Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Another La Coupe Hauxer battle - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 14, 2008
Another La Coupe Hauxer battle
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Yesterday was my second trip to the Verizon Center for a Capitals game this season. Since it was the Flyers in town, Wiley and Ashley joined us for another epic La Coupe Hauxer battle. Unfortunately, the Capitals fell to Philly, 6-4. Nevertheless, I'll call it a success since it got Wiley down here.
For the first time I have seen, the Gallery Place Metro stop wasn't able to handle Verizon Center traffic. The first escalator got backed up to the point of being dangerous. We tried to find the stop button but were unsuccessful. In the crush, Erica lost the entire heel of her brand new shoe.
Will Call was a zoo, thankfully there were not many people ordering tickets from the end of the alphabet. Also, let me recommend to people that they bring as few people into the will call lines as possible, it'll make the experience more bearable.
We sat in 409, behind the the Caps "shoot twice" goal.
Johnny Cash was played during pregame, oddly enough. I prefer that to typical hockey music.
Early scoring by the Capitals provided a short-lived lead and brief gloating.
The Flyers chased Olie Kolzig pretty early.
The Caps came back to get within one, but pulled the goalie with about 53 seconds left -- too soon I thought. Philly got an empty-netter which sealed the Capitals' fate.
The Flyers goals were followed by some excellent clips (Clark Griswald punching Marty Moose, John Belushi smashing a guitar) on the big screen, but we saw too many of them. I had not seen that previously.
Pretty lively crowd. Flyers fans were well-represented, but easily drowned out by the Caps faithful.
The next time Wiley and co. come to a game without some sort of crippling injury will be the first. He hurt his back and needed a cane to get around. This doesn't bode well for skiing this coming Saturday.
Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist.
We got the package with a hot dog, bag of chips and soda with our tickets. We also got more Caps caps.
There were Chanuck and Caps Nut sightings at the arena.
Erica found her heel on the way out.
Looks like winning La Coupe Hauxer will have to wait for another year.
Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Phillies fandom finally pays off for Cliff
WASHINGTON D.C. -- Everybody knows that it isn't easy being a Phillies fan, especially my friend Cliff who is loyal to that team. The Phillies have more losses than any other franchise, over 10,000 in fact. They only won it all once, back in 1980. The feat was so rare that someone I knew said it was the happiest day of her life. She was 10 at the time, so draw your own conclusions about what has happened to her since.
Cliff probably doesn't remember that '80 victory too well, given how young he was at the time. What I'm trying to say is being a Phillies fan rarely pays off; just ask Joe Queenan. This year it finally did off for Cliff. Not only did his team win the division, he won our annual Half-smoke/Cheesesteak Challenge which is determined by head-to-head records between the two clubs. Last year, I won a cheesesteak.
Cliff was in town last week, so I finally got to make good on our bet. This was his first trip to Ben's, so I wondered how he would enjoy a chili half smoke.
It turns out I didn't need to wonder much, he even bought himself another. We had cheese fries too.
Next year, a cheesesteak will be won again, I assure you.
Dante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!) - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, November 09, 2007
Dante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!)
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK!
Long story short -- every year, my friends Tom and Wiley head to Jersey for Kevin Smith's Vulgarthon. After day two of the 2006 Vulgarthon, Tom went back to the room to sleep instead of going to the after party. When Wiley met Brian O'Halloran, best known as Dante from Clerks, he mentioned what Tom was doing. O'Halloran was not amused and Wiley got it on video. After over 1˝ years, they finally got the video up. I'm looking forward to watching this when I get home.
Cooking with William & Erica , Vol. 7 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Cooking with William & Erica , Vol. 7
GOOSE DAY
Every year in my (Erica's) hometown, people celebrate a local holiday that is now unique to Lewistown, Penna. That holiday is Goose Day, during which it is believed that if you consume roast goose, it will bring about good luck for the coming year. It is also believed that by the next Goose Day, one will be $1,000 richer.
So, because Goose Day fell on a Saturday this year, I decided to roast a goose and bring my hometown tradition to Northern Virginia.
Geese can be purchased at any grocery chain like Giant Foods, which is where I purchased my nice 10.38 lb Young Goose. William appreciated that it was raised on Schlitz Farms, N.D.
To prepare, I went to the grocery store and purchased a box of Bell’s Traditional Stuffing and the goose. I also picked up some canned cranberry sauce, some potatoes for mashing, and some canned corn niblets for sides.
I calculated per the instructions on the goose that it would take about 5 hours to fully roast the bird. I was right, except that I didn’t take into consideration that things cook somewhat faster in a gas oven, which is what we have.
I preheated the oven to 350° and cleared & wiped down a large area on my counter to use to prepare the goose for roasting.
I unwrapped the goose and removed the neck and giblets from the cavity. The goose was then thoroughly rinsed and patted dry with paper towels. The goose can then be sprinkled inside and out with salt and pepper.
Next, I prepared the stuffing according to the instructions on the box. I then stuffed about half of it into the cavity of the goose, and when it was full I sewed the skin flaps shut to “seal” the opening.
The goose was then placed on a rack which was set into a 13”x9” casserole dish. A meat thermometer was stuck deep into the thigh of the bird. I then sprinkled Thyme over the outside of the Goose.
Two large pieces of foil were then tented over the baking dish. The baking dish was placed into the oven and the timer set for 5 hours.
One nice thing about roasting a goose is that it is self-basting. It is a good idea to check the temperature of the goose after 4 hours to see how close it is to 180°. When it reaches 180°, the goose can be removed from the oven and allowed to cool for 30 minutes before carving.
Grease can be skimmed off the pan drippings and gravy made from the remaining juice, if desired.
Goose is best served with stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, and cranberry sauce.
Enjoy!
To learn more about Goose Day, please visit the following sites:
Its a shame that Goose Day was held on a Saturday that PSU was away. My favorite part of Goose Day is being delayed at the traffic light just short of getting back on 322 when I try to take my shortcut from Mifflintown to State College via Lewistown. My question is this: Are the Geese allowed to race, or what do they win? And to the runners all get a Goose to cook for participating?
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Thursday, October 04, 2007 9:22:00 PM
I should have specified that the delay is caused by the annual Goose Race in Lewistown, obviously.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, October 04, 2007 9:24:00 PM
Post a CommentWelcome Aidan - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Welcome Aidan
Congratulations to Brad and Christine who welcomed a second son, Aidan, yesterday.
Happy Goose Day - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Happy Goose Day
Every year Mifflin Co., Penna. residents celebrate Michaelmas or St. Michael's Day in their own unique way -- Goose Day. Erica, a native of those parts, has decided that we will observe the tradition this year. Erica adds:
The belief is that if you eat roast goose on Goose Day, you will have good financial luck in the coming year, and by Goose Day Next you will be $1,000.00 richer.
I'm all for that, but I wonder when that number was decided. Has Goose Day adjusted for inflation? Is that gross or net?
"Hot damn! I never rode in a convertible before!" - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
"Hot damn! I never rode in a convertible before!"
Recently, I was surprised to learn a co-worker of mine had never been in a car with the top down. I then asked around and discovered several other co-workers had never experienced the joy of a topless car either. Another friend just took his own maiden voyage as well. Apparently, riding around in convertibles is not a universal experience. I realize they are not as common as they used to be, but still...
I have been fortunate when it comes to convertibles. My father has always owned a convertible since he was in his teens. When my brother and I were kids he would strap us into the passenger seat of his 1968 Triumph TR250 and take us for rides. He still drives it on weekends. This past weekend, I rode in two different Jeeps with the top down on consecutive days. Thanks Wiley and Frank & Liz.
In total I can recall the following convertibles I have been in:
1 Triumph TR250 (1968) 1 Ford Galaxy (1960s vintage) 1 Mercedes two-seater (1979) 1 Fiat (late 1970s) 1 Jaguar X-12 (1987) 1 Chrysler Sebring (1999 - It test drove one, was not impressed -- the windshield came to close to the head) 1 Oldsmobile Cutlass (1972 - I tried to buy it) 1 Chevy Cavilear Z (1991) 5 Jeep Wranglers (1990s, 2000s)
There may another couple that I am forgetting. I'm just glad I have had the luxury of being able to forget a few along the way. I just wish the car companies would start mass producing them again.
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