The Madness That is March

That's right, March Madness is underway, however, this year it seems to be alittle different. Perhaps it's the 5 Euros I tossed into the betting pool, or perhaps I just have nothing to fill my life with these days. Either way, I've found myself more invested in the NCAA tournament this year.
I'll spare you the details as my picks lack a certain fatidic prowess. Safe to say, it's 5 Euros that will never be spent on a delicious schnitzel. Be that as it may, much of my team has enjoyed boasting or being shocked at the goings-on during this wonderful time of year. Being a part of this, with my team, has made me realize how much I appreciate devices that transcend cultural barriers; in this case our love of basketball brings us closer together. Everyone picks their favorites, and traditional taunting ensues upon hearing of the outcomes.

Now, onto Devil's basketball, we currently sit in 1st place at 17-2. With 5 games left in the season, we are again hitting our stride, winning close games on the road, and taking care of business at home. This probably goes without saying, but its a fantastic time to be a part of this organization.

[Thanking our amazing Devil's fans]

Today, Dikkah scooped up Hun and I, and we made the trek across town to cheer on our beloved women's team, no...not the crabbettes (youth cheer team), although while cheer-worthy. I am talking about the Lady Devils, whom battled valiantly against a women's team from Frankfurt(oder). They battled back from a 15 point decifit to lose a nail bitter, by about 5 or so. It was interesting to be in the cheering section rather than on the court. I even picked up a noise maker, and found myself standing to shout in what was sure to be broken-German.

[Lady Devils getting a pep talk from Rocco]

After our battle last weekend in Berlin, in which we prevailed against Future in Overtime, Dikkah, some of his friends and I, decided to go out enjoy a night in Berlin. We began in Cottbus, and after enjoying a few adult beverages, took our show on the road. The club lamentably was a "House" club, meaning that in-lieu of Top 40 sing along music, we were blasted with a hardcore techno, of sorts...that was sure to be felt somewhere up in Troposphere. However, a few more adult beverages later, and I was no longer the American against the wall with his fingers in his ears, instead I was the American in the middle dance floor beatin' the beat up (thank you in advance to all Jersey Shore fans, for cheering at my reference). Needless to say I had a great time, and capped the night off with two...that's right, two, 7 am Döner's compliments of our splendid chef's at Efes.

[My German buddies and I, moments before said beat was beatin' up]

As an interesting aside, I have successfully rid my room of the phantom smell that was residing somewhere between the closet and my MEGAdesk. Who knew if threw your bag down haphazardly it could cover a banana you had neatly placed there?

Se7en Things

Seven Songs That Given Me an Ohrwurm*:
1. Belle & Sebastian-Piazza, New York Catcher
2. Sam Adams-I Hate College (remix)
3. Deathcab for Cutie-Brothers on a Hotel Bed
4. Black Sabbath-Paranoid
5. Paul Kalkbrenner-Sky and Sand
6. Atmosphere-Sunshine
7. Lupe Fiasco-Say Somethin'

Seven TV Shows Recently Watched:
1. Lost
2. Californication
3. 90s X-Men
4. Southland
5. Smallville
6. Spartacus
7. The Office

Seven Books Recently Read:
1. Can I Keep My Jersey
2. The Bible
3. Rich Dad, Poor Dad
4. 48 Laws of Power
5. Real Estate Millionaire
6. The Alchemist
7. Marvel Graphic Novels

Seven Foods That Have Recently Entered My Full Belly:
1. Pizza with chicken, salami, and pepporoni.
2. Kit-Kats
3. Green Grapes
4. Schnitzel
5. Döner
6. Burger King
7. Chicken

Seven People I Want to Meet (Past or Present):
1. Jesus (the big guy)
2. Brett Favre
3. Nikola Tesla
4. Pete Maravich
5. Slug from Atmosphere
6. Brian Bendis
7. Jonah Hill







*Ohrwurm-An German word describing when a song gets stuck in one's head.

Mindset of a Colin

Year to year it seems like I find different items in which I feel help me preform my best on the court. Now, I am not a superstitious person by nature (and I am by no means referring to steroids...and if you look at my frame, one could hardly make the argument that I am the poster child for such a drug), and at the end of the day, I realize it is both God's blessing and my hard work that allow me to compete on the court at such a high level.

That being said, I believe in the power of the mind, and any edge I can give myself mentally going into a game helps. In other words, if I believe that "Exhibit A" gives me confidence and aides me in preforming my best...than it does. It is not some supernatural power that "Exhibit A" has, which allows me to, but rather my belief in myself, that does. While I realize, that this may sound borderline nutso...to each his own, and I have verified this against my stats.

My Junior year at UAF is really when I began to hit my stride in terms of peak performance on the court, and I really haven't looked back since (not being a cocky a-hole...so quit judging). But it was also my Junior year I felt that every time I ate a Spicey Firecracker Sandwhich from Burger King the night before a game, I played very well the next day. Furthermore, a teammate of mine convinced me to drink a whole container of OJ the night before each game...so it may have been that (thanks Titus).
My Senior year in Alaska it was listening to a song by the band Elbow called, "Grounds for Divorce".
This year, my rookie season as professional here in Germany, it seems as though everytime I hear the song "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath, I have a 20+ game. Odd isn't it?

I will reiterrate, that these quirks provide me with no actual supernatural gift, and it is the work of God, and myself which aid me.

However, I believe there is something to be said for finding your pregame ritual, and sticking to it. Whether, its napping, eating a certain food, playing a certain song...or chasing your flatmate around the apartment with a sock full of AA Batteries (that was one time Hun...one time).
This concept of finding a ritual is a positive thing, as it gets you in a habit of success. It is important for a person to get in the right mind frame for the game/sales call/business meeting etc. And that is what this is.

Needless to say, from here on out...it appears I will know more Ozzy lyrics that I will care to admit.
Be that as it may, I'm going to finish strong this season, and enjoy a great career.

Basketballism

As of late, it seems that I've had trouble sleeping, be it the food I eat, over-sleeping, or getting a late workout in. But tossing and turning each night has given my mind time to wander aimlessly. And in this wander, I've given a substantial amount of thought as to the role basketball has played in my life, as well as some of the finer points, which are little discussed. This entry will briefly tie in basketball to other aspects of my life, in an attempt to elaborate on the cliche, "It's more than a game." I should preface the following, by saying this account will have a more serious, introspective tone.

Basketball as Escapism

This game of mine has always been an avenue to escape from the world. It seems no matter what is going on in my life, the stress, the problems, melt away when I play the game. This no doubt amplifies my passion, for it, because it remains a positive constant in my life. For Escapism, in my mind is just another means of coping. It's how I distance myself (for better or for worse) from the mess. The more awful the issue, generally, the harder I want to push myself in my workout. My mind focuses more on each movement, the shifting of the ball, the contortion of my body, holding a strong follow through. The only thing in this universe is me, the ball, and the basket. Biologically, this makes sense, for exercise is widely considered a remarkable remedy for poor health, be it mental or physical (depending on the nature of the problem). For those of you do not know, the brain, in response to strenuous physical activity releases endorphin's into the body which give us a natural high, or an overall sense of wellness. Which is another reason I associate a positive feeling with Basketball as Escapism. Whether or not the issue is resolved when I am through with my workout, often times remains to be seen, however, it allows me tackle the problem with the proper positive mental attitude.

Basketball As Localism

There is a strong sense of community (at least from my prospective) as far playing basketball at a high level and being from Washington. I have reconnected with many guys I played with/or against in high school and college, and though we may not have necessarily been close, we share something unique in that playing basketball gave us a bond. Whether its something as simple as reminiscing about hard fought games, or sticking together in the trenches that can be a basketball season.
So when you see or hear of someone you played with/against (from WA) there is a sense of pride and a genuine sense of happiness for that person. In other words, they represent you, and you, them. Family.

Well, I promised myself I would not take you too far down the rabbit hole, that can be my contemplative thoughts, and I'll just leave you with those Basketballisms. So I hope you've enjoyed, and perhaps you understand a bit more about the intricacies that are associated with the game.

This is the Artwork Your Mother Warned You About

This is a post I've been wanting to write for some time now, and what's great is that you, the reader, don't have sit through my failed attempts at humor or endless basketball ramblings.
Instead, I've elected to dedicate this entry entirely to one my passions. Graffiti.
I believe it to be unappreciated artwork. There is seemingly limitless creativity and culture that reside in urban areas, manifesting into beauty. So here are some of my favorite pieces around Cottbus, Germany (my home away from home).

[I think I hear Marx laughing]

[Down the street]

[My girl Amerika]


[Beauty in chaos]

[Revolt Noir]


[Somewhere ahead is the back of the line]

A Wonderous, Fattening Discovery

So I have elected to forgo my usual blathering, for I have some amazing news. We have had two consecutive weekends off, and in that time I have made an astonishing discovery. One that is sure to forever alter the very fabric of my time here in Germany.

With my motivation for crossing the street to grocery shop dwindling (read previous entry to why this is understandably so). I have had no recourse but to order food and have it delivered to me, while it does in fact empower my laziness beyond reason, it comes in handy.

Since Day One here in Germany I have known about a little delivery marvel appreciated by much of Cottbus, and affectionately called, Pizza Amerika. While, PA (as we call it in the "Biz")***, is more or less infinitesimal in the vast universe that is pizza delivery, it is unique in it's ability to deliver pretty much any food the mind can fathom. In other words, when I have an outlandish craving, I can give Pizza Amerika a little jingle and vwalla(?) it appears at my door a mere 30 minutes later.
You're probably thinking, "Wishfull thinking fatty..."
I assure you, you as wrong as I am thankful, for such a wonderous miracle.
While, purusing the official Pizza Amerika website (I said we had 2 weekends off from games, so I have a lot of time on my hands, alright?), I nearly fell out of my chair, for I had discovered what was surely the Holy Grail of delivery menus. To my amazement the assortment of goodies reached far beyond a simple pizza. Burgers, Pasta, Chicken, French Fries, Sandwhiches, Ice Cream, Donuts, Soda, Juice, Beer, Wine, Alcohol, Milkshakes, Salads...and the list could go on like this. Needless to say, I'm happier than Tiger Woods at a Victoria Secret Fashion Show.
And While I've only ventured as far as Pizza, Burgers, French Fries, and Donuts...I will inexorably continue to order up feasts, when ever my hunger pangs couple with my laziness.
I found my calling as a Delivery Food critic, and will report back soon.



In completely unrelated news, there is a fly in my room that I have distainfully nicknamed Hydra, for I feel like every time I kill it...three more seem to appear and buzz in my face.
Anyone know the German word for Bug Zapper?



***Side note: If I ever use the phrase, "the Biz" with air quotes, please, someone push me into a woodchipper.

Colin vs. Lebensmittelgeschäft

Almost bi-weekly, I open my cupboards to reach for some food in a crazed state, searching frantically for some food, only to realize that I'm fresh out of the essentials (ie Kit-Kats and easily made pasta). It was that time of month again. The time of month, I must leave the cave that has become my room, and brave the harsh winter to the nearest corner market in search of delectable's and nic-nac's (If you don't know by now I use the words "nic-nac's" as often as possible).

Now, you might be ponitificating to yourself, thinking, "Colin, why on earth would write about something as simple as going to the market, people do that everyday?"
To that I say, nay, people don't always go to THIS market, and I assure you...it is not simple.
Please allow me to elaborate.
A few times a month I venture across the street to a market, specifically, The Netto, which is supposed to be a discount market, but who's to say really?

This is a surprisingly daunting task, for my ability to speak and read German is novice at best. This in-turn makes finding foods that I deem edible and cookable, increasingly difficult. Therefore, I am reduced to my most basic instincts...I look at the pictures on the box/bag to determine if it meets my criteria (Don't smirk at me, this is like an awful game of Pictionary, where, when you lose...you lose big).
I fear, that you don't quite understand the gravity of this situaiton.
An example of me "losing big" would be the tuna fish pizza debacle. Where I unknowingly grabbed an oven baked pizza, and upon examining the box closely (Pun not intended) determined that this sausage pizza would be delicious. Eager to eat my new-found prize, I hurried home and popped it in the oven, 20 minutes later, the smell not withstanding (my sniffer failed me on this one) I took a monsterous bite, and much to the dismay of my mouth/stomach, it was not sausage that garnished my pizza, rather it was tuna fish. Horrified, I rushed to bathroom to void my mouth of all remaining tastes, and in doing so I realized my failure. I was playing Grocery Store Pictionary like a cowboy, and I lost big.

[My trusty shopping bag]

With that humbling experience clear in my mind, I now enter the Netto only with my grocery bag, and a child-like sense of wonder.
However, some time has passed since that fateful day, and I've regained some of my confidence in my ability to adequetely pick tuna-free foods. So as of late, I have been cautiously going past my 10 item rotation, into the unknown (not really, this week I'm trying home made schnitzel and lental soup).

[The cursed tuna-fish pizza]

One thing, that I absolutely love about the Netto is, it's a one-stop shop for pretty much anything a human being can conceive. In random sections you will find items you would normally find at a video store, liquor store, or homeless man's garbage bag. They have it all, egg whites to ab rippers (those belts that vibrate and supposedly give you toned abs...not that I own one...stop judging me!). I'm fascinated, each and every time I step foot inside, for surprises lurk around every pile of tuna-fish pizza boxes you see.

Needless to say, I've won some, and lost some battles at the Netto, and I've learned a few things a long the way. Soon, I am confident that I will be able to shop without reservation, reading packages left and right, juggling fruits and vegetables, even recommending the best way to serve Jägerschnitzel.
...But until that day, please pray for me, because I have no idea what I'm doing.