Saturday, August 11, 2012
Warrior
I watched Warrior last night and it was a terrific movie. I saw that it had received some pretty positive reviews so I put it in my Netflix queue, but honestly I wasn't that interested. It ended up leapfrogging some other movies because of availability but I let it sit around for a few days before I watched it. Then I was blown away. It isn't a lame MMA movie, it's a fantastic drama. It definitely invites comparisons to Rocky, but I enjoyed this much more. The plot doesn't break any new ground, but the film is so well acted and executed that you won't notice. Tom Hardy (Bane), Joel Edgerton, and Nick Nolte do an excellent job. Definitely worth checking out if you have a free evening in need of a movie.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
My Thoughts
Just got back from seeing "TDKR." Here are a few of my thoughts:
- Very "intense", which I believe is how Stack described "The Avengers." So, using his one word description about both movies kept me excited.
- Agree, Joker was better villian.
- It also seemed to have more of a "League of Shadows" theme compared to "The Dark Knight."
- This was my first IMAX experience for a motion picture. I guess I wasn't very impressed. Maybe I expected more for $17.50. Maybe other screens are bigger/better, but all I can picture in my mind is the IMAX screen at Cedar Point. That seemed more impressive. Side note, nobody at the AMC theater in Anaheim took our tickets, so we could have literally walked in and seen the movie for free. It was a sold out show...we didn't even get to sit together!
- I also plan to see movie again, probably in a few weeks, more than likely not in IMAX.
- I wish I hadn't checked updates of the movie as often or read some of the character info/names on the IMDB. Knowing one of the characters names or history kind of spoiled a big twist for me. Or, maybe I shouldn't have researched Bane and found out some of his background which lead to part of that spoiler. Oh well.
- Movie was quite loud, which certainly made it difficult to understand all of Bane's dialog. Other parts were difficult as well with Batman's deeper voice.
- Great movie, still not sure if I like it better than TDK. However, much more intense than all movie.
- Lots of clapping at the theather. During the beginning with all the "special" sneak preview trailers, at the beginning of the movie, and at the end. Not used to that in the Thumb.
- Very "intense", which I believe is how Stack described "The Avengers." So, using his one word description about both movies kept me excited.
- Agree, Joker was better villian.
- It also seemed to have more of a "League of Shadows" theme compared to "The Dark Knight."
- This was my first IMAX experience for a motion picture. I guess I wasn't very impressed. Maybe I expected more for $17.50. Maybe other screens are bigger/better, but all I can picture in my mind is the IMAX screen at Cedar Point. That seemed more impressive. Side note, nobody at the AMC theater in Anaheim took our tickets, so we could have literally walked in and seen the movie for free. It was a sold out show...we didn't even get to sit together!
- I also plan to see movie again, probably in a few weeks, more than likely not in IMAX.
- I wish I hadn't checked updates of the movie as often or read some of the character info/names on the IMDB. Knowing one of the characters names or history kind of spoiled a big twist for me. Or, maybe I shouldn't have researched Bane and found out some of his background which lead to part of that spoiler. Oh well.
- Movie was quite loud, which certainly made it difficult to understand all of Bane's dialog. Other parts were difficult as well with Batman's deeper voice.
- Great movie, still not sure if I like it better than TDK. However, much more intense than all movie.
- Lots of clapping at the theather. During the beginning with all the "special" sneak preview trailers, at the beginning of the movie, and at the end. Not used to that in the Thumb.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Thoughts on The Dark Knight Rises
Some non-spoilery thoughts on The Dark Knight Rises:
-The film is intense. It's a long film (164 min), but it doesn't let up the whole time. It's also pretty dark, fairly similar in tone to The Dark Knight.
-The music is probably more intense than the film itself. Hans Zimmer is the man.
-There were more nods to the comic than I would have expected. Also more twists than I would have expected.
-No post-credit sequence, if you're wondering.
-Bane works well as the villain, though he's not as good as the Joker.
-Anne Hathaway was very good as Catwoman.
-I thought Office Blake, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, would feel like a tacked-on character, but he's important to the story and fits in seamlessly.
-Batman's new vehicle, the Bat, is awesome.
-I can't imagine this will make as much money as Avengers. It's a great movie, but it's pretty heavy. I will definitely see it again in IMAX though, and I may end up seeing it again before the weekend is over.
-The film is intense. It's a long film (164 min), but it doesn't let up the whole time. It's also pretty dark, fairly similar in tone to The Dark Knight.
-The music is probably more intense than the film itself. Hans Zimmer is the man.
-There were more nods to the comic than I would have expected. Also more twists than I would have expected.
-No post-credit sequence, if you're wondering.
-Bane works well as the villain, though he's not as good as the Joker.
-Anne Hathaway was very good as Catwoman.
-I thought Office Blake, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, would feel like a tacked-on character, but he's important to the story and fits in seamlessly.
-Batman's new vehicle, the Bat, is awesome.
-I can't imagine this will make as much money as Avengers. It's a great movie, but it's pretty heavy. I will definitely see it again in IMAX though, and I may end up seeing it again before the weekend is over.
100 mph On Pitch 116
Justin Verlander had his fastball working deep into the game last night as he was still throwing 100 mph in the eighth inning. One of these fastballs broke Gordon Beckham's bat. On a check-swing. Video here.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Live from Comic Con...almost
I'm heading to SD in a few hours for the zoo. Dang, could have dressed up like a freak and gone to Comic Con instead.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
I am Iron Man
Guardians of the Galaxy
Marvel announced some movie plans yesterday at SDCC, here's the short version if you haven't seen any info yet:
-The Thor sequel is officially titled Thor: The Dark World and will arrive 11/8/13.
-The Captain America sequel is titled Captain America: The Winter Soldier and it hits 4/4/14.
-New characters will appear in Guardians of the Galaxy, scheduled for 8/1/14. Concept art:
-There will also be a movie based on the character Ant-Man, no release date yet.
-The Thor sequel is officially titled Thor: The Dark World and will arrive 11/8/13.
-The Captain America sequel is titled Captain America: The Winter Soldier and it hits 4/4/14.
-New characters will appear in Guardians of the Galaxy, scheduled for 8/1/14. Concept art:
-There will also be a movie based on the character Ant-Man, no release date yet.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Mark VIII
The new armor from Iron Man 3 has been unveiled as San Diego Comic Con, you can see it at Marvel.com. My thoughts? It's really gold.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, July 09, 2012
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Saturday, July 07, 2012
Thursday, July 05, 2012
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Quote of the Day
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
-Declaration of Independence
Sunday, July 01, 2012
NFL Attendance
Here's an interesting article from the WSJ about the NFL trying to combat declining attendance at games. That attendance is declining is no surprise to me. Though most of my experience is with college games, many of the issues are the same: Tickets cost too much, concession prices are ridiculous, you can't see as well as on TV, and other fans are obnoxious. On top of that NFL games can't deliver the atmosphere that a major college game has. Why does anyone go at all?
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
What are the odds?
Interesting story on the umpires in the no-hitters and perfect games lately from Buster Onley's blog.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
"Livestock rained down on shocked drivers..."
I was going to write that this story is equal parts tragic and funny, but since no one was killed I'm going with 7/10 funny, 2/10 bizarre, and just 1/10 tragic. The story is a truck in Australia carrying a trailer full of sheep tipped over on an overpass, sending the sheep plummeting into traffic on the expressway below.
A few quotes from the story:
"Yeah, raining sheep doesn't happen every day."
"It was like an action movie..." I don't know what kind of action movies they have down under, but they must be very different from ours.
"We have three other cars that are extensively damaged from livestock falling through their windscreens."
"The sheep not so lucky."
And we haven't even gotten to the jokes about counting sheep.
(Via Autoblog)
A few quotes from the story:
"Yeah, raining sheep doesn't happen every day."
"It was like an action movie..." I don't know what kind of action movies they have down under, but they must be very different from ours.
"We have three other cars that are extensively damaged from livestock falling through their windscreens."
"The sheep not so lucky."
And we haven't even gotten to the jokes about counting sheep.
(Via Autoblog)
Friday, June 01, 2012
Fantasy Football '12
Fantasy football has returned for 2012 and you can sign up at Yahoo now. The league ID number is 9642 and you should all know the password.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sunday, May 20, 2012
!
Well, I just found two reasons to buy Forza Motorsport 4 for the Xbox 360: the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT and the Top Gear test track.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Monday, May 07, 2012
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Thoughts on The Avengers
A few non-spoilery thoughts on the movie:
-I've never seen an adaptation that avoided missing opportunities the way Avengers did. If I had made a list before watching the movie of things I wanted to see I would have been able to cross nearly everything off the list. I think the only thing left out was Cap yelling "Avengers assemble!"
-While not everyone gets equal time, none of the characters gets shortchanged on screen time, not even Agent Coulson. As you might expect, Tony Stark and Loki get the most to do.
-As in Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki is fantastic.
-There are two post-credit sequences, one after the main credits and another at the very end. The first one is the traditional Marvel movie teaser, the second is a humorous reference to a line from Stark earlier in the film. If you're pressed for time, or by impatient theater workers, you could probably miss the second.
-The movie manages quite a bit of humor without forcing it. There's a scene between Hulk and Thor during the final battle that is sure to make anyone laugh.
-I've seen some reviewers compare the final battle to the last Transformers movie. While they both involve lots of action with visually complex characters in an urban landscape they feel very different when you are watching them. Transformers feels like a visual assault that's supposed to generate a reaction with brute force, Avengers gives you a fight where you can actually follow the action. There's a shot that moves from one here to another that's quite impressive.
-I've never seen an adaptation that avoided missing opportunities the way Avengers did. If I had made a list before watching the movie of things I wanted to see I would have been able to cross nearly everything off the list. I think the only thing left out was Cap yelling "Avengers assemble!"
-While not everyone gets equal time, none of the characters gets shortchanged on screen time, not even Agent Coulson. As you might expect, Tony Stark and Loki get the most to do.
-As in Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki is fantastic.
-There are two post-credit sequences, one after the main credits and another at the very end. The first one is the traditional Marvel movie teaser, the second is a humorous reference to a line from Stark earlier in the film. If you're pressed for time, or by impatient theater workers, you could probably miss the second.
-The movie manages quite a bit of humor without forcing it. There's a scene between Hulk and Thor during the final battle that is sure to make anyone laugh.
-I've seen some reviewers compare the final battle to the last Transformers movie. While they both involve lots of action with visually complex characters in an urban landscape they feel very different when you are watching them. Transformers feels like a visual assault that's supposed to generate a reaction with brute force, Avengers gives you a fight where you can actually follow the action. There's a shot that moves from one here to another that's quite impressive.
Friday, May 04, 2012
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Stanton-ed
Pity the Michigan State quarterback in the NFL draft. Kirk Cousins was selected in the fourth round today by the Washington Redskins. Being selected by Washington is bad enough, but the 'Skins had already selected Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick. So KC1 has ended up in a scenario where he either plays the bad guy by outperforming the top draft pick, who is much loved by the media, or he's left with little opportunity to prove he can play the game at an NFL-level. I think calling it being "Stanton-ed" adequately sums up the situation.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
When do you take a RB?
At the WSJ (via Right Field), there's a short article about when to take a running back in the NFL draft. An excerpt:
In recent years, drafting a running back in the first round hasn't been a worthwhile investment at all. Since 2002, 28 backs have been selected in the first round. Less than a third have ever made a Pro Bowl; on average, they gain a so-so 730 yards per season.There's more data at the link. I looked into it a little more myself and using other measures the data holds up. For example, here are the leading rushers in the NFL last season. Of the top ten only four (7-10) were taken in the first round. Only two of those were picked earlier than #20 (Marshawn Lynch and Ryan Mathews). The sweet spot for taking a running back? Early second round.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Car of the Day: 2011 Ford Evos Concept
Monday, April 16, 2012
Cheerleader
This guy deserves to be mocked mercilessly. Of course, if you're dealing with a man trying out to be a Denver Broncos cheerleader, there's not really much else to say is there?
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Monday, April 09, 2012
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Car of the Day: 2013 SRT Viper GTS
Chrysler unveiled the new Viper today which will arrive in the fall. Key facts: 640 HP, 600 lbs. of torque, top speed of 206 mph, and "the highest naturally aspirated torque engine... in the world."
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
New Nike Lions Uniform
Any complaints? There look to be some changes on the technical side, but no major adjustments to the design, except for the Pro Combat-style gloves. Gallery here.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Hmmmm...Too much Testosterone???
Check out the link and watch the video on the webpage. It's a video of Baylor's Brittney Griner dunking on Florida in the WOMEN'S tournament. Key word - "Women's"
What you want to watch is not the highlight of the dunk, but the post-game, on-court interview with the Baylor Women's coach with Griner standing next to her, who gets interviewed last.
After watching the video, you will be asking a question. I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
What you want to watch is not the highlight of the dunk, but the post-game, on-court interview with the Baylor Women's coach with Griner standing next to her, who gets interviewed last.
After watching the video, you will be asking a question. I think you'll know what I'm talking about.
RE: ? (that probably doesn't narrow it down)
From Stack: "Is it just me, or is the NCAA tourney 50% commercials this year?"
I noticed college basketball has decided to get into the "timeout" era where every other sport (basically footall) has a graphic that shows how many timeouts a team has. Because in basketball, especially the tournament, one would easily think each team has 20...per half. But it's only FIVE total. I know, that's impossible. Here's the deal. They have scheduled media timeouts at the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 marks from what I've noticed or can tell. I'm 100% sure on the 16:00 and 12:00. I may have seen a TO at the 10:00 yesterday, but you get the point.
I always love it when they just come back from a media TO and one of the teams goes on a mini-run in about a 2-minute period. So, one team calls TO to stay in the game. They come back from commercials and play for two more minutes and...another media TO. It feels like three separate 4-minute commercial breaks. Four minutes of action, 12 minutes of cars/beer/insurance. So, yeah, it does feel like the NCAA tourney is 50% commercials this year.
I noticed college basketball has decided to get into the "timeout" era where every other sport (basically footall) has a graphic that shows how many timeouts a team has. Because in basketball, especially the tournament, one would easily think each team has 20...per half. But it's only FIVE total. I know, that's impossible. Here's the deal. They have scheduled media timeouts at the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00, and 4:00 marks from what I've noticed or can tell. I'm 100% sure on the 16:00 and 12:00. I may have seen a TO at the 10:00 yesterday, but you get the point.
I always love it when they just come back from a media TO and one of the teams goes on a mini-run in about a 2-minute period. So, one team calls TO to stay in the game. They come back from commercials and play for two more minutes and...another media TO. It feels like three separate 4-minute commercial breaks. Four minutes of action, 12 minutes of cars/beer/insurance. So, yeah, it does feel like the NCAA tourney is 50% commercials this year.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Snakebit
You know who has really bad luck? Drew Stanton. First, an injury in a bowl game cost him a large part of a season as starting QB at MSU. Then he gets drafted by the Lions. Next, he's injured and loses a season. He recovers, but the Lions draft Matthew Stafford. Stafford has spent a large part of his career injured, but the Lions seemed unwilling to give Stanton a shot, even going so far as to get Daunte Culpepper out of retirement. So Stanton finally leaves the Lions and goes to the Jets with a chance to become the backup behind an inconsistent Mark Sanchez. And then the Jets trade for Tim Tebow. Stanton wasn't thrilled with being a #3 QB again and wanted to be traded. Well, he's been traded, but to the Indianapolis Colts, who will take a QB (probably Andrew Luck, irony?) in the draft. On the bright side, as Trevor Vittatoe (who?) is currently the only other QB on the roster, Stanton pretty much has the backup role to himself.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
?
Which is stranger: Brett Favre playing for another team than the Packers or Peyton Manning playing for the Broncos?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
2012 Cass City Monkies Tourney Pick 'Em
Picks have to be made by Thursday, so if anyone still wants to join use this link. You should all know the password.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Bounties
From ESPN:
I'm not sure which is more disgusting, the fact that the Saints (and likely other teams) were doing this or the excuses I've read people making for the practice. Football is a physical game, no doubt. If you have a chance to make a clean, hard hit on a star player, go for it. But paying for intentional injuries isn't about physicality sportsmanship and ethical play. If you're not this guy:
You shouldn't be worried about collecting bounties. I hope the NFL throws the book at everyone involved.
New Orleans Saints players and at least one assistant coach maintained a bounty pool of up to $50,000 the last three seasons to reward game-ending injuries inflicted on opposing players, including Brett Favre and Kurt Warner, the NFL said Friday. "Knockouts" were worth $1,500 and "cart-offs" $1,000, with payments doubled or tripled for the playoffs.
I'm not sure which is more disgusting, the fact that the Saints (and likely other teams) were doing this or the excuses I've read people making for the practice. Football is a physical game, no doubt. If you have a chance to make a clean, hard hit on a star player, go for it. But paying for intentional injuries isn't about physicality sportsmanship and ethical play. If you're not this guy:
You shouldn't be worried about collecting bounties. I hope the NFL throws the book at everyone involved.
Saturday, March 03, 2012
Friday, March 02, 2012
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Car of the Day: 2012 Holden Ute SS V-Series Redline Edition
$62,028 plus import fees to get it to the US from Australia.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
2012 Tourney Pick 'Em
If you missed the email, the 2012 Cass City Monkies Tourney Pick 'Em group at Yahoo is now available. The group ID is 672 (that's right, under 1000) and you all know the password.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
In The Jungle
You know you're big time if you're in "The Jungle" and Draymond Green "visited" yesterday on the Jim Rome Show. He's definately the difference in MSU's season. What an impact he makes now that he's 40 lbs lighter than other years.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Super Bowl Thoughts
Whatever you do, don't have a child within a weekend of the Super Bowl. Forever your child's birthday party will be tied into a Super Bowl party...which means you are hosting EVERYONE (and I mean EVERYONE) at your house. I believe the final tally was 15-4 from each family. 19. 19! Just family! No friends or extras. 19! (That 19 does NOT include our family of three, so mark it up to 22 in the house.)
Solution? Well, you're stuck with the kid, so here's a few tips. Don't do anything to your TV to make it more appealing to want to stay at the B-day party longer to watch the game. Get out your old 19" black and white box and make people suffer. The flood gates will open! Or, just don't upgrade your 26" standard definition TV. ANYONE'S house will always seem a better idea. And, if you are in good with the wifey, maybe you can have an excuse to leave too. (Editor's note: None of those above ideas were attemped or worked.)
My only hope is the next baby is deep enough into February that when we do a combined family b-day party, the middle date will be two weeks after the Super Bowl. Or a large snow storm.
1. Didn't start watching until 13:00 left in 2nd quarter.
2. Saw most of the commercials, but distracted at times so I didn't get real into them. Didn't closely see "It's Halftime America" but saw enough to want to strap on a helmet and hit somebody.
3. Thought the Patriots and Brady played very well. Giants were just a really good team (under the radar?) that under-achieved all year. They were 7-6 at one point. First SB winner ever to be 9-7 in regular season.
4. Has a player ever felt more quilty scoring a TD in the SB? I really hoped they would lose when that happened. He had no clue what to do. Like they didn't even think it would happen (that the Pats would just let them score).
5. Play of the game was the 12-Men-On-The-Field penalty. I'll put 12 guys on the field all day long if it only cost me 5 yards but the other team 00:15 (crucial) seconds. That rule will definately get looked into. I've noticed other penalties like that over the years. Eventually even one less second on the clock for the losing team is worth a lot more than a 5 yard penalty, especially if a FG will not win the game.
6. It'd still rather be 3-2 (or 3-3, 3-4, 3-5) in the Super Bowl than 3-0 if I'm Tom Brady. He still took a weaker team to the SB...and nearly won. Again, he/they played very well.
7. What did more for the other quarterbacks legacy? Tom Brady losing and now being 3-2 in SB's or Eli winning another SB? I believe Eli winning was bigger than Brady losing again.
8. Who feels even better after the Super Bowl? Joe Montana
I thought I had more. Can't think of anything else right now.
Solution? Well, you're stuck with the kid, so here's a few tips. Don't do anything to your TV to make it more appealing to want to stay at the B-day party longer to watch the game. Get out your old 19" black and white box and make people suffer. The flood gates will open! Or, just don't upgrade your 26" standard definition TV. ANYONE'S house will always seem a better idea. And, if you are in good with the wifey, maybe you can have an excuse to leave too. (Editor's note: None of those above ideas were attemped or worked.)
My only hope is the next baby is deep enough into February that when we do a combined family b-day party, the middle date will be two weeks after the Super Bowl. Or a large snow storm.
1. Didn't start watching until 13:00 left in 2nd quarter.
2. Saw most of the commercials, but distracted at times so I didn't get real into them. Didn't closely see "It's Halftime America" but saw enough to want to strap on a helmet and hit somebody.
3. Thought the Patriots and Brady played very well. Giants were just a really good team (under the radar?) that under-achieved all year. They were 7-6 at one point. First SB winner ever to be 9-7 in regular season.
4. Has a player ever felt more quilty scoring a TD in the SB? I really hoped they would lose when that happened. He had no clue what to do. Like they didn't even think it would happen (that the Pats would just let them score).
5. Play of the game was the 12-Men-On-The-Field penalty. I'll put 12 guys on the field all day long if it only cost me 5 yards but the other team 00:15 (crucial) seconds. That rule will definately get looked into. I've noticed other penalties like that over the years. Eventually even one less second on the clock for the losing team is worth a lot more than a 5 yard penalty, especially if a FG will not win the game.
6. It'd still rather be 3-2 (or 3-3, 3-4, 3-5) in the Super Bowl than 3-0 if I'm Tom Brady. He still took a weaker team to the SB...and nearly won. Again, he/they played very well.
7. What did more for the other quarterbacks legacy? Tom Brady losing and now being 3-2 in SB's or Eli winning another SB? I believe Eli winning was bigger than Brady losing again.
8. Who feels even better after the Super Bowl? Joe Montana
I thought I had more. Can't think of anything else right now.
Monday, February 06, 2012
Sunday, February 05, 2012
?
You know how I said UM vs MSU in basketball didn't excite me much? Turns out when I actually watch the game that's not true at all. Victory for MSU!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Paying College Athletes
I just thought of something the other day that may be a stretch, but could it hold water for a short while?: The big conversation is about paying NCAA athletes and that the NCAA makes a ton of money off their athletes yet "all they get is a full ride scholarship."
What about this: Without the NCAA, what exposure would these athletes be getting? They are on TV every single weekend and talked about in every form of print media. Look at all the other levels of college sports. Division II, Division III, NAIA, Junior College, etc. What exposure do those levels get compared to the D-1 athletes? Nothing even close. Which in turn makes a big difference in their chances of making big money as a pro, let alone even getting recognition to have a shot at the next level.
Would some of these players be getting $100 million contracts if the NCAA wasn't as big as it is? What's easier for a pro scout? Seeing Andrew Luck every Saturday night on TV, or traveling 1000's of miles looking at a mid-major prospect?
What about this: Without the NCAA, what exposure would these athletes be getting? They are on TV every single weekend and talked about in every form of print media. Look at all the other levels of college sports. Division II, Division III, NAIA, Junior College, etc. What exposure do those levels get compared to the D-1 athletes? Nothing even close. Which in turn makes a big difference in their chances of making big money as a pro, let alone even getting recognition to have a shot at the next level.
Would some of these players be getting $100 million contracts if the NCAA wasn't as big as it is? What's easier for a pro scout? Seeing Andrew Luck every Saturday night on TV, or traveling 1000's of miles looking at a mid-major prospect?
Car of the Day Series
Great series you have going. Any possibility (without adding too much extra work) to throwing on a price tag to some of these sleds? I'm way out of touch on the expense of these 2000 lb. bullets.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
?
Would anyone be interested in getting league t-shirts for the 2012 fantasy football season? The idea occurred to me after poking around TeeFury.com, which sells limited run geek-oriented t-shirts. That doesn't actually help here, it was just an inspiration. Anyway, there's another website, Custom Ink, that let's you design your own t-shirts. Here's a quick example:
Or one more:
Something like that would run about $13 (shipped) for 12 shirts. I'm sure there are other places that offer similar services, this is just the first I found and it allowed me to find a ballpark price. Anyone interested?
UPDATE: One more, with custom art:
Or one more:
Something like that would run about $13 (shipped) for 12 shirts. I'm sure there are other places that offer similar services, this is just the first I found and it allowed me to find a ballpark price. Anyone interested?
UPDATE: One more, with custom art:
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Ouch
I'm going to have to throw a flag on Spartan AD Mark Hollis for unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal blow to the wallet after the announcement of season ticket price increases. Of course the University would claim the price of most season tickets aren't increasing, they're just adding a mandatory contribution to the Spartan Fund. I don't think my bank account will appreciate the distinction as my tickets are increasing 30%. Or maybe decreasing 100% if I abandon them completely, which seems more and more likely.
I also have to observe that it is pretty galling to read (in the email announcement to season ticket holders): "To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans." I don't seem to remember anyone apologizing for a less-than championship effort previously, not that this season was technically a "championship effort" either. I certainly resent the insinuation that anyone who doesn't pony up the cash is less than a true Spartan.
I also have to observe that it is pretty galling to read (in the email announcement to season ticket holders): "To reach our ultimate goals, it will take a championship effort from all of our stakeholders: our coaches, administration, alumni and fans." I don't seem to remember anyone apologizing for a less-than championship effort previously, not that this season was technically a "championship effort" either. I certainly resent the insinuation that anyone who doesn't pony up the cash is less than a true Spartan.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
9 Years, $214 Million
Prince Fielder is exchanging bratwurst for Little Caesar's Pizza, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. You can buy a lot of pizza for $214 million.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
FF Top Scorers '11
Here are the top scorers from the fantasy football league. This will be updated weekly. * denotes current record holder for the year. All-time is based on '04 on, which I have records for. The scoring was changed for the '05 season to include points for receptions, and then in '07 to reduce points per yard for the QB. The highest team score in '04 was The Living Legend (Bader) with 206.95 pts. The highest team score from '05-'06 was Battletoads (Stack, '06) with 232.40 pts. See the '05 data here, the '06 data here, the '07 data here, the '08 data here, the '09 data here, and the '10 data here.
Week 1
Top Player: Tom Brady, 48.15 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 126.25 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Tom Brady, 39.45 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 151.80 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Wes Welker, 38.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 160.65 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 58.00 pts*
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.30 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Ben Roethlisberger, 39.40 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 141.55 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 33.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 117.35 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Drew Brees, 46.25 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 151.05 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Cam Newton, 33.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.05 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 41.55 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 147.75 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 38.60 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 131.25 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Matthew Stafford, 42.95 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 135.95 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Drew Brees, 48.95 pts
Top Team: Game Changers, 127.60 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 43.65 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 169.40 pts*
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Tony Romo, 40.05 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 152.65 pts
Week 15
Top Player: Drew Brees, 49.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 144.05 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 45.95 pts
Top Team: VICKtorious, 132.15 pts
Week 1
Top Player: Tom Brady, 48.15 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 126.25 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Tom Brady, 39.45 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 151.80 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Wes Welker, 38.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 160.65 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 58.00 pts*
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.30 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Ben Roethlisberger, 39.40 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 141.55 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 33.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 117.35 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Drew Brees, 46.25 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 151.05 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Cam Newton, 33.80 pts
Top Team: Thunderstruck, 142.05 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 41.55 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 147.75 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 38.60 pts
Top Team: Show me ya TD's, 131.25 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Matthew Stafford, 42.95 pts
Top Team: Life is Good, 135.95 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Drew Brees, 48.95 pts
Top Team: Game Changers, 127.60 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 43.65 pts
Top Team: Third and Long, 169.40 pts*
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Tony Romo, 40.05 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 152.65 pts
Week 15
Top Player: Drew Brees, 49.00 pts
Top Team: Cantthinkof one, 144.05 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Aaron Rodgers, 45.95 pts
Top Team: VICKtorious, 132.15 pts
Upside Down
MSU football has beaten UM football four straight times. UM basketball has beaten MSU basketball three straight.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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