Thank You, Good Night!!!

Time of our lives! 

Thanks to everyone who made this night happen! It was everything we had hoped for and more, celebrating with some very special family and friends, who we love dearly.

We'll leave this little blog open and post some pics and video as they come in (if you have anything, please send it to us!).  Until then...Don't Stop Now...Don't Stop Now!!!

 

Tomorrow's the BIG DAY!!!!

my beloved Liverpool squares of against Jess's Manchester United!!!  Live at 8:00am on ESPN2.  Who's with me?!?

From Saturday, October 15th, 2011 moving forward...Jess and Gary WILL NEVER WALK ALONE!!! :)

The Carefree Kitchens Are a Blast

A quick note about the food being served Sunday.  You will have your choices of the following:

1. Bouillon
2. Saltines
3. Gum

That's a joke.  Dinner will be a served in the form of 3 self-serve stations:

1. Pittsburgh Station
2. Italian Station
3. Satay Station

Hors d'oeuvres will be served beforehand, and the 3 Stations above will remain open from 7:30 to 9:30.  Food and drink is permitted inside the theater, however they are not allowed above the 1st floor.  Feel free to peruse the museum as you wish, just please refrain from taking any food or booze upstairs.

Thank you...and ENJOY!

Oh...bars will be open for the duration.  For pop and stuff :)

Pete Batjes, Best Man

I met Pete around the same time as Bucky.  In fact, we all hung out in the same little crew.  I don't think Pete liked me when we first met.  We went on this double date (the girl I was with was friends with Pete), and I think his initial under breath comment was, "who's this jerk?"  It's ok.  I've been called worse.  To be honest, I thought he was kind of an ass.  But somehow, I must have impressed Petey Pete with my charisma and great taste in music, because we became really good friends soon after that.  I'd say we were best friends by the time we graduated high school.

The best story I can recall about Pete, is the time he drove me 6 hours south down I-57 to Southern Illinois, so I could register and enroll as a freshman Saluki.  It was early August, and it was hot.  Pete's new ride was an early 1980-something Volkswagen Rabbit (it might have been a 1970-something Rabbit.  Damn, we're old).  You get the picture...

Check out those sweet rims!  The only option on the radio was the AM dial.  There was no A/C, but it did have a sunroof.  It definitely had a sun roof.  My car was out of commission at the time, so it was at least a ride.  And it was pretty much the only ride I had.  Pete did what best pals do, and helped a brotha out.  Of course, the main agenda was to register for school (these were primitive times when the Internet thingy didn't exist yet).  But also on the agenda was a tour of the campus, so I could get used to my surroundings to be.  I wanted to check out where my new classes were, peruse the lecture halls, visit the library, and find the closest beer store to my dorm.

Anyways, we knew it would be a long journey, so we wanted to make sure we had some frosty treats upon our arrival.  You know...to celebrate the fall semester and stuff.  So before departing, we stopped at a local liquor store outside of Oak Park, near Austin Blvd.  This was our favorite liquor store.  Not only because they sold to minors and carried our favorite flavor of the time (Keystone and Keystone Light), but they also sold cassette tapes.  It was this day when we picked up a tape of De La Soul's Three Feet High and Rising.

Our thought...well that looks interesting.  We then stopped at Walgreens to pick up this $40-something boom box, to solve our AM radio issue.  We hopped on the highway, threw the tape in, and basically played De La Soul on a constant loop the entire 6 hour ride.  It was hot and sticky (vinyl seats) and uncomfortable and windy, but at least we had good tunes.  I think we had only heard one tune previously on MTV, but the entire album was addictive and awesome.  Three Feet High and Rising went on to become one of the greatest hip hop albums of all-time.  Rolling Stone rated it as one of the 500 best records ever, and Spin named it the 7th best album from 1985-2005.  And we (Pete will argue this...but more like I) discovered it.  Before the Internet, it was pretty sweet to "discover" something.  It was like a right of passage.  After getting back to Chicago, De La Soul was on the top of any playlist of any party we went to.  And the chics digged it, too.

Like Ron and Bucky, Pete is one of the few friends I've remained close with who remember my mother. Shortly after she passed away, these were the friends that were there for me, during some pretty hard times.  And I will never forget that.  And just like Ron and Bucky, I love Pete like a brother.

What a break!!

There was a little concern over traffic to the Warhol this Saturday due to the Pitt / Utah game at Heinz Field.  However, the game time as FINALLY been announced and it's a NOON start.  So hooray for that!!  No Pitt football traffic to deal with.

Conqueror of the Moon

Looking for places near your hotel in Moon Township?  Here's a few places that are walking distance from all 4 hotels that we blocked:

Primanti Bros.

This the famous Burgh place that throws cole slaw and greasy fries on your french bread wrapped sandwich.  They're pretty awesome.  Turkey, roast beef, ham, capicola, corned beef are just a few of the flavors.  Don't be fussy and order one without the slaw or with fries on the side.  When in Rome...

The Primantis in Moon is located directly across the street from the Hampton and Doubletree at 8651 University Boulevard. Lots of flat screens and a big bar, also. Their pizza slices are pretty darn good, too. After the reception, this is probably where we will end up after the busses drop us off at the hotels.

Wings, Suds, & Spuds

Located just down the street from the Hampton, again within walking distance, at 8806 University Blvd. Great wings, and a variety of flavor choices. Good fries, also.  Friendly wait staff from what we've experienced.  Not the biggest place, so you may need to wait a few minutes for a seat during busy times. But well worth the wait. Your prefect old school Moon hole-in-the-wall establishment.  Ned's been there.  Ask him.

Eggs N'at

THE breakfast joint in the immediate area. There's also a Bob Evans across the street...meh. This is the place you wanna eat at for breakfast. Again, another quaint little place, so you may have to wait a few minutes. Pretty cool decor utilizing old records for artwork.  If the weather is nice, and you're lucky, grab a seat outside on the back patio. Located right next to the Hampton (or close to it), at 8556 University Blvd. Yummy breakfast burritos, and my favorite...Crabby Eggs Benedict!!!  The home fries are darn tasty, too.

This is strictly a breakfast joint, but is open until 2:00pm for the late risers. I wouldn't know about that :)

Hometown Pizza 

Need a pizza delivery?  This place is the best, bar none.  Not a lot of pizza places I like in Pittsburgh, but this thin crust is the best around.  It's open until 2:00am on weekends.  Do it.

Need Beer or Booze?

Pennsylvania is one of those bullshit states where you can't buy beer and booze in the same store. Something about gouging its citizens for more tax dollars, I presume. Anyways, if you need beer, you may wanna ask the hotel shuttle to take you there. This place is not far, but definitely not a walk you wanna make, especially with the hills. Here's where you want to buy beer...

Moon Pop & Beer 

it's behind the Giant Eagle, which is the mecca of grocery stores in Western Pa.  If you're looking for wine or liquor, there's...

Wine & Spirits Store

it's located in the same plaza as the Pop & Beer place.  Both of these places are in the plaza that's directly across the street from RMU, and the chapel where the ceremony will be (in case you need to pick up a piece of booze on your way to the chapel :)

Jacksons Lounge - Doubletree The one hotel of the four we blocked that has a bar, is in the Doubletree. Looks like it's open from 11:00a until 1:30a

Rehearsal Dinner

Apologies in advance for the exclusiveness of this post.  For the bridal party and few others coming to the rehearsal and dinner following on Friday evening (you should know who you are by this point), here's everything you need to know...

Please be at the Rogal Chapel at RMU at 5:00pm Friday.  For those of you staying at the hotels on University Blvd, this is about a 5 minute shuttle ride.  It is not a long ceremony; we're estimating about a 1/2 hour, but there are still some particulars and sesquentials to review.

A dinner following the rehearsal will be held at the Sewickley Cafe across the river.  For those of you out-of-towners, there will be enough people driving to the chapel, who will be able to provide rides to the cafe.  It is located at 409 Beaver St in Sewickley.  Simply take University Blvd to the Sewickley Bridge, go across the river, and proceed directly into downtown Sewickley.  Once you hit Beaver St, you're there...

The Cafe is one of Jess & I's favorite local restaurants.  The outdoor patio garden is lovely, and the cuisine is pretty tasty.  The raspberry walnut chicken salad is especially delightful, and we decided to include that on the menu, after some mini crab cakes and crostinis are passed.  Dinner will consist of 3 choices: Asiago Chicken, Macadamia Nut Crusted Tilapia, or Prime Rib.  Each choice will have a wine pairing, however, feel free to order something else if wine is not your thing.

After dinner, at approximately 9:00, we have a limo that will be picking up everyone from the Cafe. We are inviting everyone to our house for after dinner drinks. We live approximately 1 mile down the street. The limo will make a couple of trips shuttling people from the Cafe to our house. The limo will be on standby for our use as needed throughout the night (or at least until 1:00am when its reserved until).  The limo will be able to give rides to anyone staying at the hotels in Moon whenever they feel like calling it a night.

Robert "Bucky" Buss, Best Man

Bucky has been one of my best friends for more than 20 years. So long, in fact, we used to argue baseball, and whose team was better...his Cubs or my Buccos. We used to wager $50 a year on who would win more games (yeah...I actually used to care about the Pirates). Not like we ever paid each other...we just kept a running tab. I remember that I used to be up for awhile. From what I hear, though, Bucky might be winning by now. But who's counting?

Like a few of my other pals in high school, Bucky was also a hockey player (stress on was). I used to sneak a couple of brews into Ridgeland Commons and watch their home games. For you smart folk putting 2 and 2 together...yeah, I had a couple of brews while I was under age in high school (I blame a primitive 80's society that deprived us of iPods). Anyways...I think I was Oak Park Hockey's biggest fan. One player's mom used to sit behind me, and constantly yell, "SKATE! SKATE! SKATE!" Much like I do now at Pens games, I also used to yell at the players on the ice. My biggest saying was, "PASS THE PUCK, BUCKY!" Bucky thought he was Wayne Gretzky with one slight difference...the puck never left his stick until he was knocked off it. The term "assist" didn't apply to Bucky's stat line.  He either put the puck in the net, or ended up on his ass (more of the latter). 

Bucky and our crew of pals did everything together back then.  Before adulthood and responsibility was invented, summer days consisted of playing sports and eating gourmet foods (tacos, Italian beefs, hot dogs, burgers, gyros).  Nights were spent bragging to each other about the latest band we "discovered" on 120 Minutes over some cold soda pops.  Occasionally, when we were able to escape all of our female fans and there was nothing better to do (no parties to attend), an all night Nintendo tournament would break out, again over cold soda pops.

Like many of my close pals in those days, Bucky was like a brother to me.  Some of those brothers have become a footnote in the brotherhood memoirs (or perhaps a friend on Facebook).  People change, they move on, they become increasingly disinterested with your increasing amount of interests.  It happens.  But Bucky has been a true bro, through and through.

Similar to many close pals, Bucky and I had our share of bitter moments.  Like the time we shared an apartment in Forest Park, and Stiffler pooped on his pillow (they say dogs are great judges of character).  Yeah...Bucky was pissed.  And I don't blame him.  No one wants to come home after a night on the town (drunk), and find poop on their pillow.  But we hugged it out.  And that's what good friends do.

In all seriousness, and sometimes this is hard for dudes to express to each other...I love Bucky.  There.  I said it.  I love Robert "Bucky" Buss.
 

note to self: don't be the first one to pass out at the camp fire.

Video Killed the Radio Star

Come the big day, you will see two HD video cameras roaming around. Don't be shy. We're big fans of documenting (ask groomsman Ned). The video will be done by Brian Brown at Brown Multimedia Productions. I met Brian while attending RMU, and working (playing) at RMU-TV. Brian, meanwhile, was known for some of his work in the Documentary Center at RMU. I got real up close and personal with Brian when we slammed into each other chasing down a fly ball in an intramural softball game. Chris Clarke was telling me "plenty of room." Actually, at the time, it was no laughing matter. Neither of us saw each other coming, and I'm pretty sure Brian got the worst of it (broken nose, shoulder). It was pretty brutal. I ended up with the wind knocked out me.

Anyways, we've seen some of his work, and highly recommend Brian for any of your events around the Pittsburgh area. He's very professional, and if you need his contact info, please let us know. We'd be happy to set you up.

Pictures came and broke your heart.  Yes indeedy...

Pick the Playlist

"PLAY GLEEMER!!" (only a handful will get that)

I think Pitchfork Fest did something like this a few years ago. This will probably only interest the GBV loving folk out there, so apologies in advance to those who have no idea (but feel free to chime in anyway).  Anyways...Andy from The Textbook Committee forwarded me the following list of tunes the other day, all of which are within their repertoire.

So here's your chance.  Many of you are traveling from quite a distance, so feel free to pick the tunes you want to hear!  Or, for the Cheap Trick lovers...see the last track :)

14 Cheerleader Coldfront

A Crick Uphill

A Salty Salute

Alone, Stinking, and Unafraid

Beg For A WheelBarrow

Big Boring Wedding

Bull Spears

Chief Barrell Belly

Cut-Out Witch

Dayton, OH, 19 Something & 5

Do the Earth

Don't Stop Now

Drag Days

Dragons Awake

Drinker's Peace

Echos Myron

Ester's Day

Everybody Thinks I'm A Raincloud (When I'm Not Looking)

Exit Flagger

Expecting Brainchild

Fair Touching

Finks

Flat Beauty

Fly Into Ashes

Game of Pricks

Get Under It

Girls of Wild Strawberries

Glad Girls

Goldheart Moutaintop Queen Directory

Goldstar For Robot Boy

He's The Uncle

Hot Freaks

Huffman Prairie Flying Field

I Am a Scientist

I'm a Widow

I've Owned You for Centuries

Key Losers

Let It Rest For A Little While

Lethargy

Little Lines

Maggie Turns To Flies

Man Called Aerodynamics

Motor Away

Much Better Mr. Buckles

Mute Superstar

My Impression Now

My Son Cool

My Valuable Hunting Knife

Navigating Flood Regions

Not Behind The Fighter Jet

Over the Neptune / Mesh Gear Fox

Pantherz

Paradise Is Not So Bad

Peep-hole

Pimple Zoo

Portable Men's Society

Postal Blowfish

Psych-Threat

Queen of Cans and Jars

Red Ink Superman

Redmen and Their Wives

Sad If I Lost It

Sensational Gravity Boy

Shocker In Gloomtown

Sister I Need Wine

Skills Like This

Smothered In Hugs

Squirmish Frontal Room

Stiff Me

Stifled Man Casino

Stingy Queens

Storm Vibrations

Striped White Jets

Subspace Biographies

Surgical Focus

Teenage FBI

The Best of Jill Hives

The Brides Have Hit Glass

The Closets of Henry

The Wheel Hits the Path (Quite Soon)

Time Machines

Tractor Rape Chain

Underground Initiations

Underwater Explosions

Unleashed! The Large Hearted Boy

Useless Inventions

Watch Me Jumpstart

When She Turns 50

White Whale

Wished I Was a Giant

Wormhole

Wrecking Now

Auf Wiedersehen*

Had to post this Cheap Trick video for "Auf Wiedersehen." First off, it rocks. But it also reminds me of the first records I had as a kid, thanks to my cousins Joe and Tony.  I remember removing a few of my mom's favorites from the turntable, like some Carly Simon or Melissa Manchester record, and dropping the needle on Cheap Trick at Budokan.  Of course, "Auf Wiedersehen" wasn't released until some years later on Budokan II, but you get the point.  Enjoy...

Emily, Matron of Honor

 My mom told me one day that I had to give up my blankie…but I didn’t just have to give it up, I had to give it to some little creep who would flaunt it in front of my face every day…thus Emily Cooper (Radaker) would make her way into my life, when I was just four years old. It wasn’t like I had a choice—I had to live with this little twerp. So, I made the best of it.

JUST KIDDING, SIS. :P

Emily Radaker is my best friend and she is my only sister. And sometimes, I don’t know what the hell I would do without her. There were times, in high school and college, she told me I was ruining her life (I student-taught at Butler High School while she was a senior there), but I think she forgave me--right, Em? LOL.

Most times we keep one another sane. I do really think we would be lost without one another other. But, she’d probably have a less stressful life if I weren't always bothering her—LOL. I do have to say that the thirteen-hour drive to Brunswick, Maine does stink…but "I gots the iPhone 4, baby." LOL. Nah…if Skyping and traveling to Brunswick is what I have to do to see her and talk to her, then so be it. I need her in my life. She is always there for me when I am talking myself in and out of things, working through the trials of life, or when I need to talk about just about anything you can think of. I sometimes wish I could do the same for her.

Emily's perspective always seems to be something I can completely relate to, yet I never would have conceived of in my own bouncy-ball-esque brain.

I never met someone who I was so much like, but also so different from. It is good that way, though—that’s why it works.

My sister is cooler than yours. ;)

Allison, Maid of Honor

This is at BMO Field in Toronto--go TFC! It was a winner!

Allison Gall is the only friend I can say that has grown with me for the majority of my life—I guess you could say that we’ve grown together.

We first met in CCD classes (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, for those non-Catholics out there) when we were pretty young, at Saint Michael the Archaengel. We were the oddballs who didn’t know anyone, so we made our own alliance, so-to-speak. IT was the alliance to not like the snotty other kids...we were pretty young and sassy then—so that ain’t ‘gonna change, people. ;)

Later Allison and I would end-up going to elementary school together, due to some awkwardly drawn “district” lines, but who cares—we saw each other at school—not just CCD; all the better. I got to spend more time with her on a regular basis.

Until the sixth grade, we had classes together.

In junior high we still made it work, too.

In high school, we always seemed to have the same English classes, but we had very different boyfriends, who weren’t necessarily in the same group of friends. We still worked it out.

And in college, we didn’t see each other much, but we remained in contact. Clarion, PA and Moon Township, PA--that's a good distance apart.

When we graduated college, we saw each other more and more because we were both in Butler more regularly--I was at the high school teaching everyday and she was working in the area, too.

Today, we are still going strong.

She now lives in Baltimore, which is not exactly close, but I have made it to visit as much as possible. I wish I could go more often, but life happens to both of us. One of us needs to move closer. Alli—I can still get you a job in Pittsburgh. ;) Just kidding...BUT SERIOUSLY.

Love you, girl.

The Jess & Gary Video Hour

The Collaborators

One night only! October 15th. The Warhol Theater.

Jess and I are pretty fortunate to have a few talented friends. With the help from our good pal Johny (above), we are compiling a slew of short little videos to be played for your enjoyment. Some are old, and some will making their World Premiere on this night! Wherever we go, the video camera is never far behind. This is our version of the photo album.

Stay tuned for the official program. But in the meantime, enjoy the trailer...


Jess and Gary Trailer from Almost Human on Vimeo.

Miss the video you've been dying to see?!? No worries. The hour (plus) will be on loop, and each video will have 3 screenings. See your official program for times.

Jimmy, Groomsman

Super Pete, Super Chief, me

Jimmy (aka: Chief, Super Chief)

Jimmy is one of the most generous people I've ever been around, and defines the term "mi casa e su casa."  He's the original "making things right" guy.  Many of my friends in Pittsburgh know that to be one of my credos...you gotta make things right.  Admittedly, I learned and adopted that from Jimmy.  When it comes time for a little R & R,  you don't just half-ass things.  You make it right.

I met Jimmy playing softball in the early 90's, but we probably would've been good pals had we met elsewhere.  Jimmy was always older than me, but in "Jimmy years," I've probably passed him by now (I think he was 28 years old the first 3 years I knew him).  Jimmy's like the big bro I never had, who was into cool music before I was into cool music.  I always admired the fact that he was into bands like the Clash, the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks, and the Smiths at a time when I thought the only bands that existed where ones I saw on MTV as a kid.

Although he resembles Rodney Dangerfield and can look kinda goofy in a baseball hat, Jimmy is actually one of the most talented infielders I ever played with.  He was the best shortstop I had played with...until Brad (see below) came along.  And while he would probably even admit that, Jimmy's not one to lack in confidence.  He'll recall every big hit or great play he's ever made, and he never shies away from telling his OPRF baseball state championship days.  On the surface, it could sound cocky.  But the way Jimmy tells a story, there's always a comical aspect to it.  He's one of those guys whose just a lot of fun to be around.  We've shared a ton of laughs, and I'm proud to call him a dear friend.

if you never been out to dinner with Jimmy, this isn't too far off...

Christy, Bridesmaid

Christy at Sunny Jim's Hypnotizing the best of 'em

Everyone knows that teaching public school affords one the summers off, however…that never “flew” with me. In that, I am a very antsy person. I have always NEEDED to be doing something. So, during my first four and one half years teaching, I was working a job in the summer to keep myself sane. In 2006, I applied to Primanti Brothers in Moon Township. Who wouldn’t do that in their spare time—duh—DELICIOUS. Anyway, within the first couple days, I had met Christy Kerr. Christy had worked for Primanti's for a while, and was extremely helpful in training me to be successful there, too. It was nice to know someone who could show me the ropes.

After a while, I began to tell her how much I LOVED coffee—or maybe it was evident that I was SO EXCITED that Primantis had “good coffee,” I don’t know. Before long she’d told me about her mother managing a local coffee shop in our village. That was it—I was working in the coffee shop before long. When I left BSHS, after getting my masters, I didn’t have time for a “summer job” anymore, but I sure love my Crazy Mocha. MY PTI colleagues can attest to that.

Christy is actually a certified hypnotist, and the part of the ONLY father-daughter hypnotism duo in the United States. And, she HAS hypnotized me to think I was Carlton from the Fresh Prince of Bell-Air. Apparently this is on video somewhere in cyber space. EXCELLENT. :)

Christy is always one to offer help—whether it’s to lend an ear, make some AWESOME homemade salsa, or guide me to the best establishment in the area—she grew up in Sewickley. Gary and I both love having her around. Her honesty is contagious--an one of her best qualities.

Howie, Groomsman

Brent (aka: Howie)

It's been said that Howie looks kinda like Kevin Costner.  Not Field of Dreams Kevin Costner...but more like Waterworld Kevin Costner.  Although he makes his home in San Diego, we stay in touch a lot, mostly during football season. He likes to brag about how great the weather is whenever we're getting dumped on with sleet and snow...to which I have no comeback for.  He's one of these guys that piggybacks off of my supreme football knowledge, and will ride whatever picks I give him. Like most of these guys, I never hear about all of the winners I predict.  But it never fails.  I could be 6-0 on a Saturday.  And if San Jose St or one of these other West Coast teams doesn't win the late game, I'll surely get a voice mail at 2:00 am EST to tell me how lousy I am.  It's ok...I get a kick out of them the next morning.  Howie's late Saturday night rants from the West Coast have become a staple in my Sunday morning routine every Fall.

Howie's another one of these Sportin' Wood fellows I met around 1995.  He was known as a pretty good hitter, and could hit .650 by only utilizing the space between the SS and 3B.  Kind of amazing and weak in the same time.  Howie was also really good infielder in his day, but got scared of the ball and wanted to play OF instead.  I can sympathize with that.  The move to San Diego shortened his playing career with Sportin Wood, and he was dearly missed...more as a friend than a player.  Take that however you'd like :) 

Howie's taste in music is questionable, at best.  I sent him a Superchunk CD one time, and never heard anything back.  So I assume he still has bad taste in music.  But I love him, nonetheless.

Michelle, Bridesmaid

Michelle and me during a week long excursion to NYC to see Pavement

All my Canadian friends ROCK. Well, this one especially. One of the truest people I have ever known—one of the coolest, really—Michelle Gillen was once mistaken for me—BY MY OWN DAD—in the GBV Electrifying Conclusion video. (Sorry for calling you out on this one, Dad.)

Gary and I met Michelle (and Ned—see Groomsmen) while seeking out Robert Pollard fueled rock concerts, probably in/ around the year 2004??? I don’t know—Miller Lite makes things hazy, sometimes.

Though a resident of Guelph, ON, Michelle and I see one another AT LEAST four times a year…and for all involved…it isn’t enough. When parting ways, we always openly share our wishes that one another lived closer. Five hours away is just too much. A kindered spirit and a balanced force in my times of rock mania, Michelle is always there to listen to my bologna-pony and make a suggestion of level-headed consideration. Plus, she has opened house and home many times to nothing more than Gary and I, four cases of beer, and rock and roll. And when it comes to environmentally friendly living, I always MUCH APPRECIATE her lucidity and sageness.

Erin, Bridesmaid

Erin is the pretty blonde--the rose, as I said...

Erin is my closest first cousin (of too many). Well, not proximity-wise anymore—North Carolina?! Anyway, Erin has always been the rose between two thorns (just kidding sis--I should speak for myself). And, I remember playing many days and nights at my grandma’s house with Erin, Emily (see Matron of Honor), and my cousin Kaiti (also pictured to the left).

When I was older, I often babysat for my Aunt Heather and Uncle Chip in Karns City, PA; though far “out there,” compared to my childhood abode, we had fun, and I enjoyed spending the time with my cousins. I vaguely remember being a snotty teenager once, though, and fighting with Erin and her brother about whether or not they were allowed to watch Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. I swore that it wasn’t an appropriate show (I had no idea, what-so-ever, really...), and they swore they had watched it all the time…I later found out that I was being a BIG JERK. Woah—TIME TRAVEL. LOL.

Erin has always been a gifted dancer, and though I never got to watch enough of her performances, I know that dancing was to her life  as gymnastics was to mine, when I was younger. I understood that well.

I recently got to enjoy a Post Secret show at Slippery Rock University (google: Frank Warren), and had a phenomenal time, thus solidifying my connection with an awesome “cuz.” And when Erin graduated with her teaching degree this past May, I was VERY proud of her accomplishments.

Dean, Groomsman

Dean (aka: Meat Pants)

A few years after meeting Dean, he asked me for a giant favor.  His fantasy football team in the legendary Windy City Fantasy Football League was in dire straits, losing season after season.  He was getting mocked by his peers at the annual draft, and he was tired of getting embarrassed.  Knowing that I was a fantasy football genius, Dean asked for my help.  So much like Pauly Cicero did for Sonny Bunz in Good Fellas, I came in as Dean's partner.  The rest is history.  Bloated Stiff Football would dominate and change the entire landscape of the WCFFL.  With my guidance, and Dean's "expertise" on any player who ever played for the Wisconsin Badgers, The Bloated Stiffs would win 5 league titles over a 10 year span.

Dean is also the class clown of the bunch. And while I enjoyed pulling his strings at times, much to the dismay of his lovely wife, Sue, I do claim innocence in most of Dean's deeds :)  Like the time he ate 15 hot dogs in a 20 minute span at McGaffer's, or something like that (the legend grows).  That wasn't really me egging him on.  I just had a rooting interest, since I bet everyone there that he could do it.

Dean was usually my roommate when our softball team traveled, and we usually got in the most trouble.  Too many stories, many of which will not be discussed on October 15th.  Despite the hi-jinx, Dean was always ready to go on game day.  We were probably a good match as roommates.  I liked to sleep in late.  On the other hand, Dean was so jacked up, he would often sleep in his uniform.  No need for coffee when you have Dean waking you up 2 hours earlier than necessary.

Besides being my fantasy football partner and former outfield mate, Dean's a really good pal, and a stand up guy.  Like many of the guys I met on this Sportin' Wood team, he also has a tremendous sense of humor.  There were many more good times off the field than on, and I will always treasure those the most.  Like the time our connecting flight to Florida was delayed, and we had a layover in Mississippi.  After a late night trip to the riverboat, we came back to the hotel and Dean...

Ned, Groomsman

Ned (aka: Ned)

I met him in a Pakistani Pizza shop.  Seriously.  It was some of the worst pizza I've ever tried, and it was after a Guided by Voices show in Washington, DC.  Ned will probably tell you he liked it.  He's been one of my best friends ever since.  Ned not only shares my obsession for GBV and 2nd favorite band (Pavement - the Real Madrid of La Liga), but he's a huge sports guy.  Many people I know are either passionate about one or the other.  Ned's one of those few that I can chat to about either, and we talk (e-mail) more regularly than anyone I know.

Ned's also responsible for making me into a crazy football (aka: soccer) fanatic.  I gave the sport a chance a few years back, after joining a World Cup pool of his, and I've been hooked ever since.  Thanks, Ned.  We don't always share the same viewpoints, and he likes to throw things in my face like YDLB.  He's incredibly quick witted, and will often answer an e-mail in the form of a Robert Pollard lyric.  On rare occasion, I have to Google, but I will never admit it to Ned. ILB.

Pictures of Ned are tough to come by (they're about as rare as finding an unopened Propeller).  While he's a professional photographer / journalist during the day, Ned is notoriously camera shy.  Most pictures of him come out with a huge palm facing the camera.  And despite being from Canada, Ned claims not to be a big fan of hockey.  Crazy and a shame, I know.

Our annual trips to Guelph, Ontario to visit him and his girlfriend Michelle (bridesmaid), and take in a Toronto FC game, are something that Jess and I cherish very dearly.  Ned & Michelle, along with their families and other Canadian pals, are some of the nicest and most beautiful people we've ever had the pleasure of hanging out with.  We love 'em...especially Ned.

Julie, Bridesmaid

Julie and I are Charlie's Angels--though she probably remembers the cupcake in her face the best from this night. Oops.

So among many things I attempted to pursue in my crazy childhood, track and field was probably the most lucrative—LITERALLY. I didn’t start track until a broken leg forced me to resign from gymnastics. After I healed, the Butler High track coach hunted me down. Apparently, gymnasts can make good track athletes. I knew nothing of such a sport until Grade 9. Long story short, that’s how I figured I was going to pay for college.

When senior year of high school rolled-around, and the good ‘ole state of PA finally legalized women’s pole vault...THAT WAS THE TICKET.

Bill Hodge, rest his soul, saw something in me at 5’3”. He apparently had seen something in one SPUNKY and wirey Julie Woloshin, too because he actively pursued the both of us for his women's team.

We had both decided, in 1999, that Robert Morris College (now, University) was our future. Except I didn’t know that, until one of my last high school track meets. It was a big one (WPIAL-style). Out of nowhere, Julie introduced herself (somehow she knew who I was--such a goof), and we were friends thereafter. In fact, Julie was with me the night I met Gary. I drug her along because I wasn’t sure I wanted to go out. Needless to say…I think I am glad I went out? ;)

Julie also took me to my first Pittsburgh Penguins game in 2000. We were two of maybe 5,000 people in the Igloo, that night.

Due to her international career and wherabouts, it is more likely her parents make the party than she does, but we love her anyway!

Chris, Groomsman

Chris (aka: Clarke)

"You've got room!!!"  Those 3 words will explain a few of the scars on my knees and shins. Clarke's another good friend that I originally met playing ball.  I often played next to Chris in the OF, and I was always told there's enough room to make the catch.  Ask the 5 foot pine tree in Itasca that I snapped in half.  Clarke, meanwhile, never slid into a bag in his life.  He'd probably tell you that he's never had to.  Sounds weird, I know...considering the fact he enjoyed seeing me dive all over the place.

Not long after knowing Chris, I remember him coming by the office to discuss the team's lineup for that night (actual work was overrated in those days).  He loved talking the game and strategy more than anyone I knew, so on the surface, you'd think he was a hack who couldn't play.  On the contrary, he's one of the most talented players I ever played with.  He was your prototypical 5-tool player who never got his knees dirty :)

Chris is also the victim of one of the worst ever lean-in moves I've got on camera. That's fellow groomsman Jimmy executing the move to perfection, snubbing Clarke, from what would've been a great picture with Jim Thome during a visit to Pittsburgh...

I feel very fortunate to have met a lot of great people during my years in Chicago, and Chris is atop that list. He's a super guy and incredible friend...despite his lack of care for my health.

The bus will get you there yet!!

a quick note on transportation for anyone arriving from outta tahn:

No need to worry about transportation on Saturday. Hotel shuttles will be able to take you to the ceremony (if you plan on going to the ceremony*). Also, we've hired a couple of buses to transport everybody from the Chapel after the ceremony to the Warhol, and then back to your hotels after the reception.

We want everyone to enjoy themselves without the need to worry about driving afterwards.

* if you don't plan on attending the beautiful ceremony that Jess is doing an incredible job of arranging, but are staying at the hotels in Moon, you should probably still shuttle over to the chapel so you can hop on the bus,Gus.

Brandy, Bridesmaid

Last October in Ogunquit, Maine for Em and Jordan's wedding

Brandy Shoup has been a part of the “Cooper” family tradition for as long as I can remember. She grew-up “across the alleyway” beside Saint Michael’s, our childhood parish. Brandy's brother also went to school with me, but alas, nothing is more priceless than she and my sister getting into trouble for sidewalk-chalking an old garage in the church parking lot. The incident was even in the Butler Eagle (our town’s small newspaper publication). They, of course, weren’t bad kids—just artistic, I guess. Technically, it was vandalism, though. It’s a good thing the police found their actions to be relatively innocent, too. But she was breaking the rules with my younger sister—that’s why I liked her.

I hung out many an afternoon with Brandy and Emily, cutting hair, dying hair, dressing-up, and doing make-up. If you can name some of our childhood shenanigans, Brandy was usually around. And she recently did this for Emily last October—now ya’ gotta do it again, sista. ;)

Brad, Groomsman

3 stiffs: me, Brad, Dean

Brad (aka: Bips)

Like a few of the stiffs* that will be standing up Oct. 15th, I initially met Brad playing softball. It was 19-something-and-5, and we were actually on opposing teams.  My team at the time, O'Sullivan's, kept running up against this other team from the area at weekend tournaments around the Chicago land area.  They had cool shirts, and a somewhat offensive name.  They also had a pretty awesome shortstop (whose shaved / bald head is now swelling more as he reads this).

* footnote: do not be offended. this a term of endearment amongst my friends. *

Brad's team looked like a group of swell guys, a group of young up-and-comers, and I really wanted to play for them.  When they went looking for a third basemen to play in this national tournament down in Jacksonville, Florida, I jumped at the opportunity.  "Why hell yes, I can play 3B!!"  (Like most players who valued their face, I hated playing 3B).

In my very first at-bat in a lousy fall league game, I hit a ground ball to the left side, and tried to leg it out.  And just like that - torn hamstring...season over.  My flight to FLA a few weeks later was already paid for, so I decided to go just for the fun of it.   On the ride to the airport, I got pink eye (seriously).  So now...I'm the stiff in Florida with a torn hammy and junk in my eye.

Not sure what I did that fall to impress my new teammates, but they asked me back next season for some crazy reason.  Maybe they saw a lot of promise in that lone AB, a routine 6-3 ground out to short.  Anyways, I'm pretty glad they did.  I developed a lot of great friendships from my time with Sportin' Wood, one of them being Brad, and 5 of those friends will be standing up for Jess & I come the big day.

Besides being the world's greatest shortstop, Brad is also quite the fisherman.  About 10-12 years ago, I took a trip to northwest Ontario, for a week of fishing bliss with Brad and 6 other pals on some remote island.  It was one of the most fun and relaxing weeks I've ever had.  It also reminded me of those times as a kid, when my dad used to take me fishing in the French River for these week long trips: long summer days, fresh Canadian air, remote peace and quiet, endless walleye and pike fishing, tasty shore lunches.  The exception on this trip with Brad: my dad and I never had to send the plane back to the main island to pick up our 30 cases of beer.