The Worm Word

Preparing for My Extra Day

Tomorrow is February 29th; the day that happens only once every four years. I don't know why I have such an affinity for Feb. 29, I think it is like the change to daylight savings time; any extra time is appreciated. I just wish it had fallen on a weekend, then it would really feel like extra time gained. I also want to wish a special Happy Birthday to anyone celebrating theirs on the 29th, it would be tough to only celebrate every 4 years.

Lots of things are going on with the SIU Men's Basketball team. The 71 to 60 win against Bradley on the 26th was a great game to watch. That makes 5 wins in a row for the guys. I think we can make it 6 and take down Illinois State on Saturday. You can count on me being there. A special Congratulations to Bryan Mullins; he was named an Academic All-American by ESPN the Magazine. A 4.0 in Finance is hard to achieve for anyone, let alone someone who has to balance academics and athletics. I am really proud of you Brian.

If you didn't already know, the MVC tournament will begin next week. Don't forget to stop by the SIU store in the Hilton at the Ballpark. It will be located directly across from the SIU Alumni Association Hospitality Suite. There are going to be some really neat looking new items there. If you can't make it to the store, everything will be available at the SIU Alumni Association Online Store in the coming weeks.

I also want to let everyone know that the SIU Baseball team will be playing at Rent One Ballpark this weekend. There will be a doubleheader at 3pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. I may go because I love baseball so much. I am also looking forward to the Miners season starting in May. More details on them as we get closer to that season.

I hope everyone gets to do something fun on their extra day tomorrow.

Sezmore

I'm a Wormcicle

I don't like this weather. Last week the ice storm on Monday threw off my whole week. I didn't even make it to work on that Tuesday. Though I did make it to the Men's Basketball game against Drake on the 13th. I was beside myself with joy when we beat them 65 to 62. Then we took Wichita State at Wichita 74 to 67. Last night was the big win against Northern Iowa with a 67 to 47 win. This weekend the Salukis host Nevada for the ESPN BracketBuster. It should be a really fun game.

The Missouri Valley Conference will be starting up in just a few weeks. I want to remind everyone to go to the SIU Alumni Online Store to get your Saluki apparel to cheer on the dawgs. If you get to St. Louis and don't have just the perfect Maroon attire, visit the MVC SIU Store at the Hilton at the Ballpark, across from the Alumni Suite.

Just a few other great things to report: Katie Wilson, a SIU Softball outfielder, was named the State Farm MVC Softball Player of the Week. Congrats Katie! Cody Adams, a SIU Baseball Pitcher, was ranked in the top-50 prospects in the nation in "Baseball America's 2008 College Preview." The same publication picked SIU to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference. Great Job Adam!

The SIU 2008 Football schedule was released today. I would recomend taking a look at it here and adjusting your calendar accordingly.

Everyone needs to be careful if you have to leave the house today or for the next few days. The ice is really dangerous, so take your time and take lots of caution.

Sezmore

When I Said Super, I Meant Super

What a crazy week it has been already. Can you believe that the Giants won the Super Bowl? I was sitting on the edge of my seat for way too much of that game. 17 to 14, I just can't get over it. I keep seeing news coverage of the celebrations in New York and they look absolutely crazy.

Last night was also really intense. I decided to stay in and watch the numbers come in from the primaries, that and the weather was terrifying. I won't say who I like for either the primary or the general election coming up in November, but last night was exciting no matter who you are rooting for. The weather though, that was even more nerve wracking than the poll numbers coming in. I haven't heard of too much damage around Carbondale and Murphysboro, but my thoughts go out to all of those areas that were hit hard.

On the happier side of life; the Saluki Men took down Sycamores 80 to 69 last night. They obviously weren't too worried about the weather. This win means that the Salukis are now tied for 3rd with Creighton. The guys will get a few days to rest now; their next game will be on Feb 10th against Creighton at Omaha.

In case you didn't know; February is Black History Month. SIU has a number of events going on to celebrate the month of February. There is so much going on that I can't list it all in this blog, but if you are interested go here.

Sezmore

Super Days Ahead

I have been so excited by the SIU Men's Basketball team winning their past few games that I didn't even remember to write about them. On January 26th SIU beat Creighton 48 to 44. That was also the ESPN Gameday and I can't even begin to explain how intense the game was; everyone was yelling and cheering. I had so much fun at that game. On Tuesday the guys took on Evansville and won 59 to 39. This Saturday, Feb 2nd, the SIU Men's team will take on Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls at 7:05pm. We have won the past two games in a row and I think this will be a nice third to add to the list.

The SIU Women's Basketball team will head to Cedar Falls today to play at 7:05pm. In a few weeks, on February 8th, the ladies will hold the Second Annual "Pink Out" against Missouri State. The tickets are just $2 with $1 going to the SIH Women with Hope support group. The first 1,000 fans will receive a pink shirt from SIH. All breast cancer survivors are invited to attend a pre-game reception at the arena and will be given a "pink-out" shirt. This is a really great cause and I encourage everyone to attend.

This Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday, as if you didn't know. The Giants and the Patriots will compete in Arizona and I'm excited. I do have to admit that I really enjoy the commercials more than the game some years. I am also looking forward to the half-time show, I am a Tom Petty fan. Be sure to keep safe as you head to and from your Super Bowl Parties.

Tuesday, February 5th, is Super Tuesday. 24 states will have a primary or a caucus on the 5th and both Illinois and Missouri are included in that number. Be sure to get out and vote. The general election will be in November, and just a reminder, if you are running for office and need signs, banners, bumper stickers or anything else to get your name out, call Silkworm.

Sezmore

Looking Ahead

Have you been following all of the presidential hopefuls and all of the primaries going on? I keep trying, but it just all seems so confusing. I don't have a clue as to who I want for president yet. I guess I will just have to keep watching and listening. If you happen to be running for president, or any of the various local positions, you should know that Silkworm can supply you with yard signs, banners, buttons, balloons, t-shirts and any other kind of item you would want to give out to help people remember your name.

Can you believe that game on Saturday? It was so close!The Men's Basketball team has really shown improvement since the beginning of the season, but they still have a way to go. Keep your fingers crossed for our first away game win tonight against Evansville in Evansville at 7:00pm. The Ladies Basketball team just couldn't get a win this past Saturday either. They go up against Drake on Friday at 7:30pm in Carbondale. Also on Friday, the Track team gets started at 4pm in Carbondale. Good luck in everything this season Track team!

I'm not sure if you are aware of this, but I am very involved in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. I participate in the Jackson County - Murphysboro Relay every year. On Tuesday the 22nd, the Jackson County - Murphysboro Relay will have its Kick-Off meeting at 6pm at the 17th St Warehouse. The Kick-Off is open to anyone who wants to come; cancer survivors, previous team captains and team members and anyone interested in having a ton of fun. The theme this year is "One World, One Hope." I'm so excited, I can't wait until the event in June.

I'm looking forward to everything that will be going on this spring, and that time will be here before you know it. I hope you have a good week.

Sezmore

Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Spring?

    This weather is really throwing me off. I was just enjoying that frigid crispness that should always accompany the Christmas season, then it goes and gets all warm outside. I just don't know what to do, though the rain does make it look colder out, even if it doesn't feel colder.

    It is starting to feel like things are returning to normal after everyone's holiday breaks. The grade schools are all back in session; not too much longer until graduation seniors. SIU students will be coming back this week since classes are starting on Monday the 14th for them. Be sure to watch out for people looking a little dazed and confused, they probably just need some directions.

    The SIU Men's Basketball Team goes up against Bradley tonight at 6:00pm. We really need to get some more wins under our belt before the MVC. I don't think I will make it to the game tonight, but I may go out to watch it with some friends; the game will be shown on ESPNU.

    Right now it seems like not too much is going on here in Southern Illinois. I am keeping an ear to the ground for any fun things happening in the region. If you hear of one, please let me know so I can share. It won't be long before all of the fun Spring festivals and events get going though.

Sezmore

Happy New Year Y'all

I hope everyone out there had a great holiday season. I'm looking forward to a great new year in 2008. My new year's resolutions are to drop a little weight (I know I look good, but who couldn't use a little less belly) and to keep you up to date with everything going on around Southern Illinois.

I would love to hear about any traveling anyone did for the holiday season or new year; I went to Texas. Don't ask why I went there, a coworker just took me along for the ride. I got a little into it; picked up a red hat and a bolo tie, I felt like a true Texan. I went to Austin and checked out the Arboretum (a neat shopping center) where I got to try some Amy's Ice Cream. They take the ice cream and smash the toppings into it, I got sweet cream with ginger snaps in it, talk about yummy. There were these big cow statues right by the Amy's and since there were lots of kids climbing on them, I decided I should too. A few days later I went out to Llano, Texas to eat at Cooper's BBQ. You walk up and there are rows of smokers, they lift up the lid on the one near the door and it has brisket, chicken, pork, sausage and other assorted goodies just sitting there, you tell the guy at the pit what you want and he puts it on a tray for you to take inside and it gets cut up for you. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the brisket.

I had a fun trip, but it does feel good to be back in Illinois. I can't believe how much happened while I was gone. Dale Lennon was named head coach of the Saluki Football Team. He comes to us from North Dakota and has quite the impressive resume. I would like to extend a hand of welcome to Coach Lennon and his family, I'm sure he will do us proud. Though Coach Kill has left for Northern Illinois I was very happy to hear that he was named the 2007 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. It has been up and down and up again for the Men's Basketball team; they beat Western Kentucky on the 22nd, 88 to 78, they weren't quite able to eek out that win against Butler on the 28th, but they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and won against Missouri State on the 30th, 79 to 71. I will be cheering for the guys tonight as they play Drake in Des Moines, Iowa at 7:05 tonight.

I feel like so much happened while I was away down South in Texas. I did have a good time and am now ready for a year of keeping you up to date with everything happening in 2008. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Sezmore

Getting Ready for a Break

I want to start by saying that I really do love my job, honestly, I do. That being said, I can't wait for my whole week off. Silkworm will be closed starting December 21st at 6:00pm and will reopen on January 2nd at 8:00am. I'm looking forward to seeing family and friends from out of state, I hope everyone is preparing for a wonderful holiday season as well. This past Saturday was the Silkworm Christmas Party. I hope to have pictures up as soon as possible, but I can assure you that a good time was had by all. We had a new funny video by Mike Bergman, as well as a compilation of Christmas Memories. The party was held in the Murphysboro Event Center (formerly the old Elks Lodge), I highly recommend the location to anyone throwing any kind of get together. The building has been beautifully restored and words can't quite describe how nice it is.

As for SIU athletics, I just don't know what to say. The basketball team is trying their hardest, but these opponents this year are so much better than what we are usually up against this time of year. I have faith that FloorBurn U will make a comeback and we will take the MVC like it is nothing then fly through the NCAA tournament, Sweet 16, Elite 8, Final 4 and then win it all. But that is jut my outlook. Coach Kill, I will miss you. You did such a great job with our Salukis and I know those Huskies are glad to have you now. I'm sure Mario Moccia will find the perfect coach to step into Kill's former position.

I won't be able to put up a new post next week, but I promise to return after the new year. I will be keeping an ear out for all sorts of new and fun goings on to let you know about. Keep me updated with any interesting things going on.

Sezmore

The Weather Outside is Frightful

Oh, what a weekend! That football game was so much fun, I would have preferred a win, but it was a good game. I can't believe I actually stayed for the whole thing, my tail was numb by the end it was so cold. I cheered so much I even lost my voice. It would have been great to see the guys make it to the final game, but it just wasn't meant to be.

The basketball team really needs our support. They are playing against much harder teams than they usually do this time of year and just aren't getting the wins that everyone wants. I for one am not going to stop cheering for them no matter what. One way to let the guys know you are rooting for them is to go here and get your official FloorBurn U T-shirt. You can also pick one up at Silkworm in Murphysboro, Old National Banks in Carbondale and De Soto, Alongi's Italian Restaurant in Carbondale, Pinch Penny Pub, 710 Bookstore, Saluki Central or First Southern Bank in Carbondale. As with past fundraisers, 100% of the profit will go directly to Saluki Way to renovate the Arena. I think I may have to get one today to wear while I cheer on the guys tonight against St. Mary's.

Christmas is quickly approaching and I think I am finally ready for it. Silkworm will be closed for the holiday from December 24th through January 2nd. I'm looking forward to a little vacation time. I hope everyone out there is gearing up for a great holiday season.

Sezmore

Roller Coaster of Emotions

I was so overcome with excitement, disappointment and turkey last week that I didn't even get around to making a blog post. I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving and that the turkey coma has worn off, though I'm not sure mine has.

It all started when SIU Men's Basketball played Chattanooga in California. I had to plan my Thanksgiving dinner around the game because I didn't want to miss a moment of it, and I was not disappointed with the 63 to 41 win. After a good nights rest I was ready to watch the guys take on Mississippi State and again watched an awesome victory of 63 to 49. Unfortunatly the SIU girls didn't do so well; the Women's Basketball team lost to Western Kentucky and the Women's Volleyball team lost to Creighton. On Saturday the football team took it's first playoff victory against Eastern Illinois. Again the Women's Basketball team just couldn't catch the lead and lost to South Dakota. Sunday was a heartbreaker for me though, the Men's Basketball team lost to USC, and I stayed up way too late watching it. All in all it was an exhausting weekend.

This weekend is shaping up to be even busier. Saturday starts at 2:30 with the second SIU playoff game, this time against Massachusetts. Then all of the fun starts all down Illinois Ave in Carbondale; there will be a cookie walk through a number of businesses, live reindeer in the main square, a home tour (be sure to go by Hickory Lodge to see the Silkworm Christmas tree, I get to be an angel on it) and to top it off, the Lights Fantastic Parade starting at 6:30. If you want to see everything Saturday has to offer you will need a good spot at the start of the parade because the Men's Basketball game against Indiana starts at 8:30. I'm worn out just mentioning it all.

If you are going to the basketball game on Saturday you should know that it is a white out. The goal is to have everyone in the arena in a white shirt. To help with that Silkworm is printing up a white FloorBurn U shirt specifically for the game. The shirts will be available at Silkworm in Murphysboro, Saluki Central both on the strip and in the mall, and Pinch Penny Pub. The shirts are $5 each so I am expecting the shirts to sell very quickly so you might want to call before you go to pick yours up.

I know I keep mentioning it, but I swear a new FloorBurn U Saluki Way Fundraiser shirt will be coming soon. I will let you know as soon as it is available. I hope everyone is having a great holiday season.

Sezmore