Page 69 – The Points Of Life

Guns & Butter: Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide

thepointsoflife

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December 8, 2021

Madison, Wisconsin Travel Guide is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement cand outflanks COVID, at least for now.

TPOL’s Guns & Butter Travel Guide is the best way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible. Here’s how it works – A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy. The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa. The guide includes inefficient activities i.e., tourist traps that should be avoided and aspirational activities that are worth doing but may be impossible to see given the constraints of time and resources.

I came to Madison to watch Michigan play Wisconsin. That was a great experience because of the party the night before (see Old School Partying in Madison), tailgating the morning of, and the ultimate Wolverine’s victory (see Michigan v. Wisconsin: Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review).

a wall with a cartoon character on it and a sign with lights — Angry Bucky

a mosaic sculpture of a raccoon mascot — Artsy Bucky

a wall with a tv and a large screen — Abstract Bucky

Besides events related to football, there are many other things to do in Madison that I did not do. These include:

Halloween: While it’s not Hong Kong (see Hong Kong Layover = Lan Kwai Fong), I’ve heard good things about Madison for Halloween.

Invalid request error occurred. — Object in photo may not be Madison, Wisconsin.

A Stroll through Madison: While I took the party route to the stadium, I was told that going the river route was more scenic and serene.
World Dairy Expo: Can you believe that the World Dairy Expo was happening the same time as the Michigan game? I found out that it’s a big deal and was told that the expo, not the football game, was why the Hyatt Place Madison was going for $500/night.

Food
- Maharani, located across from the Hyatt, was home to impeccable Indian food. It was the perfect ending to a perfect time in Madison.

a stack of flat bread in a basket — naan

a bowl of rice and a bowl of naan bread — Biryani

a bowl of soup with spoons — Butter chicken

bowls of food on a table — Lamb Vindaloo

TPOL’s Tip: The address is 80 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703.

- Locals suggested the following:
  - Local Tip #1: If you really want to experience some Madison favorites you can’t go wrong with Dotty Dumpling’s Dowry, Ian’s Pizza (Smokey and the Bandit pizza is a late night favorite), QQ’s Express (small hole-in-the wall Chinese place with large portions, favorite for Engineering students), and Paul’s Pel’meni. For non-college student bars that are still favorites: Nitty Gritty, Lucille, State Street Brats.
  - Local Tip #2: State Street Brats! Decent food and great atmosphere. Jenna’s is also a capital bar that is a nice middle-ground option. Also, no Chocolate Shoppe ice cream or fried cheese curds!?!

Overall

Marbury v. Madison was a famous case in law school. While I can’t remember the facts of the case, I won’t forget the fun time I had in Wisconsin’s capital.

Michigan v. Wisconsin: Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review

thepointsoflife

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December 7, 2021

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Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflanks COVID, at least for now.

To kick off (pun intended) my emergence out of the basement, I went to the Michigan Wisconsin game.

I attempt to see Michigan once a year. Last year’s season didn’t count as Michigan looked uninspired due to Covid (see Out of an Abundance of Caution, Michigan Should Cancel the Season). The last time I went to a Michigan road game was in Dallas to see Michigan play Florida (see Michigan vs Florida: A Review Of Cowboy Stadium).

Tailgate

I was told to go to Rosemont Street for a row of rowdy tailgates. This proved to be sound advice. Unlike the lamentable Buckeye fans in Columbus (see The Game: A Wolverine’s Guide For Surviving Columbus), I found the Badgers to be very pleasant. Indeed, they may be the friendliest people I have ever met. “Thank you for coming to Madison. Do enjoy yourself here. I am sorry to say that I hope you will be disappointed with the game’s result.” Beyond football talk, the people were genuinely nice. I was offered food, drinks, and plenty of background on cheese production. It turns out that foam cheese is not edible.

a sign outside with chairs and trees — Right island, wrong fans

EMT

In another parking lot, there was an ambulance converted into a tailgate mecca. There was a built-in tap included.

The Band

A college football experience is not complete without listening to the marching band.

Beer Darts

Before the stadium, we were invited to participate in a game of beer darts. Bold participants sit in a circle and throw darts and cans of Natty Light. If the can is punctured, the recipient has to drink. If it is hit three times, the loser has to finish the beer. Oh, College.

Frat Row

The frats made their best attempts to insult Michigan. They need to work on their trash-talking.

Spotted Cow

“You’ve never had Spotted Cow?!” Spotted Cow is a locally brewed Wisconsin beer. It is not allowed to be transported outside state lines. When I told a Badger that I had never had it before, he immediately gave me one to sample. TPOL approved.

Game Tickets

When I purchased the tickets in August, I thought this was going to be a big game. I did not realize that Wisconsin was going to be this awful. I paid $236 for two tickets. On the street, we haggled 50-yard line tickets for my friend for $20. Though I kept my tickets, I voluntarily upgraded my seats.

a football stadium with a crowd of people — My original seats

Stadium

I feel bad knocking the stadium but it needs major renovations. It is very old and despite having a capacity of 80k felt very small compared to other Big Ten stadiums (see The Best Sports Stadiums: The Big House). The concourse was packed and impenetrable. Half the people were trying to buy overpriced concessions and the other half were trying to go the bathroom. Like most college football stadiums, no alcohol is served.

Game

Michigan did not play particularly well, but Wisconsin was awful. The game was never in doubt.

a crowd of people in red shirts — Spot the MI fans

Jump Around

I always thought it was silly that Jump Around is played at the start of the 4th quarter. It’s supposed to get the Wisconsin crowd and players hyped. It had the opposite effect. Reminiscent of the celebration of the 2007 Florida v Georgia, when the whole Georgia team ran onto the field to celebrate a touchdown, the entire Michigan football team was inspired by the song and took to the field to let everyone know that they have rediscovered their mojo, at least for this week.

Ohio State Fans

“We just hate Michigan so much, we had to come cheer against them.” Anywhere in the world I go, there’s always a Buckeye there to try and kill the mood. Camp Randall was no exception.

a crowd of people in red shirts in a stadium — Spot the Buckeye fans.

Camp Randall No More

During the game, there was a ceremony honoring Barry Alvarez, the long-time coach and athletic director of Wisconsin. I do not know why they chose the Michigan game to do so, given that he had a terrible record against Michigan when he was their coach.

Overall

On this day Michigan won. While I would usually gloat about our success, out of respect to our gracious hosts, I kept it to a minimum.

Old School Partying in Madison, Wisconsin

thepointsoflife

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December 6, 2021

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Madison Party Guide is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.

A wise person would rest up before a big competition. Seeing as how I was not playing (see Michigan v. Wisconsin: Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review), I thought that rule did not apply to me. Buzzed from good vino at Lou Malnati’s Chicago, I was happy to be the navigator from Chicago to Madison. The drive is supposed to be 2.5 hours but traffic delayed our arrival. Fortunately, I had brought a bottle of Puerto Rico’s best rum, Don Q, for the journey.

TPOL’s Tip: Open alcohol containers are illegal on Wisconsin roads.

After checking in to the Hyatt Place, it was time to explore. The first stop was State Street. Either the drinking age in Wisconsin is 14 or I am really old.

Since the kids were all right, it was time to make our way to the senior living area party area. It’s on the other side of the Capitol Building, a landmark that is surprisingly accessible to the general public.

Tipsy Cow was the name of the first bar. Like everyone in Madison, the patrons and staff were really nice. It was there I learned that I first learned that the game was at 11AM. Conditioned to Eastern Time, it did not occur to me that football was actually played in the morning.

Looking for more excess, we went around the corner to The Rigby.

a man wearing a face mask sitting on a stool outside a restaurant — More drinks, more friends.

Ready to go home, we made our way back across the capitol. We ran into more Badger fans and ended up at another bar.

In search of sustenance, we ended up at Conrad’s Grill. This was a bad choice. While I love tater tots, the tot wrap, their claim to fame, was bland.

TPOL’s Tip: Do not be disappointed when the home of the tater tot does not sell a side of tater tots. Only wraps were available that night.

Overall

My body and head were not impressed with the choices I made the night before. Looking in the mirror, I confirmed what I suspected from the night before – I am really getting too old for this shit.

Hyatt Place Madison, Wisconsin: Clutch for College Football

thepointsoflife

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December 3, 2021

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Hyatt Place Madison Hotel Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.

I searched for months for a place to stay for the Michigan v. Wisconsin game in Madison (see Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review). Everything was sold out. Finally, a room opened at the Hyatt Place for 12k points. Considering the rate was $500/night, I booked it without hesitation.

Location

The hotel is in downtown Madison within walking distance to the campus, bars, and, most importantly, the football stadium (see Guns & Butter: Madison Travel Guide). Across the street is a solid Indian restaurant, Maharani.

Late Check-Out

Only stays away from Globalist, I asked if I could have 4PM checkout. The hotel said yes. Since the game started at 11AM, it was enough time to go to the game and return for what I hoped would be a victory shower.

Pool

Not sure who wants to go for a dip, but a pool is available.

Room

The room was the standard Hyatt Place, perfect for a sports trip. However, this time I asked for two beds because 1) my friend was staying with me 2) because you’re sick of seeing the same photos of Hyatt Place rooms.

Room Art

The art was also different from other Hyatt Places.

a framed picture of a city — Behold, Madison!

Bathroom

The bathroom was not.

Breakfast

Roughed up from the night before (see Old School Partying in Madison), I tried to have breakfast. The eggs were bland and the sausage was no good. Glad it was free, but I would’ve paid for something better.

Overall

Many fans from both sides paid $500 a night. I would not. Once again, points made sports possible (see Final 4 Free).

Post Lockdown Dream Fulfilled? Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago

thepointsoflife

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December 2, 2021

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Deep Dish Chicago is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.

On March 11th, 2020, I was watching an NBA game at Revolution Pizza in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. That day they announced that the season would be suspended. Who knew that life would turn upside down and I would not have a real trip until 17 months later.

During the days of lock-down, I contemplated which American city I would go to first as a launching point for a serious international trip and what I would eat when I got there. Since Michigan was playfking Wisconsin in Madison (see Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review), Chicago was the winner. That, of course, meant stopping at my favorite Chicago pizza shop, Lou Malnati’s (see The World’s Best Pizza: Chicago Deep Dish Edition). Since life as I knew it came to a crashing halt while eating pizza, what better way to put it back in gear than by doing the same?

Perhaps I had romanticized my first deep dish experience, but the “Holy bleep! This is the best pizza in the world,” reaction did not happen. The top-end wine was fantastic, but the pizza was not as great as I remembered it to be.

Maybe I was isolated for too long and set my standards too high for what I expected from a pizza. Maybe, post-COVID, it will take time for the world (and Lous) to get that swagger back. I hope it’s the latter because a world without yummy pizza is not a world I want to live in.

TPOL’s Tip: Order a medium pizza. Even if the small is more than enough for two, I contend that a medium is required for the synthesis of the deep dish crust, mounds of cheese, and pepperoni to come together perfectly.

a bowl of salad with a spoon — At least the salad was good.

Simply The Best: November 2021

thepointsoflife

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December 1, 2021

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November was the best, the leaders and best! Here are the posts:

Finally, A Happy Thanksgiving: Hail to the Victors!
Duck Ohio State! Go Blue!
Guns & Butter: Miami Travel Guide
Welcome to Miami, the most overrated city in the world.
Bogota, a Party City? Who Knew?
While the city center of Bogota is not aesthetically pleasing, it should not be discounted as a party destination.
Bills Mafia v Fins: Hard Rock Stadium Review
I used to be content just for the opportunity to go to the game. Upper bowl was my life. Like travel, I have had the good fortune to sit in better seats.
Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral
My total score was 123. I am having the results audited because it is quite suspicious that I could have played so badly. Early in the round, I was up big. Then all of a sudden everything went against me.
Room Service: I’m Here with Your Covid Test
For the nice price of $35, the JW Marriott booked an appointment for the testing man to come to my room.
IQKhameleon: Technicolor Dreamcoat Actually Arrived
The Urban Turban is finally here!

Guns & Butter: Miami Travel Guide

thepointsoflife

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November 30, 2021

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TPOL’s Guns & Butter Travel Guide is the best way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible. Here’s how it works – A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy. The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa. The guide includes inefficient activities i.e., tourist traps that should be avoided and aspirational activities that are worth doing but may be impossible to see given the constraints of time and resources.

Welcome to Miami, the most overrated city in the world (see The Worst Cities in the World). Somehow, I keep coming back, forcing me to write a Guns & Butter Travel Guide.

Let’s get to it so I don’t have to spend another moment here, even if it is virtual.

Nostalgia

Miami only has a special place in my heart because it is where I wrote one of my first blog posts (see Swamp Water) more than seven years ago (see Simply The Best: TPOL Triple Bogeys, Turns 7). Speaking of nostalgia, remember when there was an Aloft on South Beach (see Aloft South Beach Review: Now A DoubleTree Review)?

The Swamp Water post asked: When do you become too old to partake in juvenile revelry? Better yet, when are you too old to go on spring break? It’s 2021 and I will respond with the answer: never.

Classic art deco dude — Old school Aloft

Recreation

Paddleboard

One activity Miamians do is paddleboard. I’m not an expert, but I don’t see the point of this sport (see Paddle Bored).

IMGA0365 — I’ve paddleboarded from Mauritius to the Maldives and have concluded I need a new vacation hobby. At least the experience made for some good pictures.

Run

Another Miamian pastime is running (see Who Runs Miami Beach?).

Pool Party

It’s not Vegas, but Miami is adequate for pool parties (see Where to Pool Party in Miami).

Golf

Golf is the best recreational experience in Miami. I’ve played at everyone’s favorite president’s course twice (see Making America Great Again: Golden Palm At Trump National Doral & Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral).

Eat

For the Cool Kids

If you’re looking to party in the scene and have great food, STK is your place (see STK Miami: Noisy Delicious).

TPOL’s Tip: STK’s address is 2305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

For the Sandwich Lovers

I recommend La Sandwicherie Miami Beach for a filling, economical, delicious meal.

TPOL’s Tip: The address is 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Dishonorable Mention

Coyo Taco Wynwood has good tacos but it’s overpriced. $37 for one person?

Honorable Mention

Perricone’s Brickell was fantastic. I neglected my blogging responsibilities and did not take photos of the veal marsala.

TPOL’s Tip: The address is 1700 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129.

Stay

Don’t get Mario started on my opinion of Miami. He is probably still upset with this classic post: Hyatt Regency Miami: You’re Not Staying Here Anyway. To date, I have not found a points hotel that can replace the Aloft South Beach (see Aloft Brickell: In Miami’s Other City & Confidante Miami Beach: Physically Hurting from No Status).

TPOL’s Tip: If you have a layover, make sure you know which Hyatt Place MIA you booked (see Hyatt Place Miami Airport: Careful, There’s East & West!).

Overall

Miami sucks. I almost stopped traveling after the last time I went (see Air TPOL Retiring From Travel). Why did I go back?

two men taking a selfie in a stadium — To see my Buffalo Bills!

Finally, A Happy Thanksgiving: Hail to the Victors!

thepointsoflife

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November 29, 2021

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I once wrote: Happy Thanksgiving! When We Beat Ohio State. Given our track record for the last 20 years, I didn’t think that day would ever come. We beat them in 2003 when I was a student. We were robbed in 2006 by bullshit personal foul penalties. We beat them in 2011 when Luke Fickell had to fill in for a fired Jim Tressel. We almost had them in 2013 when Hoke went for two. We were robbed again in 2016 by inches (see Buckeyes Wolverines: Fourth & Short Trip Report Recap).

But that era of losing is over. This weekend we won. And we won big. As a fan of all sports in the underachieving state of Michigan, I don’t know what winning all the time feels like. I doubt it’s as thrilling when it happens every year (see Nick Saban’s rant about ‘self-absorbed’ ’Bama fans may be the best thing you’ll see this year). We might lose the next ten but in the words of Bob Seger, “We’ve got tonight. Who needs tomorrow?”

Duck Ohio State!

Go Blue!

TPOL’s Tip: Urban Turban, pictured above, soon to be available. Follow IQKhameleon on IG for the latest updates.

TPOL’s Thankful for Not Blogging Today

The Deal Ticker

thepointsoflife

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November 25, 2021

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Out of the office until Monday. Will Michigan win on Saturday?

Bills Mafia v Fins: Hard Rock Stadium Review

thepointsoflife

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November 24, 2021

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Hard Rock Stadium Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

It’s been a while since I have been to a football game. I thought I was going to go to the Super Bowl last year (see Bills Mafia: TPOL’s NFL Playoff Predictions), but the Bills did not get the job done (see About Those Buffalo Bills…). When I saw that they were visiting Miami the second week of the season, I jumped on the opportunity.

Location

Hard Rock Stadium is like the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. It is located in the middle of nowhere.

a group of cars parked in a field — So was our parking spot.

Club Level

It’s good to have friends with season tickets. While club level does not offer free drinks and food, it does have easier access to restrooms and plenty of vendors for overpriced food and drink.

Shula Burger

One Shula burger is $11. One Bud Light is $12. Neither was good.

Bottle of Wine?

I noticed a wine bar in the club level. I also saw that a bottle of sauvignon blanc went for $40. It came in an ingenious bottle. The next challenge was to keep it cold. I cleverly filled up a bucket of popcorn with ice.Seats

I used to be content just for the opportunity to go to the game. Upper bowl was my life. Like travel, I have had the good fortune to sit in better seats.

Game

The Bills were awful. The Dolphins were worse.

a football stadium with people in the stands — The place was empty.

Both Teams Played Hard

In the end, the Bills won 35-0. But the highlight was talking to other members of Bills Mafia who made the trip from all over the country.

Overall

Hard Rock Stadium, like the turnout, was not impressive. I would gladly return December 31st, but I am going to predict that I will have no reason to go.