules were followed, the foursome came through with a record for our group. Ten under par, 29 for the first nine scared the dickens out of Al Geiberger and the PGA record books. Alas, this wasn't good enough to win anything, but I have a few more wrist bands to salve their wounds. The BMW would have meant taxes anyway, guys.

Harry Smith made the shot of the day by overhitting an approach shot and bouncing the ball onto the top of a cart. Without knowing for sure, I'll bet there is a specialty club just for that situation. I know it isn't a niblet, but it's something like that. Maybe cutlet or bartlett? They used to make them out of balsa wood, but now its all fiberglass composites.

The group helped spread the word on our tourney and interacted with the Coaches and athletes at the post tourney reception. Of special import was their meeting with Coaches Whittacre and Alford-Sullivan. The past and present staff in conjunction with our group makes for a tremendous future for PSU Track. Keep spreading the word.

"Quote of the Week"

"If we do not at sometime, taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome"

Anne Bradstreet

The Mirth is Turned Off for this One

I don't know how 8 pounds of incessant yapping covered in fur gets under your skin, but somehow it does. It doesn't even matter that he has the brains of a sponge and will eat anything he encounters. Montgomery, our 3 year old Pomeranian became ill last night and lapsed into shock so quickly, we never had time to even try to figure out why. We rushed him to the ER where he is clinging to life with a poor prognosis. I didn't get any sleep worrying about the little guy, and had time to think about many things.

I couldn't come to any real conclusions other than...Give your dog, cat or whatever a hug and let them know how you feel. Give your kids a big hug and call your parents to say "hi". Do something nice today for no reason.

And give some thought to sending a little something to the Kevin Dare Foundation. I can't imagine what his parents went through. Consider giving also to the Kevin McDermott Fund, a former Duke University runner injured in a swimming pool accident. His parents are living with much more than I can imagine.

Arrrrrgghhh!

It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day. I have uttered Pirate talk for the last 4 years. It's easy and fun. Call everyone Matey! (even if you are not Australian). Say "Aaaarrrgggghhh" a lot for no particular reason. Swab the decks with your loved ones, and generally act like a seafaring swashbuckler.

New Type of Comet Discovered!

The long streak represents a time-lapse view of the Space Shuttle hurtling through Earth orbit. The "comet" seen near the top of the photo is actually a recently jettisoned frozen block of astronaut urine. And I thought they were recycling urine now! Going green just gets harder and harder.*

And... The Philly Distance Classic Finish Line will be without the Velveteen Playboys due to a hospitalization of their guitarist.

*Remember now, I drive a Hybrid!

Upcoming Track Alumni Gatherings at Damon's

Those of us who have golfed in the previous Coach Harry Groves' Golf Tourneys know that Damons is the place to head after a tough 18 holes of greenery-hacking, frustration-creating golf mayhem. It's good to know that the PSU Track/Cross-Country Coaches feel the same way! Last year's excellent Alumni Gathering at Damon's during the Big Ten Indoor Championships has spawned a pair of Gatherings for this year. As an attendee last year, I can heartily attest to the frivolity and good cheer to be had. We hope to pattern next year's post-tourney awards ceremony on their proven model.

The first Gathering will be on October 16, following the National Invite Cross-Country Meet. Another will be held on October 31 before the Big Ten Championships (Possibly the last big meet to be held on the Blue/White Courses?).

And don't forget our Suburban Philly Outreach Dinners. New and old member encouraged! We bring the mirth to you!

"QUOTE OF THE WEEK"

"A CHAMPION IS AFRAID OF LOSING, EVERYONE ELSE IS AFRAID OF WINNING"

Billie Jean King

All "A" Team of Golfers to Take on All-Comers

In addition to the $50 donation to the Kevin Dare Foundation from our group, and the $20 worth of raffle tickets I purchased at my tailgate, 4 intrepid PSU Track Alumni Golfers have put their hat in the ring for the golf tourney next weekend. And anyone who has seen Clark's hat, knows the magnitude of that!

The all "A" group consists of Harry W. Smith, Clark Haley, Nick K. and Steve Balkey. They go with special instructions to "take no prisoners."

Zombies Can't Catch PSU Half-Milers!

PSU is 800 U! And thank goodness for that. Steve Black appears in the trailer for the upcoming remake of Ed Wood's famous Plan 9 From Outer Space, now known just as Plan 9.

Steve is seen running away from the zombies in the middle of the trailer, and isn't caught by any (at least in this brief segment). Aliens, zombies and more mayhem are all included in this salute to one of the weirdest movie makers of all time.

Plan 9 Teaser Trailer from Darkstone Entertainment on Vimeo.

Donations Appreciated!

My recent reunion with Ted Lyon was unexpected and a big reason I continue to blog and promote the Golf Outing and Reunion. I have become reacquainted with many great friends and made many new ones through the activities. This is a rare picture of my father and I before a cross-country meet in 1978. That's Ted warming up behind us! I came across the picture by coincidence right around the time we both went to see Paul Souza's band in Philadelphia.

I convinced Ted to join our little band of hackers next year and, as always, promised him he would have a great time. (No one has asked for their money back yet!) Ted also generously donated to our coffers which will allow us to deliver the fine quality of goods and services we have come to expect from PSU Track Alumni Golf. I quite honestly appreciate every donation we have received. And Ted's first roommate at PSU was our very own Official Physicist, Brian Boyer!* Will the coincidences ever cease?

*Actually a Nuclear Engineer but how can a Biology Major quibble over such things. Ron Moore will become Co-Official Physicist upon his first appearance at the event.

Usain Bolt Record Beaten by Female Runner!

Sarah, the 8-year-old female cheetah, ran the 100-meter dash in 6.16 seconds on her first attempt and then 6.13 seconds on her second attempt.



This represents the all-time land speed record for an animal, beating the record previously held by a male cheetah from South Africa.

Tailgate 2009: Ruminations and Grumblings

This little 2-year-old camper was at her first Tailgate and amused the crowd quite well. I, on the other hand, did not. The Grumpy Old Man I have become was at my worst at the first Tailgate of the season. Traffic and crowds aren't my things, but several other factors conspired to "improve" my misery.

• The RV to my immediate right decided to take 3 feet of my space which meant my huge 16 foot trailer would not fit correctly in its space, ticking off the guy to my immediate left.
• When trying to turn on the generator I tripped over the hand brake of the trailer and fell into the next guys grill, knocking it over and causing great noise and tumult in the process.
• The original guy to my right insisted on running his generator at 110 dB 4 inches from my tent room, causing me to not sleep at all Friday night. At 3 AM I finally got the RV cops into action and made him turn it off. They took a long time in doing it because they were all fast asleep!
• The Fireworks after the Pep Rally caused one of my dogs to befoul my trailer. Luckily it was on Barb's side!
  

There were several good things about the whole affair, though.

• Grilled sticky buns from The Diner in my portable microwave with Creamery ice cream on top. Including Death by Chocolate as recommended by the Radzwich's.
• Our generator performed flawlessly despite zero maintenance in 3 years.
• A friend from Day Care days found Anne and they played all day.
• I didn't have to go to the game and instead went for a run through campus, keeping my streak alive and updating my campus knowledge, (the Classroom Building has been renamed the Joab Thomas Building).
• And you wondered what any of this has to do with PSU Track? I ran into Kevin Dare's grandfather at the Tailgate, reminding me to remind all of you about their coming Golf Tourney Fundraiser. They are also having a raffle, so get in touch with them. I will again send $50 their way from our entire group.
  

PSU Manhattan Project Physicist Dies After Fall: Worked All of his Life

PSU Track Alumni Golf Official Physicist Brian Boyer brings us this sad news. A great man who loved teaching and Penn State.

Los Alamos scientist Louis Rosen dies at 91

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) -- Louis Rosen, a Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist who worked on the Manhattan Project and later created an influential neutron center at the facility, has died at age 91.

Rosen was sent to an Albuquerque hospital after an apparent fall at his home Aug. 15. A granddaughter, Ambyr Hardy, said he was transferred to a Los Alamos rehabilitation center shortly before he died Thursday, surrounded by his family.

Family members say he had gone to work as usual Aug. 13.

"This is a great loss of a great man," said lab Director Michael Anastasio. "He was the father of our LANSCE Facility and an inspiration to us all. Louie embodied the passion for innovation and the commitment to succeeding generations of scientists."

The head of the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center at LANSCE, Alan Hurd, called Rosen "one of our last personal touch points with the Manhattan Project."

The lab credits Rosen with leading the way in developing the world's most powerful linear accelerator, culminating in construction of the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility, known today as the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, or LANSCE.

Rosen directed the center until 1986.

Rosen went to work at Los Alamos in 1944 as a member of the Manhattan Engineering District's Project Y that led to the world's first atomic bomb in World War II. He worked during the war in neutron cross-section measurements and nuclear test diagnostics.

Hurd recalled Rosen "confidently striding to work every day into the last week of his life. He loved to interact with students. In my favorite image, he is surrounded by a flock of graduate students lucky enough to hear about the time he and his colleagues set the forest on fire during the war."

Rosen was born in New York City on June 10, 1918. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Alabama and his Ph.D. from Penn State University. He taught at both universities.

Rosen in 2002 received the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory Medal, the lab's highest award.

Does the U S Senate Need a Bloody Sock?

Or just a sock full of nickles to the side of the head?

The 42-year-old father of four threw nothing but high, hard fastballs in an interview with the Herald yesterday, saying too many Bay State politicians have "dirty hands."

"We've got a political system and a group of people that suck, and that needs to change," said Schilling.

The former ace said he's been contacted by Republican officials about a Senate bid, but he still needs the blessing of his wife, Shonda.

And.... The PSU Cross-Country teams begin their seasons this week. Both have a great mix of proven veterans and talented freshmen. I'm looking forward to a great season.

And, man gets one digit tax raise to pay for health care plan!