We've talked to three cab drivers, two bartenders, & a couple of folks off the street about the sports scene in Miami. The coastal city is one of the few lucky places to have each of the Big Four (hockey, football, basketball, & baseball) playing in town. I opened each conversation with a question about the hype surrounding the Marlins. No one cared or was overly thrilled with the baseball team's successful offseason pickups & potential. A lot of people were surprised to hear they had a hockey team (the Panthers). But who can blame a city with seventy degree days year round too give a shit about hockey? The Dolphins received a nod or two, but nothing special.
The Heat however . . . oh yeah, Miami's a basketball town.
Everyone, literally everyone, loves the Heat. One cab driver ranted about their chances for the title while one bartender raved about how much more mature LeBron James is compared to this time last year. Miami proves to me that if a team wins, people will love them. The Dolphins can't win. The Panthers are leading their division, but the NBA season is still going. The Marlins might usurp the Heat, but that's highly unlikely. LeBron & Dwayne Wade are kings here. The Heat are held up by the city. It's almost like the Steelers . . . almost.
March 31, 2012
Miami Semana: The First Image
So I'm in Miami for a week (semana) with my fiancee Lindsey & our friend Ziggy for Wrestlemania 28. I'll give yins the scoop of the sports world in South Beach for the duration of our stay. It took nineteen straight hours (fourteen driven by yours truly), but we got here with spirits high & knees cramped. In the lobby of our hotel, there were three stacks of magazines free for the patrons on the desk. Two were about living & dining in Miami. The third was sports related & a complete epitome of culture down here:
Yup, that's major league outfielder Logan Morrison . . . dressed like the Little Mermaid's eccentric brother. The Miami Marlins have made waves this offseason by signing major players & dropping tons of flith. They also open a new stadium that's beautiful. Morrison isn't apart of the former (he was called-up last fall), but apparently he is a big deal down here. The Marlins are expected to do big things this season & fingers are pointing to Morrison to help make them happen. But this cover? It's . . . umm . . . what? We've seen this picture everywhere by the way. Yins guys like it?
Yup, that's major league outfielder Logan Morrison . . . dressed like the Little Mermaid's eccentric brother. The Miami Marlins have made waves this offseason by signing major players & dropping tons of flith. They also open a new stadium that's beautiful. Morrison isn't apart of the former (he was called-up last fall), but apparently he is a big deal down here. The Marlins are expected to do big things this season & fingers are pointing to Morrison to help make them happen. But this cover? It's . . . umm . . . what? We've seen this picture everywhere by the way. Yins guys like it?
March 28, 2012
Greatest Sports Name Ever
Let me introduce yins too . . .
Boob Darling. He was a center for the Green Bay Packers for five years (1927-1931) & helped the team win three championships. Its a shame Boob Darling didn't play eighty years sooner.
March 27, 2012
Chants
Fans loves chanting. Whether it be at a professional or collegiate or high school event, fans will chant. It may be an original creation or a old favorite that's both reliable & easy to remember. If you've been to a game, odds are you've participated in a chant. The leading scientists at the University of North Dakota say that some 67% of fans enjoy chanting at the game more than watching it. That's bullshit, but you get the point. Right? Do I need to make up another statistic? Maybe a nice chart depicting the good & bad ones will suffice . . .
Good Chants
"Naw Naw Naw Naw Hey Hey Hey Goodbye" - A classic. Nothing ushers a team out of the playoffs like this Kristina Debarge hit.
"Let's Go (insert team)" - Quick, easy, repetitive, somewhat uninspired, but a solid rallying cry.
"Ole Ole Ole Ole" - I know I ripped soccer in a earlier post, but I'll give them soccer fans their credit & say nothing gives me bigger goosebumps than hearing thousands of people sing this. It's awesome.
"(blank) sucks! (blank) sucks!" - The perfect way to irk a player or team that you passionately hate. Ask Kurt Angle about this one.
"J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets!" or "P! I! T! T! Let's Go PITT!" - Very clever fans who thought to give each letter its moment. This only works with four letter teams though.
Bad Chants
Anything involving the refs - Odds are the refs made a good call & the home crowd is uneducated about the game. The ones I'm sick of hearing are "get off your knees ref, you're blowing the game" & the infamous "what are you blind?".
"USA! USA! USA" - I love the United States of America, but hate when we chant our country in a non-international format. I went to a WWE event where the crowd heckled the Canadian bad guy with this chant. The good guy was also Canadian. I even heard this at a Pens game when they played the Toronto Maple Leafs. Guess where Sidney Crosby & Marc-Andre Fleury are from.
The Wave - Technically not a chant but my disdain of it forces me to place it on this list. Its stupid. Plain & simple. And the 'ooooo' that accompanies it around the arena makes my mind bleed. The worst part is, there's always a group of fans whose solo purpose of coming to the game was to start this thing. They wait out the game for a lull in the action & try to get it going. A major distraction.
What do yins think? Have any additions?
Good Chants
"Naw Naw Naw Naw Hey Hey Hey Goodbye" - A classic. Nothing ushers a team out of the playoffs like this Kristina Debarge hit.
"Let's Go (insert team)" - Quick, easy, repetitive, somewhat uninspired, but a solid rallying cry.
"Ole Ole Ole Ole" - I know I ripped soccer in a earlier post, but I'll give them soccer fans their credit & say nothing gives me bigger goosebumps than hearing thousands of people sing this. It's awesome.
"(blank) sucks! (blank) sucks!" - The perfect way to irk a player or team that you passionately hate. Ask Kurt Angle about this one.
"J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets!" or "P! I! T! T! Let's Go PITT!" - Very clever fans who thought to give each letter its moment. This only works with four letter teams though.
Bad Chants
Anything involving the refs - Odds are the refs made a good call & the home crowd is uneducated about the game. The ones I'm sick of hearing are "get off your knees ref, you're blowing the game" & the infamous "what are you blind?".
"USA! USA! USA" - I love the United States of America, but hate when we chant our country in a non-international format. I went to a WWE event where the crowd heckled the Canadian bad guy with this chant. The good guy was also Canadian. I even heard this at a Pens game when they played the Toronto Maple Leafs. Guess where Sidney Crosby & Marc-Andre Fleury are from.
The Wave - Technically not a chant but my disdain of it forces me to place it on this list. Its stupid. Plain & simple. And the 'ooooo' that accompanies it around the arena makes my mind bleed. The worst part is, there's always a group of fans whose solo purpose of coming to the game was to start this thing. They wait out the game for a lull in the action & try to get it going. A major distraction.
What do yins think? Have any additions?
March 26, 2012
It's a Circus in New York & Tim Tebow is the Ringmaster
In about thirty minutes the New York Jets will have a news conference introducing their latest acquisition, quarterback Tim Tebow. Sorry, I said that wrong. I meant, backup quarterback Tim Tebow because the Jets have Mark Sanchez, who took them to two straight AFC Conference Championships. But this is New York & that wasn't enough to stop the Jets' higher brass from making eyes throws then free agent future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning. When Manning politely turned the jets down, Mark busted through the door crying foul. The Jets where caught trying to take another girl to prom & did what any guy would do in the situation; they showered Mark with gifts, i.e. a three year $20 million contract extension.
"You're our guy," was the message. The Jets suffer from a dysfunctional locker room & Mark suffers from poor leadership. Despite his achievements on the field, his teammates are at best, tolerate of the guy. The extension was also designed to eliminate that. So what does trading two fourth round draft picks for Tim Tebow say?
Background on Tebow. If you meet the guy for five minutes you'll; A) like him. B) know he's a diehard, hardcore Christian. & C) might trip over the charisma oozing out of him. The guy the shit in college (a good thing). A legend in Florida. When then Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels drafted Tebow in 2010, he was to be the answer (McDaniels would only start Tebowmania because he was fired later that year). Last year, Tebow exploded on the scene as he was named the team's starter. He played horrible. He completed less than forty-five percent of his passes. He ran more than he throw. Coach John Fox hated his play. Head of Football Operations John Elway did too, & he should know a thing or two about quarterback play . . . being that his face in on the QB Mt. Rushmore wearing a Broncos helmet.
Tebow won & won & won. That's the thing about Tim Tebow. He'll win no matter what is said or written about him. Its what makes him a great leader. The fans love him for it. Elway & Fox had to grind praise out of clenched teeth. The Broncos went to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Tebow was the answer.
Remember Peyton Manning? Remember how he turned down the Jets? Guess where he went . . . hell yeah, Denver. John Elway couldn't trade Tebow faster. Now he had a true quarterback. A real quarterback. He kicked Tebow out the door faster than the ink dried on Manning's signature.
The Jets inherit Tebowmania. Sanchez hasn't said a word. The fans already view Tebow as the starter. He's the backup. The circus is here.
"You're our guy," was the message. The Jets suffer from a dysfunctional locker room & Mark suffers from poor leadership. Despite his achievements on the field, his teammates are at best, tolerate of the guy. The extension was also designed to eliminate that. So what does trading two fourth round draft picks for Tim Tebow say?
Background on Tebow. If you meet the guy for five minutes you'll; A) like him. B) know he's a diehard, hardcore Christian. & C) might trip over the charisma oozing out of him. The guy the shit in college (a good thing). A legend in Florida. When then Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels drafted Tebow in 2010, he was to be the answer (McDaniels would only start Tebowmania because he was fired later that year). Last year, Tebow exploded on the scene as he was named the team's starter. He played horrible. He completed less than forty-five percent of his passes. He ran more than he throw. Coach John Fox hated his play. Head of Football Operations John Elway did too, & he should know a thing or two about quarterback play . . . being that his face in on the QB Mt. Rushmore wearing a Broncos helmet.
Tebow won & won & won. That's the thing about Tim Tebow. He'll win no matter what is said or written about him. Its what makes him a great leader. The fans love him for it. Elway & Fox had to grind praise out of clenched teeth. The Broncos went to the playoffs for the first time in five years. Tebow was the answer.
Remember Peyton Manning? Remember how he turned down the Jets? Guess where he went . . . hell yeah, Denver. John Elway couldn't trade Tebow faster. Now he had a true quarterback. A real quarterback. He kicked Tebow out the door faster than the ink dried on Manning's signature.
The Jets inherit Tebowmania. Sanchez hasn't said a word. The fans already view Tebow as the starter. He's the backup. The circus is here.
March 24, 2012
Soccer
For the past year, I've noticed something odd about SportsCenter. Usually, the hour long program is filled with year-round news about the NFL & periodically slides in some bullet-points concerning the rest of the sporting world. But like I said, I smelt the something rotting in Denmark. Soccer began making brief appearances. This was strange because the World Cup was over . . . for two years. The announcers casually spoke of Manchester United & Chelsea like they where the Dallas Cowboys or Atlanta Braves. Hell, some even had above passing knowledge of the players. It takes skill to memorize rosters. Did I mention the World Cup was over? The soccer segments got longer as the baseball & hockey (which barely makes it on the damn show as it is) got shorter. Now, soccer makes regular appearances. What gives?
I'm not a complete moron. I realize soccer is king in countries that have been waging wars on each other through several metallic-themed ages, but it was barely a blimp on the USA's radar. Every kid plays soccer for a year, maybe two, in their developmental phase, but its usually replaced by more American sports like baseball & football & hunting or whatever. Point is, not a ton of people like soccer over here. So why is ESPN trying to brainwash us?
And why is it working! I hear customers at Sheetz talk about match-ups over in jolly-old England. I see shirts for different clubs & my cousins have been playing fake-football for years. ESPN shows a game thrice a week & they're getting good ratings & making money off . . . oh.
Mystery solved.
I applaud ESPN for finding a way to make even more revenue than they already rake it. They've tapped into a market that was always there. They did what the NFL is trying to do overseas and MLB is struggling to do with our Neighbors to the North. It hasn't worked on me, however. I'm sticking to my ignorant guns. So far.
I'm not a complete moron. I realize soccer is king in countries that have been waging wars on each other through several metallic-themed ages, but it was barely a blimp on the USA's radar. Every kid plays soccer for a year, maybe two, in their developmental phase, but its usually replaced by more American sports like baseball & football & hunting or whatever. Point is, not a ton of people like soccer over here. So why is ESPN trying to brainwash us?
And why is it working! I hear customers at Sheetz talk about match-ups over in jolly-old England. I see shirts for different clubs & my cousins have been playing fake-football for years. ESPN shows a game thrice a week & they're getting good ratings & making money off . . . oh.
Mystery solved.
I applaud ESPN for finding a way to make even more revenue than they already rake it. They've tapped into a market that was always there. They did what the NFL is trying to do overseas and MLB is struggling to do with our Neighbors to the North. It hasn't worked on me, however. I'm sticking to my ignorant guns. So far.
March 22, 2012
Late Night Boxing
Insomnia? I encourage ya turn on Showtime & watch boxing. I see why the sport is suffering . . . the damn product is boring. The two guys on now have done more hugging than punching. The announcers inform that this is called 'tying up'. I see no use of this in a fight. I'm using this strategy the next time I'm in a pickle. Who knows, our embrace might defuse the situation & we'll go have a beer together. Talk about the good days & play darts. Is this what the boxers are trying to accomplish? They refuse to hit each other so I'm gonna say yeah. Boxing: the sport where hugs have more power than fists.
I sleep now.
I sleep now.
March 20, 2012
Hockey . . . WWE-Style
Last Night, the New Jersey Devils & New York Rangers played their sixth (& final) game of the season together. They're division rivals & completely hate each other. So when Rangers coach John Tortorella (a real gem himself) saw Devils coach Peter DeBoer's obviously antagonizing lineup, he responded by having a career goon defenseman to take the opening faceoff. The bad blood is there and the shot was fired across the bow. They went fucking all-out:
The results of the brawl; Stu Bickel (NYR) beat Ryan Carter (NJD, nasty cut bro) - Michael Rupp (NYR) defeated Eric Boulton - Brandon Prust (NYR) & Cam Janssen (NJD) fought to a draw. Side note, the Rangers won the game 4-2. This is why hockey is awesome & why so people don't respect it. What other sport can this happen in & be called normal? Do the Ravens & Steelers do this (shit that'd be great!)? Hockey rules, but not to the overwhelming public. Still, this doesn't occur regularly & the ratings are still there. Let's chalk this up to 'boys will be boys', huh?
The results of the brawl; Stu Bickel (NYR) beat Ryan Carter (NJD, nasty cut bro) - Michael Rupp (NYR) defeated Eric Boulton - Brandon Prust (NYR) & Cam Janssen (NJD) fought to a draw. Side note, the Rangers won the game 4-2. This is why hockey is awesome & why so people don't respect it. What other sport can this happen in & be called normal? Do the Ravens & Steelers do this (shit that'd be great!)? Hockey rules, but not to the overwhelming public. Still, this doesn't occur regularly & the ratings are still there. Let's chalk this up to 'boys will be boys', huh?
Farewell, Smile
Hines Ward decided to stay a Steeler. Today, the franchise's most productive wide receiver retired from the NFL after fourteen seasons. His career numbers of 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, & 85 touchdowns ranks him first on the Steelers' all-time list for wide-outs (which includes Hall-of-Famers John Stallworth & Lynn Swann). Ward was true to his word & finished his football playing days as a Steeler, despite ownership releasing him last month.
Ironically, Ward will be remembered more for his smile & blocking ability than his catching. He paved the way (literally) for the Steelers to have a dominant running for most of the time he was here. His brave down-field blocks were selfless & devastating. Just ask Keith Rivers:
Still, the thing that really stood out for Hines (& my Grandmother loves this about him) was his smile. After a catch or penalty or being on the bad end of a blindside hit, the camera would do a close-up on Ward & he'd be grinning. It was a relief to see a professional player enjoying playing so much. That's what I'll miss most . . .
Hines Ward wasn't the perfect man. He was voted 'Dirtiest Player in the NFL' twice, had a DUI & held out of training camp over money. But really, what's a hero without scars? That's what makes us cheer for them. Ward was a diehard Steeler, & today's announcement proves that. He will be missed. Goodbye, Mr. Ward
Ironically, Ward will be remembered more for his smile & blocking ability than his catching. He paved the way (literally) for the Steelers to have a dominant running for most of the time he was here. His brave down-field blocks were selfless & devastating. Just ask Keith Rivers:
Still, the thing that really stood out for Hines (& my Grandmother loves this about him) was his smile. After a catch or penalty or being on the bad end of a blindside hit, the camera would do a close-up on Ward & he'd be grinning. It was a relief to see a professional player enjoying playing so much. That's what I'll miss most . . .
March 18, 2012
Fuck March Maddness
Why did I even do a bracket this year? The only college games I watched were Pitt's & they're losing ways have effectively rubbed off on me. My poor bracket . . . so much red ink . . . it looks like the cleanup after Gettysburg.
I lost seven of my Sweet Sixteen which turns into five of my Elite Eight which transforms into two of my Final Four. A fifteen seed beating a second seed hasn't happened since 2001 & sumbitch if it doesn't occur twice this year. Norfolk State hurt me but Lehigh pissed down my throat (I had Duke in the Final Four). No doubt some waitress in Topeka has a better bracket than me. Wait . . . everyone has a better bracket than me! I hate basketball!
I lost seven of my Sweet Sixteen which turns into five of my Elite Eight which transforms into two of my Final Four. A fifteen seed beating a second seed hasn't happened since 2001 & sumbitch if it doesn't occur twice this year. Norfolk State hurt me but Lehigh pissed down my throat (I had Duke in the Final Four). No doubt some waitress in Topeka has a better bracket than me. Wait . . . everyone has a better bracket than me! I hate basketball!
March 15, 2012
It Begins! The Maddness Begins!
I was going to write about this subject two days ago, but the breaking news of Sid the Kid's return pushed this back a tad.
March Maddness has begun! The third month of the year ushers in the NCAA's sixty-eight team basketball tournament & for a three week period, everyone's a college B-Ball fan. Brackets get filled out by experts & idoits alike with their chances being close to equal. Every office building, dormatory, high school, & prison has that one person who relishes this day. They're the one's who print out the brackets, collect the money, & beg all their coworkers to place their ten dollars in the pot. That's the beautiful part of March Maddness; anyone can win. My father said a secretary in his building won one year by picking what team came first in alphabet. I lost in my senior year of high school to a girl who picked the matchups based on the more appealing color scheme. It's nuts! Gloriously nuts!
Have yins filled out your brackets? Who do yins have winning it all?
March Maddness has begun! The third month of the year ushers in the NCAA's sixty-eight team basketball tournament & for a three week period, everyone's a college B-Ball fan. Brackets get filled out by experts & idoits alike with their chances being close to equal. Every office building, dormatory, high school, & prison has that one person who relishes this day. They're the one's who print out the brackets, collect the money, & beg all their coworkers to place their ten dollars in the pot. That's the beautiful part of March Maddness; anyone can win. My father said a secretary in his building won one year by picking what team came first in alphabet. I lost in my senior year of high school to a girl who picked the matchups based on the more appealing color scheme. It's nuts! Gloriously nuts!
Have yins filled out your brackets? Who do yins have winning it all?
March 14, 2012
Past & Present Obsessions
This is a stretch. A big stretch. Like doing a complete split at first-base to snag the third-baseman's horrible throw.
Present - NASCAR
Past - The Gilmore Girls
I loved that show. Like clockwork, I would turn on ABC Family at five o'clock and dive into my softer side for an hour. It became such a routine that my dogs would get exicted when the theme song played as they knew it was time for dinner. Luke was my favorite character followed closely by Richard & Jackson. My hatred for Paris still burns my heart. I felt the writers ruined Lorelia's character towards the end & Rory's best boyfriend was Jess. Hell, my first day of spring break was spent with a friend watching our favorite episodes on her complete DVD collection.
How does NASCAR relate to a episodic click-flick? My mind feels like a blown engine coughing up oil and smoke onto the track just thinking about connections. I don't know . . . maybe the fast-paced dialogue of Lorelia & Rory matches the near 200mph speeds the drivers reach? The natural drama of a sporting event coincides with the drama of family & relationships? Both make me laugh. Both entertain me. Maybe they're a package deal? Each one speaks to two separate sides of my idiotic brain, hence making me a well-rounded individual.
Naw!
Present - NASCAR
Past - The Gilmore Girls
I loved that show. Like clockwork, I would turn on ABC Family at five o'clock and dive into my softer side for an hour. It became such a routine that my dogs would get exicted when the theme song played as they knew it was time for dinner. Luke was my favorite character followed closely by Richard & Jackson. My hatred for Paris still burns my heart. I felt the writers ruined Lorelia's character towards the end & Rory's best boyfriend was Jess. Hell, my first day of spring break was spent with a friend watching our favorite episodes on her complete DVD collection.
How does NASCAR relate to a episodic click-flick? My mind feels like a blown engine coughing up oil and smoke onto the track just thinking about connections. I don't know . . . maybe the fast-paced dialogue of Lorelia & Rory matches the near 200mph speeds the drivers reach? The natural drama of a sporting event coincides with the drama of family & relationships? Both make me laugh. Both entertain me. Maybe they're a package deal? Each one speaks to two separate sides of my idiotic brain, hence making me a well-rounded individual.
Naw!
March 13, 2012
He's Baaaaaaccckkk!
This post will be short, simple, sweet, & might make the already stout Pittsburgh Penguins even better (which is saying a SHIT ton because they've won nine straight & are catching the powerhouse New York Rangers for the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference).
This guy . . .
From Nova Scotia . . . number #87 . . . SIDNEY CROSBY IS BACK!!!!!!! He'll play Thursday against the formerly mentioned Rangers on Thursday. This is he's second comeback this year and hopefully the last in a long while. Please, Hockey Gods, please.
This guy . . .
From Nova Scotia . . . number #87 . . . SIDNEY CROSBY IS BACK!!!!!!! He'll play Thursday against the formerly mentioned Rangers on Thursday. This is he's second comeback this year and hopefully the last in a long while. Please, Hockey Gods, please.
March 12, 2012
Fantasy Sports
There is nothing more staisfying for a diehard, hardcore sports fan than to mock run their own team. This is the niche for fantasy sports of every kind. Football is the undisputed champion of fantasy playership, but baseball is also extremely popular. Me, I play everything. My favorites are hockey and baseball and I'd like to think I do well (won five championships, but who's bragging? Go on, don't act like you're not impressed). But for how much joy and vindication fantasy sports can provide, it also serves humble pie and crow by the metric-ton. For example, my basketball team this year. I have a wonderful blend of veterns and young guns. Their stats last year made me confident that I'd corner the market on assits and rebounds . . . but I completely suck. This team completely sucks. No matter what waiver wire pickup I make or roster changes I perform, I cannot win this year. I'm currently sixth out of eight teams. And that's why I play, too assure myself that I don't know as much as I think. Do you guys have moments like that?
March 10, 2012
Basketball
I wish more channels played the NHL. I am sitting here watching the Chicago Bulls play the Orlando Magic and for the first time in a while, I am bored watching a professional game. I really wish these guys would transform into hockey players or gladiators or something other than basketball players. Does this though make me a racist? Or does that one? Or this one? Damn. I don't think I'm a fan of basketball . . . you?
March 7, 2012
A Era Ends
Today, Peyton Manning was released by the Indianapolis Colts after fourteen stellar seasons. Two weeks ago, the Steelers let Hines Ward go after twelve special years. A decade ago, teams rarely waved goodbye to players that established themselves so fully with the team, brand, & organization. Twenty years ago this never happened. As sad as it is to admit, a era has died . . . replaced by a business associated one. The ironic thing is, the former paved the way for the latter.
Look at Peyton's case. You as long as I've watched football, Peyton Manning took the snaps for the Colts. He made them a powerhouse & constant threat for championships (winning one in 2007, Indy's first since 1970). So the team's higher-ups rewarded him for his loyalty, in the form a mega contract (five years $90 million dollars). Then he got hurt, baldy hurt. He missed the entire season last year & the Colts finished 2-14. They declared that they were rebuilding & needed Peyton's money to do so. That was why he was released. Money also played a factor in Hines being let go, for the Steelers have no cap-space room & value signing Mike Wallace over Ward. These are business decisions. This is the new NFL.
Look at Peyton's case. You as long as I've watched football, Peyton Manning took the snaps for the Colts. He made them a powerhouse & constant threat for championships (winning one in 2007, Indy's first since 1970). So the team's higher-ups rewarded him for his loyalty, in the form a mega contract (five years $90 million dollars). Then he got hurt, baldy hurt. He missed the entire season last year & the Colts finished 2-14. They declared that they were rebuilding & needed Peyton's money to do so. That was why he was released. Money also played a factor in Hines being let go, for the Steelers have no cap-space room & value signing Mike Wallace over Ward. These are business decisions. This is the new NFL.
March 6, 2012
The National Anthem
It isn't a sporting event until I hear some singer or musical instrument start belting out the first lines of the Star Spangled Banner. Hearing it on television is nice, but my engine really revs when I'm sitting in the stands of PNC Park with my hat in my hand over my heart. Nothing sets the tone for a game better than the National Anthem. Hell, I even like O'Canada. I think I might have it played before my wedding . . .
The flip side of the coin is when the SSB is butchered, a cocktail of hilarious & tragic spirits. However, this doesn't happen as often as people think. Few times the anthem is awesome & most times it is average. But when it is slaughtered . . . it's usually funny. The NFL has cornered the market on fucked up anthems (Steve Taylor & Christina Aguilera). Going back to our Neighbors in the North, their anthem sounds weird when it is sung in Quebec & they splice in French lyrics. Regardless of how well a anthem is sung or played, it stills spurs my game-face on. What do you think? You like the anthem?
The flip side of the coin is when the SSB is butchered, a cocktail of hilarious & tragic spirits. However, this doesn't happen as often as people think. Few times the anthem is awesome & most times it is average. But when it is slaughtered . . . it's usually funny. The NFL has cornered the market on fucked up anthems (Steve Taylor & Christina Aguilera). Going back to our Neighbors in the North, their anthem sounds weird when it is sung in Quebec & they splice in French lyrics. Regardless of how well a anthem is sung or played, it stills spurs my game-face on. What do you think? You like the anthem?
March 3, 2012
He Said What . . . ?!
I nominate this guy for Douche-Bag of the Year. I know the year is young, but he has to be a front runner. Is it so bad that Danica wants to distance herself from a stereotype? What's wrong with that asshole? And that paper flop at the end of his segment . . . completes his application form for DBOY. I'm shocked the anchorwoman didn't this to that ass-clown (she's the one wearing the black shirt):
I think I might if I ever meet this womanizing jagoff. Sorry for all the cursing.
March 2, 2012
Happy Anniversary, Wilt Chamberlain
Fifty years ago today, in Hershey Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Warriors center Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a NBA basketball game. Do I have to tell you that's a record? The weird thing is there isn't any video or photos of from that night. Just a post-game snapshot I included below.Wilt's 1962 outing against the New York Knicks is one of those legendary sporting milestones that will probably never be broken. Kobe Bryant came close in 2007 when he burned the Tornato Raptors for 81 points, but I think Wilt's record is safe . . . for at least another fifty years. The player that breaks this record isn't born yet. I say good luck to them.
SportsCenter
My day starts like this: Wake up, stretch, piss, dress, turn on SportsCenter, eat cereal, repeat next morning.
I know I should turn on the news & be wise to the vents which shape the world. I get that, but sadly I value who the Celtics are trying to trade over who won the Michigan Primary. I blame SportsCenter for this. The hour long show is easily more interesting & enjoyable to watch. Plus, Granola is tastier with it on. If the news wants to attract more viewers, I say they copy the format & personality of ESPN's flagship program. Or maybe I'm idiot. No, I know I'm a idiot.
I know I should turn on the news & be wise to the vents which shape the world. I get that, but sadly I value who the Celtics are trying to trade over who won the Michigan Primary. I blame SportsCenter for this. The hour long show is easily more interesting & enjoyable to watch. Plus, Granola is tastier with it on. If the news wants to attract more viewers, I say they copy the format & personality of ESPN's flagship program. Or maybe I'm idiot. No, I know I'm a idiot.
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