Veni, Vidi, Vici

The Aggies sure have been on a roll.  10-2 in their first season in the SEC, a win over the No. 1 team in the country (at the time), some just fearsome schoolboy commitments, a slew of coaching and player awards, culminating in JFF's Heisman win, unthinkable before the season started.  And now the other shoe has dropped:  offensive coordinator/quarterback coach, Kliff Kingsbury, has accepted the head coaching position at his alma mater, Texas Tech.

As soon as Tuberville walked out on the Red Radars, Oxey and I began discussing the possibility of losing Kingsbury.  We agreed that Tech needed to snag either a) a big name or b) a storied Tech alum in order to overcome Tech's inherent problems:  recruiting and location.  I was of the opinion that Kingsbury wouldn't want to leave A&M right now....with all of its promise for the next few years including (dare I say it?) contending for a national championship.  Oxey opined that Tech would want someone more seasoned and threw out Petrino's name.  (This was before he took the job at Western friggin-Kentucky, of all places).  Boy, were we wrong on all counts.  I guess KK wanted to be a head coach....like NOW!  Admittedly, I am not objective, but I don't think it is a good move.  But he didn't ask me.

So now Sumlin has to find someone else to run his sonic boom offense and, perhaps more importantly, guide JFF.  Will he find someone who played the position, like Kingsbury?  Who is out there? 

And speaking of the Heisman, I watched the telecast, which was excrutiating in the extreme until the very nanosecond that JFF's name was announced.  Johnny handled it well, I thought, and I was particularly moved by his mention of his deceased teammate and his thanks to the 12th man.  Then I watched a video of the reaction of the Aggies watching at the Clayton Williams center and teared up all over again. He deserved to win, and faithful, long-suffering Aggies everywhere may have deserved it as well.  Gig 'em.

PS:  to BBLjr, Oxey, and Ohfor----I imagine Zippy is drinking a cup of beer in heaven right about now.

Wanted: Daylight Pistol-Whippers

Oxey heard a story about some football player who got arrested for pistol-whipping somebody, in broad daylight no less.  The radio guys who were telling the story concluded by stating that the Cowboys needed to get some daylight-pistol-whippers.


The Bleacher Report has a long article about A&M as a BCS contender. Er....I sure hope and expect that to be true at some point but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  It also is being reported  that defensive lineman, Justin Manning, has committed to A&M.  Hope he is a daylight-pistol-whipper.

Ja'Quay on da way.

WR Ja’Quay Williams picks Texas A&M over UGA (UPDATED)

11:17 pm December 2, 2012, by Michael Carvell

For the second year in a row, UGA just missed out on Ja’Quay Williams.

The former Sandy Creek High School standout committed to Texas A&M over UGA and South Carolina on Sunday night.

At least two more years of Heisman Trophy candidate Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M is an attraction for WR prospects (AP)

Williams is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound wide receiver who signed with Auburn over UGA last year but did not meet NCAA entrance requirements. Williams is attending prep school this semester and hopes to enroll at Texas A&M in January.

“I would like to thank all the schools which have been in contact with me, and I would like to thank coach (Chip Walker) at Sandy Creek …,” Williams said in a statement. “The last 12 months have seen many ups and downs and, at least, it came down to Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and Texas A&M I have great respect for all of these programs and their coaching staffs, to include Auburn, which I had been committed to for so long. Auburn is a special place.

“However, after looking at everything and taking my time to evaluate for now and into the future, Coach (Kevin Sumlin), his staff and the A&M program is where I need to be and where I am now committed 110 percent. I indicated so tonight! I have officially committed to Texas A&M.”

Obviously, working against UGA for Williams was the appeal to play with the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, Texas A&M redshirt freshman QB Johnny Manziel,over the next two seasons.

Williams took official visits to Texas A&M, UGA and South Carolina over the last three weeks. He officially de-committed from Auburn last Sunday because the Tigers are without a coach.

His choice of Texas A&M ends a little bit of recruiting momentum for UGA. The Bulldogs have 30 commits for 2013, including at least five who will get a look at wide receiver. However, two-time UGA commit Tramel Terry will decide between the Bulldogs and Clemson on Friday, and there are rumors that another UGA commit (Uriah LeMay) may be looking around.

UPDATE: Terry confirmed that he is sticking with UGA on Sunday night. Terry told Scout.com’s Chad Simmons that “I just called everything off with Clemson.”

Bowling for Dollars

Here is the 2012-2013 bowl schedule with payouts:


Dec. 15 Gildan New Mexico Bowl


Nevada vs. Pac-12 Albuquerque, N.M. 1 p.m. ESPN $912,500

Dec. 15 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

MAC vs. Utah State Boise, Idaho 4:30 p.m. ESPN $650,000

Dec. 20 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl

San Diego State vs. BYU San Diego, Calif. 8 p.m. ESPN $1 million

Dec. 21 Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg

Big East vs. Conference USA St. Petersburg, Fla. 7:30 p.m. ESPN $1.075 million

Dec. 22 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Conference USA vs. Louisiana-Lafayette New Orleans, La. 12 p.m. ESPN $1 million

Dec. 22 MAACO Bowl Las Vegas

Mountain West vs. Pac-12 Las Vegas, Nev. 3:30 p.m. ESPN $2.2 million

Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl

SMU vs. Mountain West Honolulu, Hawaii 8 p.m. ESPN $1.3 million

Dec. 26 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl

Big Ten vs. MAC Detroit, Mich. 7:30 p.m. ESPN $1.5 million

Dec. 27 Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman

ACC vs. TBA (Army) Washington, D.C. 3 p.m. ESPN $2 million

Dec. 27 Belk Bowl

ACC vs. Big East Charlotte, N.C. 6:30 p.m. ESPN $3.4 million

Dec. 27 Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

Big 12 vs. Pac-12 San Diego, Calif. 9:45 p.m. ESPN $4.15 million

Dec. 28 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl

ACC vs. SEC Shreveport, La. 2 p.m. ESPN $2.3 million

Dec. 28 Russell Athletic Bowl

ACC vs. Big East Orlando, Fla. 5:30 p.m. ESPN $4.55 million

Dec. 28 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas

Big Ten vs. Big 12 Houston, Texas 9 p.m. ESPN $3.4 million

Dec. 29 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl

Conference USA vs. Mountain West Dallas, Texas 11:45 a.m. ESPN $1.2 million

Dec. 29 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

Pac-12 vs. TBA (Navy) San Francisco, Calif. 3:15 p.m. ESPN or ESPN2 $1.675 million

Dec. 29 New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Big East vs. Big 12 Bronx, N.Y. 3:15 p.m. ESPN or ESPN2 $3.6 million

Dec. 29 Valero Alamo Bowl

Big 12 vs. Pac-12 San Antonio, Texas 6:45 p.m. ESPN $6.35 million

Dec. 29 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl

Big Ten vs. Big 12 Tempe, Ariz. 10:15 p.m. ESPN $6.65 million

Dec. 31 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

SEC vs. ACC Nashville, Tenn. 12 p.m. ESPN $3.725 million

Dec. 31 Hyundai Sun Bowl

ACC vs. Pac-12 El Paso, Texas 2 p.m. CBS $4 million

Dec. 31 AutoZone Liberty Bowl

SEC/Big East/Conference USA Memphis, Tenn. 3:30 p.m. ABC $2.875 million

Dec. 31 Chick-fil-A Bowl

ACC vs. SEC Atlanta, Ga. 7:30 p.m. ESPN $6.9 million

Jan. 1 TaxSlayer.com Gator Bowl

SEC vs. Big Ten Jacksonville, Fla. 12 p.m. ESPN2 $5.45 million

Jan. 1 TicketCity Bowl

Big Ten vs. Conference USA Dallas, Texas 12 p.m. ESPNU $2.2 million

Jan. 1 Capital One Bowl

SEC vs. Big Ten Orlando, Fla. 1 p.m. ESPN $8.5 million

Jan. 1 Outback Bowl

SEC vs. Big Ten Tampa, Fla. 1 p.m. ABC $7 million

Jan. 1 Rose Bowl presented by Vizio

BCS vs. BCS Pasadena, Calif. 5 p.m. ESPN $36 million

Jan. 1 Discover Orange Bowl

BCS vs. BCS Miami, Fla. 8:30 p.m. ESPN TBA

Jan. 2 Allstate Sugar Bowl

BCS vs. BCS New Orleans, La. 8:30 p.m. ESPN TBA

Jan. 3 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl

BCS vs. BCS Glendale, Ariz. 8:30 p.m. ESPN TBA

Jan. 4 AT&T Cotton Bowl

SEC vs. Big 12 Arlington, Texas 8 p.m. FOX $7.25 million

Jan. 5 BBVA Compass Bowl

Big East vs. SEC Birmingham, Ala. 1 p.m. ESPN $1.925 million

Jan. 6 GoDaddy.com Bowl

MAC vs. Sun Belt Mobile, Ala. 9 p.m. ESPN $1.5 million

Jan. 7 Discover BCS National

Championship Game



I totally want to go the the Cap One Bowl:  biggest payout, other than BCS bowls, and matchup against the second or third team from the Big 10.  I believe that would be a winnable game.

Do not want to play in the Cotton Bowl because I don't want to play a Big 12 team.  I suppose some would say it was karma, but I would rather play someone new.

The Outback would match us against a Big 10 team, again probably (possibly?) beatable and Chick-fil-A would pair us with an ACC team ---Florida State?  Not sure I like that matchup, though it may be because I remember a very wet Cotton Bowl game where FSU beat us by the score of 10-2.  Just stinking awful.

Business Insider-- Calls JFF the Winner

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel projected winner of Heisman

article at Business Insider website

Here is another little tidbit on Business Insider today

The top 6 teams in the SEC are 54-0 this year when not playing one another.

Can I Get An Amen?

JFF is supposed to have a press conference this week and I am nervous.  What if he talks like Jar Jar Binks?

Enjoyed the Mizzou game immensely.  I thought it was a nice gesture to feature C. Mike on the first play (and in the first quarter in general.)  He did not disappoint.  Other seniors performed well, too.  I got the feeling that they were on a mission. 



The television color guy kept going on and on about the game being over, why was JFF still in...blah, blah, blah.... WHILE MIZZOU CONTINUED TO SCORE.  And, this was in the first half!  It is possible to lose the lead, dude, even a big one.  We should know, since we have done it frequently.  We have to score early and often because our very thin defense breaks down a bit in the second half.

Would JFF winning the Heisman be a good thing?  Could it add so much pressure and raise expectations for next year so high that the team (and JFF) simply can't handle it?  Perhaps, but I think we are there already in terms of expectations and pressure.  I don't think winning the Heisman would change that at all.  And of course, I think he should win it. GO JFF!



Many around here think that the Aggies will play the Horns in the Cotton Bowl, and many think that would be great.  Why?  The Horns aren't very good so I imagine that the Aggies would be expected to win.  So, a win would be no big deal, because we should win.  But what if we lose?  I might just die.  Is chronic fear of losing to UT a treatable condition?



What a great season this has been!  Thanks to those wonderful, hardworking boys and the coaches for so many hours of joy.  Gig 'em.

Coach of the Year

I have heard nothing on this topic up here in the frozen north. But what will happen here is the Notre Dame coach will get all the votes if they finish undefeated and number one in the nation. But I believe there is absolutely no contest on the true Coach of Year in major college football. 
First year in the job, first year in the toughest conference in football, with a freshman QB (granted a pretty good one), can anyone claim a better job than Sumlin?  No, no way. Coach of the year all the way and to those who disagree -- I fart in your general direction.

Sammy Football

I just love this video of Sam Gordon. Thanks to Rees and Jen for the link.

One to Go to Ten and Two

Those who know me know that I rarely watch the Aggies play "live", but instead DVR the game while keeping tabs on the score by text, phone, or internet.  I blame my father for this little genetic peculiarity.  So it was really weird how upset I got when I figured out that the game between the Aggies and Sam Houston State wasn't being broadcast.  One of my law partners tells me that I need therapy because of the Aggies and sometimes I think she may be right.

For fun, watch this VIDEO of JFF.  A great highlight reel.  Be sure to look for the play where he runs down the defender who had recovered a fumble.

Others may disagree, but I like the fact that Sumlin took the starters out early in the 3rd quarter rather than try to continue to run up the gaudy numbers to improve both JFF's Heisman chances and A&M's position in the polls.  The second-stringers need some playing time, we don't want any of our key guys to get hurt, and since we didn't get a by week, guys have to be tired.  GOTTO beat Mizzou, who always gives us trouble.  Then on to a bowl....I have seen predicted matchups with Michigan and Oklahoma, but that was before the big upsets this last weekend.  I don't particularly want to play the Sooners, just cause we've been playing them for years.  How about someone new (and preferably someone we can moidelize)?

Gig 'em.

Ebb Tide

The Aggies beat Alabama. 



Props to the defense that came through when it had to, to the O-line, to Ryan Swope for taking the hits and holding on to the ball, to Malena, Michael, and Evans.....

And what can I say about JFF that hasn't been said?  More than his athleticism and his competitive spirit, I am impressed by his presence on the field.  The guy seems impervious to nerves, to jitters, to fear, to mistakes, to hits, to noise......He is just so fun to watch.



Now, the Aggies need to moidleize Sam Houston and then take care of Missouri.  I heard this morning that the Ags have jumped to number 8 in the polls.  If they can win out, then they likely will go to a good bowl game.  Whoda thunk it.

BTHOO Alabama!

In 1968, my dad took me to the Cotton Bowl to see A&M play Alabama.  Gene Stallings, a Bama alum coached by Bear Bryant, was coaching A&M and Bryant, whom I detested, was with Bama.  Kenny Stabler was Bama's QB and, of course, went on to have a tremendous career in the pros.

Here is a little clip from that game.  The Tide was 8-1-1 coming into the game, the Aggies 6-4.  Edd Hargett QB'd the Aggies and was the MVP.  Ags won, 20-16.

I remember little about the game other than the fact that we weren't expected to win but did, and that at the end of the game, Bryant embraced Stallings at midfield.  Most importantly, I remember being there with my dad.  That was a good, good day.

Darkhorse Heisman Contender- JFF

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-9-heisman-contenders-2012-10#darkhorse-johnny-manziel-texas-am-quarterback-1 


There is frost on the river Styxx

I'm Too Old Tor This ....

Last week, 6 turnovers.  This week, 19 penalties.  And yet, victory.  JFF and the Aggies continue to elevate the heartrate.  By the way, La Tech's Patton sure is good. 

Now the fun begins.  LSU managed to beat South Carolina on Saturday, which may be a good thing.  Or not.  The Tigers' offense is still iffy, but their defense is stout....big, fast, and physical.  JFF is going to have to protect himself from punishing hits and the O-line will be tested in a new way.  The Aggies can't have the turnovers and the penalties against LSU but they will need some JFF magic.  Good thing that this is a home game.  Gig 'em.

Goodness Gracious Sakes Alive!

When, in the history of EVER, has A&M won a game like Saturday's game against Ole Miss?  JFF finally made those freshman mistakes that we all have been waiting for....ill-concieved desperation throws and  a scrumble ( a fumble while scrambling).   And yet.... the non-safety, the throw to Evans, the perfect throw to Swope, the touchdown run.  Wow!  NO! NO! NO!...YES! YES! YES!  We may not win them all, but we are in for some fun times.

And let's not fail to give credit to Malena, Swope (who somewhat redeemed himself by catching that perfectly thrown ball in the endzone) and my new favorite, Mike Evans.  That catch on 3rd and 18 from the 4 was clutch and spectacular. When is the last time we saw an Aggie receiver make that kind of catch?  And, he is a freshman.  Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.




As for the defense, I still have my concerns but given the fact that our offense gave the ball to Ole Miss 6 times, the defense played pretty well.  Two ints, one for a TD, and one to stop Ole Miss' final drive, and a BIG stop on 4th and inches to give us the ball and that last chance to score.  Thanks, too, to Ole Miss' Coach for that bonehead call.  Appreciate it, dude.

Ahead we have La Tech, which now looks tougher than I expected then LSU at home....maybe not as tough as I expected but even though LSU has no offense, it has an intimidating defense, including the brilliantly named BARKEVIOUS LEVON MINGO.  I kid you not. Then the fun begins with away games at Auburn (maybe), Mississippi State (maybe), and Alabama (no way in hell).  Prediction:  we win 2 of the next 5, putting us at 6-4 after the Bama game.

Yu's K's

This is really cool.  For a little analysis, checkout today's Newberg Report entitled "Twelve Things".

GO RANGERS.

Hope Flickers

This morning I received this email from an old college friend, who is a  knowledgeable sports guy:

Ole Miss represents a real swing game for the Aggies. They are a solid but not great team and the kind of opponent you need to beat to reach the top tier. Louisiana Tech looks to be even tougher the following week.


Suddenly all the remaining games look winnable (except @Alabama).



I’ll say A&M 31-20 this weekend.


I, too, think A&M will prevail this week and I agree that we have no chance against Bama.  However, I  don't give us a chance against LSU either.  Those LSU guys are total wild-asses but they are bigger and badder than the Aggies and will wear us out.  As for other games, I now think that Auburn is beatable, which I didn't think prior to the start of the season.  I picked us to go 6-6, but I think there is a glimmer of a spark of a hope of a chance that we might finish better than that.  Gig 'em.

Sadly, it is time to sit Josh Hamilton. He's been sick again for a while. Craig Gentry gives a better chance to win. Time for the young bats as well- meaning Profar (I may have the name wrong). I'd stick him at 3B and DH Beltre if his injury requires him to continue at DH. Soto? Be serious. Moreland at 1B and Napoli catching. And a citizen off the street at manager. When was it time to pull Dempster? After a 4 pitch walk to the lead off hitter in the 4th inning when he had a 4 run lead. And bring Nathan right then and there. Shut that inning down while we had a 4 run lead. It is now evident- the window has closed on the Rangers as presently formed. 2011 was the team- and with a different manager 2010 was very winnable. Optimistically, if Josh is no longer in the clubhouse, Washington is no longer necessary. Jon Peterson has a gut check rapidly approaching.
By the way, Michael Young might be the right  manager for the 2013 Rangers.

What's that Smell?

The Cowboys stink.

Our receivers are either stupid, undisciplined, or poorly coached.  Probably all 3.

As for the Rangers:  COME ON!  All of our metroplex sports hopes are riding on you.

That was an impressive A&M win against a decent SEC opponent with a very good QB and RB-who fumbles. We gave up >300 yards passing - and look much better at covering receivers than for the last several seasons. JFF broke the all-time SEC single game total offense record held by Archie Manning since 1964. Reasonably good fourth college start. We are no match for LSU nor Bama - but have a puncher's chance otherwise. Manziel is so fun to watch that we are going to become a popular team to be televised.

Ryder Cup Collapse - didn't see it coming at all. Good for Europe to reverse the entire match dynamic. 

From here on, the Rangers become the focus. Cocaine warmed up nicely in yesterday's doubleheader. He runs a friendly clubhouse that is player oriented which keeps the fellas cheerful with each other. However, My criticism remains that he does not have a feel for games in progress strategy decisions and this gets magnified in play-off baseball. Without the talent of Nefti Feliz, I think our playoff run will be short. He fails to recognize that Ogando has the talent to play a major role pitching against play-off level offenses. Dempster is shitful.

Aggies Slop the Hogs

Saturday was a good day.  My two best buds were in town;  we went to the Fair, ate gobs of food,  visited for hours.  Just a wonderful day.  Oh, did I mention that the Aggies creamed the Hogs?  It was fun to watch...JFF is one reckless, wild-ass dude....And while I understand that certain defensive packages were in play because of the score, I remain concerned about the defense and its ability to withstand the LSU and Bama offienses.  Until then, however, I will just revel in it.  (Will be interesting to see if C.Mike can fight his way back into to Sumlin's good graces.)

Dr. Henry Heimlich asked to be the next Ryder Cup Captain.

Even the Heimlich maneuver couldn't have helped this Ryder Cup team.

Ryder Cup At Medina

The Ryder Cup has become one of my favorite events.  The players feel far more pressure than normal. The pressure of supporting teammates, and pain of loss introduced in this format.
I couldn't watch much Friday but I did see the last 3 holes of the match between Woods and Stricker against Colsaerts and Westwood. Woods makes 5 birdies on the back including 16 and 17 and just slips past another on 18 which would have tied halved the match was out done by Colsaerts, who in his first Ryder Cup match
made 8 birdies and an eagle.  A fantastic round of putting. These were not a bunch of short puts either. I watched the highlights later and this had to be 200 feet of putts. Medina has not seen a putting round like that since Dave Cardwell in the Mid 90's.

No QB Controversy at A&M

Surely after his performance against SCState, JFF has put to rest any thought that Showers should be the starting QB.  Does JFF still have a few things to learn?  Of course he does....he is a friggin redshirt freshman who now has played in 3 games.  BUT, if he can stay healthy and learn (he does have a kinda scary "I don't give a rat's ass what you think" look about him), he could be great.  As for our SEC competition, we are going to need a more consistent running game or else Manziel will just get crushed.  As for defense, I am loving Damontre Moore.  Up next:  Arkansas.  Maybe we can beat them this year.

Bye, Bye, Billy

Billy Gillespie quit his coaching job at Texas Tech...for health reasons....Dallas Morning News opines that this may be the end of Billy.  At least he didn't do it in order to spend more time with him family.  Oh, that's right...he doesn't have a family.  I think the guy may have a screw loose.  Advice to Billy:   GET SOME THERAPY.

Dorko:  since you are our Tech guy, we want you to find out the real scoop and report back to our loyal followers.

BBL and Oxey:  Just so you know, none of my efforts to use the word "dizzy" in this post worked out...I DID try.

JFF has a style difference that is apparently polarizing the chat rooms of A&M fans. Because he can and does run extraordinarily, there is fret that he is not a passer. Some are calling for Showers the back up QB. It would be a mistake. Manziel is both passer and athlete. He is a playmaker. If you want to see what is in store, go to you tube and find the Malcolm Brown (Cibolo -Steele) vs Manziel (Kerrville Tivy) game of Manziel's JR year . Classic.

LSU or ( wait for it ) Texas A&M

Seals-Jones narrows list to final two 

September, 15, 2012

Sep 15

9:17

AM ET

By Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com

• 
  

SEALY, Texas -- Many things have changed in Ricky Seals-Jones' world in a little over a week.

He went from having an explosive senior season for Sealy (Texas) to being sidelined for a large chunk of it after suffering a dislocated knee on Sept. 6 against Houston St. Pius X. He watched his team's 26-20 comeback win over Cleveland (Texas) from the sideline on Friday night.

And things changed significantly regarding Seals-Jones' recruiting, when Texas exited the picture earlier this week.

This Little Piggie Went to Monroe.....

Here is a link to a good editorial about Arkansas and Bobby Petrino.  (And the rest of the article is decent, too)

I Need a New Hobby

By the time the A&M-Florida game began on Saturday afternoon, I had worked myself into a total frenzy of anxiety and, I admit it, hope.  Why, oh why, did I listen to the "experts"  (thanks for that, Drumski) or friends (Brenblas)?  Oh, well.

As for the game, I was impressed by Manziel and the players on offense.  I was surprised that the defense hung in, but fear for the future on that front.  I was disappointed, however, that our coaches weren't able to respond to the adjustments that Florida made on defense in the second half.  As Oxey noted, once Florida realized that we never threw up the middle, it shut down the sidelines and we were done. I sure wish we had not had to cancel the opener.

I still predict 6-6.  And when we play Bama, I am going to relive the 1968 Cotton Bowl in my head.

Experts?

A&M is getting some love from the press!

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/features/writers/expert/picks

Is Anybody Out There Redux?

I know, I know. I completely dropped the blog-ball last football season, not to mention all other seasons. But, it is that time again....BOOLEY TIME.... and maybe this season I can sustain the energy through the Super Bowl. I need help, though, so please, contributors, I beg you....CONTRIBUTE! (And remember, if you get an email notification of a post, don't respond to the email because only I will see it. Intstead. log on and post your comment so all of our many (3) followers can see it). Ok. The countdown has begun.
(reposted because I accidentally deleted).