Well I already got two really good Birthday gifts last night thanks to the good people at Cincinnati and William and Mary. Nothing says Happy Birthday Bob like seeing both Uconn and Maryland lose on the same night. Truly special indeed.
I hope both Gary and Jim are forced to spend the next 72 hours in a shed outside of Lubbock, Texas.
It's taken me awhile but I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. A canine Ophthalmologist is where I need to be. I took Rocky to see one of those guys yesterday and they are just printing money over there boy. Quite impressive really.
Redmen Revenge: Last season's season ended in complete disaster and a large part of that involved St. John's. It's time to fix the wrongs of last season before the New Year begins. The key to the game is getting rebounds and not playing like a bunch of 8th grade girls that just got cut from their local CYO team.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
heavy dose of pirates and mountaineers
It's officially the best time of the sports calendar. The Big East season has begun and will continue to dominate my life until early March.
Seton Hall has had a killer start to their schedule. Two home games against top 10 teams in WVU and Syracuse. They took the Mountaineers into OT over the weekend and are currently giving Syracuse all they can handle right now. They are getting better. They really need to win this one. The first reason is because I hate Syracuse The second reason is because it's not a good idea to start 0-2 with both losses being at home.
I like they way they are attacking the zone with dribble penetration. Too often, I'm looking at you Georgetown, teams settle for bad shots against the zone. Guess what? That's what they want you to do dummy. They want you to just hoist crap 3's.
I didn't get to see much of the WVU-Marquette game but the score has me wondering what is going on with WVU? They have now survived two nail biters. Are they just starting the season slow or are they just now all that great? I thought Marquette was only dressing like 8 scholarship players. I don't like the idea of them being hard to beat again. Buzz is a horrible human being to look at and I wish him nothing but ill will. The also don't have a player taller than 6'8 on their roster anymore due to some injuries.
C'mon Seton Hall. You can do this!
Seton Hall has had a killer start to their schedule. Two home games against top 10 teams in WVU and Syracuse. They took the Mountaineers into OT over the weekend and are currently giving Syracuse all they can handle right now. They are getting better. They really need to win this one. The first reason is because I hate Syracuse The second reason is because it's not a good idea to start 0-2 with both losses being at home.
I like they way they are attacking the zone with dribble penetration. Too often, I'm looking at you Georgetown, teams settle for bad shots against the zone. Guess what? That's what they want you to do dummy. They want you to just hoist crap 3's.
I didn't get to see much of the WVU-Marquette game but the score has me wondering what is going on with WVU? They have now survived two nail biters. Are they just starting the season slow or are they just now all that great? I thought Marquette was only dressing like 8 scholarship players. I don't like the idea of them being hard to beat again. Buzz is a horrible human being to look at and I wish him nothing but ill will. The also don't have a player taller than 6'8 on their roster anymore due to some injuries.
C'mon Seton Hall. You can do this!
RFK with uprights - a new December tradition
Well if anybody ever asks me if I've been to a Bowl game, I can now answer "yes" without having to worry about my nose growing. So I've got that going for me. What I don't have going for me is feeling in my feet.
I figured I could get in for $10 and I was right. The secondary ticket market was kind of sparse this afternoon and the ones that were out there had an inflated outlook on their inventory. The first guy that asked how much I was looking to spend got visibly upset at my offer of $10. I then followed him with 4 other dudes to see what the talk was going to be about and he turned around and told me to, "Get the hell out of here. I didn't say you could come over here."
A minute later those same 4 dudes walked back over to where I was, laughing at the guy who wanted $45 a ticket. I mean you could still go to the RFK and get a ticket for $30. Once the guys in parachutes came down into the stadium with the game ball I kinda wanted to go in. I almost paid $20 because I was growing tired of dealing with those clowns only to find a family that was selling a ticket for $10.
Perfect.
Even better was the guy that didn't want my $20 a few minutes earlier then tried to break up my transaction and sell me a ticket. I said thanks for nothing and kept walking.
I actually had a great seat, 132 row 9, but I never went there to stand. I stood in 236, behind La Norte, and on the Quiet side. The CSC didn't give a you know what about where you wanted to go. It was kind of cold. And they kind of suck.
I was pulling for UCLA because all of the Temple fans were wearing tons of Eagles gear. I hate the Eagles.
Offensively Temple does one of the most annoying things I've seen. They rush to the line of scrimmage and then they all get up and look over at the sidelines for instructions. It got old the 2nd time they did it.
UCLA couldn't run the ball and looked as if they didn't want to be on the East Coast for the first time since 1998. But then I guess they figured that it would be kind of embarrassing to give Temple their first bowl win since the 1979 Garden State Bowl. The smart money is that the EagleBank Bowl goes the way of the Garden Classic in the not so distant future.
I left when Temple snapped a ball over the punter's head for a safety to make the score 30-21 with 4 minutes left and then DIDN'T kick an onside kick.
Well I had no idea that I would go to both a Temple football and basketball game this year but I did. Making it even more unlikely is the fact that both games started during the 4 o'clock hour in the middle of the week.
I won't be going to this particular bowl game again. Well probably not.
I figured I could get in for $10 and I was right. The secondary ticket market was kind of sparse this afternoon and the ones that were out there had an inflated outlook on their inventory. The first guy that asked how much I was looking to spend got visibly upset at my offer of $10. I then followed him with 4 other dudes to see what the talk was going to be about and he turned around and told me to, "Get the hell out of here. I didn't say you could come over here."
A minute later those same 4 dudes walked back over to where I was, laughing at the guy who wanted $45 a ticket. I mean you could still go to the RFK and get a ticket for $30. Once the guys in parachutes came down into the stadium with the game ball I kinda wanted to go in. I almost paid $20 because I was growing tired of dealing with those clowns only to find a family that was selling a ticket for $10.
Perfect.
Even better was the guy that didn't want my $20 a few minutes earlier then tried to break up my transaction and sell me a ticket. I said thanks for nothing and kept walking.
I actually had a great seat, 132 row 9, but I never went there to stand. I stood in 236, behind La Norte, and on the Quiet side. The CSC didn't give a you know what about where you wanted to go. It was kind of cold. And they kind of suck.
I was pulling for UCLA because all of the Temple fans were wearing tons of Eagles gear. I hate the Eagles.
Offensively Temple does one of the most annoying things I've seen. They rush to the line of scrimmage and then they all get up and look over at the sidelines for instructions. It got old the 2nd time they did it.
UCLA couldn't run the ball and looked as if they didn't want to be on the East Coast for the first time since 1998. But then I guess they figured that it would be kind of embarrassing to give Temple their first bowl win since the 1979 Garden State Bowl. The smart money is that the EagleBank Bowl goes the way of the Garden Classic in the not so distant future.
I left when Temple snapped a ball over the punter's head for a safety to make the score 30-21 with 4 minutes left and then DIDN'T kick an onside kick.
Well I had no idea that I would go to both a Temple football and basketball game this year but I did. Making it even more unlikely is the fact that both games started during the 4 o'clock hour in the middle of the week.
I won't be going to this particular bowl game again. Well probably not.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
whatever happened to flex scheduling?
I thought the NFL and NBC could switch out crap games towards the end of the season and replace them with games that mattered. It's hard to believe that the 'Skins are on national TV two straight weeks with such a poor record.
Why are people booing Suisham? It's not like he left the 'Skins for more money or something. They cut him. That's fired to you and me. So he didn't have a job. He got another one. Get a life losers.
Speaking of getting a life, why am I watching this junk? I don't think I've had any fun so far tonight watching this 3-downs-and-punt disaster.
Ok I just had fun. Romo completed a pass across the middle to end he half without getting a chance for a field goal attempt from Johnny Boo Bird.
Colts: I think they made a big mistake today. Everything in life is a habit. Winning is a habit. Losing is a habit. It's really hard to just turn things on and off. So the Colts turned it off today and won't have to turn it back on until January 17th. That sounds like a long time to me. A long time to pick up bad habits.
Why are people booing Suisham? It's not like he left the 'Skins for more money or something. They cut him. That's fired to you and me. So he didn't have a job. He got another one. Get a life losers.
Speaking of getting a life, why am I watching this junk? I don't think I've had any fun so far tonight watching this 3-downs-and-punt disaster.
Ok I just had fun. Romo completed a pass across the middle to end he half without getting a chance for a field goal attempt from Johnny Boo Bird.
Colts: I think they made a big mistake today. Everything in life is a habit. Winning is a habit. Losing is a habit. It's really hard to just turn things on and off. So the Colts turned it off today and won't have to turn it back on until January 17th. That sounds like a long time to me. A long time to pick up bad habits.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
the first cut is the deepest
There are a lot of things in this world that I will never understand. For example I don't really understand how an airplane works. I'm also impressed that somebody figured out how to make it so that you can point a camera and take a picture. And it works. Bravo my man.
But those things don't really bother me right now. What does bother me, right now at least. is why in the world can't Georgetown beat Old Dominion in it's on campus arena.
WTF is up with that?
You know to make matters worse, it's not just that they always lose this game, but I also end up having a horrible day in the process. Today's disastrous menu involved my 4WD failing me, the shop not being able to fix it, and me walking home in 3 miles of snow.
Unreal.
It's also worth pointing out that I have "Where have all the Cowboys Gone" by Paula Cole stuck in my head. Don't ask. I probably haven't even heard that song since the 90's but it's taking up valuable space in my head.
They Hoyas gave up 6 real quick and easy points and never recovered. They were passing to each other all night long as if they had some horrible team related Secret Santa incident. Did Clark get Monroe a right handed catcher's mitt? Did Freeman get Vaughn an FSU hat?
It's hard to win when you give the other team tons of open looks from 3 and then on the other end just throw the ball out of bounds all the time.
Well instead of going over everything I'll just say that it was highly unlikely that they would have gone through the pre-Big East season without a loss. It just sorta sucks that it was to an inferior team. I'd like to think that Harvard won't be able to surprise them but we will just have to wait until Wednesday at High Noon. That's a pretty normal time for a game on a Wednesday.
But those things don't really bother me right now. What does bother me, right now at least. is why in the world can't Georgetown beat Old Dominion in it's on campus arena.
WTF is up with that?
You know to make matters worse, it's not just that they always lose this game, but I also end up having a horrible day in the process. Today's disastrous menu involved my 4WD failing me, the shop not being able to fix it, and me walking home in 3 miles of snow.
Unreal.
It's also worth pointing out that I have "Where have all the Cowboys Gone" by Paula Cole stuck in my head. Don't ask. I probably haven't even heard that song since the 90's but it's taking up valuable space in my head.
They Hoyas gave up 6 real quick and easy points and never recovered. They were passing to each other all night long as if they had some horrible team related Secret Santa incident. Did Clark get Monroe a right handed catcher's mitt? Did Freeman get Vaughn an FSU hat?
It's hard to win when you give the other team tons of open looks from 3 and then on the other end just throw the ball out of bounds all the time.
Well instead of going over everything I'll just say that it was highly unlikely that they would have gone through the pre-Big East season without a loss. It just sorta sucks that it was to an inferior team. I'd like to think that Harvard won't be able to surprise them but we will just have to wait until Wednesday at High Noon. That's a pretty normal time for a game on a Wednesday.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
vacation day 2 - dumb has left the building
I was a big fan of referring to Danny and Vinny as Dumb and Dumber. Danny is obviously Dumber because he has no football success to speak of besides a possible Pop Warner participation ribbon. Believe it or not but Vinny has been apart of both National Championship and Super Bowl winning teams.
I'm glad that they hired a GM rather than going for the combo guy. I'm also glad that Joe Gibbs wasn't hired to be the GM. I love the guy as a coach but picking players didn't prove to be one of his stronger qualities during his second go-around.
Is it really going to snow this weekend? I doubt it will be anywhere near as bad as some weather nuts would have you believe. Either way I will somehow get down to campus for the Georgetown - Old Dominion contest. If I miss the game it will be because I'm stranded on I-66 and not because I decided that the safe play was to just watch it at home. I'm pretty sure my satellite will go out anyway so what's the difference.
Do you think Lane Kiffin has already put in a call to Hayden Wright? Wright, the Tennessee native, sounds like somebody who will eventually suit up for the Vols on Saturdays in the Fall. Seriously I can't believe that this 4-year-old is already drinking/stealing/and getting into trouble at 2am. Somebody is finally giving Tiger a run for his money.
All of this talk about Tiger going on a leave of absence during the "dead" period in golf is very similar to Bob Huggins suspending one of his players all summer for stealing something or beating up a cop. It's complete garbage and a total non story. Look he wasn't gonna really play until Augusta in April so let's stop worrying about how golf will survive without him.
I'm glad that they hired a GM rather than going for the combo guy. I'm also glad that Joe Gibbs wasn't hired to be the GM. I love the guy as a coach but picking players didn't prove to be one of his stronger qualities during his second go-around.
Is it really going to snow this weekend? I doubt it will be anywhere near as bad as some weather nuts would have you believe. Either way I will somehow get down to campus for the Georgetown - Old Dominion contest. If I miss the game it will be because I'm stranded on I-66 and not because I decided that the safe play was to just watch it at home. I'm pretty sure my satellite will go out anyway so what's the difference.
Do you think Lane Kiffin has already put in a call to Hayden Wright? Wright, the Tennessee native, sounds like somebody who will eventually suit up for the Vols on Saturdays in the Fall. Seriously I can't believe that this 4-year-old is already drinking/stealing/and getting into trouble at 2am. Somebody is finally giving Tiger a run for his money.
All of this talk about Tiger going on a leave of absence during the "dead" period in golf is very similar to Bob Huggins suspending one of his players all summer for stealing something or beating up a cop. It's complete garbage and a total non story. Look he wasn't gonna really play until Augusta in April so let's stop worrying about how golf will survive without him.
Vinny Cerrato quit... ding dong the witch is dead
So you are telling me that there's a chance? I really thought it might take another 10 years for this to happen. Now before we all go insane with jubilation, let's remember that the last time he left the 'Skins he returned a year later. That can't happen again. Obviously to me and you, but what about Danny boy?
What has to happen next?
Snyder has to hire a GM and let that GM hire a coach. The list of men that can do both succesfully is a really short one.
I could really get used to having something awesome happen during each of my off days.
Maybe tomorrow Clinton Portis will stop crying to reporters about fans not liking him anymore.
Stay tuned
What has to happen next?
Snyder has to hire a GM and let that GM hire a coach. The list of men that can do both succesfully is a really short one.
I could really get used to having something awesome happen during each of my off days.
Maybe tomorrow Clinton Portis will stop crying to reporters about fans not liking him anymore.
Stay tuned
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
vacation day 1
So yeah. I'm off until Jan 4th. I had hours to burn and today I started to feel that burn. Hurt so good would be an accurate way to describe it.
It's been a busy day. Took Rocky to the vet - he's got an ulcer on his eye. Having an ulcer on your eye must really hurt because Rocky was on his worst behavior for Dr. Whatever her- name-was today. I really think I should get 10% off my bill if I had to wrestle him to the ground and pin him during the visit. Just sayin'.
What else did I do? I tried to loosen up and strengthen my left shoulder. I'm still not able to take Combat or Pump so that sucks.
I crossed off some of the names on my Christmas List. The older I get the more I realize how stupid it is to wait until Dec 24th. Just another one of those things that used to be a good idea.
(Update: it also seems as though having an ulcer on your eye gives you gas.)
I took down some more wallpaper that was still up on a few walls in the house. It's really easy when it all comes up at once. It's really annoying when it doesn't.
Thompson talked about how great Chris Wright is playing today on his radio show. Who cares you say? Well obviously I do but I'll tell you why it made me take notice.
1. JT2 hates to give the Hoyas any sort of praise. If anything he just loves to talk about how bad they are playing at any given time.
2. I have had the feeling that since he scored 18 vs Mount Saint Mary's, Chris was trying too hard to do the right thing. I mean he's thinking more than he's playing.
Ok I have to go and finish watching the last game again. I'm going to attempt to see with my untrained eye what JT2 is seeing.
It's been a busy day. Took Rocky to the vet - he's got an ulcer on his eye. Having an ulcer on your eye must really hurt because Rocky was on his worst behavior for Dr. Whatever her- name-was today. I really think I should get 10% off my bill if I had to wrestle him to the ground and pin him during the visit. Just sayin'.
What else did I do? I tried to loosen up and strengthen my left shoulder. I'm still not able to take Combat or Pump so that sucks.
I crossed off some of the names on my Christmas List. The older I get the more I realize how stupid it is to wait until Dec 24th. Just another one of those things that used to be a good idea.
(Update: it also seems as though having an ulcer on your eye gives you gas.)
I took down some more wallpaper that was still up on a few walls in the house. It's really easy when it all comes up at once. It's really annoying when it doesn't.
Thompson talked about how great Chris Wright is playing today on his radio show. Who cares you say? Well obviously I do but I'll tell you why it made me take notice.
1. JT2 hates to give the Hoyas any sort of praise. If anything he just loves to talk about how bad they are playing at any given time.
2. I have had the feeling that since he scored 18 vs Mount Saint Mary's, Chris was trying too hard to do the right thing. I mean he's thinking more than he's playing.
Ok I have to go and finish watching the last game again. I'm going to attempt to see with my untrained eye what JT2 is seeing.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
what up VERN? oh hi Kelly
Hello Mr. Macklin - Right now I'm trying to watch the Syracuse game and I can't. It's not that I have to do something else, it's that I physically become ill when I watch the Orange. The game is going just about as you would figure. Former Hoya and current Gator Vernon Macklin looks about the same as the last time I saw him play. He really gets pushed around too much for a low post player. More simply put, He's just not that great. That being said, I'd like it if here providing senior depth for the Blue and Gray.
As far as the actual vomit inducing game, Florida isn't ready for this zone and just insists on throwing horrible passes. I'd be stunned if they were able to beat SUcks tonight.
Irish - So last night Notre Dame announced that Rob Ianello was leaving to take the head coaching job at Akron. At first glance that doesn't seem like a big deal right? Well Rob has been in charge of the ND program since Weis got canned. I really didn't think he would leave until they found a full-time replacement.
Well they did. It's the guy everybody said it would be. I'm not that impressed. I hope I'm wrong. I've been wrong about this sort of thing before and I'm sure I'll be wrong again. That being said, I felt like unless they got one of Stoops-Meyer-Saban, why even make a change.
The one immediate positive that I can point to is that they hired a man with very good head coaching experience. Two out of their last three hires had NO head coaching experience and the other guy was basically a .500 coach.
It must be weird to be a player on Cincinnati, a team that is undefeated going into their BCS bowl game, and seeing your coach say "Later Brah" at your awards banquet.
Yikes.
As far as the actual vomit inducing game, Florida isn't ready for this zone and just insists on throwing horrible passes. I'd be stunned if they were able to beat SUcks tonight.
Irish - So last night Notre Dame announced that Rob Ianello was leaving to take the head coaching job at Akron. At first glance that doesn't seem like a big deal right? Well Rob has been in charge of the ND program since Weis got canned. I really didn't think he would leave until they found a full-time replacement.
Well they did. It's the guy everybody said it would be. I'm not that impressed. I hope I'm wrong. I've been wrong about this sort of thing before and I'm sure I'll be wrong again. That being said, I felt like unless they got one of Stoops-Meyer-Saban, why even make a change.
The one immediate positive that I can point to is that they hired a man with very good head coaching experience. Two out of their last three hires had NO head coaching experience and the other guy was basically a .500 coach.
It must be weird to be a player on Cincinnati, a team that is undefeated going into their BCS bowl game, and seeing your coach say "Later Brah" at your awards banquet.
Yikes.
Friday, December 4, 2009
the draw is kinda important
Look I know that even with a "favorable" draw, the US still wouldn't be a safe bet to go through to the knockout stage.
But it couldn't hurt.
It would be great not to have all hopes of advancing dashed away this afternoon during ESPN's 3 hour selection show. I'm pretty sure that they could draw the teams in 3 minutes and still have 1 minute leftover to complain about those noisemakers the Bafana Bafana love so much.
Here's my draw:
USA
Italy
Portugal
Chile
Not so great. Not so bad.
Look you never know. It didn't look so great in 2002 when the draw included one of the hosts (who always go through), a tournament favorite, and another European side.
I think they key will be drawing either Italy or South Africa (duh) from Pot A.
But it couldn't hurt.
It would be great not to have all hopes of advancing dashed away this afternoon during ESPN's 3 hour selection show. I'm pretty sure that they could draw the teams in 3 minutes and still have 1 minute leftover to complain about those noisemakers the Bafana Bafana love so much.
Here's my draw:
USA
Italy
Portugal
Chile
Not so great. Not so bad.
Look you never know. It didn't look so great in 2002 when the draw included one of the hosts (who always go through), a tournament favorite, and another European side.
I think they key will be drawing either Italy or South Africa (duh) from Pot A.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
nice try farmer
I figured that my worst case sports scenario of the day would have been Delaware somehow beating Navy. I mean that would have been pretty embarrassing really when you consider that Notre Dame lost to the Midshipmen last weekend.
Yeah I was way off on that one.
As it turns out, worst case sports scenario was losing Robin Van Persie for an extended period of time. Did I mention that he was playing in a meaningless "Friendly"? Well I should have. Friendly? What a miserable way to describe a game where the object is to win.
Speaking of international games, the US lost to Slovakia this morning. Slovakia got the win under their coach, Coach Weiss. I couldn't help but think that it would be the only game I watched all day where somebody named Weiss, or Weis, would get the win. I was right.
ND: I'd like to thank Charlie. He's leaving the team in better shape then he found them. But it's a "gots to go" situation. He's in waaaay over his head and it's becoming toxic. It's unbelievable just how bad the offensive line is against mostly minimal pass rushes. I don't really even blame him. I blame the people who hired him.
South Bend isn't the place where you should be learning how to be a head coach.
OMG is it Tuesday yet?
Yeah I was way off on that one.
As it turns out, worst case sports scenario was losing Robin Van Persie for an extended period of time. Did I mention that he was playing in a meaningless "Friendly"? Well I should have. Friendly? What a miserable way to describe a game where the object is to win.
Speaking of international games, the US lost to Slovakia this morning. Slovakia got the win under their coach, Coach Weiss. I couldn't help but think that it would be the only game I watched all day where somebody named Weiss, or Weis, would get the win. I was right.
ND: I'd like to thank Charlie. He's leaving the team in better shape then he found them. But it's a "gots to go" situation. He's in waaaay over his head and it's becoming toxic. It's unbelievable just how bad the offensive line is against mostly minimal pass rushes. I don't really even blame him. I blame the people who hired him.
South Bend isn't the place where you should be learning how to be a head coach.
OMG is it Tuesday yet?
Friday, November 13, 2009
what to look for...
The first thing you want to look for in the Georgetown box score is the assist to made shots ratio. It was very nice tonight. 17 assists on 28 made shots. That is strong.
The 2nd thing you want to look at is the field goal percentage. Tonight it was 53%. That's a good number. If the first number you looked at was strong, it's very likely that the 2nd is strong. It was.
If you find yourself with 1st and 2nd numbers that don't really correlate, the answer can most likely be seen in the third column. So go ahead and check out how many 3 pointers the guys took. If they took a bunch of bad shots from downtown, it will throw off the overall field goal percentage even if the assist to made shots ratio is nice.
Disclaimer...you can throw everything out the window if they rebound like a girls jv team. And that was a major problem last year.
The 2nd thing you want to look at is the field goal percentage. Tonight it was 53%. That's a good number. If the first number you looked at was strong, it's very likely that the 2nd is strong. It was.
If you find yourself with 1st and 2nd numbers that don't really correlate, the answer can most likely be seen in the third column. So go ahead and check out how many 3 pointers the guys took. If they took a bunch of bad shots from downtown, it will throw off the overall field goal percentage even if the assist to made shots ratio is nice.
Disclaimer...you can throw everything out the window if they rebound like a girls jv team. And that was a major problem last year.
straight cash right out of the gate
College Basketball in early November will never be confused with a well-oiled machine.
Take tonight's Georgetown at Tulane contest as an example.
Remember how I said that for $9.95/month you could sign up for Tulane Green Wave TV and watch tonight's game? Yeah that was completely bogus. Fortunately for me I didn't sign up. But a bunch of people from the Hoya Talk board did.
Dagger.
Now they are stuck with a bunch of garbage video that they will never, ever watch.
The game was supposed to tip at 9pm tonight. Yeah go ahead and make that 930pm. Apparently the women's game went late.
Channelsurfing.net had the game available on their menu. Yeah that didn't work until the 2nd half. So even though it's the year 2009, you had a ranked team playing in a game that was only available via the AM radio dial.
Awesome.
Of course it did actually start working right before the half-time break.
Did I mention that twitter was way ahead of the video? Well it was. Not that money really.
All in all it's ok, college basketball. I missed you so much I can overlook your faults. Well at least for tonight anyway.
See you Tuesday at 230 in the Acela Club.
Take tonight's Georgetown at Tulane contest as an example.
Remember how I said that for $9.95/month you could sign up for Tulane Green Wave TV and watch tonight's game? Yeah that was completely bogus. Fortunately for me I didn't sign up. But a bunch of people from the Hoya Talk board did.
Dagger.
Now they are stuck with a bunch of garbage video that they will never, ever watch.
The game was supposed to tip at 9pm tonight. Yeah go ahead and make that 930pm. Apparently the women's game went late.
Channelsurfing.net had the game available on their menu. Yeah that didn't work until the 2nd half. So even though it's the year 2009, you had a ranked team playing in a game that was only available via the AM radio dial.
Awesome.
Of course it did actually start working right before the half-time break.
Did I mention that twitter was way ahead of the video? Well it was. Not that money really.
All in all it's ok, college basketball. I missed you so much I can overlook your faults. Well at least for tonight anyway.
See you Tuesday at 230 in the Acela Club.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
i dare you to not buy that
You know what's awesome? New beer.
You know what's not awesome? Warm new beer.
Ok so today I just couldn't walk by the Mad Elf Ale without buying it. It was physically impossible to do. Of course now I find myself just meandering around the kitchen taking it out of the refrigerator every 5 minutes or so and wondering to myself, "Is this what it normally feels like when it's cold enough to drink"?
It would probably be cold enough by now if I didn't keep doing that.
Thanks to Whole Foods for stocking so much Mad Elf at room temperature. I really appreciate it.
Did I mention it was 11%? Yeah. Well it is.
So the Hoyas open up tomorrow in Greg Monroe's hometown of New Orleans. It's such a big game that it's only being carried live on Tulane's website. Looks like you have to sign up for a month at $9.95. Sweet. If I had to guess, I would guess that I'll forget to cancel and just end up paying for about 5 months of Green Wave action.
I'm sure I will have the will power to just listen on the radio.
You know what's not awesome? Warm new beer.
Ok so today I just couldn't walk by the Mad Elf Ale without buying it. It was physically impossible to do. Of course now I find myself just meandering around the kitchen taking it out of the refrigerator every 5 minutes or so and wondering to myself, "Is this what it normally feels like when it's cold enough to drink"?
It would probably be cold enough by now if I didn't keep doing that.
Thanks to Whole Foods for stocking so much Mad Elf at room temperature. I really appreciate it.
Did I mention it was 11%? Yeah. Well it is.
So the Hoyas open up tomorrow in Greg Monroe's hometown of New Orleans. It's such a big game that it's only being carried live on Tulane's website. Looks like you have to sign up for a month at $9.95. Sweet. If I had to guess, I would guess that I'll forget to cancel and just end up paying for about 5 months of Green Wave action.
I'm sure I will have the will power to just listen on the radio.
Monday, October 5, 2009
goodbye to the SS2 for now...
27 days.
It felt like 270.
But after 27 days I'm out of the sling, or should I say the Sling Shot 2. I'd hate to see the older version.
My shoulder feels a lot better than it did last week, the week before, blah blah blah, but I'm still no where near where I need to be. They said I could drive, which I did after my appointment, but I'm not sure how "safe" I would call it. I mean I didn't use my left arm at all. Which meant I couldn't really use a turn signal. I guess it probably made me just blend in better with all the other incompetent drivers out there.
***So the Redskins won. They beat, in my opinion at least, the worst team in the NFL. At home. By 3 points. Not exactly awe inspiring stuff. It's amazing how. I'm glad that I have DirecTV coming soon. I need the ability to flip to other games.
***Shayne Graham ruined my day yesterday. I root for 3 things to happen each year.
The Redskins to win the Super Bowl.
A team to go 0-16.
A game to end in a tie.
Last year was incredible in that you had 2 of those things happen. The Bengals came dangerously close to going back to back years with a draw on their resume until a guy I went to camps with growing up just snuck one through the posts.
***This Vikings v Packers game is pretty entertaining. I hadn't watched a minute of MNF until tonight. For all the talk about Favre, the one thing that never made sense was why he "retired" two years ago. At that time he seemed as though he could go another 5 years and he still looks like that tonight.
ESPN has show a bunch of his throws from a camera hanging above his head so you can see what he sees when he releases the ball. Do you understand how sick you have to be to in order to make those throws? It's insane brah.
It felt like 270.
But after 27 days I'm out of the sling, or should I say the Sling Shot 2. I'd hate to see the older version.
My shoulder feels a lot better than it did last week, the week before, blah blah blah, but I'm still no where near where I need to be. They said I could drive, which I did after my appointment, but I'm not sure how "safe" I would call it. I mean I didn't use my left arm at all. Which meant I couldn't really use a turn signal. I guess it probably made me just blend in better with all the other incompetent drivers out there.
***So the Redskins won. They beat, in my opinion at least, the worst team in the NFL. At home. By 3 points. Not exactly awe inspiring stuff. It's amazing how. I'm glad that I have DirecTV coming soon. I need the ability to flip to other games.
***Shayne Graham ruined my day yesterday. I root for 3 things to happen each year.
The Redskins to win the Super Bowl.
A team to go 0-16.
A game to end in a tie.
Last year was incredible in that you had 2 of those things happen. The Bengals came dangerously close to going back to back years with a draw on their resume until a guy I went to camps with growing up just snuck one through the posts.
***This Vikings v Packers game is pretty entertaining. I hadn't watched a minute of MNF until tonight. For all the talk about Favre, the one thing that never made sense was why he "retired" two years ago. At that time he seemed as though he could go another 5 years and he still looks like that tonight.
ESPN has show a bunch of his throws from a camera hanging above his head so you can see what he sees when he releases the ball. Do you understand how sick you have to be to in order to make those throws? It's insane brah.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
living on a prayer
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.
I'm obviously describing Notre Dame's defensive performance today. I mean they had 3 goal line stands but also gave up 30 points at home, including a last second field goal to force overtime. It sucks when you know that the other team has way too much time to score before the final whistle is blown. It sucks even more when you feel that way with only 60 seconds left.
Hey. 5 field goals? seriously?
It shouldn't be this stressful to watch college football on Saturday afternoons.
Hey does anybody else just love those Mums in between the 20's?
***Ok so I have Direct Kick, which is basically a season pass to almost every out of market MLS game. I think there are literally dozens of people across the country that have this sports package.
My complaint is that they are blacking out the DC United v Chivas game right now.
That sucks. What sucks is that I can't watch it Live because it's on delay locally because of the Caps.
Yeah I get it. All of a sudden everybody is a Caps fan. Rock the Red. blah blah blah. Look I like the Caps. If I see their score flash across the bottom of my screen I'd rather they be highlighted in yellow as opposed to being in white but can't VS pick up tonight's game.
Quick check. VS is playing Oregon State v Arizona State.
Man some of these Direct Kick games tonight are extra grainy. I mean we are taking Setanta bad. It's like a bootleg of a bootleg to watch Columbus v Seattle.
Uh oh!
Goal for the Sounders. Not so great.
until next time
I'm obviously describing Notre Dame's defensive performance today. I mean they had 3 goal line stands but also gave up 30 points at home, including a last second field goal to force overtime. It sucks when you know that the other team has way too much time to score before the final whistle is blown. It sucks even more when you feel that way with only 60 seconds left.
Hey. 5 field goals? seriously?
It shouldn't be this stressful to watch college football on Saturday afternoons.
Hey does anybody else just love those Mums in between the 20's?
***Ok so I have Direct Kick, which is basically a season pass to almost every out of market MLS game. I think there are literally dozens of people across the country that have this sports package.
My complaint is that they are blacking out the DC United v Chivas game right now.
That sucks. What sucks is that I can't watch it Live because it's on delay locally because of the Caps.
Yeah I get it. All of a sudden everybody is a Caps fan. Rock the Red. blah blah blah. Look I like the Caps. If I see their score flash across the bottom of my screen I'd rather they be highlighted in yellow as opposed to being in white but can't VS pick up tonight's game.
Quick check. VS is playing Oregon State v Arizona State.
Man some of these Direct Kick games tonight are extra grainy. I mean we are taking Setanta bad. It's like a bootleg of a bootleg to watch Columbus v Seattle.
Uh oh!
Goal for the Sounders. Not so great.
until next time
espn2 live from fountain head
I watched some of ESPN2's fine Fishing programming this morning and I couldn't help but to be jealous. These guys go fishing, and, get this, they catch fish. Not just a fish or two, but a fish or two every 5 minutes.
Unbelievable.
I'd love to see them shoot one of these episodes at Fountain Head Reservoir with me and my friends. Now that would make some killer TV. It's about time America sees what really happens on the water.
Even more random stuff:
***Who are these people that gather for the Olympic announcements? I had no idea it was such a big deal. I mean it was absolute pandemonium when that nerd came out and read the card that said Rio de Janiero.
The only thing that would get me that excited is if the card had read Kings Park 2016.
***So yesterday was the last day I had to make my required seat donation in order to retain my seats at the Verizon Center for Georgetown games. I, of course, waited until the last day to fork over what might as well be a King's ransom.
I was surprised at how difficult it was to give them my money. It seemed simple enough really. Just go to the website and click a few buttons. Well I was able to successfully navigate through to the very end until the "Error" message popped up.
Awesome.
Ok no problem. Just call them up. Strike two. I keep getting this one guy's voice mail. The best part was that even though I was calling once every 15 minutes, his voice mail message kept fooling me to thinking that he had answered my call. Very clever, and, at the same time, very cruel.
I started to think about the horror that would be me without my seats of the last 6 seasons when I got a call back.
Phew.
I'm sure the problem was that too many dummies, like myself, just had to wait until the very last day to do what they could have done 2 months ago. Chalk another one up for Team Procrastination.
***Today's EPL games aren't that great. Obvious problem is that Arsenal doesn't play until tomorrow. Chelsea v Liverpool is also tomrrow. Aston Villa v Man City is, I think, Monday. Man Utd plays today but they are so boring and will just 10 minutes extra time if they are losing or tied so what's the point of watching that?
Unbelievable.
I'd love to see them shoot one of these episodes at Fountain Head Reservoir with me and my friends. Now that would make some killer TV. It's about time America sees what really happens on the water.
Even more random stuff:
***Who are these people that gather for the Olympic announcements? I had no idea it was such a big deal. I mean it was absolute pandemonium when that nerd came out and read the card that said Rio de Janiero.
The only thing that would get me that excited is if the card had read Kings Park 2016.
***So yesterday was the last day I had to make my required seat donation in order to retain my seats at the Verizon Center for Georgetown games. I, of course, waited until the last day to fork over what might as well be a King's ransom.
I was surprised at how difficult it was to give them my money. It seemed simple enough really. Just go to the website and click a few buttons. Well I was able to successfully navigate through to the very end until the "Error" message popped up.
Awesome.
Ok no problem. Just call them up. Strike two. I keep getting this one guy's voice mail. The best part was that even though I was calling once every 15 minutes, his voice mail message kept fooling me to thinking that he had answered my call. Very clever, and, at the same time, very cruel.
I started to think about the horror that would be me without my seats of the last 6 seasons when I got a call back.
Phew.
I'm sure the problem was that too many dummies, like myself, just had to wait until the very last day to do what they could have done 2 months ago. Chalk another one up for Team Procrastination.
***Today's EPL games aren't that great. Obvious problem is that Arsenal doesn't play until tomorrow. Chelsea v Liverpool is also tomrrow. Aston Villa v Man City is, I think, Monday. Man Utd plays today but they are so boring and will just 10 minutes extra time if they are losing or tied so what's the point of watching that?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
college football 9/26 - who are you?
Excuse me if I sound punch drunk but I've been watching sports since before 7am when I rolled over and turned out the Zenit v CSKA Moscow game.
Even though there's been a bunch of great soccer today, Arsenal held on for an uncharacteristic scrappy, ugly win and Chelsea lost to Wigan, I need to get talk about some jekyll and hyde teams in college football.
I've got a question for the following teams:
Miami
Virgina Tech
Oregon
Cal
Florida State
Georgia Tech
UNC
BYU
WHO ARE THE HELL ARE YOU?
I've never seen so many teams look so different from one Saturday to the next.
I'm glad I'm not betting on these games because I would have lost my ass today.
Even though there's been a bunch of great soccer today, Arsenal held on for an uncharacteristic scrappy, ugly win and Chelsea lost to Wigan, I need to get talk about some jekyll and hyde teams in college football.
I've got a question for the following teams:
Miami
Virgina Tech
Oregon
Cal
Florida State
Georgia Tech
UNC
BYU
WHO ARE THE HELL ARE YOU?
I've never seen so many teams look so different from one Saturday to the next.
I'm glad I'm not betting on these games because I would have lost my ass today.
Monday, September 21, 2009
mo field goals mo problems...
So the Redskins failed to score a touchdown yesterday but still managed to get the win.
From the second the game ended I have been wondering about how often that happens. Since it's still pretty annoying to sit at a computer desk with this sling on my arm I waited until today at work so I could get paid to look it up.
I mean it usually takes at least one 7 pointer to get the W in the NFL. Funny how going into the game the big Jim Zorn stat was all about how his offense had yet to score 30 points in a game. He then promptly goes out and can't even get double digits. Awesome.
(I'm now searching for the last time the 'Skins won a game w/o the aid of a touchdown.)
2005: Washington 9 Chicago 7
Well that's not too long ago. I should have remembered that. I was at that miserable game.
FedEx has been the location of three games ending 9-7 this decade. The 'Skins are 2-1 in such games. The lone loss resulted in Norv Turner's job.
(I'm now searching for the 2nd most recent time the 'Skins won a game w/o having to kick an extra point.)
1992: Washington 15 Minnesota 13
And that was on the road!
More nerdy stats: The last two times the Redskins won a game without scoring a touchdown they have gone on to not only make the playoffs, but to win a road playoff game. I'd be stunned if that stat held up this season.
I'd also like to point out that we are heading into Week 3 and Hunter Smith, the punter, is leading the team in rushing touchdowns.
That's awesome.
From the second the game ended I have been wondering about how often that happens. Since it's still pretty annoying to sit at a computer desk with this sling on my arm I waited until today at work so I could get paid to look it up.
I mean it usually takes at least one 7 pointer to get the W in the NFL. Funny how going into the game the big Jim Zorn stat was all about how his offense had yet to score 30 points in a game. He then promptly goes out and can't even get double digits. Awesome.
(I'm now searching for the last time the 'Skins won a game w/o the aid of a touchdown.)
2005: Washington 9 Chicago 7
Well that's not too long ago. I should have remembered that. I was at that miserable game.
FedEx has been the location of three games ending 9-7 this decade. The 'Skins are 2-1 in such games. The lone loss resulted in Norv Turner's job.
(I'm now searching for the 2nd most recent time the 'Skins won a game w/o having to kick an extra point.)
1992: Washington 15 Minnesota 13
And that was on the road!
More nerdy stats: The last two times the Redskins won a game without scoring a touchdown they have gone on to not only make the playoffs, but to win a road playoff game. I'd be stunned if that stat held up this season.
I'd also like to point out that we are heading into Week 3 and Hunter Smith, the punter, is leading the team in rushing touchdowns.
That's awesome.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
4 hours to go...sign Zidane
Since I've wasted a lot of time since June 1 reading thread upon thread of ridiculous transfer rumors for Arsenal, I've decided that I might as well just keep Sky Sports News on in the background as the Transfer Window mercifully comes to an end today. It should have been yesterday but some Bank Holiday in the UK gave us an extra day of "fun".
Here are the two things that currently puzzle me 1) It looks like Senderos is staying and 2) who exactly does Wenger plan on playing while Song is gone at the African Cup of Nations?
I'm a little bummed about the international break this weekend. I'd really like to watch another game and wipe out last weekend's dreadful collapse out of my memory bank. Nothing like giving the ref a chance to call and a pk and then score an uncontested own goal for the road loss. It's actually quite impressive to lose like that. Oh and I also forgot to mention Gallas being called for offsides while Van Persie scored what looked to be the equalizer in the 95th minute. At that moment I broke my phone.
Seriously.
Ok I've decided that I want Arsenal to pick up Zidane.
I think it's only fair. I also think it would be hilarious.
Random
**I couldn't sleep last night so I went to the gym around 445am. I sent up a fairly difficult circuit in the studio and went at it for about 40 minutes. You can get good odds in Vegas on me falling asleep at my desk before lunch.
**David James would probably sell his soul to the devil to get out of Portsmouth.
**The Nats stranglehold on the most losses in MLB has dwindled down to 6 games. I'm officially worried.
**Every time I consider cleaning out my truck I always put it off because a trip to RFK is only days away. I mean why clean your truck out when it's destined to pick up miscellaneous crap down there.
**It's impossible to buy a decent College Football preview magazine. After having no luck over the past two days at about 8 different local stores - Giant, Safeway, CVS, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Target, etc - I will be making a trip to Barnes and Noble today.
**I'm not sure what I've seen more of recently: Starbucks or Fantasy Football magazines. I had no idea that the public's thirst for meaningless rankings was at such an all-time high. I'm not sure what it means, but I doubt it's a good thing.
**I wonder what couch Rocky is sleeping on right now.
Here are the two things that currently puzzle me 1) It looks like Senderos is staying and 2) who exactly does Wenger plan on playing while Song is gone at the African Cup of Nations?
I'm a little bummed about the international break this weekend. I'd really like to watch another game and wipe out last weekend's dreadful collapse out of my memory bank. Nothing like giving the ref a chance to call and a pk and then score an uncontested own goal for the road loss. It's actually quite impressive to lose like that. Oh and I also forgot to mention Gallas being called for offsides while Van Persie scored what looked to be the equalizer in the 95th minute. At that moment I broke my phone.
Seriously.
Ok I've decided that I want Arsenal to pick up Zidane.
I think it's only fair. I also think it would be hilarious.
Random
**I couldn't sleep last night so I went to the gym around 445am. I sent up a fairly difficult circuit in the studio and went at it for about 40 minutes. You can get good odds in Vegas on me falling asleep at my desk before lunch.
**David James would probably sell his soul to the devil to get out of Portsmouth.
**The Nats stranglehold on the most losses in MLB has dwindled down to 6 games. I'm officially worried.
**Every time I consider cleaning out my truck I always put it off because a trip to RFK is only days away. I mean why clean your truck out when it's destined to pick up miscellaneous crap down there.
**It's impossible to buy a decent College Football preview magazine. After having no luck over the past two days at about 8 different local stores - Giant, Safeway, CVS, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Target, etc - I will be making a trip to Barnes and Noble today.
**I'm not sure what I've seen more of recently: Starbucks or Fantasy Football magazines. I had no idea that the public's thirst for meaningless rankings was at such an all-time high. I'm not sure what it means, but I doubt it's a good thing.
**I wonder what couch Rocky is sleeping on right now.
Friday, August 28, 2009
worst shoulders ever
When you schedule your very first MRI appointment over the phone, they ask you if you are claustrophobic or not. Also trying to sound like a big, tough guy to some woman on the phone that I will NEVER see in my life I naturally say "No". It's possible that I even laughed at the mere possibility that I could somehow be claustrophobic. Like that's possible right?
It's really not until you slowly slide back, arms pushed up against the sides, into that big tube, head first of course, that you realize that it's very possible that you actually ARE very claustrophobic.
It's never a good sign when the last thing the technician says to you is, "Most people find it more relaxing to keep their eyes closed". I think that's the politically correct way to say, "You are less likely to freak out if you keep your eyes shut."
Ok so up first was my right shoulder. Well more like my right pectoral major but it goes to my shoulder so whatever.
Things that crossed my mind right before the first series of loud ass noises started:
What if they start filling this thing up with water?
What if a rat got in here?
What if they keep moving me back into a furnace?
Can my tongue touch the top of this thing?
What if they freeze my body? Only to wake up in future.
Well luckily none of those things happened. Oh and for the record, my tongue could not touch the top but it was pretty damn close.
So one of my hands is wrapped around the "freak out" buzzer - just in case I gets tough in there. The other one, my right, is propped up with towels so that they get a good readout. I've got my headphones on with some sound of nature crap being pumped in when the tech says, "Ok first test. 4 minutes."
Then you get 4 solid minutes filled with sounds similar to those that come from the Tipods in the recent movie version of War of the Worlds. My strategy was to try and count to 4 minutes. About 4 tests or so into the entire scan I got restless leg syndrome or at least a light touch of it. Keep in mind you arent supposed to move at all.
So after 40 minutes or so when I finally got out of there the tech tells me that it wasn't an exact 4 minutes.
Wow. Talk about ruining a game. Thanks for nothing. I need exact times or else I can't concentrate. What's the point of playing a game if you can't win? That's like being DC United in the Champions League.
Wait did I mention the call I got a day later?
So the next day I get a call from the good people at Alexandria Inova letting me know that they need me to come back because they didn't get everything they needed during my 40 minutes of fun. Remember how I said it was kind of a shoulder MRI but they also needed some of my chest? Well they needed more of my chest.
Terrific.
I said I'd see them again when I came back for my left shoulder.
Pretty cool.
more later
It's really not until you slowly slide back, arms pushed up against the sides, into that big tube, head first of course, that you realize that it's very possible that you actually ARE very claustrophobic.
It's never a good sign when the last thing the technician says to you is, "Most people find it more relaxing to keep their eyes closed". I think that's the politically correct way to say, "You are less likely to freak out if you keep your eyes shut."
Ok so up first was my right shoulder. Well more like my right pectoral major but it goes to my shoulder so whatever.
Things that crossed my mind right before the first series of loud ass noises started:
What if they start filling this thing up with water?
What if a rat got in here?
What if they keep moving me back into a furnace?
Can my tongue touch the top of this thing?
What if they freeze my body? Only to wake up in future.
Well luckily none of those things happened. Oh and for the record, my tongue could not touch the top but it was pretty damn close.
So one of my hands is wrapped around the "freak out" buzzer - just in case I gets tough in there. The other one, my right, is propped up with towels so that they get a good readout. I've got my headphones on with some sound of nature crap being pumped in when the tech says, "Ok first test. 4 minutes."
Then you get 4 solid minutes filled with sounds similar to those that come from the Tipods in the recent movie version of War of the Worlds. My strategy was to try and count to 4 minutes. About 4 tests or so into the entire scan I got restless leg syndrome or at least a light touch of it. Keep in mind you arent supposed to move at all.
So after 40 minutes or so when I finally got out of there the tech tells me that it wasn't an exact 4 minutes.
Wow. Talk about ruining a game. Thanks for nothing. I need exact times or else I can't concentrate. What's the point of playing a game if you can't win? That's like being DC United in the Champions League.
Wait did I mention the call I got a day later?
So the next day I get a call from the good people at Alexandria Inova letting me know that they need me to come back because they didn't get everything they needed during my 40 minutes of fun. Remember how I said it was kind of a shoulder MRI but they also needed some of my chest? Well they needed more of my chest.
Terrific.
I said I'd see them again when I came back for my left shoulder.
Pretty cool.
more later
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
another yanwer out at rfk
So United has a game tonight- nice.
A home game - even better.
Against a Mexican team - ok you've got my interest because I hate all things Mexican Football related.
In the regional club tournament - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
So why the low interest?
Well it's simple. Over the last few seasons, DC United has given about as much respect to the CONCACAF Champions League as I've given to the WNBA. Ok probably a little more than that but you get the picture right?
United signed some guy yesterday, Tiyi Shipalane, and I'm sure he will start tonight. He's last year's verison of Boyzzz and Janicki. BTW Janicki needs to start out on the bench tonight after last week's hat-trick.
Prove me wrong tonight Tom. Try and match last year's group stage point total of 1 by the 2nd game and I'll be happy.
Arsenal: I'm looking forward to seeing if Diaby can put together back-to-back positive outings. I'm also wondering if Merida or Ramsey start in place of the oft-injure Cesc. I'd like for Eboue to get in the game because it will mean he's cup-tied and not going anywhere.
Here's to 4 in 4 for Billy Gallas.
A home game - even better.
Against a Mexican team - ok you've got my interest because I hate all things Mexican Football related.
In the regional club tournament - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
So why the low interest?
Well it's simple. Over the last few seasons, DC United has given about as much respect to the CONCACAF Champions League as I've given to the WNBA. Ok probably a little more than that but you get the picture right?
United signed some guy yesterday, Tiyi Shipalane, and I'm sure he will start tonight. He's last year's verison of Boyzzz and Janicki. BTW Janicki needs to start out on the bench tonight after last week's hat-trick.
Prove me wrong tonight Tom. Try and match last year's group stage point total of 1 by the 2nd game and I'll be happy.
Arsenal: I'm looking forward to seeing if Diaby can put together back-to-back positive outings. I'm also wondering if Merida or Ramsey start in place of the oft-injure Cesc. I'd like for Eboue to get in the game because it will mean he's cup-tied and not going anywhere.
Here's to 4 in 4 for Billy Gallas.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jessie Sapp to Scotland
Jessie Sapp is tweeting that he has just signed his first professional contract in Scotland. He's actually providing some very heart felt tweets on this subject.
Anybody can follow Jessie by clicking here.
His best two tweets are as follows:
**special shout out to my Georgetown family.. i have learned so much from that place and i will carry that name on my back forever..
**when i say family i mean students, fans, team mates, faculity, coaches, professors, alumni, even the bull dog, i love you all
EVEN THE BULLDOG! Incredible. I've talked to him a few times and I came away thinking he was a really genuine, nice dude.
Congrats!
I'm not sure what the Scottish League is like but I'm sure that Sapp can compete wherever he decides to play. I wish him the best and hope that he continues to work his way through the top European Leagues.
Anybody can follow Jessie by clicking here.
His best two tweets are as follows:
**special shout out to my Georgetown family.. i have learned so much from that place and i will carry that name on my back forever..
**when i say family i mean students, fans, team mates, faculity, coaches, professors, alumni, even the bull dog, i love you all
EVEN THE BULLDOG! Incredible. I've talked to him a few times and I came away thinking he was a really genuine, nice dude.
Congrats!
I'm not sure what the Scottish League is like but I'm sure that Sapp can compete wherever he decides to play. I wish him the best and hope that he continues to work his way through the top European Leagues.
Friday, August 14, 2009
lebron, skins, & greek yogurt
**Rumors are swirling around the various Hoya message boards and blogs that LeBron might show up at Kenner League tonight. I doubt it but he was in town for a screening of his movie - More Than A Game.
**I didn't see exactly how it happened but the Redskins got shutout last night in Baltimore by the old Cleveland Browns. Today non Redskins fans seem awfully quick to decide that last night's loss is an indication that their season will be a disappointment.
I have a question: Would a lopsided win by the 'Skins have resulted in the same people thinking that it would translate into regular season success? My guess is probably not.
So the same jokers trying to say that the "Skins suck" are the same people who would have discounted a dominating performance by saying "it's only pre-season...who cares".
My advice? Wait until about 4 weeks into the regular season before worrying about anything.
**With last night's Banana Pudding still heavy on my mind, and in my stomach of course, I began to wonder how long it would take the good people at Chobani to incorporate Banana into their stellar Greek Yogurt line-up.
The most recent addition, Pomegranate, is great in taste but lacking with the amount of seeds. I don't want seeds in my fruit just as though I don't want pulp in my drink. No thanks.
This is how I'm ranking my Chobani Greek Yogurt:
1. Peach - A little slice of Yogurt Heaven.
2. Blueberry - Was #1 until they introduced Peach.
3. Strawberry - Hard to go wrong with Strawberries.
4. Pineapple - The package looks better than product.
5. Pomegranate - Take out the seeds Rick.
6. Vanilla - Low by itself, but much higher when I put in my own fruit.
7. Honey - I won't even try it. Just sounds gross.
**I didn't see exactly how it happened but the Redskins got shutout last night in Baltimore by the old Cleveland Browns. Today non Redskins fans seem awfully quick to decide that last night's loss is an indication that their season will be a disappointment.
I have a question: Would a lopsided win by the 'Skins have resulted in the same people thinking that it would translate into regular season success? My guess is probably not.
So the same jokers trying to say that the "Skins suck" are the same people who would have discounted a dominating performance by saying "it's only pre-season...who cares".
My advice? Wait until about 4 weeks into the regular season before worrying about anything.
**With last night's Banana Pudding still heavy on my mind, and in my stomach of course, I began to wonder how long it would take the good people at Chobani to incorporate Banana into their stellar Greek Yogurt line-up.
The most recent addition, Pomegranate, is great in taste but lacking with the amount of seeds. I don't want seeds in my fruit just as though I don't want pulp in my drink. No thanks.
This is how I'm ranking my Chobani Greek Yogurt:
1. Peach - A little slice of Yogurt Heaven.
2. Blueberry - Was #1 until they introduced Peach.
3. Strawberry - Hard to go wrong with Strawberries.
4. Pineapple - The package looks better than product.
5. Pomegranate - Take out the seeds Rick.
6. Vanilla - Low by itself, but much higher when I put in my own fruit.
7. Honey - I won't even try it. Just sounds gross.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
i dare bob to start ching
I effing dog dare him.
Look it's simple - this has to be the line-up:
Howard
Spector Demerit Onyewu Bocanegra
Clark Bradley
Dempsey Donovan
Davies Altidore
I could even handle Bornstein instead of Bocanegra in the back. I wish Hejduk was available but he's not so you have to go with Carlos most likely.
I'd like to see Feilhaber and Torres get a chance to enter the game as subs at around the 60th minute or so.
Jozy is going to need a sub so at that point you put in Benny and push up Dempsey. Of course Torres probably won't come on if Benny does - more likely BB will put in Bornstein for Clark rather than two offensive minded midfielders.
Hopefully the only way Ching or Casey find themselves on the field is towards the end of the game when the US is trying to KILL the game because they are actually in the lead.
I like the US to win this game IF they can play the entire 90-plus minutes with 11 players on the field. I know that's asking a lot but I think they should strongly consider doing so for at least today. I have no problem with them experimenting with 10-men formations during the next friendly if they just have to get red cards.
Look it's simple - this has to be the line-up:
Howard
Spector Demerit Onyewu Bocanegra
Clark Bradley
Dempsey Donovan
Davies Altidore
I could even handle Bornstein instead of Bocanegra in the back. I wish Hejduk was available but he's not so you have to go with Carlos most likely.
I'd like to see Feilhaber and Torres get a chance to enter the game as subs at around the 60th minute or so.
Jozy is going to need a sub so at that point you put in Benny and push up Dempsey. Of course Torres probably won't come on if Benny does - more likely BB will put in Bornstein for Clark rather than two offensive minded midfielders.
Hopefully the only way Ching or Casey find themselves on the field is towards the end of the game when the US is trying to KILL the game because they are actually in the lead.
I like the US to win this game IF they can play the entire 90-plus minutes with 11 players on the field. I know that's asking a lot but I think they should strongly consider doing so for at least today. I have no problem with them experimenting with 10-men formations during the next friendly if they just have to get red cards.
its a love - hate thing
Howard and Vela.
Tim and Carlos.
As a soccer fan you have to have an extremely short memory when dealing with those pesky club and country rooting interests.
In a few hours Tim Howard will be my favorite keeper on the planet. Carlos Vela will be wearing that miserable Green shirt of the FMF that makes most normal people want to toss their lunch all over the floor.
Fast forward to Saturday and I will hate Tim Howard with the white-hot passion of 1,000 Suns. Carlos Vela probably won't even play, but if he does, I'll be hoping he slips a few past Timmay into the back of the net.
Quick turnaround huh? Nothing like a complete circle right?
Well that's just the way the Soccer World works.
USA v Mexico one day and Arsenal v Everton a few days later. You have to have a short memory or you will end up hating all teams due to the player swaps.
Tim and Carlos.
As a soccer fan you have to have an extremely short memory when dealing with those pesky club and country rooting interests.
In a few hours Tim Howard will be my favorite keeper on the planet. Carlos Vela will be wearing that miserable Green shirt of the FMF that makes most normal people want to toss their lunch all over the floor.
Fast forward to Saturday and I will hate Tim Howard with the white-hot passion of 1,000 Suns. Carlos Vela probably won't even play, but if he does, I'll be hoping he slips a few past Timmay into the back of the net.
Quick turnaround huh? Nothing like a complete circle right?
Well that's just the way the Soccer World works.
USA v Mexico one day and Arsenal v Everton a few days later. You have to have a short memory or you will end up hating all teams due to the player swaps.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
summer 2009 R.I.P
I hope everybody enjoyed their Summer because it's coming to an end in a few hours. I don't care what your calendar says, just trust me. It's over baby. The facts are undeniable.
The EPL kicks off tomorrow with the Community Shield. That means that all next week is a normal work week for the boys at The Emirates. I mean there is already an Everton pre-game thread up on BS. I think it's safe to say that BS pretty much legitimizes everything.
What else do we have? Uh the Coaches Poll came out on Friday. America's Team checked in at #23. Nothing says Autumn like College Football. NOTHING.
The Redskins begin their annual March to Mediocrity this Thursday night against the real Cleveland Browns up in Baltimore.
The only argument I could make for the Summer extending past 11:59pm tonight is the fact that Kenner League Playoffs start this week. It's a weak argument because most of the players have left to go home because school is starting and the KL started super late this year.
You know if I wasn't going to the DC United v Real Madrid game tomorrow I might have gone out to pick up a Pumpkin or perhaps get lost in a Corn Maze.
I mean tomorrow is Fall.
The EPL kicks off tomorrow with the Community Shield. That means that all next week is a normal work week for the boys at The Emirates. I mean there is already an Everton pre-game thread up on BS. I think it's safe to say that BS pretty much legitimizes everything.
What else do we have? Uh the Coaches Poll came out on Friday. America's Team checked in at #23. Nothing says Autumn like College Football. NOTHING.
The Redskins begin their annual March to Mediocrity this Thursday night against the real Cleveland Browns up in Baltimore.
The only argument I could make for the Summer extending past 11:59pm tonight is the fact that Kenner League Playoffs start this week. It's a weak argument because most of the players have left to go home because school is starting and the KL started super late this year.
You know if I wasn't going to the DC United v Real Madrid game tomorrow I might have gone out to pick up a Pumpkin or perhaps get lost in a Corn Maze.
I mean tomorrow is Fall.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
¿Puedo usar el baño?
I'd like to thank Austin Freeman for my morning pick-me-up today. Of course the reason I needed a pick-me-up was because DC United just insisted on taking entirely too long to dispose of El Salvadorean power LA Firpo as they eventually limped into the Group Stage of the CONCACAF Champion's League.
But getting back to Austin, he told a simple, yet funny story this morning via tweets. It should hit close to home for any of you that have taken a foreign language course in your life. I'm guessing that's most everybody.
Freeman was in Spanish class and had to use the facilities. He then politely asked, in English, to go to the bathroom. This is where he had a disconnect. He had to properly ask in Spanish. Next thing you know he can't go until class is over.
Ok so it's not the greatest story of all time but it made me chuckle as the texts kept coming one after another. I could see myself sitting in 3rd Period German with a full bladder and no where to turn to. And it would have sucked.
Twitter also came up large a couple of days ago with Jessie Sapp started talking about his offers to play overseas. I was wondering where he was going to end up. It sounded like he had 3 offers with one being in Israel. Good Luck to the Mayor of Onion Town.
But getting back to Austin, he told a simple, yet funny story this morning via tweets. It should hit close to home for any of you that have taken a foreign language course in your life. I'm guessing that's most everybody.
Freeman was in Spanish class and had to use the facilities. He then politely asked, in English, to go to the bathroom. This is where he had a disconnect. He had to properly ask in Spanish. Next thing you know he can't go until class is over.
Ok so it's not the greatest story of all time but it made me chuckle as the texts kept coming one after another. I could see myself sitting in 3rd Period German with a full bladder and no where to turn to. And it would have sucked.
Twitter also came up large a couple of days ago with Jessie Sapp started talking about his offers to play overseas. I was wondering where he was going to end up. It sounded like he had 3 offers with one being in Israel. Good Luck to the Mayor of Onion Town.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
hello kenner league and good bye vienna league
Nothing quite like a delay in the start of Kenner League after the worst season under JT3. Well the wait is over baby. Tonight's the night. It's time to get down to McDonough Gymnasium to check out the latest version of the Hoyas as well as FINALLY putting last season to bed.
Message board speculation has Wright and Monroe playing on DCX, Austin and the freshman on the Tombs, Clark and Henry on Clydes, and Hollis on the Madness All Stars.
What about Nikita? Julian? Are they even in town?
I'll be sure to let everybody know how accurate that is tomorrow or maybe even tonight.
And as Kenner League beings, the Vienna Men's League is just about done. Luckily your boys are still playing one more game. We had little trouble in taking apart Do It for the 3rd time this season. We increased our margin of victor over them each time out, going from an opening night 3 point squeaker to a 25 point rout last night.
We have been in this league for the last four summers and it will be our 3rd time meeting the Ancient Warriors in post-season play. We are 1-1 in previous playoff match-ups. If both teams get good turnouts, it should be a pretty good game. I'll take another black eye if it results in a victorious celebration at the Vienna Inn at about 845pm tomorrow night.
We came within one basket from winning the league in 2006 and this is the closest we have come since then. We really need to put this one away and add to the KG Vet trophy case.
Message board speculation has Wright and Monroe playing on DCX, Austin and the freshman on the Tombs, Clark and Henry on Clydes, and Hollis on the Madness All Stars.
What about Nikita? Julian? Are they even in town?
I'll be sure to let everybody know how accurate that is tomorrow or maybe even tonight.
And as Kenner League beings, the Vienna Men's League is just about done. Luckily your boys are still playing one more game. We had little trouble in taking apart Do It for the 3rd time this season. We increased our margin of victor over them each time out, going from an opening night 3 point squeaker to a 25 point rout last night.
We have been in this league for the last four summers and it will be our 3rd time meeting the Ancient Warriors in post-season play. We are 1-1 in previous playoff match-ups. If both teams get good turnouts, it should be a pretty good game. I'll take another black eye if it results in a victorious celebration at the Vienna Inn at about 845pm tomorrow night.
We came within one basket from winning the league in 2006 and this is the closest we have come since then. We really need to put this one away and add to the KG Vet trophy case.
it was raining tweets this morning
From time to time I have to really question my association with Twitter, but this morning was a completely different animal. The start of Redskins Training Camp has been wearing my phone out like no other event has ever done before - and that's saying something considering how many tweets I usually get every day.
Believe it or not, none of them contained anything that I would actually consider informative. I was looking for two things:
1. Did anybody get hurt yet? It happened on Day 1 last summer.
AND
2. Did they sign Mike Vick? I would do it in a second.
That's it. That's the list.
Speaking of training camp, I'd like to go one of these days. I say that every summer but I haven't been since Jesse and I went up to Carlisle, PA to see Camp Marty back in 2001.
So here are my options:
Tomorrow at 830am
Saturday at 830am
Sunday at 830am
Tuesday at, you guessed it, 830am
Wednesday at 830am
Thursday at 830am
You can also go on Saturday August 8th but that's Fan Appreciation Day and you would have to be insane to go on that day. It's like going to Kings Dominion on Weekend. Major League mistake right there boy. So from that list above, I think the best bet would be sometime next weekend.
I'm going to go out on a limb and boldly predict that I don't make it out to Ashburn. Well at least not for Redskins practice.
Believe it or not, none of them contained anything that I would actually consider informative. I was looking for two things:
1. Did anybody get hurt yet? It happened on Day 1 last summer.
AND
2. Did they sign Mike Vick? I would do it in a second.
That's it. That's the list.
Speaking of training camp, I'd like to go one of these days. I say that every summer but I haven't been since Jesse and I went up to Carlisle, PA to see Camp Marty back in 2001.
So here are my options:
Tomorrow at 830am
Saturday at 830am
Sunday at 830am
Tuesday at, you guessed it, 830am
Wednesday at 830am
Thursday at 830am
You can also go on Saturday August 8th but that's Fan Appreciation Day and you would have to be insane to go on that day. It's like going to Kings Dominion on Weekend. Major League mistake right there boy. So from that list above, I think the best bet would be sometime next weekend.
I'm going to go out on a limb and boldly predict that I don't make it out to Ashburn. Well at least not for Redskins practice.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
the final four @ Kilmer
Huge night of Summer League basketball at Kilmer tonight as the playoffs continue
HUGE.
The hoops action gets underway at 7:40pm as the Ancient Warriors take on the Home Team. Immediately following that contest, the KG Vets square off against Do It.
In the first semi of the night, the Ancient Warriors look to push their season record to 3 - 0 against the Home Team. For some reason the Home Team just isn't able to use their advantage of youth and speed against the sharp shooting, fundamentally sound golden oldies. Of course it always helps when you can spread shooters around a nearly 7-foot giant in the post. I'd be surprised if the Home Team advanced.
In the night cap, the KG Vets will look to advance past this round for the first time in the last three summers. Luckily we have put ourselves in a pretty good spot by finishing in first place for the first time with a record of 11 - 1. Since it's a major league conflict of interest for me to predict this game (since I'm playing it in) I'll just say that the fans want to see 1 v 2 in the finals and I think they won't be disappointed.
Some subplots for tonight include: Will Kaala and Baker show up from their other game? Will Jesse show up for his first Wednesday night game of the season? Will I find my black socks? Will Bret recover from his cold? Will Adam get a Technical? The list goes on and on...
Of course the beauty of summer league is that you never know who will OR will not show up. There's nothing quite like adult leagues and that's probably best for all.
HUGE.
The hoops action gets underway at 7:40pm as the Ancient Warriors take on the Home Team. Immediately following that contest, the KG Vets square off against Do It.
In the first semi of the night, the Ancient Warriors look to push their season record to 3 - 0 against the Home Team. For some reason the Home Team just isn't able to use their advantage of youth and speed against the sharp shooting, fundamentally sound golden oldies. Of course it always helps when you can spread shooters around a nearly 7-foot giant in the post. I'd be surprised if the Home Team advanced.
In the night cap, the KG Vets will look to advance past this round for the first time in the last three summers. Luckily we have put ourselves in a pretty good spot by finishing in first place for the first time with a record of 11 - 1. Since it's a major league conflict of interest for me to predict this game (since I'm playing it in) I'll just say that the fans want to see 1 v 2 in the finals and I think they won't be disappointed.
Some subplots for tonight include: Will Kaala and Baker show up from their other game? Will Jesse show up for his first Wednesday night game of the season? Will I find my black socks? Will Bret recover from his cold? Will Adam get a Technical? The list goes on and on...
Of course the beauty of summer league is that you never know who will OR will not show up. There's nothing quite like adult leagues and that's probably best for all.
Friday, July 24, 2009
4 summers in the making...
No matter what happens tonight, the KG Vets will end the regular season all alone in first place. For the first time in, uh, EVER.
How did it happen?
Well to be honest the league got a little bit worse and we got a little bit better after last season's nightmare. I guess our good friends from One on One couldn't take the shame that came along with losing to us last summer so they decided not to play.
Of course there is still that rather large obstacle in the form of the Ancient Warriors. We are 10 - 1 but we split with our old, pun intended, friends. I'm sure we will see them for the rubber match next week. Just in time for Clay Buckley to give me another black eye. Perfect.
Upon further inspection, it's probably a very deceiving 10 - 1. We tried our absolute best to give away our last game with the adult rec league equivalent of the Holy Roller. We have also come within 3 minutes of, not one but, TWO forfeit losses. Both of those games started with me frantically searching for a 4th, not a 5th like is the preferred starting number in basketball, in the parking lot much to the dismay of our lazy ass refs.
I didn't even mention going down by 13 to the worst team that has ever graced the hallowed hardwood courts of the B league.
In 2006 we were a controversial D'Arcy travel away from winning the tournament in our first try. It's taken a long time to get back to the spot. We should strongly consider winning it this time. You never know when Brendan might decide to move back to Asia or for how long Adam can continue to play the best pick-up ball of his life.
"GOLD'S GYM!" - Michael Anton Hales
How did it happen?
Well to be honest the league got a little bit worse and we got a little bit better after last season's nightmare. I guess our good friends from One on One couldn't take the shame that came along with losing to us last summer so they decided not to play.
Of course there is still that rather large obstacle in the form of the Ancient Warriors. We are 10 - 1 but we split with our old, pun intended, friends. I'm sure we will see them for the rubber match next week. Just in time for Clay Buckley to give me another black eye. Perfect.
Upon further inspection, it's probably a very deceiving 10 - 1. We tried our absolute best to give away our last game with the adult rec league equivalent of the Holy Roller. We have also come within 3 minutes of, not one but, TWO forfeit losses. Both of those games started with me frantically searching for a 4th, not a 5th like is the preferred starting number in basketball, in the parking lot much to the dismay of our lazy ass refs.
I didn't even mention going down by 13 to the worst team that has ever graced the hallowed hardwood courts of the B league.
In 2006 we were a controversial D'Arcy travel away from winning the tournament in our first try. It's taken a long time to get back to the spot. We should strongly consider winning it this time. You never know when Brendan might decide to move back to Asia or for how long Adam can continue to play the best pick-up ball of his life.
"GOLD'S GYM!" - Michael Anton Hales
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Sayonara Latavious Williams...
China? Really? Awhile back I had a poll on this site about where Latavious might end up. I definitely didn't include The Middle Kingdom as one of the options.
It doesn't seem fair really. They gave us Yao Ming and all we can come up with as a "Thank You" is Latavious freaking Williams??? Ouch.
Look the recruitment of this guy has been one of the more frustrating cases to follow in recent memory. Every time you thought you were out, you were pulled right back in.
I think this particular case comes down to him not meeting the academic requirements needed to play college basketball.
I'm glad that JT3 decided not to offer him a scholarship. I think he knew that score wasn't going to come up roses.
I'm going to be absolutely shocked if he ends up getting his name called by David Stern next year.
SHOCKED
It doesn't seem fair really. They gave us Yao Ming and all we can come up with as a "Thank You" is Latavious freaking Williams??? Ouch.
Look the recruitment of this guy has been one of the more frustrating cases to follow in recent memory. Every time you thought you were out, you were pulled right back in.
I think this particular case comes down to him not meeting the academic requirements needed to play college basketball.
I'm glad that JT3 decided not to offer him a scholarship. I think he knew that score wasn't going to come up roses.
I'm going to be absolutely shocked if he ends up getting his name called by David Stern next year.
SHOCKED
Monday, July 20, 2009
the fan needed Tony...too bad Tony doesn't need them
So 106.7 FM made the switch to Sports Talk today. Their first mistake is constantly referring to the station as "The Fan". How generic can you get?
Ever heard of WFAN in NY? Apparently not.
The Mike Wise show is about what I expected - a homeless man's version of the Tony Kornheiser show. I hope that Mr. Tony comes back and saves us from bad radio.
I think the real "entertainment" will begin whenever Lavar and Chad Dukes start talking. That should be like listening to a 4 hour train wreck that you just know won't yield any survivors.
Edit: The radio awkwardness has started. It will be interesting to see what they talk about after the get done talking about what they will talk about it. Get it?
Lavar is combating all of the negativity surrounding his show by saying that it's all manufactured by Dan Snyder's people. Great theory #56.
Ever heard of WFAN in NY? Apparently not.
The Mike Wise show is about what I expected - a homeless man's version of the Tony Kornheiser show. I hope that Mr. Tony comes back and saves us from bad radio.
I think the real "entertainment" will begin whenever Lavar and Chad Dukes start talking. That should be like listening to a 4 hour train wreck that you just know won't yield any survivors.
Edit: The radio awkwardness has started. It will be interesting to see what they talk about after the get done talking about what they will talk about it. Get it?
Lavar is combating all of the negativity surrounding his show by saying that it's all manufactured by Dan Snyder's people. Great theory #56.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
well that didn't take long
We only had to go one calendar month - June - without any live Arsenal games on the weekends. I mean that is just insane. There is no other off-season that compares with that kind of quick turnaround.
It's not exactly glamorous but it's something greatly needed during this summer wasteland of sports. It will be nice to talk and read about something not relating to Adebayor's medical test or loyalty clause.
The lineup is a hodge podge collection of starters and reserves:
Manuel Almunia - starter
Johan Djourou - lucky to make the bench
William Gallas - starter
Thomas Vermaelen - not sure since he's new, they can't start him Gallas and Toure unless he's a DM
Mikael Silvestre - why is he on the team?
Jack Wilshere - the next Cesc, but still reservist
Mark Randall - reserve
Emmanuel Frimpong - reserve
Tomas Rosicky - regular
Andrey Arshavin - starter
Sanchez Watt - reserve
They are playing League Two side Barnet F.C. in a "stadium" that looks like it is right on par with the SoccerPlex in Germantown.
OMG what is Eboue wearing on the sideline?
I can't believe I'm watching this game on a website called IraqGoals.net. Sure they are just taking the feed from ATVO, but still. IraqGoals?
Elsewhere in soccer today - United finally has a home MLS game after over a month of away games and USOC games at the 'Plex. They should seriously consider winning as opposed to those draws that they seem to be in love with this season. It's getting kind of tight at the top of the East.
We also have the US v Panama in the Gold Cup Quarterfinals. It's been tough to make any sort of sense out of this tournament since the USSF hasn't taken it very seriously. I would be very impressed and shocked if they defended their title.
It's not exactly glamorous but it's something greatly needed during this summer wasteland of sports. It will be nice to talk and read about something not relating to Adebayor's medical test or loyalty clause.
The lineup is a hodge podge collection of starters and reserves:
Manuel Almunia - starter
Johan Djourou - lucky to make the bench
William Gallas - starter
Thomas Vermaelen - not sure since he's new, they can't start him Gallas and Toure unless he's a DM
Mikael Silvestre - why is he on the team?
Jack Wilshere - the next Cesc, but still reservist
Mark Randall - reserve
Emmanuel Frimpong - reserve
Tomas Rosicky - regular
Andrey Arshavin - starter
Sanchez Watt - reserve
They are playing League Two side Barnet F.C. in a "stadium" that looks like it is right on par with the SoccerPlex in Germantown.
OMG what is Eboue wearing on the sideline?
I can't believe I'm watching this game on a website called IraqGoals.net. Sure they are just taking the feed from ATVO, but still. IraqGoals?
Elsewhere in soccer today - United finally has a home MLS game after over a month of away games and USOC games at the 'Plex. They should seriously consider winning as opposed to those draws that they seem to be in love with this season. It's getting kind of tight at the top of the East.
We also have the US v Panama in the Gold Cup Quarterfinals. It's been tough to make any sort of sense out of this tournament since the USSF hasn't taken it very seriously. I would be very impressed and shocked if they defended their title.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Almunia forgot something...
While it's great to see Arsenal back in training - I mean it's gotta be the shortest off-season ever - I'm having a few problems with the above picture.
- Manuel Almunia - Why isn't he wearing shorts? Did he lose a bet? Does he think it makes him run faster? What the hell is going on there???
- Tomas Rosicky - I think it's great that he's out the training with the team in the pre-season but the conditions make me a little nervous. I mean this is a guy that hasn't played in 18 months because of a groin pull. I'm not sure training in the rain is the safe bet. I think Wenger should have him on a treadmill or taking Body Combat on rainy days.
- Jack Wilshere - Do his parents know he is hanging out with all of these strange men? Especailly the one that isn't wearing pants? He seriously looks 12 years old. Well no matter how young he is, he better get up to speed ASAP because Cesc isn't sticking around too much longer.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
still waiting
Of all the freaking Summers (not DaJuan) for the Kenner League to be postponed, this was probably the worst possible timing ever.
We need some actual basketball to be played to get that nasty 08-09 taste out of our mouth.
We need to get a look at the freshman.
We need to get see how Vaughn, Sims, and Clark have improved.
Under normal circumstances, we would have had the chance to full fill all those needs this past Sunday.
Well the bad beat from last season continues. News was leaked on a GW message about around June 30th that the Kenner League would be postponed until the end of July. What a total NIGHTMARE. Did John Thompson III walk under a ladder or something?
As far as summer leagues that are actually going on, the KG Vets bumped their record up to 4-1 last night. It's a bit of a different setup this season. Different gym, smaller gym, 12 games in 14 game nights, currently unknown playoff structure. We are really shooting from the hip this summer.
NBA summer league action got underway yesterday. Mike Sweetney was seen in a Boston Celtics #56 jersey down in Orlando. A first round draft pick in 2003, Big Mike basically ate himself out of the league once his father unfortunately passed away just after entering the NBA. I would love to see him catch on with a team this season. He's got great hands for a big man to compliment his great post moves.
We need some actual basketball to be played to get that nasty 08-09 taste out of our mouth.
We need to get a look at the freshman.
We need to get see how Vaughn, Sims, and Clark have improved.
Under normal circumstances, we would have had the chance to full fill all those needs this past Sunday.
Well the bad beat from last season continues. News was leaked on a GW message about around June 30th that the Kenner League would be postponed until the end of July. What a total NIGHTMARE. Did John Thompson III walk under a ladder or something?
As far as summer leagues that are actually going on, the KG Vets bumped their record up to 4-1 last night. It's a bit of a different setup this season. Different gym, smaller gym, 12 games in 14 game nights, currently unknown playoff structure. We are really shooting from the hip this summer.
NBA summer league action got underway yesterday. Mike Sweetney was seen in a Boston Celtics #56 jersey down in Orlando. A first round draft pick in 2003, Big Mike basically ate himself out of the league once his father unfortunately passed away just after entering the NBA. I would love to see him catch on with a team this season. He's got great hands for a big man to compliment his great post moves.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Can you hear me now?
I went about 3 weeks without a phone after my LG Chocolate systematically decided to retire at an early age.
I must say that it was a pretty sweet ride. The stops along the way included: randomly turning off, shutting down after being closed quickly, only working while charging, and then finally not even turning on while being plugged into a power outlet.
After realizing that I did need a phone from time to time, I went looking for help from my local Verizon store. After standing in line for about 20 minutes, I got some sketchy customer service advice by some kid dressed up in Goth. For whatever reason I decided to put a fair amount of stock for what he suggested. He said the buy a generic battery from RadioShack and I obliged.
So the battery showed up and my hopes were high. That didn't last long. I thought that I had beat the system by not extending my contract and only spending $23 on a battery. Upon putting the battery in my phone I was given a rather interesting screen that invoked confusion followed up closely by laughter:
USE GENUINE BATTERY. POWER OFF IN 10 - 9 - 8, etc, etc.
Major bummer for somebody that places a lot of emphasis on not being tied down to a 2 year contract.
I got a huge assist by a co-worker that gave me an older Verizon phone for free. All I had to do was get it activated for $15. Of course the full court press by the Verizon salesmen at the Clocktower store was pretty intense. Luckily I've got a special talent for ignoring people that suck.
The best part about this whole saga is that my old phone, that LG Chocolate I mentioned up at the top, is now working again. It's been on since Friday Night.
My best guess: The people at Verizon sent out a message for my phone to fail, forcing me into getting a new 2 year contract. Since I threw them for a loop, they panicked and just turned pumped a soul back into my old phone.
Thanks for nothing losers.
I must say that it was a pretty sweet ride. The stops along the way included: randomly turning off, shutting down after being closed quickly, only working while charging, and then finally not even turning on while being plugged into a power outlet.
After realizing that I did need a phone from time to time, I went looking for help from my local Verizon store. After standing in line for about 20 minutes, I got some sketchy customer service advice by some kid dressed up in Goth. For whatever reason I decided to put a fair amount of stock for what he suggested. He said the buy a generic battery from RadioShack and I obliged.
So the battery showed up and my hopes were high. That didn't last long. I thought that I had beat the system by not extending my contract and only spending $23 on a battery. Upon putting the battery in my phone I was given a rather interesting screen that invoked confusion followed up closely by laughter:
USE GENUINE BATTERY. POWER OFF IN 10 - 9 - 8, etc, etc.
Major bummer for somebody that places a lot of emphasis on not being tied down to a 2 year contract.
I got a huge assist by a co-worker that gave me an older Verizon phone for free. All I had to do was get it activated for $15. Of course the full court press by the Verizon salesmen at the Clocktower store was pretty intense. Luckily I've got a special talent for ignoring people that suck.
The best part about this whole saga is that my old phone, that LG Chocolate I mentioned up at the top, is now working again. It's been on since Friday Night.
My best guess: The people at Verizon sent out a message for my phone to fail, forcing me into getting a new 2 year contract. Since I threw them for a loop, they panicked and just turned pumped a soul back into my old phone.
Thanks for nothing losers.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Draft Night 2009
Well we finally made it.
Tonight is Draft Night in the NBA.
Here are the top players on my Draft Board:
1. Blake Griffin - duh.
2. Tyreke Evans - Big guard that can do it all.
3. Stephen Curry - I still hold a grudge from the 2008 Tournament but this guy can help a team right away.
4. Gerald Henderson - Like Curry, there's a chance that hes undersized for the NBA, but I still rate him way up there.
5. Johnny Flynn - I'm not willing to say anything nice about an Orange.
6. Ty Lawson - The engine to the UNC machine from the last few years.
7. James Harden - I'd have him ranked higher if I felt he went 100% more often. Seems to float in and out of games far too often for a player with his ability.
8. Earl Clark - Same problems as Harden but possibly an even bigger upside.
9. Terrence Williams - I bet he steps right in and contributes from Day 1.
10. Jordan Hill - Big man that has all of the potential in the world. A good pick anytime after #6.
Disclaimer: These will not be the top 10 picks in the draft. Thabeet and Rubio will be in the top 5. I don't know enough about Rubio to give a fair assessment. I'm not in love with Thabeet at all.
I'd love for Summers to go to Utah at 20 but that's probably about 4 or 5 picks too early. I'd like to see him land on Cleveland.
Tonight is Draft Night in the NBA.
Here are the top players on my Draft Board:
1. Blake Griffin - duh.
2. Tyreke Evans - Big guard that can do it all.
3. Stephen Curry - I still hold a grudge from the 2008 Tournament but this guy can help a team right away.
4. Gerald Henderson - Like Curry, there's a chance that hes undersized for the NBA, but I still rate him way up there.
5. Johnny Flynn - I'm not willing to say anything nice about an Orange.
6. Ty Lawson - The engine to the UNC machine from the last few years.
7. James Harden - I'd have him ranked higher if I felt he went 100% more often. Seems to float in and out of games far too often for a player with his ability.
8. Earl Clark - Same problems as Harden but possibly an even bigger upside.
9. Terrence Williams - I bet he steps right in and contributes from Day 1.
10. Jordan Hill - Big man that has all of the potential in the world. A good pick anytime after #6.
Disclaimer: These will not be the top 10 picks in the draft. Thabeet and Rubio will be in the top 5. I don't know enough about Rubio to give a fair assessment. I'm not in love with Thabeet at all.
I'd love for Summers to go to Utah at 20 but that's probably about 4 or 5 picks too early. I'd like to see him land on Cleveland.
i dare them to win the final
So the best part about having today's other semi-final on in the background has nothing to do with the actual game.
Nope.
The best part is when the announcers say, "Today's winner faces the US in Sunday's Final."
How cool is that? It's still pretty hard to believe.
So I've been rooting for South Africa because you would figure that they are the weaker possible opponent. Well that theory is starting to show some holes since they have been going toe-to-toe with Brazil for about 80 minutes now. At some point you have to realize that when are playing in a final of anything, I don't care what it is, you are going to be playing a really good team.
Fair Play: I don't think the US is going to win the Fair Play award at this tournament. After going an entire game with 11 all players on the field, the Yanks were back up to their old tricks with that late red to Michael Bradley. To be fair, it didn't seem like a straight red to me but they have become a team known for horrible challenges. The refs are looking for it all the time from the Red, White, and Blue.
I mean 3 reds in 4 games? Wow.
Not having Bradley will really hurt on Sunday. I don't want to see Sasha in that role. Are you listening Bob?
I think they should also try and play with 11 men for all 90 minutes in the Final.
But that's just me.
Nope.
The best part is when the announcers say, "Today's winner faces the US in Sunday's Final."
How cool is that? It's still pretty hard to believe.
So I've been rooting for South Africa because you would figure that they are the weaker possible opponent. Well that theory is starting to show some holes since they have been going toe-to-toe with Brazil for about 80 minutes now. At some point you have to realize that when are playing in a final of anything, I don't care what it is, you are going to be playing a really good team.
Fair Play: I don't think the US is going to win the Fair Play award at this tournament. After going an entire game with 11 all players on the field, the Yanks were back up to their old tricks with that late red to Michael Bradley. To be fair, it didn't seem like a straight red to me but they have become a team known for horrible challenges. The refs are looking for it all the time from the Red, White, and Blue.
I mean 3 reds in 4 games? Wow.
Not having Bradley will really hurt on Sunday. I don't want to see Sasha in that role. Are you listening Bob?
I think they should also try and play with 11 men for all 90 minutes in the Final.
But that's just me.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
it's almost next season
We have come so far since the nightmare that was last February and March. In about 36 hours it will be next season. Two things had to happen, and one just did.
Georgetown has officially replaced Robert Burke with Michael Brennan. I like the hire mainly because the Hoyas needed another pair of eyes breaking down the Princeton offense. His experience as an extremely successful player for the Tigers should go a long way towards more back door cuts this season. I know I'm over simplifying things here but give me a break. I have thoughts of Brad Guzan making save after spectacular save running through my head.
Seriously though, is there anything sexier than a well run back door bounce pass for a layup? Yeah. I didn't think so.
Ok so the staff is complete. What's next?
Tomorrow's night draft is the final chapter to each College Basketball season. It's one last time to see DaJuan Summers talked about as a Hoya. And, thanfully, we won't be able to argue about who was to blame for last season anymore. It's seriously been so much fun. I'll hate to have to turn my internet message board attention to something else. What a shame really.
I also can't wait to see Flynn, Blair, Williams, and Clark walk across that stage and out of my life FOREVER.
Georgetown has officially replaced Robert Burke with Michael Brennan. I like the hire mainly because the Hoyas needed another pair of eyes breaking down the Princeton offense. His experience as an extremely successful player for the Tigers should go a long way towards more back door cuts this season. I know I'm over simplifying things here but give me a break. I have thoughts of Brad Guzan making save after spectacular save running through my head.
Seriously though, is there anything sexier than a well run back door bounce pass for a layup? Yeah. I didn't think so.
Ok so the staff is complete. What's next?
Tomorrow's night draft is the final chapter to each College Basketball season. It's one last time to see DaJuan Summers talked about as a Hoya. And, thanfully, we won't be able to argue about who was to blame for last season anymore. It's seriously been so much fun. I'll hate to have to turn my internet message board attention to something else. What a shame really.
I also can't wait to see Flynn, Blair, Williams, and Clark walk across that stage and out of my life FOREVER.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Everybody needs to relax....sorta
The US looked horrible on Wednesday night at Costa Rica.
I get it. It was pretty bad.
I can handle it if their coach, Bob Bradley, was simply tinkering around with their lineup, with the thought that they could possible get a tie and see some players in different spots. I mean let's be honest, getting a win down at Saprissa was never going to be easy or, by any means, a sure thing.
Here are my problems:
Wynne wasn't ready for that kind of game in that kind of atmosphere.
Beasley can't play leftback.
Donovan needs to be on the wing or just behind the forwards - aka NOT A FORWARD.
Mastroeni is done.
Dempsey has been mia for awhile now.
I know that lots of fan likes to dump on Donovan but what do you expect when the team isn't that skilled and they put their most skilled player up top to receive the ball? It makes no sense. It's like when Shawn plays up top in some of my games. I know he's the best at scoring goals but what difference does that make if the rest of the team can't get him the ball??? I'd argue that Adebayor, Van Persie, or Eduardo wouldn't have done much left up top for the US last game.
One thing I did really like from the other night was the insertion of Adu. I don't care if he doesn't play for his club team - Monaco, Benfeica - WHATEVER. The kid should be playing for the US. He's got some of the best touch, composure, and just flat out feel for the game offensively on the team.
I'd like to see Adu up top with Jozy tonight. I'd like to see Donovan behind the forwards. I'd like for Clark to play for Mastroeni. Hopefully Frankie and Spector can play.
It's a big 3 points tonight in what will most likely be a pro Honduran crowd.
Now if Bradley thought his lineup and formation was straight money last week....We have some major league problems and either he goes or the team DOESN'T to South Africa 2010.
Gametime fellas.
I get it. It was pretty bad.
I can handle it if their coach, Bob Bradley, was simply tinkering around with their lineup, with the thought that they could possible get a tie and see some players in different spots. I mean let's be honest, getting a win down at Saprissa was never going to be easy or, by any means, a sure thing.
Here are my problems:
Wynne wasn't ready for that kind of game in that kind of atmosphere.
Beasley can't play leftback.
Donovan needs to be on the wing or just behind the forwards - aka NOT A FORWARD.
Mastroeni is done.
Dempsey has been mia for awhile now.
I know that lots of fan likes to dump on Donovan but what do you expect when the team isn't that skilled and they put their most skilled player up top to receive the ball? It makes no sense. It's like when Shawn plays up top in some of my games. I know he's the best at scoring goals but what difference does that make if the rest of the team can't get him the ball??? I'd argue that Adebayor, Van Persie, or Eduardo wouldn't have done much left up top for the US last game.
One thing I did really like from the other night was the insertion of Adu. I don't care if he doesn't play for his club team - Monaco, Benfeica - WHATEVER. The kid should be playing for the US. He's got some of the best touch, composure, and just flat out feel for the game offensively on the team.
I'd like to see Adu up top with Jozy tonight. I'd like to see Donovan behind the forwards. I'd like for Clark to play for Mastroeni. Hopefully Frankie and Spector can play.
It's a big 3 points tonight in what will most likely be a pro Honduran crowd.
Now if Bradley thought his lineup and formation was straight money last week....We have some major league problems and either he goes or the team DOESN'T to South Africa 2010.
Gametime fellas.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
the Latavious B.I.G. has left the building
Well it's over.
It was even better than I had expected it to be. His head coach at the Christian Life Center in Humble Texas had this gem of a quote:
"Georgetown came in a little late also in January, but (assistant coach) David Cox did a great job recruiting, and Latavious liked him as much as any coach that recruited him. The academic situation at Georgetown was just a little intimidating to him."
I know they won't really flinch down there in Tennessee but I still think it's worth noting that he is saying that school work won't be an issue IF he is able to enroll at Memphis this fall.
Well now it's on to the next circus act in the world of college basketball.
Thanks for killing some time before the NBA Draft Latavious.
It was even better than I had expected it to be. His head coach at the Christian Life Center in Humble Texas had this gem of a quote:
"Georgetown came in a little late also in January, but (assistant coach) David Cox did a great job recruiting, and Latavious liked him as much as any coach that recruited him. The academic situation at Georgetown was just a little intimidating to him."
I know they won't really flinch down there in Tennessee but I still think it's worth noting that he is saying that school work won't be an issue IF he is able to enroll at Memphis this fall.
Well now it's on to the next circus act in the world of college basketball.
Thanks for killing some time before the NBA Draft Latavious.
Latavious Williams picks a college - TAKE 2!
Well Memorial Day came and went without a peep from Latavious Williams.
Raise your hand if you are surprised.
The latest news is that he will hold a press conference today at 2pm. I don't know why I'm so interested in a kid who is going to verbal to Memphis. He isn't coming to Georgetown. The rest is about as clear as mud.
I still say that he verbals today and then ends up either being a non-qualifier or going over to Europe.
Either way, it will have zero impact on Georgetown other than it finally being over.
Raise your hand if you are surprised.
The latest news is that he will hold a press conference today at 2pm. I don't know why I'm so interested in a kid who is going to verbal to Memphis. He isn't coming to Georgetown. The rest is about as clear as mud.
I still say that he verbals today and then ends up either being a non-qualifier or going over to Europe.
Either way, it will have zero impact on Georgetown other than it finally being over.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Latavious Williams - Today is the day!
The hostage situation is over and we didn't even need to bring in Jesse Jackson this time.
Latavious Williams, one of the highest ranking recruits from the Class of 2009, is set to announce his decision today. My prediction? No news.
Ok I'll play fair. If we get news - he's off to Memphis. Of course that's assuming he qualifies academically. You know what happens when you assume don't you???
He was recently quoted saying that he would like to play with Lance Stephenson. Lance, another highly ranked kid who has yet to make up his mind, is probably going to Maryland now that his AAU coach, and dad, signed a deal with Under Armour.
Oh wait did I mention that Lance is facing an aggrevated sexual assualt charge in June? Well now I did.
I'm done with this years crop of seniors and 5th year seniors. Let's focus on the 2010 and 2011 kids with far less drama.
Would somebody please just wake me up when Kenner League starts?
Thanks
Latavious Williams, one of the highest ranking recruits from the Class of 2009, is set to announce his decision today. My prediction? No news.
Ok I'll play fair. If we get news - he's off to Memphis. Of course that's assuming he qualifies academically. You know what happens when you assume don't you???
He was recently quoted saying that he would like to play with Lance Stephenson. Lance, another highly ranked kid who has yet to make up his mind, is probably going to Maryland now that his AAU coach, and dad, signed a deal with Under Armour.
Oh wait did I mention that Lance is facing an aggrevated sexual assualt charge in June? Well now I did.
I'm done with this years crop of seniors and 5th year seniors. Let's focus on the 2010 and 2011 kids with far less drama.
Would somebody please just wake me up when Kenner League starts?
Thanks
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Latavious Update - Will this ever end?
As a Hoya fan I'm more than ready to change the channel. The Latavious Williams variety show is getting old and tired. At first I really wanted him to pledge his allegiance to the Hoya Saxa next year but now I'm past that noise.
The longer this has gone on, the more it seems like Latavious is recruiting Georgetown. Things change over time, and this is no different. There were some quotes a few weeks back about his parents and/or coaches wanting him to go to Georgetown because of the structured environment and the program's recent success of sending guys to the pros at the forward spot - Green, Ewing, and Summers. Ok so Ewing and Summers aren't there yet but Ewing did get drafted and Summers is expected to be a late first round pick next month.
He was in town this past weekend after JT3 wasn't available the first time he wanted to visit. I'm sure he played with the guys and hung out during graduation. I know he hasn't qualified yet but I get the feeling that if John wanted him, he'd have it. There must be something there that doesn't fit it with what he wants this up-coming season. Or maybe he'd rather have another full ride to offer a 2010 kid.
I hope he announces soon. And it sounds like he's going to Memphis.
That's cool. I have faith in Sims and Vaughn improving. I also think Hollis is going to be nasty.
Time for another show to watch
The longer this has gone on, the more it seems like Latavious is recruiting Georgetown. Things change over time, and this is no different. There were some quotes a few weeks back about his parents and/or coaches wanting him to go to Georgetown because of the structured environment and the program's recent success of sending guys to the pros at the forward spot - Green, Ewing, and Summers. Ok so Ewing and Summers aren't there yet but Ewing did get drafted and Summers is expected to be a late first round pick next month.
He was in town this past weekend after JT3 wasn't available the first time he wanted to visit. I'm sure he played with the guys and hung out during graduation. I know he hasn't qualified yet but I get the feeling that if John wanted him, he'd have it. There must be something there that doesn't fit it with what he wants this up-coming season. Or maybe he'd rather have another full ride to offer a 2010 kid.
I hope he announces soon. And it sounds like he's going to Memphis.
That's cool. I have faith in Sims and Vaughn improving. I also think Hollis is going to be nasty.
Time for another show to watch
Monday, May 18, 2009
Jon Gruden and ESPN - Best Friends Again
I have always felt that too many of the talking heads on ESPN's Family of Networks run their mouths in an effort to say something that is actually true. I mean chances are that if you never shut up you will be right every once in a while right?
Well a few years ago Jon Gruden took my side after ESPN insinuated that his quarterback was part of a point shaving scheme at Toledo. He did so with this quote:
"I don't watch ESPN. I don't believe half the [expletive] people on the channel, personally – no disrespect. But if Bruce Gradkowski is throwing games in Toledo, how in the hell does he lead the NCAA in passing percentages? That is a crock. You know, these reports make me sick – really. I don't believe [there is] any truth to it, and I'll go to my grave believing that. I hope ESPN 3 or 4 has real sources behind this story, because it has nothing to do with the kid. He's a great kid. He wants to be great. This is very uncharacteristic, in my opinion, of 'professional' journalism."
Well it looks like, as always, that money will be fixing their friendship as Chucky steps into the Monday Night Booth this season. It was nice to be on the same team for awhile.
Well a few years ago Jon Gruden took my side after ESPN insinuated that his quarterback was part of a point shaving scheme at Toledo. He did so with this quote:
"I don't watch ESPN. I don't believe half the [expletive] people on the channel, personally – no disrespect. But if Bruce Gradkowski is throwing games in Toledo, how in the hell does he lead the NCAA in passing percentages? That is a crock. You know, these reports make me sick – really. I don't believe [there is] any truth to it, and I'll go to my grave believing that. I hope ESPN 3 or 4 has real sources behind this story, because it has nothing to do with the kid. He's a great kid. He wants to be great. This is very uncharacteristic, in my opinion, of 'professional' journalism."
Well it looks like, as always, that money will be fixing their friendship as Chucky steps into the Monday Night Booth this season. It was nice to be on the same team for awhile.
Tony Kornheiser leaving Monday Night Football
I was seriously thinking of writing about how useless Twitter is when I got a tweet that I actually valued.
Redskins Insider (from the WashingtonPost) just sent me a tweet saying that Jon Gruden was stepping into Tony Kornheiser's role on MNF.
That's HUGE NEWS (to me) because I love his radio show more than anything currently on the air. I don't really care much for MNF unless the Redskins are playing. Other than those games MNF is just basically another option for flipping between 9pm and whenever.
I'll be sure to follow two websites to see if he ends up on the radio soon:
http://www.dcrtv.com/
http://thiswebsitestinks.com/
Redskins Insider (from the WashingtonPost) just sent me a tweet saying that Jon Gruden was stepping into Tony Kornheiser's role on MNF.
That's HUGE NEWS (to me) because I love his radio show more than anything currently on the air. I don't really care much for MNF unless the Redskins are playing. Other than those games MNF is just basically another option for flipping between 9pm and whenever.
I'll be sure to follow two websites to see if he ends up on the radio soon:
http://www.dcrtv.com/
http://thiswebsitestinks.com/
PLEASE COME BACK TO THE RADIO MR. TONY!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What's next? Maryland or Uconn???
I can't believe that I have to watch Greg Paulus play college sports for another season.
In another sport.
At another school...that I clearly despise.
For me College Basketball is King. The 4 big villains in the sport are (in no particular order) Syracuse, Uconn, Maryland & Duke. So after spending the last 4 years playing basketball for the dreaded Blue Devils, Greg is off to Syracuse for a year of football. I can only assume that his next stop will then be as an assistant coach at either Uconn or Maryland.
What a nightmare.
The only positive I can see that came out of today's decision was the actual, you know, decision part. Greg had been the NCAA version of Brett Favre over the last month or so. At least we now know.
I wonder if Greg will slap the turf before big plays? Hmmmm....
In another sport.
At another school...that I clearly despise.
For me College Basketball is King. The 4 big villains in the sport are (in no particular order) Syracuse, Uconn, Maryland & Duke. So after spending the last 4 years playing basketball for the dreaded Blue Devils, Greg is off to Syracuse for a year of football. I can only assume that his next stop will then be as an assistant coach at either Uconn or Maryland.
What a nightmare.
The only positive I can see that came out of today's decision was the actual, you know, decision part. Greg had been the NCAA version of Brett Favre over the last month or so. At least we now know.
I wonder if Greg will slap the turf before big plays? Hmmmm....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
I miss BWU (already)
Recently when I think of Wednesdays I get all warm and fuzzy inside. I begin to daydream of hot chicken fingers and those awesome green $2 leftover St. Patrick's Day bottles at BWU. It's about as good as it gets during the week. Unfortunately that dream has to wait another 2 weeks before coming true.
After the last month of so of Champions League soccer I decided that I needed a break. More specifically, a 3 week break from the adult soda. I figured it would be good for the wallet and the waistline. You know the whole 2-birds-1-stone thing.
Well its one down, two to go.
I'm eating a Vanilla Yogurt flavored protein bar right now. I think that this is as close as I will come to eating tree bark in my life.
Body Combat is coming up pretty soon and I'm not looking forward to it thanks to sleeping wrong on my neck Sunday night. I woke up Monday morning with a really stiff neck and it hasn't gotten any better. Awesome.
Here is this morning's funny movie clip: It's amazing I can not get left!
After the last month of so of Champions League soccer I decided that I needed a break. More specifically, a 3 week break from the adult soda. I figured it would be good for the wallet and the waistline. You know the whole 2-birds-1-stone thing.
Well its one down, two to go.
I'm eating a Vanilla Yogurt flavored protein bar right now. I think that this is as close as I will come to eating tree bark in my life.
Body Combat is coming up pretty soon and I'm not looking forward to it thanks to sleeping wrong on my neck Sunday night. I woke up Monday morning with a really stiff neck and it hasn't gotten any better. Awesome.
Here is this morning's funny movie clip: It's amazing I can not get left!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Bernard Muir to Delaware? Really?
These are the only things that I know about Delaware:
It was the first state.
The University of Delaware wears football uniforms that look exactly like Michigan's uniforms.
They are called the Fightin' Blue Hens.
You have to pay them like $10 bucks when you are driving through to NY.
You can buy Imperial there.
Oh, and Gary Williams loves to get hammered and chase 20 year olds at Dewey.
That's it. That's the list.
Well now we can add that Georgetown AD Bernard Muir just left to take the exact same job with the Fightin' Blue Hens. It seems like a weird move until you realize that he has applied for two other AD jobs over the past couple of years - Duke and Northwestern. It looks like Muir needs some experience at a school with a legitimate football program before he gets to play at the BCS level.
It's not a big loss.
The facilities are still in the same position as when he got there. He had a Final Four to build off of and he did nadda with it.
Later Bernard.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
not so great news
Now I'm kinda worried about today. I'm getting a deja vu, but not in a good way.
The latest rumor floating around the Memphis boards is that Latavious Williams is canceling his last visit to Georgetown. It sounds like he wants to commit to the Tigers and worry about those pesky SAT scores and grades later. He wouldn't be able to do that with the Hoyas.
A few weeks ago I was getting ready to watch Arsenal v Villarreal when I found out that Monroe was staying. Arsenal then went on to win 3 - 0.
With bad news going into today's Arsenal game, I'm not feeling so great.
The good news is that there will now be AT LEAST 2 more scholarship open for 2010 which is the money year. Lubick and Starks are already on board. They need to add two out of Smith, Kendrick, Odom, Jones.
Oh and Arsenal, at the worst, needs to score at least one goal and lose by no more than one.
BWU here I come.
The latest rumor floating around the Memphis boards is that Latavious Williams is canceling his last visit to Georgetown. It sounds like he wants to commit to the Tigers and worry about those pesky SAT scores and grades later. He wouldn't be able to do that with the Hoyas.
A few weeks ago I was getting ready to watch Arsenal v Villarreal when I found out that Monroe was staying. Arsenal then went on to win 3 - 0.
With bad news going into today's Arsenal game, I'm not feeling so great.
The good news is that there will now be AT LEAST 2 more scholarship open for 2010 which is the money year. Lubick and Starks are already on board. They need to add two out of Smith, Kendrick, Odom, Jones.
Oh and Arsenal, at the worst, needs to score at least one goal and lose by no more than one.
BWU here I come.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
saturday wrap up
Well I was gone most of the day so I missed the NFL Draft. Somehow I'll try to get over it. Maybe I'm just bitter because the team I follow doesn't value the draft. Well I guess there's that but there's also the whole It's-Super-Boring aspect.
Matt Stafford - I just heard him say that he was happy to be going to such a great organization in the Detroit Lions. I guess they don't get many Lions games down in Athens. Somebody should tell Stafford that Detroit went 0 for the season last year. If that's a great organization, I'd like to know what he thinks about the Patriots or Steelers.
Knowshon Moreno - I thought the Broncos could just take any dude off the street and have him grind out at least 1,000 yards. When Denver starts drafting running backs this early, I get nervous. Don't be surprised for Knowshon to rack up close to 2 grand this year.
The Skins - I wanted them to draft Michael Oher of Ole Miss fame because I feel like a good OT can last you for a decade. They picked up former Longhorn DE Brian Orakpo. It's still a good pick and I wont complain. I was just worried they would shoot their entire wad for over rated Mark Sanchez.
The Raiders once again showed why they are an embarrassment. They reached for a bad WR at the 7 spot. The NFL should take them over or kick them out of the league. Heyward-Bey is a joke. He runs fast. That's his list of good football qualities.
Switching gears to the NBA Playoffs, I think ESPN should banish her to tape-delayed Billiards Tournaments after her error tonight. Kobe, who was showing why he's the best player in the league - Sorry LeBron, hit a sick shot over Brewer and Doris said it reminded her of that shot Jordan hit against Utah. She said, more than once, that it was over Craig Ehlo. That should be the last game she ever broadcasts.
I think I might have been wrong about Dwayne Wade. He's really good. Perhaps he just wasn't fully recovered from his injury last year. Sorry man. I'll put you in my Fave Five next time I lose my brain and get T-Mobile.
I felt kinda bad for the Jazz fans that stayed until the very end tonight. They are a really loyal bunch that supports the hell out of their home team. I know they don't have much going for them out there in Utah so it really annoyed me to see all of those lame Laker fans in their Kobe jerseys pretending like they cared at the end of the game. They don't care. It's all about the celebrities and the fanfare.
I don't follow baseball all that closely but I am noticing that the Yankees have been involved in some crazy games so far this year. The Tribe destoryed them last week like 22 - 4. Today they went to Fenway and lost 16 - 11 after being up 6 to zip. I wonder how many pitchers they have used so far.
Matt Stafford - I just heard him say that he was happy to be going to such a great organization in the Detroit Lions. I guess they don't get many Lions games down in Athens. Somebody should tell Stafford that Detroit went 0 for the season last year. If that's a great organization, I'd like to know what he thinks about the Patriots or Steelers.
Knowshon Moreno - I thought the Broncos could just take any dude off the street and have him grind out at least 1,000 yards. When Denver starts drafting running backs this early, I get nervous. Don't be surprised for Knowshon to rack up close to 2 grand this year.
The Skins - I wanted them to draft Michael Oher of Ole Miss fame because I feel like a good OT can last you for a decade. They picked up former Longhorn DE Brian Orakpo. It's still a good pick and I wont complain. I was just worried they would shoot their entire wad for over rated Mark Sanchez.
The Raiders once again showed why they are an embarrassment. They reached for a bad WR at the 7 spot. The NFL should take them over or kick them out of the league. Heyward-Bey is a joke. He runs fast. That's his list of good football qualities.
Switching gears to the NBA Playoffs, I think ESPN should banish her to tape-delayed Billiards Tournaments after her error tonight. Kobe, who was showing why he's the best player in the league - Sorry LeBron, hit a sick shot over Brewer and Doris said it reminded her of that shot Jordan hit against Utah. She said, more than once, that it was over Craig Ehlo. That should be the last game she ever broadcasts.
I think I might have been wrong about Dwayne Wade. He's really good. Perhaps he just wasn't fully recovered from his injury last year. Sorry man. I'll put you in my Fave Five next time I lose my brain and get T-Mobile.
I felt kinda bad for the Jazz fans that stayed until the very end tonight. They are a really loyal bunch that supports the hell out of their home team. I know they don't have much going for them out there in Utah so it really annoyed me to see all of those lame Laker fans in their Kobe jerseys pretending like they cared at the end of the game. They don't care. It's all about the celebrities and the fanfare.
I don't follow baseball all that closely but I am noticing that the Yankees have been involved in some crazy games so far this year. The Tribe destoryed them last week like 22 - 4. Today they went to Fenway and lost 16 - 11 after being up 6 to zip. I wonder how many pitchers they have used so far.
it's all Hoyas...even on the way back from Monticello
That's right.
It doesn't matter that it's the last weekend in April. I can still make it all about the Blue and Grey so long as I look at everything through my Hoya colored glasses. Ok my lenses are actually clear but you know what I mean.
So on our way back from a day at Monticello, we stopped off for some ice cream at this incredible place - Carousel Ice Cream. I actually got a shake, but that's besides the point. I sat down, looked around, and thought to myself, "Hey. I'm in Fauquier County. I wonder if Jerrelle Bunimon ever comes here."
Jerrelle Bunimon - obviously being the mystery recruit that JT3 just picked up. Well he wasn't there and there's an outside chance I've got major issues for even wondering about it.
Latavious: Staying with Hoyas news, there are rumors out there that Mr. Williams is in town this weekend. The Hoyas are really pulling out the big guns. We had incredible weather yesterday and today AND he was in town for Georgetown Day - campus wide parties and the such. Hopefully the guys took him out on the town tonight. Every weekend is like this Latavious. It's never cold up here.
Great article in the The Hoya about JT3 and the latest signings. Vee Sanford's High School coach, Brandon Salsman, can have a job in the PR department at Georgetown anytime. He had nothing but love for all things Hoya related.
It doesn't matter that it's the last weekend in April. I can still make it all about the Blue and Grey so long as I look at everything through my Hoya colored glasses. Ok my lenses are actually clear but you know what I mean.
So on our way back from a day at Monticello, we stopped off for some ice cream at this incredible place - Carousel Ice Cream. I actually got a shake, but that's besides the point. I sat down, looked around, and thought to myself, "Hey. I'm in Fauquier County. I wonder if Jerrelle Bunimon ever comes here."
Jerrelle Bunimon - obviously being the mystery recruit that JT3 just picked up. Well he wasn't there and there's an outside chance I've got major issues for even wondering about it.
Latavious: Staying with Hoyas news, there are rumors out there that Mr. Williams is in town this weekend. The Hoyas are really pulling out the big guns. We had incredible weather yesterday and today AND he was in town for Georgetown Day - campus wide parties and the such. Hopefully the guys took him out on the town tonight. Every weekend is like this Latavious. It's never cold up here.
Great article in the The Hoya about JT3 and the latest signings. Vee Sanford's High School coach, Brandon Salsman, can have a job in the PR department at Georgetown anytime. He had nothing but love for all things Hoya related.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What's after Benimon-mania?
Well it looks as though we are about to go two straight days without a high schooler committing to play basketball for the Georgetown Hoyas. I was really getting used to all of the buzz surrounding the daily signings.
Now it's all about waiting to see what Latavious Williams decides to do. All things considered, that's not such a bad hand to have at the table right now.
Think about it.
Just two weeks ago Hoya fans were looking at:
1. Heavy suspicion that Omar was leaving
2. Nobody knew what Monroe would do
3. Were anymore Freshmen going to be showing up in the fall of '09?
So we found out that Omar was leaving which was a drag but Monroe decided to stick around. Greg staying gives the program hope in the short term - aka next season. A complete disaster was avoided. The Hoyas have enough problems with other schools bashing them to recruits because of their style of a play. They don't need to be able to point to Greg Monroe as exhibit A.
And then we get to the new guys. I feel like the Vee Sanford commitment hasn't gotten as much attention as it should because because most people were just caught way off guard by Jerrelle Benimon.
When things started to go bad during this past season, there were always two names mentioned as quality players that the program would be lucky to bring in for the upcoming fall: Vee Sanford (we got him!) and Latavious Williams.
Looks like it's going to be a fight between him being eligible and Memphis. I like Georgetown's chances should he be eligible to play this fall.
Things are looking a lot better. So much so that most of us fans can sit back and argue about a kid from Fauquier that nobody seems to know that much about. Luckily it doesn't stop most people from having strong opinions about every aspect of his game!
Now it's all about waiting to see what Latavious Williams decides to do. All things considered, that's not such a bad hand to have at the table right now.
Think about it.
Just two weeks ago Hoya fans were looking at:
1. Heavy suspicion that Omar was leaving
2. Nobody knew what Monroe would do
3. Were anymore Freshmen going to be showing up in the fall of '09?
So we found out that Omar was leaving which was a drag but Monroe decided to stick around. Greg staying gives the program hope in the short term - aka next season. A complete disaster was avoided. The Hoyas have enough problems with other schools bashing them to recruits because of their style of a play. They don't need to be able to point to Greg Monroe as exhibit A.
And then we get to the new guys. I feel like the Vee Sanford commitment hasn't gotten as much attention as it should because because most people were just caught way off guard by Jerrelle Benimon.
When things started to go bad during this past season, there were always two names mentioned as quality players that the program would be lucky to bring in for the upcoming fall: Vee Sanford (we got him!) and Latavious Williams.
Looks like it's going to be a fight between him being eligible and Memphis. I like Georgetown's chances should he be eligible to play this fall.
Things are looking a lot better. So much so that most of us fans can sit back and argue about a kid from Fauquier that nobody seems to know that much about. Luckily it doesn't stop most people from having strong opinions about every aspect of his game!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How to evaluate the Jerrelle Benimon signing at Georgetown
One of the ways I am going to evaluate the expected signing of Jerrelle Benimon at Georgetown is to compare him to the other guys that I felt were in the running for that particular scholarship.
Jerrelle Benimon wasn't signed to be a starter or an impact player right away - although it wouldn't hurt if he did provide that instant impact.
He was signed to add some size to the rotation from the bench which, as it stands now, only consists of Julian Vaughn or Henry Sims, depending on who you are penciling in as the other big man starter come November.
I feel that two other local players were vying for this scholarship.
Jamal Olasewere of Springbrook, MD
Terrell Vinson of Baltimore , MD
Jerrelle was the least heralded of the three but he's the tallest and, from other reports, seems to be a very cerebral type player. The latter is very important at Georgetown because the offense is predicated on making split second decisions based on what the defense is giving you.
Jamal busted on the scene late as he lead his team to a state title run in Maryland and is still undecided as to what school he will be attending this fall. Terrell has been a top 100 kid for quite some time that had been set to go to Loyola Marymount but has since decided on attending Massachusetts. Both kids seemed to be recruiting Georgetown more than Georgetown was recruiting them.
While I wouldn't completely focus on the comparison of these three kids, I think it's fair to at least monitor the situation since it looks like they all had a shot at being a Hoya. Probably moreso for Jamal than Terrell.
Another way to evaluate the signing of Benimon would be to see if he acknowledges his role in the program. There have been far too many early defections from Georgetown over the last few seasons - and I'm not talking about leaving early for the pros. Look you always want your bench players pushing for more playing time but you also need to make sure that they know what their role is going to be AND THAT THEY CAN HANDLE THAT ROLE.
The Hoyas were left a little short after Jeremiah Rivers and Vernon Macklin decided they needed more run. Same thing goes for Omar Wattad. I don't begrudge them for wanting more out of their 4 years of college basketball. Thompson needs to be more selective in who he brings in when building a team.
John Thompson III has been adamant in saying that last season's collapse won't happen again and that he will fix it. I believe him which is why I think Jerrelle is coming in fully accepting his role. I'm not sure exactly what that is but if I can guess, I would guess that he's been told that they need his big body for rebounding and toughness for short periods of time off the bench. Anything more than that will by gravy for next season.
Can't wait for Kenner League!
Jerrelle Benimon wasn't signed to be a starter or an impact player right away - although it wouldn't hurt if he did provide that instant impact.
He was signed to add some size to the rotation from the bench which, as it stands now, only consists of Julian Vaughn or Henry Sims, depending on who you are penciling in as the other big man starter come November.
I feel that two other local players were vying for this scholarship.
Jamal Olasewere of Springbrook, MD
Terrell Vinson of Baltimore , MD
Jerrelle was the least heralded of the three but he's the tallest and, from other reports, seems to be a very cerebral type player. The latter is very important at Georgetown because the offense is predicated on making split second decisions based on what the defense is giving you.
Jamal busted on the scene late as he lead his team to a state title run in Maryland and is still undecided as to what school he will be attending this fall. Terrell has been a top 100 kid for quite some time that had been set to go to Loyola Marymount but has since decided on attending Massachusetts. Both kids seemed to be recruiting Georgetown more than Georgetown was recruiting them.
While I wouldn't completely focus on the comparison of these three kids, I think it's fair to at least monitor the situation since it looks like they all had a shot at being a Hoya. Probably moreso for Jamal than Terrell.
Another way to evaluate the signing of Benimon would be to see if he acknowledges his role in the program. There have been far too many early defections from Georgetown over the last few seasons - and I'm not talking about leaving early for the pros. Look you always want your bench players pushing for more playing time but you also need to make sure that they know what their role is going to be AND THAT THEY CAN HANDLE THAT ROLE.
The Hoyas were left a little short after Jeremiah Rivers and Vernon Macklin decided they needed more run. Same thing goes for Omar Wattad. I don't begrudge them for wanting more out of their 4 years of college basketball. Thompson needs to be more selective in who he brings in when building a team.
John Thompson III has been adamant in saying that last season's collapse won't happen again and that he will fix it. I believe him which is why I think Jerrelle is coming in fully accepting his role. I'm not sure exactly what that is but if I can guess, I would guess that he's been told that they need his big body for rebounding and toughness for short periods of time off the bench. Anything more than that will by gravy for next season.
Can't wait for Kenner League!
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