Day 7: Running Stats

Sorry for the delay folks, and unfortunately I don't have much of a post but I will give you the running stats.  I'll leave it up to McHoff to recount the McDonaldmania that occurred this weekend.

As you can clearly see, our new home stadium is working out well.  All our fans should come watch us play there sometime.  It's the slightly lesser Great American Past Time, after all.

McKyle still leading in average, although there is still one game he has to enter that may drop him slightly.  But as you can clearly see the team average (pinch hitters included), is still well above the league average.

So to all our loyal fans, stay tuned for an account of this weekend's action, and meanwhile,

I'm lovin' it,

McCappo

Day 4: A New Home Field!!!

After yesterday's unfortunate turn of events, our luck was bound to turn around.  But through McKyle and my own, independent experiences, we have found a new home field!  I'll let McKyle recount his tale later, as for my yarn, here it is:

On the bus today, I was debating my strategy.  And I decided I'd been focusing too much on the McDonald's aspect of the game.  Yes, I love McDonald's and I need to be in touch with Ronald if I want to win, but it's not just about McDonald's: it's also about Monopoly.  And I had forgotten this.  And I realized, I also needed to channel my inner Battleship (being in the Navy, that's always been my piece) if I wanted to take my game to the next level.

So with this revelation fresh in my mind, I headed to the grocery store, and having not eaten, figured I would hit up the Mickey D's right there.  Before I remembered their betrayal from the previous night (I tried to wash it out with copious amounts of alcohol, but alas).  So I headed West to try and reverse my fortunes like so many people have done throughout history: the pilgrims, the pioneers, and the elves in Lord of the Rings.  And after finding a very cozy, local supermarket with some delectable apples (Cortland, they're the best, crisp and refreshing with just the right touch of tart), I saw the Golden Arches, beckoning me, calling my name, "McCappo, come in.  We've missed you.  Won't you have a #10 and stay awhile?"  And how could I say no to that?

So I came in, and I was warmly greeted by the cashier.  In fact, everyone at the McDonald's just seemed to be enjoying life on this particular, beautiful fall day.  And I ordered my #10, as the sign had instructed me to, and with it two medium waters.  They rang up at $0.24, a glorious number.  And I took my food, and sat by the window in the sun, catching up on the news.  And after enjoying some McNuggets, I made my first pull.  A free medium fry.  Could this day get any better?  In fact, it could.  A little while later, on my second pull, my inner Battleship came out: a $5 Walmart Gift Card.  Easily the best prize yet.  After wrapping up with one more win on the nuggets, a medium fry, I threw out my trash, and found an un-pulled cup.  It wasn't a winner, but it's still free online codes and even when it seems like you'll never stop winning in this game, it's important to remember make the most out of every opportunity.  That means play the online game.  It's usually some easy coke rewards points, maybe a DVD rental, and who knows, if you channel your inner Battleship, you might just win a gift card.

This beautiful day has made me remember why I love McDonald's Monopoly--because it represents the best parts of America.  McDonald's: what's more American than eating more calories in one meal than an impoverished Kenyan gets in a month?  Monopoly: if pure, unadulterated and complete victory in the Capitalist system isn't American, I don't know what is.  And Walmart: exploiting currency wars and free trade to bring cheaper than free products that better our lives on an everyday basis is as American as two McDonald's Apple Pies for $1.  So God Bless America because Lord knows,

I'm Lovin' it,

McCappo

Day 3: Running Stats

Fans, I apologize for my hiatus.  That medium water thing infuriated me too much to write.  You see, I was previously engaged, but being the team player he is, McGomez was going to bring me half of those medium waters.  As it was, I only got a large fry that I went 0 for 2 on.  Having my home McDonald's bail on me like that got in my head.  I assure you though, I'll be back on my game and start winning like a lead-off hitter should.  Maybe no big wins, but consistent production.

Anyway, here's some of the stats you've been waiting for:

Our win percentage is still above average, but as you can see, it hurt when our home field treated us so harshly.  While we may be in a rough patch, we'll rally.  Have faith in the team.

 Also, as you can see, the breakfast items are running behind, but they have much fewer appearances.  However, I'd like to commend McDavy, in our farm league down in Virginia for his comment the other day.  I'm saddened to hear McDonald's treats activity duty personnel so poorly (for those of you who don't know, Hampton Roads is the area where the Norfolk Naval Base is located) and is still giving away old, "Sweet Tea" cups without pieces.  But both his wins were on Hash Browns, so don't be discouraged from hitting up the Donald for some breakfast.

More will come, and hang in there McDonaldopolonians.  And believe it or not, even after recent events:

I'm Lovin' It,

McCappo

Day 3: There's Actually No Place Like Home

When I was growing up and got picked on at school by all of the "jealous" kids, I knew that when I got home, my mom would make me dinner and kiss my social boo-boos goodbye.

When I skinned my knee and got mud down my shorts from slide-tackling too hard at soccer practice, I knew that when I got home, a warm shower would wash away the dirt and blood and leave me ready to go at it again.

When McDonald's Monopoly threatened to lighten my wallet from their tempting marketing schemes coaxing me into wanting to buy their products just so I could get some monopoly pieces, I knew I could always just go to my usual Ann Arbor Mickey D's and buy 8 medium waters for like $2 total. After all, home never lets you down. That is, of course, until today.

Oh, you better believe it: I ordered me some of dem medium waters. I ordered dem real good, now. But the cashier informed that they now charge medium waters like they were any old medium soft drink because "they have the monopoly pieces on them."

THE HELL WITH THAT!!!!!!!

So I only got one medium water at full price. But then I filled it up with Powerade just to stick it to 'em. Jajajajaja

If we're looking for any positives, I went 1-3 with a Free McFlurry to bring my season average to a respectable .273, higher than where Jay Mariotti expected me to be but still lower than where I know I'll be by the end of this whole thing.

But back to this whole medium water garbage...

This whole medium water deal is garbage. I mean, what's their deal? Don't they know if the home field doesn't support their players, the team will find a place that will? Well I'm just gonna tell you flat out that I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT. That's right, the McDonaldopoly Team is relocating.

Where might that be? You'll just have to stay tuned to find out. All I know is that there are plenty of other McDonald's out there who won't charge medium soft drink prices for medium waters, and I'm sure they'll be happy to have our business in the future.

@AnnArborMcDonald's: You'll be missing out on a whole lotta McGomez

I don't even care that wherever our new Home McDonald's is located will easily add at least another 10 minutes of travel time to my already busy day. That just means I have to make up that time by watching 10 less minutes of Seinfeld a day. And in all seriousness, an hour and fifty minutes of the same syndicated sitcom is probably enough for anyone.

That really is a lot of Seinfeld. Why do I watch so much Seinfeld these days? I never used to watch it that much. The plots are ridiculous and the characters are horrible people. But I do like it; it always makes me laugh. I suppose that's why I like it and watch it so much: it's reliable. It never lets me down. There's nothing like Seinfeld and there's no place like home - wherever that may be.

Ba Da Ba Ba Bye Bye Ann Arbor McDonald's,

McGomez

Day 2: Promises, Promises

So eating McDonald's just an hour before water polo practice wasn't a great idea last night. However, eating McDonald's after water polo practice is something I can get behind.

I got home from practice last night at a little after 11:30pm to find a plan in place to venture to Ypsilanti at midnight for Round 2 of McD's Monopoly. I said to myself, "What the heck, I'm only young once," and off we went. What could possibly go wrong?

"So, I need to get gas; I'm on 'E'."

That's not what I wanted to hear come out of McCappo's mouth when we first got into the team bus. I mean, I just wanted to get to McDonald's as soon as possible and we were already looking at increased travel time due to it being our first road game of the season. But then again, we get some gas, get some monopoly pieces, get home, and we all get our jollies - nothing wrong with that arrangement.

But nooo, McCappo insisted on driving past 4, count 'em 4 gas stations in hopes of saving $0.02/gallon by driving into the heart of Ypsi (as if Ypsi had a heart). As luck would have it, once we got to the gas stations McCappo was seeking, we find that THEY'RE ALL CLOSED!!! With the arrow sliding just below "E," I just know its just a matter of time before we're stranded. Coming so painfully close to making some hefty promises to a certain someone from above, we turned around, got the hell outta dodg- I mean, Ypsilanti, and made our way back towards our original McDestination.



We still didn't have any gas, but we were no longer in a super-sketchy area, so my worries had all but dissipated. The Frytastic Four each ordered 3 of our patented medium waters and McHoff, McCappo, and I complimented our H2O with a Large Fry.



What's wrong with this one?

Fans: "Why didn't Kyle get a Large Fry?"

Because he wanted a turn being the bitch.

Anyway, what happened next was this: McCappo drove past the pay window because he is impatient, the guy at the second window was slightly peeved because he had to take our money when that isn't his job and he'd "been [at McDonald's] way too long," we got berated for ordering "all these damn water," all before we finally got gas.

We got home and really started peeling away. I narrowly avoided a paper cut to peel my first real win of the season, with a medium fry. Are McGomez's fortunes finally turning around? Only time will tell, but I have a good feeling this season. I am more than ready to shake my "scrub" status and impress the scouts and my teammates.

Ba Da Ba Ba Baaa...

McGomez

Day 2: Nothing Beats McDonald's Breakfast

Last night we made a classic, "college-style" midnight run.  We opted for the Ypsilanti McDonald's as it was closer to cheap gas, and we needed to fill up the team bus.  As it turns out, gas stations in Ypsi close after midnight.  But after saying hello to Eastern Michigan University, the full team stopped at McDonald's and pulled a classic economizing move.  For all you rookies out there following along at home, you'll want to pay close attention to this.

Our order was:

• 3 large fries (McKyle opted out)
• A McChicken (this was for appearances sake only)
• 12 Medium Waters

That's right, medium waters.  They come in soft drink cups with pieces.  This move can be vital down the stretch as it helps you to save both money and calories and should never be overlooked.  Even when you're getting an actual meal I find it useful to throw in a few medium waters to double the pleasure, double the fun so to speak. 

Now some McDonald's out in the boonies will give you the waters for free.  This is not the time to show integrity: game the system.  Get as many medium waters as you can.  But for the rest of you living in more urban areas, most McDonald's have cottoned on to this trick and will charge you for the water.  However, if you're trying to maximize your plays per dollar, this is definitely the route to take.  While prices may vary (the Ypsi McDonald's charges $0.39 while the one in Ann Arbor only charges $0.24), this is a relative steal.

Now as every college kid knows, the dollar menu gives you the most bang for your buck.  But as a result, McDonald's doesn't put any game pieces on dollar menu items.  By getting waters for a quarter, and a few McDoubles, you can still come out with pieces for about $1.50.  Definitely the best value (although this year the double pieces on a large fry makes that good play as well, however I am suspect of the win percentages).  It all depends on how much gall you have and how many waters you're willing to order.  I personally find it helpful to go at night when there are less people around.  Or you can go inside, explain to the cashier your goal, and not even fill the cups up.  Whatever your strategy is, today's lesson is buy medium waters.  It's an important one and I had to give it to you up front.  Keep learning, young Monopolites.  Always keep learning.

 --Day 2--

After waking up at 5 am and completing a 2 mile sprint workout, several hundred push-ups, sit-ups, and other various calisthenics, I felt I had earned a little Mickey D's.  (Remember, it's hard to stay healthy when you're consuming 10,000 calories a day.)  And after all, nothing starts the day off better than hash browns a coffee.  As this was my first breakfast trip, I was eager to see how the McCafe and Hash Browns stats.  As you'll shortly see, we're tracking not only winning percentage (to test McDonald's claim of 1 in 4 wins) but also which items have a higher winning percentage.  Our theory last year was that angus burgers were more likely to win, but we didn't gather sufficient data.  I went 1 for 3, with a medium fry win coming off my medium water.  A pinch hitter came with me who went 0 for 1 on his water.  An odds on morning according to McDonald's.  Anyways, that's all for now, but we'll give you an average update after this first wave.

McKyle leading the way after his stellar dinner performance yesterday with a .429 average, although McCappo is catching up at .364.  McGomez is performing solidly at .250 exactly and McHoff, with an off-night, yet to get a win.  The team average is running at .284.  We'll keep you posted as we continue to gather data.

I'm Lovin' It,

McCappo

Official Introductions

By now you should have met the team, but to ensure no one feels slighted, here are some official introdcutions:

1. Batting Lead Off: McCappo.  Also known as "Big Mark," "McMark," or occasionally "Madcap."  A consistent player who produces on a daily basis.  Known for his motivation and heart, he's traditionally clutch down the stretch.
   
2. In the two hole: McGomez.  A jokester in the clubhouse, he rallies the team's spirits even during the worst losing streak.  He was a role player last year, but looks forward to filling in as an everyday player this year.
   
3. The number three hitter: McKyle.  Known to be streaky, even in the biggest drought you have to keep him in the line up because of his potential for such huge games.  He's known to be a fan favorite (especially among the ladies).
   
4. Batting Clean-up: McHoff.  An experienced veteran who brings stability to the clubhouse and helps mentor the younger players.  While he tends to be injury prone, he's indispensable to the team.

Now that you know the players, I have one piece of advice for opening day:

This game isn't for the feint of heart.  You need to be dedicated in all aspects.  We've added a "Daily Health Tips" gadget to help our fans stay healthy and let them keep playing down the stretch.  It's a long season, but to make it through and keep up your productivity it's important to train hard.

We're still working on compiling the stats, but that's it for now.

Stay Hungry,

McCappo

McHoff's Defense

Hi all and Welcome to the McDonaldopoly Blog! I want to share in the three other bloggers sentiment that this is also my favorite time of the year. As you may know I was an above average player last year but struggled down the stretch with a sore esophagus, as a result I did not have near the number of restaurant visits as McCappo. You may know that esophagus injuries linger for a long time.I hope to stay healthy all year and compete with the rest of the boys.

As for my absence from the first trip to the home field McDonalds today...

I have a valid excuse. I was at home eating a steak dinner. With the type of esophagus injuries I have had in the past, I thought it would be a good idea to start out with steak dinner and hit the Mcdonalds for desert...boy was I wrong. The steak just did not live up to a meal at McDonalds. I

have learned my lesson and I will be back with the boys for the next trip...hopefully later tonigh

t.

As for a little background about me...here are some stats:

McHoff's standard meal(in the off season):

• 2 McDoubles
• 1McChicken
• Small Fry
• water cup

McHoff has been to McDonalds in 4 countries(America, China, Peru, Canada) and still prefers American McDonalds.

Cheers to McDonalds tonight!!!

Day 1: Heart attack free so far!

Hello and happy McDonaldopoly to you all!

My first day was a wild success as you can see from MadCap's post before me. On a 3/4 day I certainly can't complain. Besides winning nearly as many prizes as I did all of last year, I was surprised to see that I had won an Angus Snack Wrap on my first pull (a two-banger, as I accidentally pulled two off at once revealing my special prize as well as Indiana Avenue).

For all of you followers out there who are wondering how this guy is batting .750 on day one after going under .250 last season, let me share my day's strategy. I didn't just come out swinging wildly as I would have done in the past. This year I decided to enjoy a few fries while they were still hot and fresh before delving into my first piece. That was key to success. Additionally, I didn't press my luck by going immediately from my free snack wrap to the next piece. Instead, I waited it out, opening up my chicken nuggets to enjoy my honey and bbq dipping combo (can't beat it). After a few McNuggets I decided to go after the first piece on my nugget box. Anyway, I think you all get the point. We can't go in recklessly hoping for Boardwalk. It requires patience. Besides, we can't all forget what this is truly about, McDonald's fresh produce, veggies, and cheese, because to them, Quality Matters.

Ba da ba ba ba
I'm loving it,
McKyle

Day One: When Even Fries Let You Down...

Jesus Christ...this was not at all how I pictured opening day going for me. During the 2009 Mickey D's Monopoly season, I had a fairly average year. I won some medium fries, got some Coke Rewards points; all the usual suspects were there. However, I've done everything that I could this off-season to put myself in place for a breakout year. I really thought all that Popeye's and Waffle House would've done the trick, but I was wrong...


I started out the season swinging for the fences: Number 10 - Large.

That's right, 10-piece chicken McNuggets (2 pieces), Large Fry (4 pieces), and a medium drink (2 pieces).

***Large drink doesn't come with pieces, so making sure you get a medium drink is key***

I really thought this was going to make me the star my mama's always seen me as, but I was wrong.

My first three pulls yielded the usual easy-to-get board pieces, including two Indiana Avenues. Cappo had pulled a "Free McFlurry" and McKyle had a "Free Angus Wrap" so I felt like I was due. What do I get? A free one night DVD rental from Redbox. What the hell is Redbox, anyway? I had to google it when I got home just to understand what my so-called "winner" meant.

According to Wikipedia, "Redbox is an American company that specializes in the vending of rental DVDs via self-service/interactive kiosks...The company's kiosks are located across the United States in fast food restaurants, pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores."

McDonald's is a fast food restaurant, so where's the Redbox kiosk, Ronald?

This is a stupid prize and to top it all off, it expires on November 24th. It's going to take me to at least that date to find a freakin' Redbox kiosk. And even then, it'll take me at least another day to choose between Homeward Bound 2, Kazaam, and The Little Rascals. I'll eventually settle on Kazaam - which should have been the obvious choice all along - even though I'd just watched it last Friday night because it was raining and I didn't feel like getting rejected by every girl at a party that night (but mostly cuz it was raining...really).

Anyway, McKyle ended up getting two free medium fries on top of his free McFlurry, so that didn't help my self-esteem at all. Speaking of fries, they didn't even taste good today. Probably cuz I DIDN'T WIN ANYTHING.

This game is dumb, but I know the odds are in my favor now so I'll keep playing for at least a little while longer. I just hope that girl from my Latino Media class that I always sit behind doesn't smell the lingering McGrease that I am certain to reek of after Day Three; I've been told it's kind of a turn-off.

Ba Da Ba Ba Baaa...

McGomez

Day 1

First of all, Happy McDonald's Monopoly to you all.  I don't know about the rest of you, but personally it's my favorite holiday all year.  I'd like to start by listing my qualifications for writing this blog: I've consumed the KFC Double Down, the Friendly's Grilled Cheese Burger, and of course, the McChurger.  Also, I have played countless games of monopoly.  None of that really matters.

All that matters is that my roommates and I are doing what anyone reading this blog has dreamed about: playing McDonald's Monopoly TO WIN.  Last year we played pretty competitively but only ever won food prizes.  We failed to document the statistics.  This year, that's going to change.

Now what does it mean to play McDonald's Monopoly TO WIN?  Basically, show no regard for your own health, or budget, and consume as many items from McDonald's WITH GAME PIECES on a daily basis as humanly possible.

**DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT RECOMMEND YOU TRY THIS AT HOME**

This post is meant for the amateur McDonald's Monopoly players out there who want to optimize every trip to McDonald's.  It will contain statistics (updated as frequently as possible) of winning percentages, pieces of advice, and in-game strategies.


Today's Data:

Kyle: 3 for 4 (3 food items, one on a medium drink, one on a large fry, and one on a chicken nugget)
Mark: 1 for 4 (1 food item on a large fry)
Robbie: 1 for 4 (Free DVD rental, HAHA, on a medium drink)
Ian: Didn't come, what a bitch.


Advice, as well as better formatted statistics will soon follow.  That's all for now and as always,

I'm lovin' it,

Mark