Has the world turned upside down? It wasn't too long ago that the Golden State Warriors were just as much a laughingstock in the NBA as the Clippers. But then Jason Richardson came along and made the team somewhat entertaining to watch. But no matter who they had, the Pistons took care of business. Well, until this year. Back in November, Detroit traveled to Golden State and got spanked 79-111. A swift 32 point butt kicking. Lindsey Hunter led the team with 14 points on the night. So, last night the Warriors came to the Palace where the Pistons have been playing fairly well lately (unless you count that ridiculous loss to the Wade-less Heat...on their home court...after 5 days of rest). Most were expecting a bit of revenge. No. Warriors 111, Pistons 93. Yeah, only 18 point this time...AT HOME. Oh, and guess who lead the charges? Lindsey Hunter with 20 points. Look guys, if Lindsey Hunter is the only one the Warrios can't seem to stop, you're in trouble. Lindsey Hunter? Come on, he was drafted in '93 (I know because I was at the Palace when he got drafted right before Allen Houston). He's over 36 years old running around on the court. "We're pinning our hopes on Lindsey Hunter? Please tell me we have something more."
One other thing that ticked me off last night...the ESPN Bottom Ticker. I knew it was only a matter of time before this would happen, especially since you now have females talking Men's College basketball on the ESPN set, but stop trying to be Title IX and Equal Rights and women are just as knowledgable crap. The world was spinning absolutely perfect when the bottom ticker read "NCAA" for the Men and "NCAAW" for the women. But then you had to tick me off last night. What is this "NCAAM" crap? Like I can't figure out who you are talking about when it's just plain old "NCAA". Besides, anyone that follows college basketball (meaning anyone that follows Men's basketball because no one cares about Women's) knows what teams you are referring to on the bottom ticker. It's not like I'm sitting at home wondering "Was that the score for the Duke men's team or the Duke women's team?" Like I said, anyone that follows college basketball knows the Men's team sucks, so if you see the name "Duke" on the bottom ticker with a single digit ranking in front of their name, you know it's not the Men's team. So now you are saying, "Well what if there isn't a ranking in front of either teams name?" Well, then it's still obvious that was a men's score because no one cares about women's basketball scores, especially if both teams are unranked. If you want to do everything exactly the same, then you have to show all the scores of both genders. No one cares about the MAC conference and how CMU did last night in Men's basketball. But, ESPN will put the score on the bottom ticker. However, ESPN has never put a Women's MAC score on the bottom ticker because first, no one cares and second, MAC teams wouldn't be ranked in Women's basketball. But, if you are trying to all of a sudden reach a female demographic on your network, then you might as well start showing scores for all Women's teams. That means I better start seeing scores for MD Eastern Shore versus Ark Pine Bluff (yeah, they have a team).
Oh, and it was kinda cool to see Kenny Mayne doing Sportscenter Sunday night with Stuart Scott. Bring back Kilborn and Eisen!!!
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Book Club Time! - Tides of War
I promised I would put up a review as soon as I finished, so here it is."Tides of War" - Steven Pressfield
Pressfield also wrote Gates of Fire, so the writing style is similar. Short review: if you liked Gates of Fire, you'll like this one too. If you haven't read Gates of Fire, what are you waiting for?
The core of the story is the career of Alcibiates ( if that name doesn't ring a bell it mmight be worth looking up. Interesting fellow), told through the eyes of his long time friend, confidant, and assassin.
Comparisions to GOF: similar framing of the story, historical detail, color, and general ring of authenticity in characterisation. Overall, I didn't like it as much as GOF, but that is mostly due to it focusing on less likeable people and less heroic events. Th Spartans sacrificed themselves to attain eventual victory, Alcibiates was driven and destroyed by both himself and the city which he embodied. But I'll skip the essay and give the book thumbs up.
Tourney Time
I've just created a Yahoo! Tournament Pick'E group. The number is 32717 and the password is, of course, monkie. Emails will be arriving in your inbox sometime this week (probably), but that info will get you in if you can't wait.
Free Agency
The Lions started out free agency Friday by sending Dre' Bly packing for Tatum Bell, George Foster, and the Broncos' 5th and 6th round picks. They also sent James Hall to the Rams for a 5th round pick. Today they signed DE Dewayne White from the Bucs.
Obviously the Lions must be worried about their running back situation since they acquired Tatum Bell. The second article points out that TJ Duckett will fly to Detroit on Monday and meet with the Lions. This is the first news I've heard about the Lions all offseason that's had me excited. Bell and Duckett could make a great RB tandem if Bell can be successful outside of Denver. And since RB duos are all the rage in the NFL, why shouldn't the Lions jump on the bandwagon?
Obviously the Lions must be worried about their running back situation since they acquired Tatum Bell. The second article points out that TJ Duckett will fly to Detroit on Monday and meet with the Lions. This is the first news I've heard about the Lions all offseason that's had me excited. Bell and Duckett could make a great RB tandem if Bell can be successful outside of Denver. And since RB duos are all the rage in the NFL, why shouldn't the Lions jump on the bandwagon?
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Movie Parallelism: Part Deux
Well, I've already broke down the action movie playbook between Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, so now I'll look at two other movies 15 years apart in release.
The movies are "Escape From Alcatraz" and "The Shawshank Redemption":
1. Both movies are about escaping from prision. I know, pretty deep observation.
2. Both movies have a leading white character (Eastwood and Robbins) who develop a relationship in the prison with a black character.
3. Each movie had a jerk for a Warden.
4. There was a homosexual that wanted to get some action with the leading character in each film.
5. The main characters in each movie were mostly in prison for life sentences, usually because of murder (Eastwood and Robbins).
6. Each movie had an old guy who was really attached to something. The old guy in Alcatraz loved to paint and when told he couldn't anymore, he chopped off his fingers. The old guy in Shawshank loved his library and didn't want to be released from prision.
I think that's all I could remember. There may be more but I haven't seen either movie in quite awhile. Well, I do own Shawshank, so I could go watch it.
The movies are "Escape From Alcatraz" and "The Shawshank Redemption":
1. Both movies are about escaping from prision. I know, pretty deep observation.
2. Both movies have a leading white character (Eastwood and Robbins) who develop a relationship in the prison with a black character.
3. Each movie had a jerk for a Warden.
4. There was a homosexual that wanted to get some action with the leading character in each film.
5. The main characters in each movie were mostly in prison for life sentences, usually because of murder (Eastwood and Robbins).
6. Each movie had an old guy who was really attached to something. The old guy in Alcatraz loved to paint and when told he couldn't anymore, he chopped off his fingers. The old guy in Shawshank loved his library and didn't want to be released from prision.
I think that's all I could remember. There may be more but I haven't seen either movie in quite awhile. Well, I do own Shawshank, so I could go watch it.
Friday, March 02, 2007
The Da Vinci... Errr... Last Tomb of Jesus
There's been a lot of controversy about James Cameron's "documentary" The Last Tomb of Jesus. As far as I can tell, this article from John J. Miller of NRO tells you all you need to know. A quote:
Check it out.
The Lost Tomb of Jesus runs perilously close to Erich von Daniken territory — no prehistoric astronauts, but definitely a flight of fancy. It runs for 90 minutes (with commercials stretching it to two hours). Views that dissent from its relentlessly uncritical presentation of a madly speculative theory — which is to say, the opinions of Cross and virtually every mainstream Biblical scholar who has examined the film’s central contentions — receive almost no air time.
Check it out.
100 Years of Faygo
Did you know Faygo is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year? Well, I didn't until I read this article from the Detroit News. The most interesting thing I learned from the piece? Faygo is credited for "pop" being used in the Midwest rather than "soda." Fascinating. Flavors, of course, are Faygo's claim to fame. Some of the more popular: Rock and Rye, Moon Mist, Redpop, Root Beer, Strawberry, and Pineapple Orange. Okay, so Pineapple Orange and Strawberry may not be that popular, but they're my favorites. What are yours?
The good ol' Chronicle
Hey, you gotta love that picture of community service in this weeks addition of the Cass City Free Press. Nothing says good community service work better than a picture of Damian Izydorek and Gilberto Nazario from "Complete Concrete." I think the name of the company should be "Complete Convicts." That might make more sense. I'm fine with them bulldozing buildings down, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with them building apartment structures.
Nazario...what a great Cass City family heritage. I mean, who could forget Jose in 7th grade. I've loved it in the fall of 2005 when I had jury duty in Caro. I didn't have to serve, but I was selected as a possible juror for a Circuit Court case that same day. Guess who was in court. Jose. Criminal Sexual Conduct. Gasp. I wonder what I would have said if I was selected and they asked me if I had prior knowledge of one Jose Nazario. I probably would have lied or else Jason Mester might have killed me. He was there supporting Jose. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if Mester and pal Jason Humpert also worked for Complete Concrete. I know Humpert does because his sister is married to the owner of the company.
Oh, and who could forget Jose's sister...Anna. You remember. The summer we were going to be freshmen in high school. Anna and 2 other girls, one in 6th grade and the other in our grade, Amanda Smith, decided to steal a truck and go on a joy ride. Well, when you have a 6th grader driving, Anna, bad things will happen. Bad things did happen and Anna died. Great family story. I remember the first day of english class that freshman year with Mrs. Comire:
Mrs. Comire: So tell me about yourself.
Amanda Smith: Hi, my name is Amanda Smith.
Mrs. Comire: Wow, what happened to you? Why are you on crutches?
Amanda Smith: (Sitting down with cast on leg and crutches at desk) Well, me and some friends decided to steal a truck this summer and we got in an accident and my friend Anna died.
Mrs. Comire: Oh, you're THAT Amanda Smith.
This has been Down Memory Lane. Hope you enjoyed.
Nazario...what a great Cass City family heritage. I mean, who could forget Jose in 7th grade. I've loved it in the fall of 2005 when I had jury duty in Caro. I didn't have to serve, but I was selected as a possible juror for a Circuit Court case that same day. Guess who was in court. Jose. Criminal Sexual Conduct. Gasp. I wonder what I would have said if I was selected and they asked me if I had prior knowledge of one Jose Nazario. I probably would have lied or else Jason Mester might have killed me. He was there supporting Jose. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if Mester and pal Jason Humpert also worked for Complete Concrete. I know Humpert does because his sister is married to the owner of the company.
Oh, and who could forget Jose's sister...Anna. You remember. The summer we were going to be freshmen in high school. Anna and 2 other girls, one in 6th grade and the other in our grade, Amanda Smith, decided to steal a truck and go on a joy ride. Well, when you have a 6th grader driving, Anna, bad things will happen. Bad things did happen and Anna died. Great family story. I remember the first day of english class that freshman year with Mrs. Comire:
Mrs. Comire: So tell me about yourself.
Amanda Smith: Hi, my name is Amanda Smith.
Mrs. Comire: Wow, what happened to you? Why are you on crutches?
Amanda Smith: (Sitting down with cast on leg and crutches at desk) Well, me and some friends decided to steal a truck this summer and we got in an accident and my friend Anna died.
Mrs. Comire: Oh, you're THAT Amanda Smith.
This has been Down Memory Lane. Hope you enjoyed.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Things to Ponder...
Pro Athletes buying drugs online? What's next your going to tell me they don't visit strip clubs. Shocking developments. Maybe I'm not that smart but if I'm buying beef-roids online, I'm sure as Cass City's growing stock on the TV 5 News, not going to put my real name on there. And furthermore I'm probably not going to put my real address on there either. Maybe they did this and they cought them anyway, who knows. Just a thought.
Second, Pencil in you schedules March 24th boys for a gathering. Just pencil in the whole day. Groom how does that work in your schedule?
Third, "Are you smarter than a 5th Grader" Has got to be a huge accomplishment once you win. THERE KIDS... I SHOWED YOU!
Late
Second, Pencil in you schedules March 24th boys for a gathering. Just pencil in the whole day. Groom how does that work in your schedule?
Third, "Are you smarter than a 5th Grader" Has got to be a huge accomplishment once you win. THERE KIDS... I SHOWED YOU!
Late
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Onward and Upward
While on the way back from lunch today the subject of old school video game systems came up. Specifically the TI-99 home computer and classic games like Parsec, Alpiner, and Hunt the Wumpus. A little bit of searching the internet even turned up an emulator for the computer, which you can download from here if you're interested (games included). If you've never played these games this won't mean much to you, but I really appreciated the nostalgia. Check out the sound clips, many of which used real speech emulation. And I'm sure that to this day there's still not another mountain climbing where you can get sprayed by skunks or run over by a Yeti.
Novesta Domination
It was once again a Novesta domination at the February 3, 2007 Tecmo Super Bowl Tournament. The 2006 winner was Criag Emmert, who was unable to defend his title at this years contest. But that is okay, as fellow Novesta Church of Christ alumnus Jason Speirs picked up the bobble head trophy going 5-0 in the madness. He defeated, of all people, Kevin Schott in the Championship game. Kevin advanced to the title game after beating Nathan Haag in the Loser's bracket finale, 14-13.
You can check out the bracket below, but before you do, here are some fun facts about the tournament:
1. Of the top 4 finishers in the 2006 tourney, none were to be found in the championship game.
2. Nathan Haag had a 13-0 lead at halftime (with the 1st player controller) over Kevin Schott as he was looking ahead to the rematch with Jason Speirs in the Title game. Schott came back to win 14-13, defeating the Oilers with his 49ers.
3. Jason Speirs got revenge on Haag after losing to him in the 2006 tourney and being eliminated from the competition. His Eagles crushed the Rams 24-14 in the rematch. (I bet you are wondering...why did he use the Rams?) It should be noted, Haag missed a FG at the end of the half which would have made the score 3-10 at Halftime.
4. There was lots and lots of Monkey on Monkey crime. Fritz eliminted Aaron, then Fritz knocked out Matt, then Haag crushed Fritz, and then Kevin punched out Haag like Mandy in the Nintendo Wii boxing game. Since the clones all eliminated each other, only Kevin was able to reach the top.
5. Kevin beat Haag. Enough said. When was the last time that happened?
On the day, there were no Nintendo deaths or unforeseen restarts because of the floor shaking. The Life Support (Game Genie) once again did the trick. Unfortunately, there was no official record of how many "That's a Bunch of crap" were used.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Re: Did MSU cure Cancer?
I probably should have posted this earlier but I just got to it now. The short version: they're working on it.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
The (Not So) Mighty Quinn
Brady Quinn has an image problem. Scouts think he's slipped. Why? Well, there's no reason at all, really. He hasn't done anything since he's waiting for Notre Dame's pro day to show off his skills for the scouts. Still, he's falling behind JaMarcus Russell, who seems to be this years come-from-nowhere high draft pick. I predict Quinn will be the better QB in the long run, especially if Russell goes to the Raiders, but Russell looks to be on the path to a bigger payday.
Note: In all fairness about my picks, I should note that last year I was unimpressed with Vince Young and thought he was mostly hype and that he certainly wouldn't be a better QB than Matt Leinart. Results aren't in yet, but it gives you a point of reference.
Note: In all fairness about my picks, I should note that last year I was unimpressed with Vince Young and thought he was mostly hype and that he certainly wouldn't be a better QB than Matt Leinart. Results aren't in yet, but it gives you a point of reference.
Friday, February 23, 2007
That Chic at Rome's Christmas Party
Gentleman, coming up on the eve of our dear brothers funeral errrr... wedding I think it's fitting that we talk about the the final hurrah. First, Sparty when are you home. I'm assuming that your coming home friday. Second is the issue of when, who, and what. And I am looking for input, including from the man himself. I've come up with some idea's
1.) Throwing snowballs into crowds of people, running, finding someone to chase us, denie it, then yell " THANKS"
2.) Get together, throw in the fine movie "PROM NIGHT" and throw back a few carrotts. Washed down with some fine H2O.
3.) Get a women to make out with you while driving around town, first one to get pulled over by law enforcement wins.
4. ) Blow out Pilot Lights.
5.) I'm a sure I am forgetting some great moments in history but I really am looking for some serious suggestions. I'm sure your all think strippers and beer, that's just a given of course.
I have a few ideas in my mind but I'm always ready to hear a few more.
Late
1.) Throwing snowballs into crowds of people, running, finding someone to chase us, denie it, then yell " THANKS"
2.) Get together, throw in the fine movie "PROM NIGHT" and throw back a few carrotts. Washed down with some fine H2O.
3.) Get a women to make out with you while driving around town, first one to get pulled over by law enforcement wins.
4. ) Blow out Pilot Lights.
5.) I'm a sure I am forgetting some great moments in history but I really am looking for some serious suggestions. I'm sure your all think strippers and beer, that's just a given of course.
I have a few ideas in my mind but I'm always ready to hear a few more.
Late
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Upgrade
I think I'm going to try and switch the blog over to the new Blogger, so if something isn't working, that's probably the source of the problem.
UPDATE: It seems to be working, more or less. I'm not entirely satisfied, but I think I can work out the issues.
UPDATE: It seems to be working, more or less. I'm not entirely satisfied, but I think I can work out the issues.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Did MSU cure Cancer?
I'm going to take the fine line between gettin' run and gettin' racked because I know I'm going to be offending some people. Oh well. You won't be hearing any Tim Hardaway or Colorado football coach apologies after it's been said. And before you drop the ever-so-predictable "...well at least our team actually wins games..." or "...at least our team has something to celebrate..." or "...at least our team is going to the NCAA tournament..." save it because I already know. I get it. Michigan sucks.
But, you'd have to be green and white color blind to not see what happened last night. So, I'm going to try and come at this take not as Michigan (has a crappy team) Fan, but as NCAA basketball Fan. As if I lived in California and watched the game on ESPN last night.
After MSU won the game, the student section rushed the court like they just won the NCAA Championship game. Why? You are freakin' Michigan State. You have Tom Izzo. You were playing AT HOME. You live in the Big 11.
Tom Izzo is one of the top 5 coaches in the NCAA right now. He is brilliant. He is always winning games that MSU isn't supposed to win. It's called outcoaching the other team and being prepared (something that guy 45 miles south has yet to figure out in 6 years).
You were playing in East Lansing. It's nearly impossible to win at MSU. At one time they had a streak of FOREVER not losing a home game. It's called home court dominance.
Wisconsin wasn't exactly an undefeated team. This was no major upset. It's not like they were #1 in the county for 10 weeks and no one could beat them. They were #1 (in one poll) for a whole 2 days! That's what always happens when a team becomes the new team with the target on their back...you're going to get shot down. Everyone is gunning for you. Hope you savored the taste of it because you won't taste it again the rest of the year. Too bad you didn't get to play Northwestern or Penn State so you could stay at the top a little while longer before someone knocked you off.
The Big 11 isn't exactly a dominating conference. They never get respect, so why should it be a "shocker" Wisconsin lost?
Tell me honestly, was anyone really surpised MSU won last night? I don't want to take anything away from the season and talent Wisconsin has, but Michigan State is still Michigan State. You aren't East Middle Tennessee State so why are you acting like you just won the championship? I realize you may have just sealed the deal on the Big Dance, but come on, you are Michigan State. The same Michigan State that went to 3 straight Final Fours just a few years ago. Act like your college has played and won bigger games than that. I understand MSU is down from a few years ago and hasn't had the same class of players like before, but come on. You are better this year than last year. You were also on a little bit of a roll heading into the game. You beat a rival team, spanked your next opponent, then showed why it's so hard to win on the road in the Big 11, especially at MSU.
So congrats to MSU on the big win. No doubt about it, beating the #1 team no matter how good or bad you are is a great accomplishment. But, next time, don't act like you are Northwestern or Penn State. EXPECT to win that game. I know Izzo did.
But, you'd have to be green and white color blind to not see what happened last night. So, I'm going to try and come at this take not as Michigan (has a crappy team) Fan, but as NCAA basketball Fan. As if I lived in California and watched the game on ESPN last night.
After MSU won the game, the student section rushed the court like they just won the NCAA Championship game. Why? You are freakin' Michigan State. You have Tom Izzo. You were playing AT HOME. You live in the Big 11.
Tom Izzo is one of the top 5 coaches in the NCAA right now. He is brilliant. He is always winning games that MSU isn't supposed to win. It's called outcoaching the other team and being prepared (something that guy 45 miles south has yet to figure out in 6 years).
You were playing in East Lansing. It's nearly impossible to win at MSU. At one time they had a streak of FOREVER not losing a home game. It's called home court dominance.
Wisconsin wasn't exactly an undefeated team. This was no major upset. It's not like they were #1 in the county for 10 weeks and no one could beat them. They were #1 (in one poll) for a whole 2 days! That's what always happens when a team becomes the new team with the target on their back...you're going to get shot down. Everyone is gunning for you. Hope you savored the taste of it because you won't taste it again the rest of the year. Too bad you didn't get to play Northwestern or Penn State so you could stay at the top a little while longer before someone knocked you off.
The Big 11 isn't exactly a dominating conference. They never get respect, so why should it be a "shocker" Wisconsin lost?
Tell me honestly, was anyone really surpised MSU won last night? I don't want to take anything away from the season and talent Wisconsin has, but Michigan State is still Michigan State. You aren't East Middle Tennessee State so why are you acting like you just won the championship? I realize you may have just sealed the deal on the Big Dance, but come on, you are Michigan State. The same Michigan State that went to 3 straight Final Fours just a few years ago. Act like your college has played and won bigger games than that. I understand MSU is down from a few years ago and hasn't had the same class of players like before, but come on. You are better this year than last year. You were also on a little bit of a roll heading into the game. You beat a rival team, spanked your next opponent, then showed why it's so hard to win on the road in the Big 11, especially at MSU.
So congrats to MSU on the big win. No doubt about it, beating the #1 team no matter how good or bad you are is a great accomplishment. But, next time, don't act like you are Northwestern or Penn State. EXPECT to win that game. I know Izzo did.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Fighting With A Vim
I like it when my team wins. Especially when they beat the #1 team in the nation. Good times.
Suggestion
Seeing as how some of you are getting around to starting families I'd assume you've spent at least some time thinking about names for your children. May I make a suggestion? Check out this guy: Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish, nickname Buster. Now that's a name. Actually, it's 5 names, but who's counting? So, how about Ronald Reagan Odysseus Pedro Indiana Barrigar? No? (Hat tip: The Corner.)
Wonderful
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World not doing it for you? Think we need some new wonders? Well, some people do and worldwide voting on the "New 7 Wonders" is going on right now. At first I thought this was silly and even a little arrogant, but then I realized the only one of the original wonders that still exists is the Great Pyramid of Giza, so maybe it's not a crazy idea. Some of the candidates seem a bit questionable to me: does anyone think the Eiffel Tower really can stand up to the Great Pyramid? I'm down with some of the others though, like Petra for example. And, yes, you all know what Petra looks like because you've all seen Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Anyway, Yahoo didn't actually provide a link in the article (it's the internet, use it), but I managed to find one. So, if you want to vote, click here.
Fantasy Baseball
In case you're wondering, I'm not planning on starting a fantasy baseball league this year. We had practically zero interest during the season last year, so as far as I'm concerned it's dead. If someone is really interested in playing feel free to start a league, I'm just not interested in being commish.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Say It Ain't So
I was watching Sportscenter the other night and they were doing their Nascar segment. I couldn't care less about Nascar so I was going to change the channel. But then I saw Chris Fowler sitting at the table. Did Chris lose a bet in one of the bowl games or something? Chris doesn't strike me as a redneck. But this isn't what really drew my attention. It was the guy sitting at the other end of the table. A black guy. A tall black guy. A tall black guy that played for Carolina and many NBA seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers...Brad Daugherty.
Quick, name me a tall race car driver....
Quick, name me a black race car driver...
Quick, name me ANY race car driver...
What in the world does an NBA basketball player know about Redneck country?
Is NASCAR that bad that even ESPN can't find "experts" to cover the "sport?"
Quick, name me a tall race car driver....
Quick, name me a black race car driver...
Quick, name me ANY race car driver...
What in the world does an NBA basketball player know about Redneck country?
Is NASCAR that bad that even ESPN can't find "experts" to cover the "sport?"
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Who Needs Tickets?
Yeah, it's almost that time of year again. That's right, the Cass City Baseball Trip Excutive Board Meeting. Baseball game tickets are going on sale as we speak with new teams opening up their box offices everyday. (Tigers individual tickets go on sale March 3.) Some years I already ordered the tickets by now.
It seems after 7 years of Baseball trip "Roadies," we are almost to our driving limits or flying minimums. Rumor has it the Yankees will be hosting the All-Star game in 2008 and after the 2008 season will be playing in a new ball park. No more Yankee Stadium. So, it has been mentioned we better make sure we get to New York for our 2008 Road Trip.
With that being said, there is no 2008 trip without a 2007 trip first...which is exactly our current dilemma. Where? Who? I believe now would be a good time to start throwing out the ideas of what we are going to do or any possible options.
Here is my list of options:
1) Toronto. Toronto would be one game and one of the shortest drives we've ever had. It would also be a very cheap trip if it's only one game. Not as cheap as last year with no hotel fees, but still cheaper than other years with less gas money.
2) Two game series watching 2 of the possible 3 teams (if their game schedules actually work out so we could do this) in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area: Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Cons: Long trip and cost of 2 games. Not much time would probably be available to see much of the D.C. area.
3) Go back to a stadium we've already been to. If we did Wrigley Field, we might get to stay for the whole game this time. Pros: It would be a lot closer/cheaper for Adam to come on the trip.
4) KC Royals...they suck and probably as far as a Baltimore trip.
5) Fly. I still don't think we are financially at that point yet. If we are going to fly, let's go as far as we can; California, Arizona, etc. If we do New York next year, I think Flying would be the best way to go.
6) No Trip. Not an option
Not that this is all about Adam...but it is. It's really his fault for moving to Minnesota just for a job. Obviously my tongue is shooting through both cheeks when I say that. But, I don't know Adam's options. He's already taking time off for my wedding. He already flew home once this year for Christmas. Making him drive to Michigan so we can then drive to some game 10 hours away probably isn't a great idea either.
I'm not really in favor of Options 4, 5, or 6. I don't mind doing the Washington trip for 2 games, but logistics would make things difficult I think.
I guess it comes down to what is our goal? Our purpose? Do we plan on doing this for another 5 years? 10? Until we see all MLB stadiums? It all sounds great, but we have to be reasonable. If those aren't our goals, then when and where do we draw the line? According to my calculations, this would be trip #8. We are dang close to 10 and we've all been talking about New York long before the media started talking about Hilary Clinton running for President in '08.
If we do New York in 2008, that is trip #9. I think it would be cool to fly some place for our 10th Anniversary in 2009 and quite possibly seeing our 14th and 15th stadiums in 10 years.
The Board is open so have a take and don't suck.
It seems after 7 years of Baseball trip "Roadies," we are almost to our driving limits or flying minimums. Rumor has it the Yankees will be hosting the All-Star game in 2008 and after the 2008 season will be playing in a new ball park. No more Yankee Stadium. So, it has been mentioned we better make sure we get to New York for our 2008 Road Trip.
With that being said, there is no 2008 trip without a 2007 trip first...which is exactly our current dilemma. Where? Who? I believe now would be a good time to start throwing out the ideas of what we are going to do or any possible options.
Here is my list of options:
1) Toronto. Toronto would be one game and one of the shortest drives we've ever had. It would also be a very cheap trip if it's only one game. Not as cheap as last year with no hotel fees, but still cheaper than other years with less gas money.
2) Two game series watching 2 of the possible 3 teams (if their game schedules actually work out so we could do this) in the Maryland/Pennsylvania area: Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and the Philadelphia Phillies. Cons: Long trip and cost of 2 games. Not much time would probably be available to see much of the D.C. area.
3) Go back to a stadium we've already been to. If we did Wrigley Field, we might get to stay for the whole game this time. Pros: It would be a lot closer/cheaper for Adam to come on the trip.
4) KC Royals...they suck and probably as far as a Baltimore trip.
5) Fly. I still don't think we are financially at that point yet. If we are going to fly, let's go as far as we can; California, Arizona, etc. If we do New York next year, I think Flying would be the best way to go.
6) No Trip. Not an option
Not that this is all about Adam...but it is. It's really his fault for moving to Minnesota just for a job. Obviously my tongue is shooting through both cheeks when I say that. But, I don't know Adam's options. He's already taking time off for my wedding. He already flew home once this year for Christmas. Making him drive to Michigan so we can then drive to some game 10 hours away probably isn't a great idea either.
I'm not really in favor of Options 4, 5, or 6. I don't mind doing the Washington trip for 2 games, but logistics would make things difficult I think.
I guess it comes down to what is our goal? Our purpose? Do we plan on doing this for another 5 years? 10? Until we see all MLB stadiums? It all sounds great, but we have to be reasonable. If those aren't our goals, then when and where do we draw the line? According to my calculations, this would be trip #8. We are dang close to 10 and we've all been talking about New York long before the media started talking about Hilary Clinton running for President in '08.
If we do New York in 2008, that is trip #9. I think it would be cool to fly some place for our 10th Anniversary in 2009 and quite possibly seeing our 14th and 15th stadiums in 10 years.
The Board is open so have a take and don't suck.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Wait...is this satire?
Thousands Lose Jobs As Michigan Unemployment Offices Close
"Our state has a long, hallowed history of unemployment, and with these closings, we have lost a vital part of our economic and social fabric."
"Our state has a long, hallowed history of unemployment, and with these closings, we have lost a vital part of our economic and social fabric."
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Here It Goes Again
I was having lunch with some friends when this song started playing in the restaurant. When asked if I had seen the video, I said no. I was told to check it out and thought it was pretty entertaining, so I thought I'd share. OK Go's Here It Goes Again:
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Movies to Rent
I'm looking for suggestions on a few good flicks to rent or even go see. I need to remind you, however, that 102% of my movie viewing is with a female. As much as I love movies like "Rounders" and "Pool Hall Junkies," if you recommend a movie like that, it may be a long time before I get to watch. I'm not saying you need to restrict all your suggestions to just crappy G-rated Disney movies, but that's kinda what it seems like sometimes. I've let her pick the movie once in a while, but she's yet to rent any classics like "Prom Night." She picked out "The Illusionist" a few weeks ago and I'd have to give her an A+ on that one. But picking out "The Final Cut" is flirting dangerously with "Prom Night" and "One Hour Photo." Someone needs to take "The Final Cut" out back and shoot that thing. What was Robin Williams thinking this time? I hate to say go Barbaro on that movie, but it has to be done.
I am open to any suggestions anyone may have. It can be a 2007 movie. It can be a movie from 2006. It can even be a movie from 1985. I don't care. Don't hold back on any type of genre, because some nights I just get lucky and get to pick what I want.
I am open to any suggestions anyone may have. It can be a 2007 movie. It can be a movie from 2006. It can even be a movie from 1985. I don't care. Don't hold back on any type of genre, because some nights I just get lucky and get to pick what I want.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Down by the River
The Matt Foley, motivational speaker sketch came up at work today, so I thought I'd post one. It's not the Spanish Inquisition, but it's still pretty good.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Why can't we tickle ourselves?
Before the Super Bowl on Sunday, the Pistons/Cavs were on ESPN. I wasn't watching the game, but I could still hear it as I was shooting pool Ricky Schroeder style in another room. All of a sudden I hear the Cavalier PA guy clowning the Pistons and Piston PA dude Tyson:
"Deeeeeee-troit Turnnnn-overrrrrrr"
I get that Tyson has certainly found a way to make a buck at his job as the PA man for the Pistons. And I bet if we weren't Piston fans, we'd also probably get annoyed hearing the guy constantly say "Deeeeee-troit Basketballllllll." (I think some of us are annoyed at the Denver Bronco PA person everytime he does his "And the pass was IN-COM-PLETE."
However, you are still the Cleveland Cavaliers and if you didn't have LeBron, you'd still be wondering why Craig Ehlo couldn't stop Jordan from making that last second buzzer-beater on your home court at the free throw line to send you out of the playoffs.
Oh, and when this took place, there was less than 2 minutes left in the game with Detroit ahead by at least 10 points. So, clown the Pistons all you want, they still kicked you and LeBrons tail. Maybe next time try that trick when you are winning. Or, since that won't be happening, do it earlier in the game as soon as you have a lead, like 2-0. Making a parody of Detroit Basketball into Detroit Turnover probably wasn't hilarious to Cavs fans as they were walking out of the joint during the 4th quarter. Don't tell me that won't come back to haunt you in the playoffs.
I'm waiting....who's got the ultimate crackback for me....Fritz? You know what's coming....
SCOREBOARD!
"Deeeeeee-troit Turnnnn-overrrrrrr"
I get that Tyson has certainly found a way to make a buck at his job as the PA man for the Pistons. And I bet if we weren't Piston fans, we'd also probably get annoyed hearing the guy constantly say "Deeeeee-troit Basketballllllll." (I think some of us are annoyed at the Denver Bronco PA person everytime he does his "And the pass was IN-COM-PLETE."
However, you are still the Cleveland Cavaliers and if you didn't have LeBron, you'd still be wondering why Craig Ehlo couldn't stop Jordan from making that last second buzzer-beater on your home court at the free throw line to send you out of the playoffs.
Oh, and when this took place, there was less than 2 minutes left in the game with Detroit ahead by at least 10 points. So, clown the Pistons all you want, they still kicked you and LeBrons tail. Maybe next time try that trick when you are winning. Or, since that won't be happening, do it earlier in the game as soon as you have a lead, like 2-0. Making a parody of Detroit Basketball into Detroit Turnover probably wasn't hilarious to Cavs fans as they were walking out of the joint during the 4th quarter. Don't tell me that won't come back to haunt you in the playoffs.
I'm waiting....who's got the ultimate crackback for me....Fritz? You know what's coming....
SCOREBOARD!
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Today is the 203rd brithday of John Deere. The man, not the company. You can read more about him at his biography on the official site.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
-9°
Halfway through the morning and it's still -9°F here in the Twin Cities. The forecast calls for it to barely break zero all weekend. So, yes, it's freakin' cold.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
A Million Penguins
No, this post isn't about Antarctica, it's about writing. Penguin, a British publisher, has started the first "wiki novel." This means anyone can log on and contribute to the story, much like happens with Wikipedia. So, like Wikipedia, you're likely to get some very good content, and probably a lot of crap. The story contains this interesting quote from Penguin's blogger:
Who WOULDN'T want that? Except for the papal tiara thing, that's just weird. Really, he should hope for a Pirate vs. Robot vs. Zombie vs. Ninja vs. Monkey deathmatch sort of thing, but maybe that story would be better for a visual medium. Anyway, you can check out the current results of the experiment here.
"...and in truth I'll be happy so long as it manages to avoid becoming some sort of robotic-zombie-assassins-against-African-ninjas-in-space-narrated-by-a-Papal-Tiara type of thing."
Who WOULDN'T want that? Except for the papal tiara thing, that's just weird. Really, he should hope for a Pirate vs. Robot vs. Zombie vs. Ninja vs. Monkey deathmatch sort of thing, but maybe that story would be better for a visual medium. Anyway, you can check out the current results of the experiment here.
Year in Review
Here is Dave Barry's annual recap.
A quote:
...But the big sporting event is the Winter Olympics, a glorious quadrennial celebration of world-class virtuoso athletic accomplishment in sports nobody has ever heard of. Surprise winners include Latvia in the 500-kilometer Modified Nordic Combined; the Republic of Irvingkahnistan in the 2,300-meter Slavic Personified; and U.S. skier Bode Miller in Most Nike Commercials Featuring A Competitor Who, In the Actual Competitions, Mainly Falls Down.
A wonderful rememberence of all the idiocy you managed to forget.
Go read the whole thing.
A quote:
...But the big sporting event is the Winter Olympics, a glorious quadrennial celebration of world-class virtuoso athletic accomplishment in sports nobody has ever heard of. Surprise winners include Latvia in the 500-kilometer Modified Nordic Combined; the Republic of Irvingkahnistan in the 2,300-meter Slavic Personified; and U.S. skier Bode Miller in Most Nike Commercials Featuring A Competitor Who, In the Actual Competitions, Mainly Falls Down.
A wonderful rememberence of all the idiocy you managed to forget.
Go read the whole thing.
Backyard Sports
Now that most of us are married or soon to be, some of us are also buying homes. So what is your dream home? Is it a home with a backyard ice-hockey rink? It was for ESPN's John Buccigross. It's a great article, practially a How-To.
Super Bow(l) Thesis
This weekend is the Super Bowl or Super "Bow" (like a bow tie) depending on who you listen to on the radio or TV. I didn't think it was that difficult to pronounce the "l" at the end of "bowl." When they go bowling, do they say "Let's do some bowing tonight"? Come on people, speak english. It's BOWLLLLLL, not "bow."
Also, with the Super Bow in Miami, do U think Michael Irvin will say anything about the game being played at the U of Miami and how awesome the U is and that U should all know by now the U is the best college football team in America or U must be an idiot. U better watch out for the U in 2007.
In the spirit of the big game this weekend, I thought I would put on a Super Bowl History Course. Here is the curriculum:
SB History 101: On January 26, 1992 the Washington Redskins won Super Bowl XXVI (26) by defeating the Buffalo Bills 37 to 24.
SB History 201: Think back to September 1991. In Week 1, the Detroit Lions played their first game of the year at the Washington Redskins and were pasted 45-0.
SB History 301: Now think forward to January 1992. The Detroit Lions finished 12-4. After receiving a first round bye, they destroyed the Dallas Cowboys to advance to the NFC Championship game against the Washington Redskins. Once again it was at Washington and once again they got thumped.
So far most of you remember all of this to some degree if you are a Lions and/or NFL fan. This is where the Master's curriculum starts.
SB History 401: Think back to Week 17 of the 1991 season. Detroit at Buffalo. The game went to overtime with a score of 14-14. All I remember is Eddie Murray kicking the game winning FG in OT to beat the Bills 17-14.
I may have lost a few of you, depending on your memory bank. If you are still hanging with me, here is where you get your Doctorate.
SB History 501: Let's pretend for one brief, hypothetical moment that the Lions defeated the Redskins in the NFC Championship game. Do you see where I'm going with this? It's the always fun "What If" game. That would mean the Lions would have matched up in the Super Bowl with the Buffalo Bills. A rematch from the season finale. The Lions proved they could beat the Bills in Buffalo. So, theoretically speaking, IF the Lions would have made it to the Super Bowl, they would have beat the Bills again and become the Super Bowl Champions!
I hope you enjoyed the pursuit of this degree. Your diploma will be in the mail shortly.
I just wanted to add that the tournament Tiger Woods won last weekend was played at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. I played that course almost 5 or 6 years ago to the month. I didn't quite shoot the same score Tiger finished with on the North Course. I tried looking for my scorecard but couldn't find it. I'll try harder later. If I find it, I'll post my embarrassment.
Also, with the Super Bow in Miami, do U think Michael Irvin will say anything about the game being played at the U of Miami and how awesome the U is and that U should all know by now the U is the best college football team in America or U must be an idiot. U better watch out for the U in 2007.
In the spirit of the big game this weekend, I thought I would put on a Super Bowl History Course. Here is the curriculum:
SB History 101: On January 26, 1992 the Washington Redskins won Super Bowl XXVI (26) by defeating the Buffalo Bills 37 to 24.
SB History 201: Think back to September 1991. In Week 1, the Detroit Lions played their first game of the year at the Washington Redskins and were pasted 45-0.
SB History 301: Now think forward to January 1992. The Detroit Lions finished 12-4. After receiving a first round bye, they destroyed the Dallas Cowboys to advance to the NFC Championship game against the Washington Redskins. Once again it was at Washington and once again they got thumped.
So far most of you remember all of this to some degree if you are a Lions and/or NFL fan. This is where the Master's curriculum starts.
SB History 401: Think back to Week 17 of the 1991 season. Detroit at Buffalo. The game went to overtime with a score of 14-14. All I remember is Eddie Murray kicking the game winning FG in OT to beat the Bills 17-14.
I may have lost a few of you, depending on your memory bank. If you are still hanging with me, here is where you get your Doctorate.
SB History 501: Let's pretend for one brief, hypothetical moment that the Lions defeated the Redskins in the NFC Championship game. Do you see where I'm going with this? It's the always fun "What If" game. That would mean the Lions would have matched up in the Super Bowl with the Buffalo Bills. A rematch from the season finale. The Lions proved they could beat the Bills in Buffalo. So, theoretically speaking, IF the Lions would have made it to the Super Bowl, they would have beat the Bills again and become the Super Bowl Champions!
I hope you enjoyed the pursuit of this degree. Your diploma will be in the mail shortly.
I just wanted to add that the tournament Tiger Woods won last weekend was played at Torrey Pines in San Diego, California. I played that course almost 5 or 6 years ago to the month. I didn't quite shoot the same score Tiger finished with on the North Course. I tried looking for my scorecard but couldn't find it. I'll try harder later. If I find it, I'll post my embarrassment.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Homage to Dominance
There isn't enough space in space to cover this topic. Our grandparents talk about, our dads talk about it, we talk about it, our kids will talk about it and our grandkids will all have this same discussion in their period of life. It's never ending and...quite fun. In lieu of this past weekends sporting events, I thought I'd throw out a few questions and open up the flood gates to theory, philosophy, etc. of what team and individual sport is hardest to dominate. I realize this type of discussion was on every sports radio channel yesterday and every sports talkshow, but who cares. However, first I want to throw a few thoughts of my own before getting to the meat and potatoes:
Barbaro: Come on people, it's a freakin' horse! Enough already. If I hear or read the bottom ticker one more time giving me a Barbaro update, well, I don't know what I'll do. A freaking horse? I want you to know, I was thinking this before yesterday's tragic events took place.
Serena Williams: I have no idea if I spelled her name right, which leads me to this statement. I could care less about tennis, let alone any women's sport for that matter. However, I was tired of hearing people like Dick Vitale on Mike and Mike explain how incredible it was for the 935rd ranked player in tennis to win the Austrailian Open. Okay, she was ranked 82nd. Anyway, she's still Serena Freakin' Williams in case you forgot. She dominated before her injury and now has come back to dominate again. I don't know how much more I can empathsize she is still Serena Williams. Maria Sharapova only became Maria Sharapova because she didn't have to play Serena, oh and she's kinda attractive. I guess that gets extra attention by the media. It would be like Tiger Woods taking off a year, coming back, and then winning the Masters and "shocking" everyone. He's Tiger Woods!
Ok, now that I have all that off my chest, let's open up the discussion of what happened this weekend: Roger Federer and Tiger Woods continuing their streaks. I'm not going into what those streaks are, because if you don't know, grow a pair. Again, I don't care about Tennis, but 36 consecutive sets won is dang impressive. That would be like winning 24 straight quarters in Football. Not just winning 6 NFL games in a row, but every quarter for all 6 games. So, what Dominance is more impressive, Tiger's streak or Federer's? Is it possible to look at two individual sports that are differents types of competition?
And this Domination topic can go way outside the box if you want. We can break down Harry Potter's Domination in books. We can compare the hotdog eating guy Kobyashi's food comsumption domination. We can analyze all the great sports of badminton, frisby golf, Red Neck Racing...the list goes on and on.
We can even look at the overall dominators of their sport. For instance:
Car Racing: Michael Shumacher
Boxing: Mike Tyson, Ali
Hockey: Wayne Gretzky
Basketball: Jordan
Basketball Teams: Celtics, Bulls
Football Teams: Bills for 4 SB's in a row, 49ers
Football: Joe Montana
Baseball Teams: Braves - 14 straight Division Titles
Ping-Pong:
Billiards: Janet Lee
Bowling: That Weber guy
We can even look at individual time periods and look at who dominated their sport in that era:
2000's: Tiger, Shaq, Tom Brady, LaDainian Tomlinson,
1990's: Jordan, Gretzky, Sampras, Barry Sanders,
1980's: Bird, Montana, Rice, Gretzky, Marino,
1970's: ???
Let's pay respect to what is happening in our lifetime in these sports. Have fun and enjoy. Let the discussion begin.
Barbaro: Come on people, it's a freakin' horse! Enough already. If I hear or read the bottom ticker one more time giving me a Barbaro update, well, I don't know what I'll do. A freaking horse? I want you to know, I was thinking this before yesterday's tragic events took place.
Serena Williams: I have no idea if I spelled her name right, which leads me to this statement. I could care less about tennis, let alone any women's sport for that matter. However, I was tired of hearing people like Dick Vitale on Mike and Mike explain how incredible it was for the 935rd ranked player in tennis to win the Austrailian Open. Okay, she was ranked 82nd. Anyway, she's still Serena Freakin' Williams in case you forgot. She dominated before her injury and now has come back to dominate again. I don't know how much more I can empathsize she is still Serena Williams. Maria Sharapova only became Maria Sharapova because she didn't have to play Serena, oh and she's kinda attractive. I guess that gets extra attention by the media. It would be like Tiger Woods taking off a year, coming back, and then winning the Masters and "shocking" everyone. He's Tiger Woods!
Ok, now that I have all that off my chest, let's open up the discussion of what happened this weekend: Roger Federer and Tiger Woods continuing their streaks. I'm not going into what those streaks are, because if you don't know, grow a pair. Again, I don't care about Tennis, but 36 consecutive sets won is dang impressive. That would be like winning 24 straight quarters in Football. Not just winning 6 NFL games in a row, but every quarter for all 6 games. So, what Dominance is more impressive, Tiger's streak or Federer's? Is it possible to look at two individual sports that are differents types of competition?
And this Domination topic can go way outside the box if you want. We can break down Harry Potter's Domination in books. We can compare the hotdog eating guy Kobyashi's food comsumption domination. We can analyze all the great sports of badminton, frisby golf, Red Neck Racing...the list goes on and on.
We can even look at the overall dominators of their sport. For instance:
Car Racing: Michael Shumacher
Boxing: Mike Tyson, Ali
Hockey: Wayne Gretzky
Basketball: Jordan
Basketball Teams: Celtics, Bulls
Football Teams: Bills for 4 SB's in a row, 49ers
Football: Joe Montana
Baseball Teams: Braves - 14 straight Division Titles
Ping-Pong:
Billiards: Janet Lee
Bowling: That Weber guy
We can even look at individual time periods and look at who dominated their sport in that era:
2000's: Tiger, Shaq, Tom Brady, LaDainian Tomlinson,
1990's: Jordan, Gretzky, Sampras, Barry Sanders,
1980's: Bird, Montana, Rice, Gretzky, Marino,
1970's: ???
Let's pay respect to what is happening in our lifetime in these sports. Have fun and enjoy. Let the discussion begin.
Monday, January 29, 2007
RE: Math Equations = Food for thought
Good to see you, "Big Daddy." Having only lived on one side of the equation, I can't really comment. I just hope you don't manage to get yourself in trouble with that post. I'd hate to see your rising star extinguished after only two posts.
Math Equations = Food for thought
The following is real conversation that took place between my woman and I
Me: Did you know that the little Brandel boy going to be Haag's Pallbearer?
Wife: What are talking about
Me: Little Brandel boy is going to be Haag's Pallbearer
Wife: (silence)
Me: (Realizing my error?) I'm mean Ringbearer.
Wife: (Laughing at me) Oh
Conversation over.
Then it hits me - was it an mistake?
Marriage greater than or equal to Death?
Pu##y greater than or equal to death of a Single man's soul ?????
PMS greater than or equal to a Techmo Tourney?
mmmm.....
Me: Did you know that the little Brandel boy going to be Haag's Pallbearer?
Wife: What are talking about
Me: Little Brandel boy is going to be Haag's Pallbearer
Wife: (silence)
Me: (Realizing my error?) I'm mean Ringbearer.
Wife: (Laughing at me) Oh
Conversation over.
Then it hits me - was it an mistake?
Marriage greater than or equal to Death?
Pu##y greater than or equal to death of a Single man's soul ?????
PMS greater than or equal to a Techmo Tourney?
mmmm.....
I'm Here
My Arrival has finally come, after a much anticipated wait by everyone I'm sure. Had to comment after that picture. I love it. Anyway I'm not sure that I'm going to bring alot of knowledge and respect to the table but here I am. The past post have inspired me. Gotta love the Patriots, Aaron = Monkey, more Alumni pictures, and stupid cars.
Late
Late
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Fascinating
I noticed something this week that I thought everyone else would find... fascinating. Check out the following picture:
So, what do you think?
So, what do you think?
Friday, January 26, 2007
Applying "Calculus"
Well, the timing was finally perfect...and I delivered. Jokes are all about delivery and timing. I've been waiting to "apply" this for a long long time. It finally had it's chance to shine once again. (Although there are many times the phrase could do the trick.) There are close to 30 people in the class and I'd say after everyone had 2 seconds to think about it, everyone chuckled.
Instructor: So, what are you going to do if you see a question like this on the test?
Nathan: (Applying the 3 second rule before answering) Close the book.
(Class laughing...after realizing what has just been said)
Instructor: (Acting as if no one could make fun of calculus) Well, this would be a test so you wouldn't actually have a book open to close.
I realize I could not have done that phrase without Adam's spirit living through me. And yes, I understand the phrase doesn't quite make sense if you aren't allowed to use a book on the test, but it still did the trick and the class loved it.
Instructor: So, what are you going to do if you see a question like this on the test?
Nathan: (Applying the 3 second rule before answering) Close the book.
(Class laughing...after realizing what has just been said)
Instructor: (Acting as if no one could make fun of calculus) Well, this would be a test so you wouldn't actually have a book open to close.
I realize I could not have done that phrase without Adam's spirit living through me. And yes, I understand the phrase doesn't quite make sense if you aren't allowed to use a book on the test, but it still did the trick and the class loved it.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Happy Winter-een-mas!
Today marks the beginning of Winter-een-mas. To celebrate I thought I'd do some quick retro gaming and played a game of Double Dribble on the emulator. What did I learn? NEVER play Double Dribble with the keyboard. You can't even come close to winning in DD if you can't steal, and you can't steal when you use the keyboard. Add to that the fact that the computer can pass all the way down the court while you can only pass to guys you can see and you have the recipe for a massacre. I just scratched 50 in a game where I usually break 100. I may have to go find a gamepad.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Alumni Sightings
I ran into someone this weekend that I seriously probably haven't seen since we graduated. I'm about 90% sure I didn't see her at a U of M football game. I saw her, of all places, at the Movie Gallery on Saturday night. I actually didn't even see her in the store. I was checking out and she was slightly off to the side of the counter talking to the worker, but I wasn't paying attention. She said, "Nathan Haag! Wow, you look different." Then I said, "Mandy Board! Wow...this is my fiance Mandy."
So I thought I would dig up my senior pictures of everyone and her and scan it. After looking at all those senior pics, we all looked like we had a tapeworm. We were all sooooo skinny. I couldn't help but sit back and say "Ah, the memories."
So here she is.
So I thought I would dig up my senior pictures of everyone and her and scan it. After looking at all those senior pics, we all looked like we had a tapeworm. We were all sooooo skinny. I couldn't help but sit back and say "Ah, the memories."
So here she is.
She looks about the same I guess. I had no problem knowing it was her. She still had that same voice Hobbs and Downing loved to make fun of. However, she appeared to be quite thin in the face. You can make your own assumptions. If I remember, I believe she got married within the last two years to a Walther. So maybe she lives in the Thumb and yet I haven't bumped into her.
P.S. If you would like me to do a "Way Back" column or just want to request certain scans of senior pics, let me know. I can even do a special female show...just for Adam. Sorry Adam, I somehow don't have a Senior pic of Katie. And no, B. Doerr will not be part of the show.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I just read this response from a reader over at the Corner and thought I'd post it because it pretty concisely states my problem with so many government-types.
Hat tip: Jonah Goldberg at The Corner.
One of the excerpts you guys just posted:
"Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity – and this is the business before us tonight."
Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, WRONG! It is not President Bush's job to make my life better. He has never met me or anyone I know and hasn't the faintest f***ing idea what my hopes, dreams and aspirations are. It MY job to make my life better, assisted by my family and friends. It is his job to make sure the likes of al Qaeda leave me alone so I can do that.
Argh.
Hat tip: Jonah Goldberg at The Corner.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Best of Show
Saturday I went to the North American International Autoshow at Cobo, and, among the Lamborginis and Mustangs, I was most struck by a few exceptional vehicles. These finely crafted visions in steel and plastic stand out as shining beacons, showing the world that, truly, some automotive designers, men of vision, really suck at their jobs.
I would like to show everyone exactly what I mean, and with your help bestow upon homeliest vehicle our very own Cass City Monkies "Ugliest in Show" 2007.
Here are the contestants:
The Pit,
Notable primarily for its mediocrity. Its a hatchback with a hoodscoop and a roof rack. Really not sure what they were going for.
Probably not a serious contender however.
Chevy WTCC
Honestly, I'm torn on this one. It wants to be cool, but I feel like I would have to pull it backwards to wind it up. Or insert a 9V battery.
Now our leading contender, and my personal selection, The Rhombus, by the dirty ChiComs.
It may be hard to tell in the picture, but it does have four wheels, in a diamond arraignment. I have nothing to add.
Finally, a special entry, a dishonorable mention, the entire Scion product line.
That's all folks, cast your vote in the comments and watch democracy in action.
I would like to show everyone exactly what I mean, and with your help bestow upon homeliest vehicle our very own Cass City Monkies "Ugliest in Show" 2007.
Here are the contestants:
The Pit,
Notable primarily for its mediocrity. Its a hatchback with a hoodscoop and a roof rack. Really not sure what they were going for.
Probably not a serious contender however.
Chevy WTCC
Honestly, I'm torn on this one. It wants to be cool, but I feel like I would have to pull it backwards to wind it up. Or insert a 9V battery.
Now our leading contender, and my personal selection, The Rhombus, by the dirty ChiComs.
It may be hard to tell in the picture, but it does have four wheels, in a diamond arraignment. I have nothing to add.
Finally, a special entry, a dishonorable mention, the entire Scion product line.
That's all folks, cast your vote in the comments and watch democracy in action.
Measurement of Greatness
I know I'm not going to win any votes on this stance, but hear me out.
Peyton Manning is viewed as the "greatest QB to never win the big one." Well, he's still just like Marino, in the SB but no ring yet. I realize if he wins the SB, he'll definitely be considered one of the best ever just because of a championship. Fine. I get that, no problem here. But, I want to look at the inverse (yeah, since I'm in Calc class, it's just so much fun to use math words.)
How many of us look at Trent Dilfer or Shawn King as great, heck, even GOOD quarterbacks just because they have a SB ring? It doesn't even matter how well they played in that game, they are sucky QBs. Is Big Ben a great QB? He won a SB. What about Mark Rypien? So, should one game really make all the difference?
Here is where my stance might not get many votes: What if Peyton Manning has a terrible SB game. And I mean terrible. Like, oh, hypothetically speaking, a QB rating of 1.3. BUT, the Colts still WIN the game. Based on the type of game Manning had and his rating in this scenario, should he really be considered to have had any part of them winning that SB game? With that performance and rating, ANYONE would have won the game. However, because the Colts won the SB and Manning was the QB, he will now be considered as one of the greatest ever, just because he won a title, even though his performance in that ONE game had nothing to do with his team winning. Yet, Dilfer, King, Rypien, etc. could have incredible games, but not much is going to change about how good of an NFL quarterback they were. We will still forget about them and our opinions will be that they stunk as QB's.
Peyton Manning is viewed as the "greatest QB to never win the big one." Well, he's still just like Marino, in the SB but no ring yet. I realize if he wins the SB, he'll definitely be considered one of the best ever just because of a championship. Fine. I get that, no problem here. But, I want to look at the inverse (yeah, since I'm in Calc class, it's just so much fun to use math words.)
How many of us look at Trent Dilfer or Shawn King as great, heck, even GOOD quarterbacks just because they have a SB ring? It doesn't even matter how well they played in that game, they are sucky QBs. Is Big Ben a great QB? He won a SB. What about Mark Rypien? So, should one game really make all the difference?
Here is where my stance might not get many votes: What if Peyton Manning has a terrible SB game. And I mean terrible. Like, oh, hypothetically speaking, a QB rating of 1.3. BUT, the Colts still WIN the game. Based on the type of game Manning had and his rating in this scenario, should he really be considered to have had any part of them winning that SB game? With that performance and rating, ANYONE would have won the game. However, because the Colts won the SB and Manning was the QB, he will now be considered as one of the greatest ever, just because he won a title, even though his performance in that ONE game had nothing to do with his team winning. Yet, Dilfer, King, Rypien, etc. could have incredible games, but not much is going to change about how good of an NFL quarterback they were. We will still forget about them and our opinions will be that they stunk as QB's.
Football Rules
I need some clarity on the philosophy of certain football rules that I noticed in the Colts/Pats game last night:
Rule 1: Number of players allowed to break the huddle/be in the huddle. As I understand it, having 12 players in the huddle is a no-no. Why? Isn't there already a rule in place for "too many players on the field" when the ball is snapped? Isn't that redundancy? Who cares how many players are in the huddle? I thought all that mattered was how many you had when the ball was snapped. Is it supposed to make the referee's life easier at counting players? I.e, if 3 players run on the field, then all you have to watch for is 3 to come off. Instead of always counting 11. But, I'm sure they still always count for 11 because many times after a running back gets a big play or wide receiver makes a good catch, they run out of bounds and many times take the next play off. Probably because it's a new down, and new formation package...and they weren't needed. Anyway, back to the original question. Is the rule for the defense so they know what players have entered the game so they know what kind of defense to set up or be prepared for? Are they watching if 4 players come into the huddle and 3 of them are WR's and then notice that all 3 left and so now they have to think it's going to be a run play? I don't get it.
Rule 2: Face guarding. Last night there was a pass interference penalty against the Pats for "face guarding" the WR because the defensive player didn't make a play on the ball. Keep in mind, he never touched the WR! Instead, he watched the eyes and body language of the WR and knew the ball was probably coming his direction, so he better put his arms up to knock it away. In my opinion, I would think you should be allowed to do whatever you need to do possible to not let the WR catch the ball, as long as you don't touch him. Think of it this way, if the Defense would rather play defense in the NFL by just watching the eyes of the WR without looking for the ball, then I'd say that is to the Offense's ADVANTAGE. You'll give up a lot of touchdowns if you want to rely on hoping the ball runs into your ape-like waving arms or your huge dome of a helmet.
Try to picture this: What if the defensive player was making a play on the ball and turned around to deflect it. However, what if he missed the ball completely but the action of his arms attempting to deflect the ball temporarily shielded the WR's eyes and he lost concentration on the ball and failed to catch it. What is the difference? Because the defensive player temporarily blocked the WR's vision, that is a slight form of face guarding. I just think the defense should be allowed to do whatever it takes. If he wants to stand on his hands and use his feet, that's his prerogative. It's called LUCK.
Rule 1: Number of players allowed to break the huddle/be in the huddle. As I understand it, having 12 players in the huddle is a no-no. Why? Isn't there already a rule in place for "too many players on the field" when the ball is snapped? Isn't that redundancy? Who cares how many players are in the huddle? I thought all that mattered was how many you had when the ball was snapped. Is it supposed to make the referee's life easier at counting players? I.e, if 3 players run on the field, then all you have to watch for is 3 to come off. Instead of always counting 11. But, I'm sure they still always count for 11 because many times after a running back gets a big play or wide receiver makes a good catch, they run out of bounds and many times take the next play off. Probably because it's a new down, and new formation package...and they weren't needed. Anyway, back to the original question. Is the rule for the defense so they know what players have entered the game so they know what kind of defense to set up or be prepared for? Are they watching if 4 players come into the huddle and 3 of them are WR's and then notice that all 3 left and so now they have to think it's going to be a run play? I don't get it.
Rule 2: Face guarding. Last night there was a pass interference penalty against the Pats for "face guarding" the WR because the defensive player didn't make a play on the ball. Keep in mind, he never touched the WR! Instead, he watched the eyes and body language of the WR and knew the ball was probably coming his direction, so he better put his arms up to knock it away. In my opinion, I would think you should be allowed to do whatever you need to do possible to not let the WR catch the ball, as long as you don't touch him. Think of it this way, if the Defense would rather play defense in the NFL by just watching the eyes of the WR without looking for the ball, then I'd say that is to the Offense's ADVANTAGE. You'll give up a lot of touchdowns if you want to rely on hoping the ball runs into your ape-like waving arms or your huge dome of a helmet.
Try to picture this: What if the defensive player was making a play on the ball and turned around to deflect it. However, what if he missed the ball completely but the action of his arms attempting to deflect the ball temporarily shielded the WR's eyes and he lost concentration on the ball and failed to catch it. What is the difference? Because the defensive player temporarily blocked the WR's vision, that is a slight form of face guarding. I just think the defense should be allowed to do whatever it takes. If he wants to stand on his hands and use his feet, that's his prerogative. It's called LUCK.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Save the Sharks
Sharks have an image problem. The mulitple rows of teeth and the eating people have made them look bad. But, "They're not all just teeth," says Sonja Fordham, policy director of the Shark Alliance. They're just misunderstood and some conservationists are looking to rehabilitate the image of the shark. You see, they ONLY killed 7 people for sure, maybe two more. Advocates estimate there are about 100 million sharks or shark-like fish killed each year and point out that's only 1 human for every 10 million sharks. I'll admit that's a pretty shocking statistic. We must need to kill more sharks since they're obviously not getting the message. Come on, we kill 10 million for every person and they keep attacking? I think what we have here is a failure to communicate.
Hatable
Bill Simmons of ESPN, a Patriots fan, finds himself asking a terrible question in this article: Wait a second ... am I rooting for the football version of the Yankees? He goes on to explore the question and of course finds that, while some the hatred is earned, a large part of it has to do with the current 24-hour sports world. It's a good read from a great writer, but I don't think he's 100% right.
I've often asked myself why I dislike the Patriots so much. As Simmons points out,
they don't buy wins like the Yankees have been known to, they're free of T.O.-type players, and they do the little things right to win. I ought to love the team. But I really, really don't. Like many things in football, it's starts with the QB. Brady went to Michigan, which I can (mostly) forgive, but it's still a strike. There's probably a bit of jealousy involved as well since there have been QBs at MSU that I've rooted for that were better college QBs but haven't had anywhere near the amazing success Brady has enjoyed. Plus, he's a pretty boy who dates movie stars. I'd rather hang with Peyton Manning any day. That said, I like Brady more than I used to. I mean, he did have his O-line in a commercial with him.
I don't think you can discount the effect of all the media attention either. Simmons says you can shut it off and just watch the game on Sunday, but it's not quite that easy. If you're going to follow football you have to see some of it, and you can't escape it during the telecast either. You can only hear so many superlatives about Belichick, Brady, and the rest before your ears start to bleed. And I'm sorry, but no one who dresses in a hobo-style hoodie can actually be a genius.
There's other things, but I'll make one final comment. Simmons says that because Patriots fans endured four decades of "futility and embarassment" that "we earned this." Pffft. Unless you've followed the Lions your entire life, don't you dare try and play the "futility and embarassment" card because you don't really know what those words mean.
UPDATE: As I'm watching the game I'm reminded of another annoying thing about the Patriots: they always get lucky. Going into the endzone the RB fumbles the ball and a Colts player looks like he has it, but it squirts out and is recovered for a Patriots TD. So often, they don't look like the better team, or even a great team, just a team that enjoys everything going their way. That's frustrating.
I've often asked myself why I dislike the Patriots so much. As Simmons points out,
they don't buy wins like the Yankees have been known to, they're free of T.O.-type players, and they do the little things right to win. I ought to love the team. But I really, really don't. Like many things in football, it's starts with the QB. Brady went to Michigan, which I can (mostly) forgive, but it's still a strike. There's probably a bit of jealousy involved as well since there have been QBs at MSU that I've rooted for that were better college QBs but haven't had anywhere near the amazing success Brady has enjoyed. Plus, he's a pretty boy who dates movie stars. I'd rather hang with Peyton Manning any day. That said, I like Brady more than I used to. I mean, he did have his O-line in a commercial with him.I don't think you can discount the effect of all the media attention either. Simmons says you can shut it off and just watch the game on Sunday, but it's not quite that easy. If you're going to follow football you have to see some of it, and you can't escape it during the telecast either. You can only hear so many superlatives about Belichick, Brady, and the rest before your ears start to bleed. And I'm sorry, but no one who dresses in a hobo-style hoodie can actually be a genius.
There's other things, but I'll make one final comment. Simmons says that because Patriots fans endured four decades of "futility and embarassment" that "we earned this." Pffft. Unless you've followed the Lions your entire life, don't you dare try and play the "futility and embarassment" card because you don't really know what those words mean.
UPDATE: As I'm watching the game I'm reminded of another annoying thing about the Patriots: they always get lucky. Going into the endzone the RB fumbles the ball and a Colts player looks like he has it, but it squirts out and is recovered for a Patriots TD. So often, they don't look like the better team, or even a great team, just a team that enjoys everything going their way. That's frustrating.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Kryptonite
I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the music of Three Doors Down. Nothing new, just thought I'd mention it.
Compare and Contrast
Yes, I must be really bored.
Lethal Weapon 27 was on last night. Well, part 2. I've been thinking about this for awhile now and last night just reminded me. I'm going to take two blockbuster movies and show how much they parallel. Maybe you've noticed the same things. The movies are "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard."
1) The movies were released in the US somewhat close to each other as blockbuster action movies. LW in March of '87. DH in July of '88.
2) Both had major action roles played by white guys fairly new on the Hollywood scene. Gibson was known for "Mad Max" but Willis was "famous" for "Blind Date."
3) Both white characters had African-American sidekicks. Gibson/Glover. Willis/Sgt. Al Powell (Carl Winslow as most of you know him). Side note: His real name is Reginald VelJohnson and is the textbook definition of "type cast." I think more often than not his character is a police officer.
4) Both main characters in both movies are police officers.
5) Both have a Christmas time theme.
6) Both give Joel Silver a credit as one of the Producers.
7) Both give Original Music credit to Michael Kamen. LW also added Eric Clapton.
8) Both "tough guys" playing "bad guy" roles were blond. Busey in LW and "Karl" in DH.
9) Both have the classic fight scene near the end of the movie between the hero and tough guy. Gibson v Busey in LW and Willis v "Karl" in DH.
10) Both have the stereotypical Hollywood ending where the "tough guy" is still alive at the end of the movie after everyone thought they were dead. Busy in LW and "Karl" in DH.
I think that's all I could remember. There may be more.
Stayed tuned for my next movie parallelism between "Escape from Alcatraz" and "The Shawshank Redemption."
Lethal Weapon 27 was on last night. Well, part 2. I've been thinking about this for awhile now and last night just reminded me. I'm going to take two blockbuster movies and show how much they parallel. Maybe you've noticed the same things. The movies are "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard."
1) The movies were released in the US somewhat close to each other as blockbuster action movies. LW in March of '87. DH in July of '88.
2) Both had major action roles played by white guys fairly new on the Hollywood scene. Gibson was known for "Mad Max" but Willis was "famous" for "Blind Date."
3) Both white characters had African-American sidekicks. Gibson/Glover. Willis/Sgt. Al Powell (Carl Winslow as most of you know him). Side note: His real name is Reginald VelJohnson and is the textbook definition of "type cast." I think more often than not his character is a police officer.
4) Both main characters in both movies are police officers.
5) Both have a Christmas time theme.
6) Both give Joel Silver a credit as one of the Producers.
7) Both give Original Music credit to Michael Kamen. LW also added Eric Clapton.
8) Both "tough guys" playing "bad guy" roles were blond. Busey in LW and "Karl" in DH.
9) Both have the classic fight scene near the end of the movie between the hero and tough guy. Gibson v Busey in LW and Willis v "Karl" in DH.
10) Both have the stereotypical Hollywood ending where the "tough guy" is still alive at the end of the movie after everyone thought they were dead. Busy in LW and "Karl" in DH.
I think that's all I could remember. There may be more.
Stayed tuned for my next movie parallelism between "Escape from Alcatraz" and "The Shawshank Redemption."
All (Sports) Stars
Keeping on track with Adam's last post, I have my own question:
Which guys who are stars in their own sport, could be stars in just about anything they would try. Or, if you had to create an ultimate decathlon sports team, which athletes would you want? Obviously you want athleticism, but the reoccuring theme is probably going to be brains. Guys that would be mentally tough and possibly bad mothers no one wants to mess with.
For example, Derek Jeter would probably be a stud at underwater basketweaving.
So, here are the guys I'd want on my team (of course I can't remember EVERY athlete to pick from) if I had to go to war with them on the field, diamond, course, court, euchre, RISK, spelling bees, ice, water, etc.
1) Roger Clemens
2) Derek Jeter
3) Tom Brady
4) Michael Jordan
5) Tiger Woods
6)
Which guys who are stars in their own sport, could be stars in just about anything they would try. Or, if you had to create an ultimate decathlon sports team, which athletes would you want? Obviously you want athleticism, but the reoccuring theme is probably going to be brains. Guys that would be mentally tough and possibly bad mothers no one wants to mess with.
For example, Derek Jeter would probably be a stud at underwater basketweaving.
So, here are the guys I'd want on my team (of course I can't remember EVERY athlete to pick from) if I had to go to war with them on the field, diamond, course, court, euchre, RISK, spelling bees, ice, water, etc.
1) Roger Clemens
2) Derek Jeter
3) Tom Brady
4) Michael Jordan
5) Tiger Woods
6)
First Love
Jeff Samardzija has taken the first step towards becoming the next Drew Henson. Err, I guess that wasn't exactly a compliment, was it? Anyway, Samardzija has agreed to a $10 million, five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs. Said Samardzija: "Baseball is my first love. I played it my whole life." He has no plans to return to football.
So, I've got a question. How many athletes who are considered serious prospects at both football and baseball choose the right sport? If you're considering money it would seem football is the way to go, but baseball is probably safer, unless you get hit in the face with a 90+ mph fastball. Henson managed to wash out of both sports. Kirk Gibson was an All-American WR at MSU, but it's hard to imagine that he would have had a better career in football, or an achievement like his homerun in the '88 World Series. Deion Sanders played both sports well but didn't make a real impact in baseball. Any others?
UPDATE: Ump's comment is too good and long to leave in the comments section, so I'm reproducing it here:
ump said:
Jordan had mental issues with his mid-life crisis. His father was murdered and that screwed him up a little, but I can't blame him for that. So, we can't really talk about him, also because I think I could have suited up in the Minors and struck out less times than him. I could at least have bunted one of those three strikes.
Bo: He, like Deion, didn't make as much of an impact in baseball. But, I still saw some impressive stuff: Running up the outfield fence after catching a fly ball on the run because he couldn't stop his momentum so he just ran up the wall. Or, the time the umpire wouldn't grant him a timeout while he held his right hand up but kept his left on the handle as the pitch was coming. Needless to say, the pitch traveled 400 feet the other direction.
Donovan McNabb: Basketball would have probably led to easier injuries to rehab, but I doubt he would have been a starter.
Charlie Ward: Won the heisman, but maybe he could see the writing on the wall and didn't want to be the next "Heisman winner who sucked in the pros." Didn't want to be the next Gino.
Antonio Gates: I think he made the right choice. Then again, he may have turned out to be a brute in the paint like a Charles Barkley. If I remember, Charles wasn't exactly towering over anyone.
John Elway: Did he play college Baseball?
I can't remember, but it seems like John Smoltz or Tom Glavin or someone like those guys was really good at Hockey. I could be confused with some other guy. I thought there was some MLB pitcher good at hockey.
Stack's reponse:
1. Jordan: Can't believe I didn't think of him.
2. Bo: Another great example. He might have been one where doing both was the right decision, if his health had held up.
3. McNabb: Football had to be the right decision.
4. Ward: Yeah, he saw the writing on the wall.
5. Gates: He's changing the way people think about the TE position, even more than Tony Gonzalez. Definitely the right decision.
6. Elway: He played baseball, he used it as leverage at the draft when he was selected 1st overall by the Baltimore Colts and managed to get traded to Denver. Again, right decision.
So, I've got a question. How many athletes who are considered serious prospects at both football and baseball choose the right sport? If you're considering money it would seem football is the way to go, but baseball is probably safer, unless you get hit in the face with a 90+ mph fastball. Henson managed to wash out of both sports. Kirk Gibson was an All-American WR at MSU, but it's hard to imagine that he would have had a better career in football, or an achievement like his homerun in the '88 World Series. Deion Sanders played both sports well but didn't make a real impact in baseball. Any others?
UPDATE: Ump's comment is too good and long to leave in the comments section, so I'm reproducing it here:
ump said:
Jordan had mental issues with his mid-life crisis. His father was murdered and that screwed him up a little, but I can't blame him for that. So, we can't really talk about him, also because I think I could have suited up in the Minors and struck out less times than him. I could at least have bunted one of those three strikes.
Bo: He, like Deion, didn't make as much of an impact in baseball. But, I still saw some impressive stuff: Running up the outfield fence after catching a fly ball on the run because he couldn't stop his momentum so he just ran up the wall. Or, the time the umpire wouldn't grant him a timeout while he held his right hand up but kept his left on the handle as the pitch was coming. Needless to say, the pitch traveled 400 feet the other direction.
Donovan McNabb: Basketball would have probably led to easier injuries to rehab, but I doubt he would have been a starter.
Charlie Ward: Won the heisman, but maybe he could see the writing on the wall and didn't want to be the next "Heisman winner who sucked in the pros." Didn't want to be the next Gino.
Antonio Gates: I think he made the right choice. Then again, he may have turned out to be a brute in the paint like a Charles Barkley. If I remember, Charles wasn't exactly towering over anyone.
John Elway: Did he play college Baseball?
I can't remember, but it seems like John Smoltz or Tom Glavin or someone like those guys was really good at Hockey. I could be confused with some other guy. I thought there was some MLB pitcher good at hockey.
Stack's reponse:
1. Jordan: Can't believe I didn't think of him.
2. Bo: Another great example. He might have been one where doing both was the right decision, if his health had held up.
3. McNabb: Football had to be the right decision.
4. Ward: Yeah, he saw the writing on the wall.
5. Gates: He's changing the way people think about the TE position, even more than Tony Gonzalez. Definitely the right decision.
6. Elway: He played baseball, he used it as leverage at the draft when he was selected 1st overall by the Baltimore Colts and managed to get traded to Denver. Again, right decision.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Comparison Shots
It was mentioned in the earlier group shot picture post that it would be interesting to see some of the older shots next to the newest one. So here you go. High school, circa 1999:
Baseball trip, Cleveland, circa 2003?
Around Christmas 2006:
I leave you to your comments.
Baseball trip, Cleveland, circa 2003?
Around Christmas 2006:
I leave you to your comments.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Mo Pete?
With the acquisition of Chris Webber the Pistons have too many big men and will be looking to get some backcourt help. Apparently the Pistons have expressed interest in Morris Peterson, the former Michigan State star, among others. I was and still am rather skeptical about the Webber signing, but somehow I think I'd feel better if Detroit picked up a Spartan to offset the recent Wolverine addition. Also, he's only called real timeouts in championship games, and never perjured himself.
Super Bowl Pick
With this weekends conference championship games, my selection for the NFC representative in the Super Bowl is the New Orleans Saints. I'm actually not picking them to win, I WANT them to win. Why? I'll give you a moment.
.
..
...
It involves the Lions....
.....
I want the Lions, out of bitterness, to be the last NFL team to ever reach the Super Bowl.
Here is where I need your help. If the Saints make the Super Bowl, that eliminates one more team that still hasn't played in the Title game, which still leaves the Lions as one of those teams. I know the Lions will make it some day. I'm just thankful they didn't make the Super Bowl prior to 1987, because I would have been too young or cognizant to realize what the SB was all about and that the Lions had accomplished such an amazing feat. I wouldn't have cared about football, Lions, etc. at that age. Since it's already been 41 Super Bowls, if the Lions had made the SB in 1987, I really don't feel like waiting another 41+ years to see if they make it to another SB.
So here is the contest:
Name the teams still remaining that haven't ever played in the Super Bowl.
I already gave you two. And I'm not sure if it's even fair to count the "recent" expansion teams, even though it's been almost 15 years. Then again, that was plenty of time to reach a SB for one of them. I don't have the answers, so good luck.
.
..
...
It involves the Lions....
.....
I want the Lions, out of bitterness, to be the last NFL team to ever reach the Super Bowl.
Here is where I need your help. If the Saints make the Super Bowl, that eliminates one more team that still hasn't played in the Title game, which still leaves the Lions as one of those teams. I know the Lions will make it some day. I'm just thankful they didn't make the Super Bowl prior to 1987, because I would have been too young or cognizant to realize what the SB was all about and that the Lions had accomplished such an amazing feat. I wouldn't have cared about football, Lions, etc. at that age. Since it's already been 41 Super Bowls, if the Lions had made the SB in 1987, I really don't feel like waiting another 41+ years to see if they make it to another SB.
So here is the contest:
Name the teams still remaining that haven't ever played in the Super Bowl.
I already gave you two. And I'm not sure if it's even fair to count the "recent" expansion teams, even though it's been almost 15 years. Then again, that was plenty of time to reach a SB for one of them. I don't have the answers, so good luck.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Gilbert Arenas
Does anyone think Gilbert Arenas is still a little upset that he was left off the USA Olympic Basketball Team? It seems he's had a few decent games this season.
Just For The Record...
...I am NOT in favor of the Pistons getting Chris Webber. Please tell me we aren't pinning our hopes on a pot smokin', lying, 12 year NBA veteran. I really don't think he is the missing piece to get to the NBA finals...for ANY team. I would also think that if he is SO good and just what the Pistons needed, then why would a team cut him? Why wouldn't they try to trade him?
The only thing I can come up with is that they cut him because no team would want to pick up his salary.
The only thing I can come up with is that they cut him because no team would want to pick up his salary.
Culture of Me-dom
Mark Kreidler of ESPN.com has some interesting thoughts on celebration etiquette. You think maybe T.O. gets a mention? Check it out here.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Christmas Picture
Well, actually the picture was taken between Christmas and New Year's, but you get the idea. That's just a classic look from Aaron.
Xbox 360 Experience
I had the chance to experience the Xbox 360 for the first time last weekend down in Ann Arbor. The game I played was "Test Drive Unlimited". I didn't get to have the full experience on a plasma screen in HD or anything, but it was still pretty cool on the 19 inch Sony flatscreen TV. Unfortunately he hasn't ponied up yet for the steering wheel controlling device to really get into the game.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Did You See The Memo About This?
We've all seen a memo. Whether one was sent to you or you sent one, you are probably familiar with what they are about. In today's society of promptness and sticking to tight schedules, we are all held accountable if we decided to one day show up late to work...or, show up at all. Usually if we make a decision to be late or tardy in our work, consequences are paid and punishment is given. Well, in light of the unusual weather we are experiencing this time of year, I wondered if Mr. Winter would be disciplined for his lack of job appreciation. We all have a job to do and he's not doing his...and getting away with it. Just because no one is complaining doesn't make it right. So, I wondered what it would be like if the Four Seasons had a "Board of Seasons Directors" and they were to send a memo to "Old Man Winter."
So, here is my attempt at what I think a memo would look like coming from the Four Seasons Commissioner addressing his "tardiness":
Dear Mr. Old Man Winter,
The residents of the State of Michigan and those of the midwest region of the United States of America wanted to make sure you realized that the first offical day of Winter was December 22, 2006. Our records indicate that to this date, January 12, 2007, you have yet to make an appearance. We also wanted to make it a point that the first offical day of Spring is March 21, 2007. Just so there is no confusion in your job description, you may "show up" when you like, but you are to be terminated as of March 20, 2007. You are alloted a working time frame, not a total amount of time. That means, if you arrive later than expected, the days you were late do not get to roll over into the start of a new season, thus pushing back the start time of Spring. For example, if you do not deliver snow until March 1st, you don't get to deliver snow after March 20 so you can make up for lost time. There is to be no "catch up" period. You can come in on any weekend prior to that end date and play "catch up" but that is all. No overtime. No grace period. Nothing.
However, it should be noted that if you decide not to produce any snow, most of the customers will not complain. Lucky for you, you have that luxury. Summer, unfortunately, doesn't get away with 60 degree days in June or rainy days in July and August. That does cause for some stress with the other "guys" in the group.
We thank you for your cooperation in this Winter Schedule "Budget." Times are tough in our Four Season Economy, so please understand our concern. We do not want to upset the other deserving seasons of the same pleasures and opportunities. We want you to know that your services are important.
And finally, your services are needed most from December 20 to January 5 to cover the Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Because no snow was produced during that time for the Spirit of Christmas, sales were down and you will be put on a suspension. Because sales declined, we had to make cuts in the 2007 budget. You are losing 30 days of your Winter 2007 season. That will take in affect January 5, 2008 because of the required mandate to have snow on the ground over the 2007 Christmas vacation.
Sincerely,
Mr. Summer Time
Chairman of the Four Seasons
So, here is my attempt at what I think a memo would look like coming from the Four Seasons Commissioner addressing his "tardiness":
Dear Mr. Old Man Winter,
The residents of the State of Michigan and those of the midwest region of the United States of America wanted to make sure you realized that the first offical day of Winter was December 22, 2006. Our records indicate that to this date, January 12, 2007, you have yet to make an appearance. We also wanted to make it a point that the first offical day of Spring is March 21, 2007. Just so there is no confusion in your job description, you may "show up" when you like, but you are to be terminated as of March 20, 2007. You are alloted a working time frame, not a total amount of time. That means, if you arrive later than expected, the days you were late do not get to roll over into the start of a new season, thus pushing back the start time of Spring. For example, if you do not deliver snow until March 1st, you don't get to deliver snow after March 20 so you can make up for lost time. There is to be no "catch up" period. You can come in on any weekend prior to that end date and play "catch up" but that is all. No overtime. No grace period. Nothing.
However, it should be noted that if you decide not to produce any snow, most of the customers will not complain. Lucky for you, you have that luxury. Summer, unfortunately, doesn't get away with 60 degree days in June or rainy days in July and August. That does cause for some stress with the other "guys" in the group.
We thank you for your cooperation in this Winter Schedule "Budget." Times are tough in our Four Season Economy, so please understand our concern. We do not want to upset the other deserving seasons of the same pleasures and opportunities. We want you to know that your services are important.
And finally, your services are needed most from December 20 to January 5 to cover the Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Because no snow was produced during that time for the Spirit of Christmas, sales were down and you will be put on a suspension. Because sales declined, we had to make cuts in the 2007 budget. You are losing 30 days of your Winter 2007 season. That will take in affect January 5, 2008 because of the required mandate to have snow on the ground over the 2007 Christmas vacation.
Sincerely,
Mr. Summer Time
Chairman of the Four Seasons
Big Time Embarrassment
I don't know about anyone else, but I was embarrassed with the Big Ten in the college Bowl season. Things couldn't have started better: The Nittany Lions took care of business and then Wisconsin punched Arkansas in the mouth after everyone thought Florida's win over such a great Arkansas team earned them the right to the Championship game.
Then the wheels fell off. Purdue and Iowa lived up to their crappy playing all year. Minnesota decided to go Northwestern on Texas Tech (then again, was anyone surprised Texas Tech made that comeback?). Then Michigan left at halftime of the Rose Bowl to make it back in time for President Ford's funeral. Let me tell you, the funeral began after halftime. Thanks for putting the egg on my face for sticking up for Michigan.
Oh, and I can't forget the way Ohio State put the cherry on top of the Big Ten bowl display. How anti-Tressel of you. I know nobody is giving excuses, but something is probably going to change to eliminate 50 days of rest between huge games. Why is the Championship a week after all the other BCS games...on a school/work night? At least have it on Sunday so people on the west coast can be home in time for the game. Or a Saturday night so no one has to work the next day. I mean, if that game had actually been good or worth watching all the way till the end, like say, oh I don't know, Boise St. and Oklahoma, then the game would have finished well after 12:30 and people would have school or work the next day. Instead, everyone was able to go to be at 10:30 or halftime.
If they put off the Championship game any further, pitchers and catchers would be reporting to Spring Training. At least finish the Bowl season before the NFL playoffs. And, first and foremost, what are you doing sticking a GCRAP...errrr...GMAC bowl with Ohio after New Year's day? Stick that Toilet Bowl where it belongs...nowhere but in the regular season schedule.
Side note: That Boise State/Oklahoma game was UNBELIEVABLE!
Then the wheels fell off. Purdue and Iowa lived up to their crappy playing all year. Minnesota decided to go Northwestern on Texas Tech (then again, was anyone surprised Texas Tech made that comeback?). Then Michigan left at halftime of the Rose Bowl to make it back in time for President Ford's funeral. Let me tell you, the funeral began after halftime. Thanks for putting the egg on my face for sticking up for Michigan.
Oh, and I can't forget the way Ohio State put the cherry on top of the Big Ten bowl display. How anti-Tressel of you. I know nobody is giving excuses, but something is probably going to change to eliminate 50 days of rest between huge games. Why is the Championship a week after all the other BCS games...on a school/work night? At least have it on Sunday so people on the west coast can be home in time for the game. Or a Saturday night so no one has to work the next day. I mean, if that game had actually been good or worth watching all the way till the end, like say, oh I don't know, Boise St. and Oklahoma, then the game would have finished well after 12:30 and people would have school or work the next day. Instead, everyone was able to go to be at 10:30 or halftime.
If they put off the Championship game any further, pitchers and catchers would be reporting to Spring Training. At least finish the Bowl season before the NFL playoffs. And, first and foremost, what are you doing sticking a GCRAP...errrr...GMAC bowl with Ohio after New Year's day? Stick that Toilet Bowl where it belongs...nowhere but in the regular season schedule.
Side note: That Boise State/Oklahoma game was UNBELIEVABLE!
NFL Coaching Openings
According to Detroit Lions Insider Tom "The Killer" Kowalski, apparently Mike Martz interviewed on Wednesday with the Miami Dolphins owner. I guess the owner flew from 80 degrees Costa Rica and into 10 degrees Detroit to meet with Mike.
I don't know. I really don't think the Lions can afford to lose Mike. He needs to stay and I hope he does. If he goes, I think that is a blow below the belt to the Lions "O."
UPDATE: Mike Martz is rumored to be the top candidate for the Raiders job.
I don't know. I really don't think the Lions can afford to lose Mike. He needs to stay and I hope he does. If he goes, I think that is a blow below the belt to the Lions "O."
UPDATE: Mike Martz is rumored to be the top candidate for the Raiders job.
Future Hall of Fame
In the spirit of the class of '07 Baseball Hall of Fame, I wanted to throw out a question. In light of Cal Ripken, Jr. and Glenn Rice...errrr...Tony Gwynn setting the record for highest percentage of votes received out of a record 545 total ballots, I'm curious what future Hall of Famer will break that record. But first, I want to give a little background: Of the 545 votes, Cal received all but 8 votes and Tony 13. Okay...question: What in the world were those 8 and 13 people thinking not selecting Cal and Tony for the HOF? What more were you expecting out of them from their careers? Compared to the other people in the list of HOF candidates, what didn't they accomplish in order to be put on your ballot? I mean, we're talking about Cal freakin' Ripken and Tony Gwynn.
So, that leads me to my question. If Cal and Tony didn't earn every vote, and they did deserve every vote, then what future player could ever get a higher percentage and is there any that could get every vote?
I think a few things need to be covered first. One, you probably have the typical voter that has an ego or chip on his shoulder and his agenda is going to come across. Some might think you have to "pay your dues" and can't get elected the first year. Or, some might know the guy is going to get voted in anyway, so why not use my vote on a guy that will need some help getting votes. And I think that is valid. If Cal and Tony pick up 1070 votes, I can't imagine there are many votes left to be given to anyone else. It will also be more difficult to get the hightest percentage as more voters are added each year (226 votes in 1936 and 497 in 1999). And, of course, biasness. If the best player ever to play the game was from the Red Sox, you know a Yankee writer isn't going to vote for him.
Ok, so here is my list of guys I think should or could get every vote, if not set the record for highest percentage of votes received:
1. Derek Jeter
2. Roger Clemens
3. Greg Maddox
4. Alex Rodriquez
5. Albert Pujols
6. Mariano Rivera
7. Randy Johnson
Cal Ripken Jr. 537 votes 98.5%
Tony Gwynn 532 votes 97.6%
So, that leads me to my question. If Cal and Tony didn't earn every vote, and they did deserve every vote, then what future player could ever get a higher percentage and is there any that could get every vote?
I think a few things need to be covered first. One, you probably have the typical voter that has an ego or chip on his shoulder and his agenda is going to come across. Some might think you have to "pay your dues" and can't get elected the first year. Or, some might know the guy is going to get voted in anyway, so why not use my vote on a guy that will need some help getting votes. And I think that is valid. If Cal and Tony pick up 1070 votes, I can't imagine there are many votes left to be given to anyone else. It will also be more difficult to get the hightest percentage as more voters are added each year (226 votes in 1936 and 497 in 1999). And, of course, biasness. If the best player ever to play the game was from the Red Sox, you know a Yankee writer isn't going to vote for him.
Ok, so here is my list of guys I think should or could get every vote, if not set the record for highest percentage of votes received:
1. Derek Jeter
2. Roger Clemens
3. Greg Maddox
4. Alex Rodriquez
5. Albert Pujols
6. Mariano Rivera
7. Randy Johnson
Cal Ripken Jr. 537 votes 98.5%
Tony Gwynn 532 votes 97.6%
Monday, January 08, 2007
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Hatin'
Could Joe Buck and Troy Aikman be a little tougher on Eli Manning? Apparently, if a guy isn't all fired up on the field, like Jeremy Shockey, he must be a terrible player. And, yes, the resurrection of Jeff Garcia is pretty amazing, but give it a rest.
You have to...
...hand it to the Cowboys, they sure know how to lose in memorable fashion. Of course, you don't think a team that lost its last game to the Lions would actually win a playoff game, do you? Looks like it will be a very long offseason for Tony Romo, but at least he won't have to worry about holding for kicks anymore.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The Jaw
If you were going to design the prototype football coach, he'd probably look like Bill Cowher. With that jaw he just looked like a football coach. But, after 15 years as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cowher is resigning. He was the longest tenured current head coach and only the second Steelers' coach since 1969. Cowher says he's not "burned out" and may coach again in the future (he's only 49), but for now he wants to spend time with his family and watch basketball since two of his daughters play at Princeton. The Steelers will find another coach, but it will be a long time before anyone else but Cowher looks right standing on the sidelines.
Cow Run
So, you've always wanted to drive a cow in a video game, right? Well, when Wii Play, a collection of small games for the Wii similar to Wii Sports, comes out you'll get your chance with Cow Run. (From Joystiq)
Looks pretty silly, but I can't deny the that it would be fun for at least a little while.
Looks pretty silly, but I can't deny the that it would be fun for at least a little while.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
19
Steve Yzerman's number 19 was retired last night at Joe Louis Arena. Read the Detroit News' rundown of the event here. Many former players were in attendance, including Gordie Howe, Brett Hull, Larry Murphy, and even Vladimir Konstantinov. The event has also inspired the News to come up with a list by jersey number, 1-99, of the the greatest athletes in Michigan sports. Lots more if you follow the links.
Rise of the Silver Surfer
There's a trailer out for the new Fantastic Four movie, which you can check out here at the official site. My thoughts? I really like that almost the entire trailer is one scene from the movie. It does a much better job at getting me interested than the usual super-quick seizure-inducing cuts of various parts of the movie. The Thing still doesn't look right, Human Torch still looks good, and the Silver Surfer looks like, well, the Silver Surfer. He's not really that hard to get right if you don't try and change things too much. Just one question: Does this mean we get to see Galactus?
"Fundamentally Unbelievable"
Nick Saban has decided to leave the Miami Dolphins to coach the Alabama Crimson Tide. The coaching deal is for a guaranteed $32 million over eight years. Saban had repeatedly denied having any interest in the 'Bama job, many of which are recorded in the linked story. Pat Forde says Saban is a liar and "fundamentally unbelievable." Ouch. I don't understand leaving the NFL for college when you've been given everything you asked for in the NFL, but Saban must have found something that he wanted more back in college. I have to say I find this somewhat amusing. Every team that has lured Saban away with money and opportunity has had to be on the receiving end a few years later. I hope Alabama remembers that.
Congratulations...
...to Fritz for winning the 2006 Cass City Monkies Fantasy Football League with a decisive 197.80 to 128.80 victory over Schott. He also gets extra points for changing his team name to GOOD NIGHT NOW!!! with the victory. Ump comes in 3rd this season. I'll post more stats from this and previous seasons as I get the time.
FF Top Scorers '06
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. The highest team score in '04 was The Living Legend (Bader) with 206.95 pts. See the '05 data here.
Week 1
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 48.10 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 181.50 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 58.20 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 182.60 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Brett Favre, 51.50 pts
Top Team: SKAtomic Bomb, 148.70 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 55.50 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 199.00 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 51.50 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 168.80 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Marc Bulger, 52.00 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 217.00 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 58.10 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 201.20 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Tom Brady, 59.30 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 228.10 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Drew Brees, 50.30 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 184.40 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Steve McNair, 52.20 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 204.70 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Drew Brees, 57.00 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 212.30 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Tony Romo, 60.20 pts
Top Team: Time to lose again, 210.10 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Jeff Garcia, 50.40 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 165.60 pts
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Drew Brees, 67.80 pts*
Top Team: Battletoads, 232.40 pts*
Week 15
Top Player: Michael Vick, 53.30 pts
Top Team: Time to lose again, 202.40 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Marc Bulger, 65.50 pts
Top Team: GOOD NIGHT NOW!!!, 197.80 pts
All-Time
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 75.20 pts ('04)
Top Team: Battletoads (Stack, '06), 232.40 pts
Week 1
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 48.10 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 181.50 pts
Week 2
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 58.20 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 182.60 pts
Week 3
Top Player: Brett Favre, 51.50 pts
Top Team: SKAtomic Bomb, 148.70 pts
Week 4
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 55.50 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 199.00 pts
Week 5
Top Player: Donovan McNabb, 51.50 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 168.80 pts
Week 6
Top Player: Marc Bulger, 52.00 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 217.00 pts
Week 7
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 58.10 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 201.20 pts
Week 8
Top Player: Tom Brady, 59.30 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 228.10 pts
Week 9
Top Player: Drew Brees, 50.30 pts
Top Team: Pooper Scoopers, 184.40 pts
Week 10
Top Player: Steve McNair, 52.20 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 204.70 pts
Week 11
Top Player: Drew Brees, 57.00 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 212.30 pts
Week 12
Top Player: Tony Romo, 60.20 pts
Top Team: Time to lose again, 210.10 pts
Week 13
Top Player: Jeff Garcia, 50.40 pts
Top Team: All Night Long!, 165.60 pts
Playoffs
Week 14
Top Player: Drew Brees, 67.80 pts*
Top Team: Battletoads, 232.40 pts*
Week 15
Top Player: Michael Vick, 53.30 pts
Top Team: Time to lose again, 202.40 pts
Week 16
Top Player: Marc Bulger, 65.50 pts
Top Team: GOOD NIGHT NOW!!!, 197.80 pts
All-Time
Top Player: Peyton Manning, 75.20 pts ('04)
Top Team: Battletoads (Stack, '06), 232.40 pts
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Person of the Year
Time has selected their "Person of the Year." Who is it? Well, it's you, silly. And me. And those guys over there. Basically anyone who contributes to "user-generated internet content." Yeah, Time is actually that lame. Wouldn't want to have to make a hard choice, let's just make everyone feel good. You'd think they'd want to stir up some controversy to increase sales, but it appears not. The magazine will have a mirrored cover so you can see youself on it. Better be sure to pick one up. Your mom will be so proud.UPDATE: Jonah Goldberg has something to say about this and it's much more clever than what I wrote. Check it out.
RE: 1.3
Apparently I need to straighten some things out before I'm killed. The reference to Aaron's High School girlfriend on a scale of 1 to 10 was referring to a blond by the name of B. Dore. I'm being completely honest here, Jody didn't even pop into my head that people might have thought I was referring to her. Why? Because I never thought of Aaron and Jody as boyfriend/girlfriend in high school. I viewed them as already married.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Mass Effect Gameplay
Want to see more Mass Effect? Of course you do. Check out the new gameplay video here. It looks especially sweet in 720p, though lower resolutions are available. The highlights? Well, I don't know about you, but I really want to play with the shotgun that disintegrates your enemies. The All-Terrain Rover being dropped from your ship and making a rocket-assisted landing is pretty sweet too. Can't wait to play.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Old v New
The other day I was doing some Christmas shopping in Target (or maybe it was some other store) and I noticed a few basketballs stacked on top of each other in their cute little basketball boxes. I checked them out and they said they were the new NBA balls. I thought, "cool." This was the first time I've actually seen the ball and able to touch it since the NBA changed over to a new microfiber synthetic ball compared to the old leathery balls. Apparently the ball is too sticky when dry and too slippery when wet. It has even caused minor cuts to some guy named Steve Nash. But, what do we care about Canadians? Check out the full story here. Effective immediately Jan. 1, all teams will change back over to the old leather ball...if they still saved enough for team shoot arounds, practice, etc.
Even though, statistically speaking, there has been an improvement in shooting, scoring, and ball related turnovers, it appears the league is changing back because of player injuries caused by the ball. What? Is there small shards of glass in the channels?
What would it be like if the NFL all of a sudden changed to a new ball? Or hockey to a different puck? Or soccer to...wait, it wouldn't matter, it'd still be boring and no one would score.
Even though, statistically speaking, there has been an improvement in shooting, scoring, and ball related turnovers, it appears the league is changing back because of player injuries caused by the ball. What? Is there small shards of glass in the channels?
What would it be like if the NFL all of a sudden changed to a new ball? Or hockey to a different puck? Or soccer to...wait, it wouldn't matter, it'd still be boring and no one would score.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Vince Young
After his performance the last 8 games, and after his large contribution to my team in the fantasy playoffs, I'm one step closer to being a believer in Vince Young. I'm not sure he'll be better in the long run than Leinart, but I don't know that he'll be worse either. Rookie of the year? Probably oughta be.
Malarkey. Is that slang for bullspit?
I was subbing again on Friday, this time in Sandusky High School. The teacher was Mr. Kurt Wentzel. What does that matter? Well, in one of his classes for the day the class was supposed to watch "Band of Brothers." Again you say, what does that matter? Well, Mr. Wentzel's dad was part of Easy Company. He jumped in Normandy. Unfortunately he was wounded because of a machine gun shot to the leg. Eventually he had part of his leg amputated. I guess he was only there for D-1 or Dog 1 or something like that. Anyway, HBO flew the family to the Premiere five years ago.
Sorry, I tried to get a larger picture, but it wouldn't let me.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
1.3
This is a multiple choice question:
What does 1.3 represent?
A) Johan Santana's ERA
B) The TV ratings for John McEnroe's show
C) Aaron's high school girlfriend on a scale of 1-10
D) Rex Grossman's QB rating on Sunday
If you guessed C...you are wrong but dang that's funny. The correct answer is D. How much worse does he have to be before he gets benched? Is that a bad sign? That he won't be benched because there is only worse and worser on the bench. I'm sure Griese could do better.
Other fun stuff going on in the No Fun League:
The Colts just WR Ricky Proehl. Yeah, the 38 year old who "shinned" for the Arizona errrr...Phoenix Cardinals on the 1991 Nintendo game Tecmo Super Bowl.
John Mullin, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones needs 73 rushing yards to surpass former RB Anthony Thomas for fifth place on the club's all-time rushing list. I didn't even remember the A-Train playing for the Bears. How many yards did he actually get? 1000 yards? It can't be too high, then again, how low is it to only be the 5th highest in team HISTORY?
For those of you who didn't know, according to Article 6, Section 23, paragraph 7 of the Super Bowl rule qualifications, no one from the NFC North Division is allowed to participate in the Super Bowl. Because the North Division is the weakest conference, a team may qualify for the playoffs, but will not be considered a contestant in the Title Game. So, I guess the Bears shouldn't even bother entering the playoffs if they aren't allowed to advance to the Championship game. Because the Bears play in such a weak conference giving them a weak schedule, they have been discriminated against, even if they are the best team in the NFL. But, they couldn't possibly be considered the best team if they come from a weak conference.
There is an asterisk in paragraph 7 that states if an NFC North Division team does in fact advance through the playoffs to Super Sunday, a vote will be taken by all the assistant coaches, trainers, chaplins, mascots, and cheerleaders to determine what team from the AFC West conference should take their place to represent the NFC because the AFC West plays a tougher schedule than any other conference. Head coaches are not allowed a vote as it may be a conflict of interest.
If that selection causes the Super Bowl to be a rematch of a previous game in the playoffs, then another team must be chosen, as long as they are still from the AFC West because of division difficulty and superiority.
What does 1.3 represent?
A) Johan Santana's ERA
B) The TV ratings for John McEnroe's show
C) Aaron's high school girlfriend on a scale of 1-10
D) Rex Grossman's QB rating on Sunday
If you guessed C...you are wrong but dang that's funny. The correct answer is D. How much worse does he have to be before he gets benched? Is that a bad sign? That he won't be benched because there is only worse and worser on the bench. I'm sure Griese could do better.
Other fun stuff going on in the No Fun League:
The Colts just WR Ricky Proehl. Yeah, the 38 year old who "shinned" for the Arizona errrr...Phoenix Cardinals on the 1991 Nintendo game Tecmo Super Bowl.
John Mullin, of the Chicago Tribune, reports Chicago Bears RB Thomas Jones needs 73 rushing yards to surpass former RB Anthony Thomas for fifth place on the club's all-time rushing list. I didn't even remember the A-Train playing for the Bears. How many yards did he actually get? 1000 yards? It can't be too high, then again, how low is it to only be the 5th highest in team HISTORY?
For those of you who didn't know, according to Article 6, Section 23, paragraph 7 of the Super Bowl rule qualifications, no one from the NFC North Division is allowed to participate in the Super Bowl. Because the North Division is the weakest conference, a team may qualify for the playoffs, but will not be considered a contestant in the Title Game. So, I guess the Bears shouldn't even bother entering the playoffs if they aren't allowed to advance to the Championship game. Because the Bears play in such a weak conference giving them a weak schedule, they have been discriminated against, even if they are the best team in the NFL. But, they couldn't possibly be considered the best team if they come from a weak conference.
There is an asterisk in paragraph 7 that states if an NFC North Division team does in fact advance through the playoffs to Super Sunday, a vote will be taken by all the assistant coaches, trainers, chaplins, mascots, and cheerleaders to determine what team from the AFC West conference should take their place to represent the NFC because the AFC West plays a tougher schedule than any other conference. Head coaches are not allowed a vote as it may be a conflict of interest.
If that selection causes the Super Bowl to be a rematch of a previous game in the playoffs, then another team must be chosen, as long as they are still from the AFC West because of division difficulty and superiority.
This one's for all the marbles, boys
I don't know what any of you did tonight, but watching "Poolhall Junkies" on Spike TV was a good fix after screwing up a Pre-Calc test.
You watch those nature documentaries on the cable? You see the one about lions? You got this lion. He's the king of the jungle, huge mane out to here. He's laying under a tree, in the middle of Africa. He's so big, it's so hot. He doesn't want to move. Now the little lions come, they start messing with him. Biting his tail, biting his ears. He doesn't do anything. The lioness, she starts messing with him. Coming over, making trouble. Still nothing. Now the other animals, they notice this. They start to move in. The jackals; hyenas. They're barking at him, laughing at him. They nip his toes, and eat the food that's in his domain. They do this, then they get closer and closer, bolder and bolder. Till one day, that lion gets up and tears the crap out of everybody. Runs like the wind, eats everything in his path. Cause every once in a while, the lion has to show the jackals, who he is.
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