Life According to the Stars: Week 1

I am a Virgo.  

For people who know me, and they know something about Astronomy, this is probably not surprising.  I have a lot of the stereotypical Virgo qualities (especially the bad ones).  I have been trying to make some changes and improvements in my life, and I thought, hey, why not use my horoscope?  If the stars know me, why not follow their advice as a way to fast track some improvements, or at least give warnings before I make mistakes.

Below is my horoscope for last week (via Yahoo), and what happened each day for me.  So far, the results are interesting and inconclusive.  More to come.  

November 8, 2014 

"You have a clearer picture of your future now than you have had in the past, but this clarity doesn't necessarily reveal a quick way out of your present dilemma. In fact, your current frustration may stem from restrictions you face that involve coordinating someone else's schedule with your own. Fortunately, your plan is supported by the strength of your convictions, so keep your end goal in sight at all times. Others will come around to join your cause when they see your unwavering commitment to success." 

Lets see, this was partial true.  I had to clean up some records, and I have been reaching out to my sister for help, a task neither of us have been looking forward to doing.  We have missed each other multiple times, but, she called me today to volunteer time to help.  We were on the phone for an hour and a half, and I only partial solved it, but it was good forward progress.  I am not sure of my unwavering commitment to success, but I am unwavering in my commitment to get it off my “Major TO DO” list for 2014.

November 9, 2014

"What you say is less important today than how you say it. There's a world of difference in the various shadings of gray, and now it may be the most subtle nuances that have the greatest impact. Don't be afraid to invest the time needed to be sure that you're delivering the exact message you want to reach others. Avoid exaggeration and misrepresentation at all costs. Sticking with the facts is the easiest way to convey your honorable intentions."

The most important "message" I had today was in discussing my fantasy football team's chances.  Also I had an argument if Sir Mix-a-lot was or was not a 1-hit wonder (he is) and if he sang “Put em on the glass”.  I was not subtle and I was wrong in both cases.  So, yeah, I guess that one came to hurt me.

November 10, 2014

"You are on a wild emotional ride now as you feel irrepressible passion one moment and then cool detachment the next. These extreme feelings might be quite upsetting to your rational thinking; it's important to gain enough perspective on the current dynamics so you don't go too far over the edge today. Staying centered is the best way you can respond to the oncoming changes."

This one caught me off guard.  So far today, it has hardly been an emotional ride.  I got up, stayed in bed to read, got up, had breakfast and drank my coffee while watching folks trapped in traffic.  It wasn’t too emotional for me.  Yes, I felt empathy for those trapped in a seemingly never ending traffic jam, but those feelings went away with a sip of joe.  I am starting to doubt the accuracy of these horoscopes. 

November 11, 2014

"You're highly susceptible to people's opinions now, even if their statements aren't grounded in truth. You may think your reality filters are working fine as long as your logic is intact. However, it's challenging to separate accurate perceptions from your vivid dreams today, even if you think you're using common sense. Fortunately, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses allows you to entertain a vast array of possibilities that others miss."

Okay, this sounds more like advice then a horoscope.  It’s like what has been happening to fortune cookies lately; they don’t give you a fortune, but they tell you how to live your life.  This is like the FU of horoscopes:  here is your problem now go deal.  

November 12, 2014

"You seem to have a more profound sense of what commitments you can make and which ones to sidestep today. Oddly enough, you are being quite practical by considering how each option could affect your feelings. Although you might believe that you understand the full consequences of your current decisions now, you probably don't. Wait a few days for the energy to settle down before making your final choice."

So…I should do nothing today, yes?  Done.

November 13, 2014

"You could make a choice for all the wrong reasons now if you put your fantasies ahead of the truth. Although you usually consider all the logistics, you're not immune to making a bad decision. Unfortunately, if you blindly follow your dreams, you may have to go back to the beginning and start all over again. Taking extra time to gather your data permits you to work with a new level of objectivity. You have the potential to influence your future more than you realize today if you exercise your powers of discernment." 

This one is actually kinda accurate.  I have been questioning a lot of my assumptions and I am not above making a bad decision or two.  While true, this feels more like advice then anything I can really work on.  All it is saying is to think more, while acknowledging that you already think a lot already.  So, I'm to think think more?  But how much more?  When do I know I have thought enough? This is of no help to me.

November 14, 2014

"You may struggle to be upfront about your own desires, yet you still expect everyone else to be straightforward and share their needs with you. Unfortunately, this double standard could land you in trouble, especially if you aren't willing to let down your guard. Save your hard bargaining and poker face for some other time; you are better off today simply placing your cards face up on the table and going from there. Trust is a two-way street."

No, I don’t feel that way at all.  Yes, I have my own internal struggles, but I don’t feel the need to push others into sharing theirs.  If they want to talk, great, I'm here for you, and I'll keep it in confidence.  But, I respect your privacy and wishes not to share with me.  I find today's horoscope oddly specific and stupid at the same time.

Why the loss of Robin Williams is making me so sad

Yesterday Robin Williams past away, and I have been sad ever since.  

It makes no sense really.  I was not family.  I never met him and I didn't know him personally.  I never even saw him live.  I didn't even like all of his movies.  Why am I so sad?

Robin Williams was unique.  After his casting as Mork from Ork, Garry Marshall supposedly justified hiring Williams because he was the only alien who auditioned.  From that one role, he was able to launch a career in comedy and drama, on TV, film and live performances, which he showed in 2008-9 he can still had the gift to make people laugh.  

He also had a very big heart.  As many in the business who knew him remarked, he was a very generous and kind man.  One of my favorite stories was one told to me by a sales rep I used to work with, who lived in SF. Many years ago, the sales rep was coaching his daughter's soccer team, and on one of the other fields, Robin Williams was watching his son play. None of the girls were paying attention to his coaching; they were all distracted by Robin Williams. My friend goes over to Williams, and asks if he wouldn't mind coming by to say hi, so they would stop staring and they could get back to practice.  Robin Williams not only comes over, but he breaks into his Russian Doctor voice, and implores the girls that they must "follow the leader!", launches into an unscripted, unrehearsed, totally impromptu comedy routine. The girls was captivated. They didn't just see Robin Williams, but they got to experience his comedy genius in person. He finished his improve set, went back to his son's game. Nothing was asked in return and practice could resumed, more or less, as normal.

Like his comic idol, Jonathan Winters, both suffered from depression.  I have friends who work in mental health, and I don't think everyone fully appreciates how difficult it can be for folks with depression.  It is not a disease with physical signs, and some people think depression can be controlled mentally.  I saw a post that one time says you are as happy as you choose to be.  I think most mental health professionals would disagree.  Like most people, I have had down times, sad times, but I haven't had suicidal thoughts.  I know I don't fully appreciate or understand how someone could think of taking their own life, but I don't think it is a simple matter of willing yourself out of that dark place.  

When I have been down, there are certain movies and shows I watch to cheer me up.  William's comedy was one of them.  It was one something to which I turned to brighten my day.  I felt like he knew what I needed when I was down, although, as noted above I never met him.  His unscripted, unpredictable, wild antics could brighten my mood, and a dose of his comic unpredictability caused me not to take life too seriously.  He helped me out when I was feeling down.

Then he commits suicide.

I don't feel I can watch or enjoy his comedy again knowing that behind the jokes there was someone this hurting for help.  He was someone I turned to when I was down, but in return, there was nothing I or anyone else could do in return.   

Thank you Robin Williams for all that you have done for me; I am sorry I could not have returned the favor.  

Rest in peace. 

The curious, charmed life and times of Paul the Octopus

July 9, 2010 -  Oberhausen, Germany

Football fans and news media anxiously wait outside the tank of what has become the most famous octopus in the world. Paul the Octopus, a two year old member of the species octopus vulgaris sits at the bottom of the tank, near two soccer balls, waiting, watching...

thinking?  

No one is sure what this cephalopod is really doing when he looks out of his tank.  Then it begins: two plastic cases are lowered into the tank, each one contains a small mussel.  The two cases are indistinguishable, aside from the flags on the front:  on the left, the red, white and blue horizontal bars of The Netherlands; on the right, the red and gold of Spain.  

Paul doesn't hesitate; he goes right, opening the lid of the Spanish box and eating the treat inside.  Within moments the news travels the world.  Spaniards celebrate.  The Dutch cry fowl, claiming it was rigged, as Paul was closer to the Spanish case.  Most still wonder how and why an octopus can pick a soccer matches, and did he pick the finale correctly.

Two days later, Spain wins its first World Cup with a 1-0 victory over The Netherlands.  Paul the Octopus has picked his eighth correct game in a row.

An Octopus?

The sporting world has had a long association with animals.  In early Roman days, contests of man vs animal were used to entertain crowds at the coliseum.  As sports evolved, animals were commonly used as mascots, or symbols of their teams.  In 1945, Billy Sianis put the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat on the Chicago Cubs, after officials at Wrigley Field made him remove the goat he brought to the game, a curse which still holds to this day.  

Animals had also been used as predictors of sports before, too.  Almost every type of animal had been used to predict almost every sort of game beforehand, including camels, tigers, elephants, and rhinos.  So what was it about Paul that captured everyone's attention?

He was almost always right.

The Curious Octopus

Paul was born in at the Sea Life Centre in Weymouth, England in 2008.  He was then moved to their facility in Oberhausen, Germany, where the staff noticed something unusual about Paul.  PETA claims that octopuses are intelligent creatures, with memories and distinct personalities.  However, there was something different about Paul.  According to Daniel Fey, of Sea Life: 

There was something about the way he looked at our visitors when they came close to the tank. It was so unusual, so we tried to find out what his special talents were.

Apparently, that "special talent" was picking football matches.  It started in 2008 at the EEFA Euro tourney, where Paul was "asked" to pick the outcome for Germany's matches.  Two plastic boxes were lowered, each containing a treat, with the national flag of the two teams who were to play, one of which was German's.

Paul always picked Germany to win.

Six times he was asked to make a choice, and all six times, he picked Germany, including the final.  However, neither Paul nor the Germans were perfect, both winning four of six matches.  Germany would lose to Spain in the Euro finals in 2008.

The 2010 World Cup
What Paul lacked in accuracy in 2008, he made up for in national pride.  Having always picked the German team to win, he showed his loyalty to his home country's chances.  For this, he was rewarded.

In 2010 the German news channel NTV covered his predictions live.  Again, Paul picked Germany to win.  They beat Australia 4-0 in the first game of Group Stage play.  For the next match against Serbia, Paul did the unthinkable, and went against the home team of Germany, picking Serbia.  However, Paul was right; the Serbian squad would win 1-0.  Paul helped smooth things out, picking Germany to win vs Ghana and England, both of which he picked correctly, moving him to a perfect 4-0 record.

By now, the minor buzz was turning into a major story in the sporting world.  Other news agencies started following the story, including ESPN, America's premier sports network.  In a country where most do not follow soccer or the World Cup, Paul the Octopus was news.

The Price of Success
Things started getting ugly for Paul when it came to the Quarter-Finals.  Paul was perfect in World Cup play, and for the Germany-Argentina match, he picked Germany to win.

Then came the trouble, and the first of the threats.

Angry Argentine fans threatened to kill Paul and serve him in paella.  The Argentinian newspaper, El Diaeven, printed a recipe on how to prepare Paul, should anyone capture him.  Extra security was added at Sea Life.  Both Paul and Germany survived, winning 4-0.  Paul was now 5-0 in World Cup play.  He survived that scare, only to face a worse one.

In the Semi-final match of Germany vs Spain, Paul was called upon again.  He hovered over the Spanish box, before moving to the German one.  Perhaps remembering the 2008 European finals, he paused, and moved back, and to the horror of German fans watching on live TV, he chose Spain.  Germans were outraged.  Paul received death threats from angry Germans.  Spain's Prime Minister offered Paul sanctuary in Spain.  The Spanish minister of Environment and Fisheries suggested a moratorium.

On Monday, I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a [fishing] ban on Paul the octopus so the Germans do not eat him!  

Paul survived the threats, but Germany did not, losing to Spain 1-0.  Paul was a perfect 6-0.

Redemption and finale
Paul obtained a small degree of redemption when he predicted a Germany victory in the 3rd place match, with a win over Uruguay.  Germany would go on to win 3-2.  Paul's streak was perfect.  All that was left was one more game:  Spain vs. The Netherlands.

By this time, the story of Paul's "psychic" powers were all over the world.  Even casual sports fans knew who Paul the Octopus was and his "powers" of prediction.  On July 9, two days before the final, in front of cameras and media from around the world, Paul was asked to choose again.  Unlike his hesitation the last time he picked Spain (over Germany), there was no hesitation or doubt, as to who Paul thought would be the winner.  It was Spain.

On July 11, Paul was proven right, again.  He finished the World Cup a perfect 8-0.

How is this possible?
The odds of randomly picking the winner eight times in a 50-50 coin flip would be 1 in 256, assuming there was nothing influencing the outcome.  Was anything influencing Paul?

Several theories have been suggested, the most popular being the flags had something to do with his picks.  Although Octopus Vulgaris is most likely color blind, there are similarities in the patten of the flags that he picked most often.  Of his picks, Germany (11 times), Spain (2) and Serbia (1), all three have a similar horizontal stripe pattern.  According to Matthew Fuller, aquarist at the facility where Paul was born, octopuses are intelligent invertebrates who can recognize shapes and patterns.

However, several of the teams he did not pick, like The Netherlands, Austria, Croatia, Poland and Ghana also have a similar layouts in their flags.  And even if Paul was able to recognize the German flag, why did he mysteriously choose against it vs. Spain, when previously, he had shown a preference to Germany when faced with the same choice?

Retirement and the end
After the World Cup, a minor controversy soon brewed over who really "owned" Paul.  While the German's claimed him as one of their own, English sports enthusiast say he is technically a British citizen, having been born in England and only loaned to the Germany branch of Sea Life.  Italy claimed him too, saying he was caught in Italian waters.  The French said he was found near Elba, making him a French Citizen.  In the wake of the World Cup victory, Spain kept their offer of asylum open offering him honorary Spanish Citizenship. Commercial offers came forward too, with one Spanish businessman offering nearly $38,000 for Paul to be the mascot for a food festival.

Paul remained in Germany and retired from the business of prognostication after the World Cup.  He retired at the top of his game, noted ESPN, joining the likes of Jim Brown, Sandy Koufax, and Bjorn Borg. Sadly, unlike those other sporting icons, Paul soon passed away in October 2010, aged 2 1/2,  a normal life span for octopus vulgaris   His obituary was carried around the world.  No compelling explanation was ever made to explain his unprecedented streak of luck.

In 2011, the Germany Sea Life Center where Paul lived, unveiled a six foot plastic replica of Paul, sitting on a soccer ball.  Paul's ashes were placed in an urn, inside the ball.

In 2012 a documentary was released titled "The Life and times of Paul the Psychic Octopus", which seeks to answer how a simple octopus in a German aquarium was able to successfully pick eight world cup matches in a row.  I haven't seen the movie, but I suspect the answer will forever be unknown.

My bad experience with CyberPower PC and how they threw me back into the Apple camp

This post is about my recent experience in buying a new computer.  I purchased one from CyberPower PC, and in summary, it has been a disaster.  CyberPower PC sent me a defective computer, which I returned after many attempts at fixing, but they are charging me a restocking fee for mistakes they made.  CyberPower PC has not refunded the full purchase, per their own written policy.  I am posting this as a warning for anyone considering purchasing a product from CyberPower PC.

I had needed a new computer for a while.  I had been using an Apple desktop Mac, which is probably 5-6 years old.  It has been a good computer, which lasted longer than expected.  My complaint, however, had been with Apple Corp, and with their practices, which in my opinion had become far too intrusive.  (Sorry Apple - I only want a computer; I am not looking for a life-partner.)  If Apple was out, then what was my option?  PC?  Uggh.  Hence, I was stuck, which is why I held onto my old Mac for so long.  

I spoke with many folks, who know more about computers than I do and I started a hard evaluation of why I didn't want a PC.  A lot of came down to the declining performance and slow speeds that have happened with PCs, well, almost instantly after buying one.  I started shopping at the high end PC stores, and I became convinced that a PC, with higher grade components, made from a specialty manufacture, who didn't load it up with crap-ware, would perform as quickly and seamlessly as a Mac.  I was sold, except for the Operating System.  Windows 8.0 came out and it was, in summary, a mess.  I hated it.  I was stuck in limbo for months, until I read about Windows 8.1.  I made a trip to the Windows store at the Mall of America, and spent an hour or so learning the new system.  I really must complement the help I received from the young lady who very patiently answered my questions and explained the nuances of the system.  When I left the store, I was sold on Windows 8.1; I thought it would work for me.  The only question was from whom will I purchase my new PC.

Following the advice of a tech-savvy friend, there were several companies he suggested.  I waited for a sale, and in January, CyberPowerPC had a decent discount, so I decided to go with them.  I configured my PC, made my purchase and placed my order on Jan 13, 2014.  The computer arrived on Jan 21, 2014 and the problems began instantly.

Problem one, it didn't turn on.  CyberPower PC sent me a defective computer, which made it through QC.

Out of the box, it failed to turn on.  I called into their tech support number, and went through some tests to ID the problem.  I will give credit to their level 1 tech support, who very patiently had me removing panels, connections to the mother board and talked me through performing the paperclip test to ID the fault.  The problem was a bad motherboard, and the computer needed to be sent back.  The computer was sent out, in the words of their representative, "DOA".  Looking back, I should have asked for a refund on the spot.  Nothing good can come of this, I thought, but, I have a rule on mistakes.  We all make mistakes; what is important is how your resolve them.  I can forgive most any mistake, as long as the resolution is appropriate.

Two weeks later they sent the PC back, and this time it did turn on; however, there were certain things not quite right with the unit.  It would do some tasks, but others were not right.  The monitor would go out and the sound wasn't working either, at least for Microsoft applications.  Over the next week and a half, I was on the phone with CyberPower PC at least half a dozen times, trying to resolve these issues, but the fix was always incomplete.  One of the fixes involved me reinstalling Windows, which, shame on me for not knowing or them for warning me, erased all the work I had saved.  The breaking point for me was when the discovered the wrong drivers had been installed, and I had to install the correct ones.  To do so, meant I had to load a bunch of crap-ware that I didn't want on my computer, but still, I followed their advice, only to get an error saying I didn't have the most current version of Windows, so the drivers could not be installed.  If anything, my version was too current for their drivers.  I had had enough, and I called in to request a refund.  This was on Feb 19, 2014.

CyberPower PC informed me that I could return the computer, but because I had it for over 30 days, I would be charged a restocking fee.  I explained, politely, that I had not had the computer 30 days, only 29, and for 14 of those days it was at CyberPower PC with a defective motherboard. I figured once they were reminded they had sent a defective item out the door, they might reconsider.  Nope, the computer was ordered on Jan 13, so it was over 30 days.  I asked to speak with his supervisor, as I do not think this person realizes the poor level of customer service they are providing. "I'm it", he said.  I seriously doubted this, just based on the immature tone of his voice, so I asked, "what could I have done to made this situation better?  I was sent a defective PC, that should never have made it through your quality check, I have tried to fix this with your tech support, to no avail.  What should I have done differently?"  It was at this point, the representative on the phone lost it and started yelling at me.  Honestly, he was yelling at me to shut up and listen to him and then he proceeds to tell me it is not their fault.

Really?  

Eventually, he says I can send in an email to Dispute Resolution requesting the amount being withheld.  Fine.  I sent the PC back, at my expense.  Fortunately, I kept most of the packaging, but still it cost a substantial amount to send it all back.  I sent my note to Dispute Resolution, hoping to get an adult who realizes how bad this looks for CyberPowerPC.  In the note, I told them the details of what had occurred. I also told them that if they issue a full refund, I will can walk away with no hard feelings, as they have done their duty to service their customers as best as possible.  That was on Feb 20, 2014

I received a credit on my credit card on March 11, 2014, which had the 15% restocking fee, a not insignificant amount considering the purchase price.  I had not yet received a reply to my request sent to Dispute Resolution on Feb 20.  So I called, again, requesting a reply.  They did reply within 24 hours, stating that it was over 30 days and that they were charging me the restocking fee, along with some other nickel and dime charges to me, that were not explained.  I sent a note back, asking two questions:

1.  How can you say it was over 30 days, when it was 29, of which, need I remind you, CyberPower PC had the computer for two weeks because you sent it out defective with a faulty motherboard?

2.  As a consumer, what could I have done differently?  I acted in good faith in trying to repair the unit.  By their thinking, I should have returned the PC immediately for a refund.  Do you not stand behind your own products?

Sadly, they do not.  The summary of this tale is customers pay for CyberPower PC's mistakes.  Based on my experience, I want to warn any and everyone from doing business with CyberPower PC.  Not only do they ship defective products, they have no interest in their customers, nor do they assume any responsibility for their products.  I would strongly encourage anyone who is considering purchasing a PC not to purchase from CyberPower PC.

The irony of this story is that they forced me to reconsider Apple.  Although this is not Microsoft's issue, the whole episode tarnished me on buying a PC.  Throughout the whole ordeal, all I could think of was, I have never had these problems with a Mac.  Never.  I think in the 5+ years, my computer has crashed maybe.... twice?  Maybe.  I ended up spending the next month working with the Uptown Minneapolis Apple Store and Business Group, both of whom were extremely helpful in working with me to address my needs and wants.  And since Windows 8.1 is now as intrusive as Apple, well, it made my decision easier to go back to Apple.  I got my Mac a few weeks ago, and I was very happy to say that it turned on, the first time, right out of the box and I haven't had an issue yet.  CyberPower still has not replied to my latest note, and if they do, I imagine they will say it is not their fault.  

I ask anyone reading this to learn from my mistake in purchasing a computer from CyberPower PC.

Take care and happy computer shopping.

The universe is trying to make me watch Carolina vs Duke, and why I am resisting

April 6, 2009:  This was a very important date for UNC Tar Heel fans.  It was on that date UNC beat Michigan State to win the NCAA Final Four and become national champions.  The game was never really close.  Michigan State scored first, but from there on it was all Tar Heels.  UNC built an early 34-11 lead in the first half; Michigan State never got within 12 points in the second half.  The Tar Heels won 89-72, reversing the frustration that had built up since last years disappointing loss in the tournament.  April 6, 2009 was a good day for UNC fans.

It was also the last time I enjoyed watching UNC play basketball.

I grew up in a UNC family. Tar Heels hoops were a sacred thing in our household, not to be taken lightly.  Woe onto anyone who dared called during a Tar Heel game, and had to endure my father's wrath.  I remember painfully well the loss to Marquette in 1977 for the National Championship; it is my earliest and most painful childhood memory.  In 1981 we lost to Indiana, and for the first time, I see my dad cry, something I would not see again until my sister graduated from college and when Walter Cronkite made his last appearance anchoring the evening news (don't ask).  In 1982, I finally got to see Dean Smith and the Tar Heels win a National Championship, after some freshman named "Mike Jordan" hit a clutch jumper.  It was a great time to be a UNC fan, but there was trouble brewing.  Trouble brewing just eight miles down the road at a school we didn't like and with a coach whose name we couldn't pronounce.

In 1980 Duke hires Mike Krzyzewski, a previously unknown assistant at Indiana and former head coach at Army.  He wants to rebuild the Duke program back to greatness.  He does.  And then some.  He has become the winningest men's basketball coach in NCAA Division 1, he has won four National Championships, and most frighteningly, he has a winning record of 31-29 vs. UNC.  No one has a winning record against UNC.

Or rather, no one used to.

Tonight UNC plays Duke for the 237th time, and if I had my way, I would avoid watching it.  Scratch that, I am trying to avoid it, but I feel the universe is forcing me to watch it.

The game was supposed to be played last Wednesday night.  Conveniently, I had a soccer game that night, which was a perfect excuse not to watch the game.  My soccer teammates were surprised that I was going to show up and miss the hoops game.  They thought for sure I would want to watch UNC and they gave me an out.  Plus, its not like my "skills" would be missed that much anyway.  But as luck would have it, the game was postponed to tonight.  I need a new excuse, but none is coming.  Currently, it is snowing where I live, and we are expecting 12" or more of snow tonight.  Stay inside is the message - don't go out.  Stay at home and watch TV.  Watch, oh, say the UNC-Duke game that's on at 8pm Eastern.

It sounds like a good plan, only there is one problem.  I don't want to.

As I mentioned, April 6, 2009 was the last time I enjoyed Carolina Hoops and here is why.  Not only did we win a National Championship, we also played like a team that wanted to win.  It was a very good college team but not the best ever by any means; the 1981-2 team with Jordan, Worthy, Perkins, Black and Doherty was much better.  What the 2009 team had going for it was it had heart and played with a ruthless desire to win.  Jay Bilas, ESPN commentator, former Duke player, and the bane of all UNC fans, actually described the 2009 team best:  they were vicious.   They stomped on you.  They beat you up, both emotionally and physically.  The beat you down and kept you down.  If you fought back, they would step on your throat (not literally) until you gave up.  That team had a will to win.

It was the last team I remember that played its best every game, and it is the reason why I don't like watching the Tar Heels now.  Every team since then has lacked the cohesion and teamwork needed for a championship team.  We have had good players since 2009, some very talented ones.  Kendall Marshall was a great player, smart, hard working and a team player.  But for every Kendall Marshall we had a Harrison Barnes, selfish and gutless to the core. But even good players like Kendall succumbed to the biggest problem in college hoops:  jumping to the pros early.

Back in the 1980s players stayed at a college for four years.  Rare was it that a player left early, or didn't go to college at all.  Jordan and Worthy left after three years, but both were National Players of the Year and top 3 draft picks.  Today, well, it is rare for a player to stay, and it is almost seen as a knock for those who do, as if there was something wrong with their skills and they aren't good enough for the pros.

When players stayed four years, you got to know them.  You knew where they were from, how they played, who they played with,  and who they played against.  You also got to know the opponents very well, too, including how they played and the mistakes they were prone to make.  Duke players like Mike Gminski, Danny Ferry, and Johnny Dawkins you grew to know and hate well.  Even lesser players, like Tommy Amaker, Quin Snyder and (of course) Alla Abdelnaby you learned to follow and loathe.  You knew your opponent's team as well as your own.  Sometimes better.

Successive years on a team, or in a system, builds cohesion, standards and a culture of winning.  Nowadays, the priorities have change to stat stuffing and highlight real shots, to move you up on draft day for the pros.  The only program that seems to be the exception, is our neighboring school, eight miles down the road.  Even with the pressure of the pros, and the one-and-done mentality, Duke seems to be the lone exception where players play with heart and play as a team every game, every year, and they produce winners.  Playing against them is a painful reminder of this fact.

That is why I don't want to watch Carolina vs. Duke.