Today is the biggest unofficial holiday of the year - the Super Bowl. While many big day partiers will be happy to tell you that the following Monday should be a day off, one of the coolest things about the big game is yapping about it at the water cooler with every nudnik in your office that thinks they know something. Being nudnik myself, I figured it best if I play my part before the game gets started and give my take on how today's game between the Giants and Patriots will go.
When the Giants have the ball:
Don't let Plaxico's bumps and bruises fool you - if the Giants are even going to try and be successful, Eli and Burress have to connect over and over again. The Patriots are great at throwing different looks at QB's and given two weeks, there is no doubt they will look to disguise coverage. If Plaxico is heavily covered, don't look for Amani Toomer to be the other option - it'll have to be the TE Kevin Boss. Going in, everyone will talk about 265lb. Brandon Jacobs and change of pace back, Ahmad Bradshaw, but the Pats are a very stingy run D, so don't expect that here.
Key Matchups: Pats NT Vince Wilfork vs. NYG C Shaun O'Hara; Pats DB's vs. NYG WR's
Expect a big play from: Either Rodney Harrison or Ellis Hobbs for a potential pick-6
When the Patriots have the ball:
The Giants had a slightly better run defense than the Patriots this year (ranked 8th vs. NE's 10 ranked unit,) and has upped it in the playoffs, giving up less than 84 yards on the ground per, but that wasn't against this sparkling offensive line. As the playoffs have moved forward, the Pats have upped their rushing attack, averaging 147 yards per versus only 115 a game in the regular season. Maroney will get the ball out of a lot of one back sets, meaning they'll line up 4 wideouts. Expect the Giants to have to play nickel to defend this, as their backers can't cover Dante Stallworth or Jabar Gafney. Honestly, they'll need the nickel even if the fourth reciever is Kyle Brady or Ben Watson and not Gafney. Tom Brady will surely look to get Moss the ball, and Welker will get plenty of work, but this offense will see Maroney have a big game.
Key Matchups: NE T's Matt Light and Nick Kaczur vs. NYG DE's Strahan and Umenyiora
Expect a big play from: Stallworth or Gafney on a big YAC play after a Giants secondary breakdown
Final Analysis: Don't let the past 2 weeks of hype fool you. The Giants have played out of their mind on the road, and they gave New England all they could handle at the end of the season, but these Patriots are tried, tested and true. The Super Bowl is where teams get exposed. If there is a weakness, a good coach will find it and a good team will execute properly to attack it. They don't come much better than Bill Belichick when you talk about coaches, and if you can dump a B-list actress who happens to be preggers with your kid, for a hot supermodel, and still be adored by women coast-to-coast, all before embarking on one of the most successful and prolific seasons in sports history, pressure isn't in your vocabulary. Look for Brady to be impeccable, Maroney to carry the load, and Eli to connect with a couple of guys wearing the other jersey.
Patriots 41 Giants 16 - BOOK IT!
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rant. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year's Day Bowl Blogging -- by J.O.B.
Happy New Year!
I was going to time-stamp my entries today but felt it would either come off too Simmons-like or too much like the guys over Kissing Suzy Kolber, so eff it.
... I remarkably don't have a hangover this morning, despite drinking wine (I never drink wine) and Patron (I always drink Patron) along with imbibing some other herbal rememdies last night. Snowmobiling on New Year's Eve rocks ... my back - yowza! How did I sleep with all this phlegm in my chest?
... Thank Jesus and Pope Gregory XIII that I switched my high carb days to last Tuesday and this one - chocolate-chip pancakes for breakfast! "Want some pancakes?"
... Tournament of Roses Parade on so many channels. NBC ruins the vision that is Nancy O'Dell by pairing her with Al Roker. ABC ruins the Honda transforming car float by cutting to some clod talking about it instead of showing the full transformation - like "Fuck you for not bringing your lazy ass to Pasadena!" As if I'm going to take the intricate knowledge about the inner workings of this float to try and replicate it in my yard. Just show me the cool transforming flower covered thing already. Somehow though, ABC can't find a way to cut to a live shot of Erin Andrews reporting from the street, who I'd much rather get a visual of.
... Looks like Wisconsin-Tennessee starts off my bowl day. Should be interesting. Wait, Fox has Missouri against Arkansas - much more interesting just because everyone thinks Missouri has something to prove and even though he hasn't officially taken over in Fayetteville, Bobby Petrino is likely to quit the Hogs at halftime and bolt to coach a flag football team in Wyoming.
... Ooh, it's almost time for Lloyd Carr to get Tebowed (or I could watch yet another version of the spread offence on CBS with Texas Tech against Virginia, but who am I kidding?) Wait, the Wolverines actually come out with a spread-style offense? What in the Rich Rodriguez is-a goin' on here? 7-0 U of M!
... NBC proves how much more exciting watching hockey live is versus watching it on television as they manage to fill Rich Stadium (a 60,000+ seat football stadium) in Buffalo for a hockey game, only to pit it against New Year's Day bowl games. Love the Penguins alternate sweaters.
... The Badger-Vol game proved much more exciting than the Mizzou-Hog game as the Tigers are in full route mode, the Vols need a late pick to stave off the Cheesers somehow, Bobby Petrino is still the new head coach at Arkansas, and Brian Baldinger managed to not fully blow Pat Summerall in the booth. What a let down.
... As Michigan is giving Florida all they can handle, two things come to mind: 1) if they win, do the Wolverines give Ohio St. "Big Ten confidence" over the SEC as they prepare for LSU, and 2) the best thing that could come from a Florida loss is that they trash the all-blue uni look out of superstition. Sad side note: The Mountaineers routinely went monochromatic under Rich Rodriguez. Do I sense and all-Maize clad Wolverine outing in the future? I hope not.
... I'd have to say that the Red Raiders Mike Leach is the most NFL-ready head coach I've ever seen. Not because of his innovative spread offense (how innovative is an offense that nearly half of the top-2o teams run?) but because he has to be the most boring sunovabitch I've heard interviewed that doesn't wear a headset on Sundays. Does he know this is a bowl game?
... Michigan really wants to give Florida every opportunity to win. Four turnovers? Two fumbles from a guy who has fumbled once in three years?
... Rose Bowl pre-game hype on ESPN2! "Illinois will have to access the power of Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and maybe the flying Spaghetti Monster to win this one!" This is a USC team that lost to Stanford, right? This is an Illinois team that beat the #1 team in the Country right? I mean, the Illini didn't even go to the Playboy Mansion this year. Yes, I have my Illinois sweatshirt on, dicks. Yes, it's on top of my Illinois t-shirt and my blue and orange shorts.
... Bowl games make you forget to eat. Shit, Michigan scored again?!? Did Chrysler really just show a commercial in which all of the 300's featured were with after-market cars? Like, "look, we know that these things come looking like shit from the factory, but if you just pay even more money with an after-market supplier, it might just be a vehicle you can look at!" God, they are in so much trouble. Buy American!
... In case you were wondering, Virginia officially has the crispest looking uniforms today. Yet, they still lost to Texas Tech who has the worst uniforms on the day.
... Rose Bowl pre-game on ESPN2!!! In the meantime, Florida is somehow losing to Michigan so now Urban Meyer will get taken to task and Rich Rodriguez better win a big bowl next year or he'll be in line for "but Carr won his last bowl game criticisms.
... Way to follow up outdoor hockey, NBC. Nothing says, "our last program wasn't worth watching" by following it up with Seal singing while pairs figure skating goes on in the foreground.
... Brent Musburger has the best line early in the Illini-Trojan game: "I still say Hugh Hefner is the best recruiter to come out of Illinois' program!" By the way, is there any way that "Fighting Illini" doesn't make the discussion of odd/funny college nicknames? I know it represents a Native-American tribe, but it's just random. I'd also like to elect "random" as a word I don't need to hear in that context in 2008.
... Trickeration! My squad is down 14-0 early and I've got to stop now or else the first case of suicide by blogging will happen today. Os-ke-wow-wow!
I was going to time-stamp my entries today but felt it would either come off too Simmons-like or too much like the guys over Kissing Suzy Kolber, so eff it.
... I remarkably don't have a hangover this morning, despite drinking wine (I never drink wine) and Patron (I always drink Patron) along with imbibing some other herbal rememdies last night. Snowmobiling on New Year's Eve rocks ... my back - yowza! How did I sleep with all this phlegm in my chest?
... Thank Jesus and Pope Gregory XIII that I switched my high carb days to last Tuesday and this one - chocolate-chip pancakes for breakfast! "Want some pancakes?"
... Tournament of Roses Parade on so many channels. NBC ruins the vision that is Nancy O'Dell by pairing her with Al Roker. ABC ruins the Honda transforming car float by cutting to some clod talking about it instead of showing the full transformation - like "Fuck you for not bringing your lazy ass to Pasadena!" As if I'm going to take the intricate knowledge about the inner workings of this float to try and replicate it in my yard. Just show me the cool transforming flower covered thing already. Somehow though, ABC can't find a way to cut to a live shot of Erin Andrews reporting from the street, who I'd much rather get a visual of.
... Looks like Wisconsin-Tennessee starts off my bowl day. Should be interesting. Wait, Fox has Missouri against Arkansas - much more interesting just because everyone thinks Missouri has something to prove and even though he hasn't officially taken over in Fayetteville, Bobby Petrino is likely to quit the Hogs at halftime and bolt to coach a flag football team in Wyoming.
... Ooh, it's almost time for Lloyd Carr to get Tebowed (or I could watch yet another version of the spread offence on CBS with Texas Tech against Virginia, but who am I kidding?) Wait, the Wolverines actually come out with a spread-style offense? What in the Rich Rodriguez is-a goin' on here? 7-0 U of M!
... NBC proves how much more exciting watching hockey live is versus watching it on television as they manage to fill Rich Stadium (a 60,000+ seat football stadium) in Buffalo for a hockey game, only to pit it against New Year's Day bowl games. Love the Penguins alternate sweaters.
... The Badger-Vol game proved much more exciting than the Mizzou-Hog game as the Tigers are in full route mode, the Vols need a late pick to stave off the Cheesers somehow, Bobby Petrino is still the new head coach at Arkansas, and Brian Baldinger managed to not fully blow Pat Summerall in the booth. What a let down.
... As Michigan is giving Florida all they can handle, two things come to mind: 1) if they win, do the Wolverines give Ohio St. "Big Ten confidence" over the SEC as they prepare for LSU, and 2) the best thing that could come from a Florida loss is that they trash the all-blue uni look out of superstition. Sad side note: The Mountaineers routinely went monochromatic under Rich Rodriguez. Do I sense and all-Maize clad Wolverine outing in the future? I hope not.
... I'd have to say that the Red Raiders Mike Leach is the most NFL-ready head coach I've ever seen. Not because of his innovative spread offense (how innovative is an offense that nearly half of the top-2o teams run?) but because he has to be the most boring sunovabitch I've heard interviewed that doesn't wear a headset on Sundays. Does he know this is a bowl game?
... Michigan really wants to give Florida every opportunity to win. Four turnovers? Two fumbles from a guy who has fumbled once in three years?
... Rose Bowl pre-game hype on ESPN2! "Illinois will have to access the power of Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed and maybe the flying Spaghetti Monster to win this one!" This is a USC team that lost to Stanford, right? This is an Illinois team that beat the #1 team in the Country right? I mean, the Illini didn't even go to the Playboy Mansion this year. Yes, I have my Illinois sweatshirt on, dicks. Yes, it's on top of my Illinois t-shirt and my blue and orange shorts.
... Bowl games make you forget to eat. Shit, Michigan scored again?!? Did Chrysler really just show a commercial in which all of the 300's featured were with after-market cars? Like, "look, we know that these things come looking like shit from the factory, but if you just pay even more money with an after-market supplier, it might just be a vehicle you can look at!" God, they are in so much trouble. Buy American!
... In case you were wondering, Virginia officially has the crispest looking uniforms today. Yet, they still lost to Texas Tech who has the worst uniforms on the day.
... Rose Bowl pre-game on ESPN2!!! In the meantime, Florida is somehow losing to Michigan so now Urban Meyer will get taken to task and Rich Rodriguez better win a big bowl next year or he'll be in line for "but Carr won his last bowl game criticisms.
... Way to follow up outdoor hockey, NBC. Nothing says, "our last program wasn't worth watching" by following it up with Seal singing while pairs figure skating goes on in the foreground.
... Brent Musburger has the best line early in the Illini-Trojan game: "I still say Hugh Hefner is the best recruiter to come out of Illinois' program!" By the way, is there any way that "Fighting Illini" doesn't make the discussion of odd/funny college nicknames? I know it represents a Native-American tribe, but it's just random. I'd also like to elect "random" as a word I don't need to hear in that context in 2008.
... Trickeration! My squad is down 14-0 early and I've got to stop now or else the first case of suicide by blogging will happen today. Os-ke-wow-wow!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Needs Me Some '08 -- by J.O.B.
Ah, we're coming down to the end of another year, the start of another year, and I couldn't be more excited. To celebrate, I'd like to list off some things I'm over and don't really need to hear or see about again ...
1) Cars with fake portholes. This barely looks good on the Buick's that started and recently resurrected the trend, but don't slap it on your Charger to try and pass it off as classy. Anyone who knows what a porthole would even be useful for knows it doesn't belong on your car.
2) Coaches that bolt programs or situations too quickly. How many times do you think you can do that before none of your new players expect you to be there in 18 months and then don't perform for you? There is such a thing as creating a tradition at your current school instead of trying to reclaim one for another. Kudos to you Greg Schiano (sp? who cares) at Rutgers. Bobby Petrino, I hope you get dick cancer.
3) Lumping all forms of electronically created music spun by DJ's into one category. Lumping house and trance music together because they're created with the same tools is like lumping death metal and blues together because they both use guitars.
4) At least one of Chicago's baseball teams being sub-par every year. The expansion of the playoffs has meant more trips to the postseason recently (5 in the last 10 years and a World Series to boot,) but they're never both good in the same year. Can we at least get the threat of a Cubs-Sox Series?
5) The fascination with car-exit-crotch-shots. As hetero as I am, in allllllll of my research, I've yet to see one of these that actually did something for me. It just looks awkward. However, the braless-sheer-black-top shots are free to continue as usual.
6) The 1972 Dolphins ... especially Mercury Morris.
7) Timeouts just before game deciding, last second kicks. In a manly game it's the one of the most pansy things coach can do. Either you can count on your special teams to make a block or you can't. Get over it.
8) Reality shows with famous married couples. The public already considers celebrity marriages to be half a sham, but now every reality show featuring a famous couple ends in divorce. I give Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight 2 more years, max.
9) Terrestrial radio. I've never found a form of entertainment so worthless after switching the medium that provides it.
I'm sure there are more but you get the idea. Have a Happy New Year!
1) Cars with fake portholes. This barely looks good on the Buick's that started and recently resurrected the trend, but don't slap it on your Charger to try and pass it off as classy. Anyone who knows what a porthole would even be useful for knows it doesn't belong on your car.
2) Coaches that bolt programs or situations too quickly. How many times do you think you can do that before none of your new players expect you to be there in 18 months and then don't perform for you? There is such a thing as creating a tradition at your current school instead of trying to reclaim one for another. Kudos to you Greg Schiano (sp? who cares) at Rutgers. Bobby Petrino, I hope you get dick cancer.
3) Lumping all forms of electronically created music spun by DJ's into one category. Lumping house and trance music together because they're created with the same tools is like lumping death metal and blues together because they both use guitars.
4) At least one of Chicago's baseball teams being sub-par every year. The expansion of the playoffs has meant more trips to the postseason recently (5 in the last 10 years and a World Series to boot,) but they're never both good in the same year. Can we at least get the threat of a Cubs-Sox Series?
5) The fascination with car-exit-crotch-shots. As hetero as I am, in allllllll of my research, I've yet to see one of these that actually did something for me. It just looks awkward. However, the braless-sheer-black-top shots are free to continue as usual.
6) The 1972 Dolphins ... especially Mercury Morris.
7) Timeouts just before game deciding, last second kicks. In a manly game it's the one of the most pansy things coach can do. Either you can count on your special teams to make a block or you can't. Get over it.
8) Reality shows with famous married couples. The public already considers celebrity marriages to be half a sham, but now every reality show featuring a famous couple ends in divorce. I give Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight 2 more years, max.
9) Terrestrial radio. I've never found a form of entertainment so worthless after switching the medium that provides it.
I'm sure there are more but you get the idea. Have a Happy New Year!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Plenty of Room on the Bandwagon!
I'd like to point out something that may come as a shock to some of you:
Take a look at the following percentages:
.588
.524
.444
.444
.167
Those, my friends, are the current winning percentages of Chicago sports teams this year. And who is on top right now? Thats right, none other than Chicago's Blackhawks! (followed by the Cubs, Bears, White Sox, and lowly Bulls)
Hope everyone caught the game last night...the Hawks beat the Red Wings for the third time already this season (the Wings are 12-3...all 3 of their losses are to the Hawks).
Needless to say, this is an exciting team. And while I'm realistic enough to know that its likely they won't stay atop this "leaderboard", they are creeping back onto the Chicago sports map. Slowly but surely.
They still have a ways to go, however.
A perfect example of this was Friday night. Me and my roommate went to the Hawks game (a win over the Blues), then I went up to Wrigleyville to meet a friend from out of town. They were at Moe's Cantina, an inexplicably pretentious pseudo-posh hangout in the heart of Wrigleyville on Clark St. The bouncer, with his spikey hair and undeserved sense of accomplishment, told me I had to remove my #7 Chris Chelios jersey before entering. I refused (of course), and made my friends leave the place.
What sucks about this is that after Bears games, people are allowed in with Bears jerseys, and of course after Cubs games, thats all anyone is wearing. So why the discrimination against Blackhawk jerseys? Obviously we know the answer to this...but it just sucks. But its changing, dammit!
Take a look at the following percentages:
.588
.524
.444
.444
.167
Those, my friends, are the current winning percentages of Chicago sports teams this year. And who is on top right now? Thats right, none other than Chicago's Blackhawks! (followed by the Cubs, Bears, White Sox, and lowly Bulls)
Hope everyone caught the game last night...the Hawks beat the Red Wings for the third time already this season (the Wings are 12-3...all 3 of their losses are to the Hawks).
Needless to say, this is an exciting team. And while I'm realistic enough to know that its likely they won't stay atop this "leaderboard", they are creeping back onto the Chicago sports map. Slowly but surely.
They still have a ways to go, however.
A perfect example of this was Friday night. Me and my roommate went to the Hawks game (a win over the Blues), then I went up to Wrigleyville to meet a friend from out of town. They were at Moe's Cantina, an inexplicably pretentious pseudo-posh hangout in the heart of Wrigleyville on Clark St. The bouncer, with his spikey hair and undeserved sense of accomplishment, told me I had to remove my #7 Chris Chelios jersey before entering. I refused (of course), and made my friends leave the place.
What sucks about this is that after Bears games, people are allowed in with Bears jerseys, and of course after Cubs games, thats all anyone is wearing. So why the discrimination against Blackhawk jerseys? Obviously we know the answer to this...but it just sucks. But its changing, dammit!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Nuttin' But T.V. -- by J.O.B.
1) Revel in the fact that despite passing himself off as an audiophile at one point, BB is not only unaware of the band Seether (I'm Mulatto and I know who they are, jeez,) but unaware of the current love affair that the world has with Hanna Montana/Miley Cyrus. Not only do you not have to be a subscriber to the Lefsetz newsletter to know who this is (any true audiophile subscribes to and reads Lefsetz,) you don't have to have a kid either. The chick is everywhere - charging over $2K for her live shows and all - and parents are paying. She is Hillary Duff/Mandy Moore/Britney/Christina circa their Disney careers. We all know that the Disney Channel is the breeding ground for tomorrow's female pop star. C'mon BB, I expect better from you.
2) I am very worried that Nip/Tuck has jumped the shark. I missed the last two seasons, and finally had a chance to tune in to the season opener this past Tuesday, as McNamara/Troy opened their L.A. office. What separates this from Dr. 90210 at this point? Don't get me wrong, it was funny, but it takes more than Asia Carrere dressed like a dominatrix to secure my viewership. You're on thin ice Nip/Tuck...
3) While sick the other day (I'm still sick, just not as sick,) I realized how many times Criss Angel's show Mindfreak is on during the day. Jesus H., alright dude, you do amazing tricks with Long Island flair, what do you want from me? I am ultimately distrustful of any magic I see on TV, just like I'm ultimately distrustful of AWM making any competent life change on his own.
4) For future reference, the Bulls might want to know more about who this guy is. Although a deal involving Sacramento and Ron Artest fell through, it shows how much the Bulls want to get someone involved to minimize their losses. Bibby is out for 6 weeks - can we get the Maloof's to take Ben Gordon in the deal somehow? Yeah, he scored a bunch of points, but his timing for not scoring sucks...
2) I am very worried that Nip/Tuck has jumped the shark. I missed the last two seasons, and finally had a chance to tune in to the season opener this past Tuesday, as McNamara/Troy opened their L.A. office. What separates this from Dr. 90210 at this point? Don't get me wrong, it was funny, but it takes more than Asia Carrere dressed like a dominatrix to secure my viewership. You're on thin ice Nip/Tuck...
3) While sick the other day (I'm still sick, just not as sick,) I realized how many times Criss Angel's show Mindfreak is on during the day. Jesus H., alright dude, you do amazing tricks with Long Island flair, what do you want from me? I am ultimately distrustful of any magic I see on TV, just like I'm ultimately distrustful of AWM making any competent life change on his own.
4) For future reference, the Bulls might want to know more about who this guy is. Although a deal involving Sacramento and Ron Artest fell through, it shows how much the Bulls want to get someone involved to minimize their losses. Bibby is out for 6 weeks - can we get the Maloof's to take Ben Gordon in the deal somehow? Yeah, he scored a bunch of points, but his timing for not scoring sucks...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Depressing Bears Make Me Post -- by J.O.B.
1) How do you have two players that wrap and tackle so well, and nine others that don't come close? Yes, the Norse version of Adrian Peterson is super-talented and is worthy of the praise he's getting right now, but on each of his long TD runs multiple Bears had legit shots at making tackles and blew it. At some point the reputation of being a "big play" defense has convinced some players (:cough: Danieal Manning :cough:) that it's best to go for a strip instead of a tackle. That's not how it works - make the tackle right and either the player will end up fumbling on his own or a teammate will come in and make it happen. You can't put the priority on forcing the fumble or else you'll end up watching the ass-end of a sperm headed helmet dance into the endzone.
2) 45 passes. Can we admit that getting rid of Thomas Jones was dumb? Until the 4th quarter there was no reason for the Bears to have to get out of their "run first" mindset. However, Cedric Benson had 18 carries for 67 yards. At almost 4 yards a carry, it was looking like one of his most productive days. What happened? When Bears QB's have to throw more than 35 times and Bears RB's run less than 20, the odds are they are going to lose. Nothing burns a defense out more than impatience from their offensive counterpart.
3) Someone needs to check and see if Devin Hester is actually from this planet. Any punter not talented enough to put it out of bounds 40 yards downfield is probably in for a long day. Yes, it's sport and part of sport is the challenge and competition of trying to beat what seems unbeatable, but the guy has as many return TD's in less than a season and a half as Muhsin Muhammed had receiving TD's in his first two years as a Bear. He averages a return for TD almost once every 2 games. Oh yeah, and he caught the 80 yard bomb to tie the game before the coverage team gave it away.
4) To even go 9-7, this team will have to go 7-3 the rest of the way, but I don't think 9-7 will get them in. So to go 10-6 they'll need finish 8-2. Out of visits to Philly, Seattle, Washington and Minnesota, and home games against Detroit, Green Bay, Denver and the Giants, can anyone really feel that there are two losses or less left for this team?
2) 45 passes. Can we admit that getting rid of Thomas Jones was dumb? Until the 4th quarter there was no reason for the Bears to have to get out of their "run first" mindset. However, Cedric Benson had 18 carries for 67 yards. At almost 4 yards a carry, it was looking like one of his most productive days. What happened? When Bears QB's have to throw more than 35 times and Bears RB's run less than 20, the odds are they are going to lose. Nothing burns a defense out more than impatience from their offensive counterpart.
3) Someone needs to check and see if Devin Hester is actually from this planet. Any punter not talented enough to put it out of bounds 40 yards downfield is probably in for a long day. Yes, it's sport and part of sport is the challenge and competition of trying to beat what seems unbeatable, but the guy has as many return TD's in less than a season and a half as Muhsin Muhammed had receiving TD's in his first two years as a Bear. He averages a return for TD almost once every 2 games. Oh yeah, and he caught the 80 yard bomb to tie the game before the coverage team gave it away.
4) To even go 9-7, this team will have to go 7-3 the rest of the way, but I don't think 9-7 will get them in. So to go 10-6 they'll need finish 8-2. Out of visits to Philly, Seattle, Washington and Minnesota, and home games against Detroit, Green Bay, Denver and the Giants, can anyone really feel that there are two losses or less left for this team?
Monday, October 1, 2007
God I Love October
A rowdy party on Saturday ushered in my favorite month of the year: October (or as Dane Cook calls it, Actober! Get it??). Here are four things I'm thinking right now regarding the greatest part about the greatest month of the year.
1) Watching this Padres/Rockies game is painful in a lot of ways right now. First off, its tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth...and though I could give a crap about either team, I'm still tied in knots. God I love postseason baseball. However, I truly hate announcers who suck, and the two dimwits doing this wildcard playoff game truly suck balls. The lead commentator sounds like he just woke up, and Craig Sager and his technicolor dream coat have the sideline duties. On the bright side, the Rockies fans are adorable. One sign read "bring on the Cubs". Ummm...dipshits...lets not tempt fate by looking past your opponents. Oh, and you play the Phillies if you win this game, not the Cubs. And if you were referring to the NLCS, the Cub fans thank you for jinxing them as well...as if that franchise doesn't have enough superstition to overcome.
2) Speaking of the Cubs, here's what I think about the D-Backs/Cubs series. First of all, the archaic, nonsensical rule that the wild card team can't play the division winner is moronic. Makes NO sense. SO now the Diamondbacks, the only NL team to win even 90 games (boy that sounds strange, doesn't it?), have to play a division winner in the first round, as opposed to the winner of the Pads/Rockies game. So the Phillies, who are red hot by the way, get to play either the Rockies or Padres, both of whom have burned their best pitcher before even taking the field in game one. How is this fair? This needs to change. And Cub fans should be complaining about this, why...when they won their division outright...should they face the best team in the league (record wise, at least)? Besides that, the Dbacks scare the shit out of me. Young team, nothing to lose, gunslinger mentality...and not to mention Brandon Webb twice in a 5 game series. The Cubs match up well against any NL team, but this was their worst possible draw. These Diamondbacks remind me too much of the '03 Marlins. Sorry to go all Joe Buck on you all, but thats my two cents.
3) Matt Holliday needed to go 0-5 in order for Chipper to win his first batting title (and subsequently clinch a spot in the hall of fame). It didn't happen. Thank you Matt Holliday, for shitting on the only silver lining of the 2007 Atlanta Braves. Dick
4) If you're not rooting for the Indians in the AL, you simply have no soul. Either that, or you're the type of person who roots for A. The Taliban, B. the House in Blackjack, C. the Soviets during the Cold War, or D. Ivan Drago, or E. all of the above. Why do I think AWM is this person?
1) Watching this Padres/Rockies game is painful in a lot of ways right now. First off, its tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth...and though I could give a crap about either team, I'm still tied in knots. God I love postseason baseball. However, I truly hate announcers who suck, and the two dimwits doing this wildcard playoff game truly suck balls. The lead commentator sounds like he just woke up, and Craig Sager and his technicolor dream coat have the sideline duties. On the bright side, the Rockies fans are adorable. One sign read "bring on the Cubs". Ummm...dipshits...lets not tempt fate by looking past your opponents. Oh, and you play the Phillies if you win this game, not the Cubs. And if you were referring to the NLCS, the Cub fans thank you for jinxing them as well...as if that franchise doesn't have enough superstition to overcome.
2) Speaking of the Cubs, here's what I think about the D-Backs/Cubs series. First of all, the archaic, nonsensical rule that the wild card team can't play the division winner is moronic. Makes NO sense. SO now the Diamondbacks, the only NL team to win even 90 games (boy that sounds strange, doesn't it?), have to play a division winner in the first round, as opposed to the winner of the Pads/Rockies game. So the Phillies, who are red hot by the way, get to play either the Rockies or Padres, both of whom have burned their best pitcher before even taking the field in game one. How is this fair? This needs to change. And Cub fans should be complaining about this, why...when they won their division outright...should they face the best team in the league (record wise, at least)? Besides that, the Dbacks scare the shit out of me. Young team, nothing to lose, gunslinger mentality...and not to mention Brandon Webb twice in a 5 game series. The Cubs match up well against any NL team, but this was their worst possible draw. These Diamondbacks remind me too much of the '03 Marlins. Sorry to go all Joe Buck on you all, but thats my two cents.
3) Matt Holliday needed to go 0-5 in order for Chipper to win his first batting title (and subsequently clinch a spot in the hall of fame). It didn't happen. Thank you Matt Holliday, for shitting on the only silver lining of the 2007 Atlanta Braves. Dick
4) If you're not rooting for the Indians in the AL, you simply have no soul. Either that, or you're the type of person who roots for A. The Taliban, B. the House in Blackjack, C. the Soviets during the Cold War, or D. Ivan Drago, or E. all of the above. Why do I think AWM is this person?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
I Think I'm Done -- by J.O.B.
It's time to make a confession. It's tough thing to admit, even to say aloud, but it must be done: I have been a Rex Grossman supporter. I still might be. I'm just so angry and disappointed, I don't know if my current feelings are that of hurt or that of concern. Last year, despite the constant chatter for Griese and the "Good Rex/Bad Rex" saga, I stood by "Sexy Rexy" all the way to the Superbowl. I never buckled and despite the loss, felt somewhat vindicated that they got there with him under center.
This year there was big news of a new quarterbacks coach in Pep Hamilton, Rex solving some mechanical problems and him being a year older in the system. They were somewhat lackluster as an offense in preseason, but that's not odd for any offense that tries to get into a rhythm in less than a half's worth of work. "Everything will be fine when the regular season hits," I said.
Well, on the second offensive play of the game, the season hit Rex Grossman right in the chest in the form of blitzing Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips. The Bears never got going and even though he only threw one meaningless interception, he never got the team going. "Well, the run game was really bad also," I said. "He'll do better against the Chiefs." They did beat the Chiefs, but it wasn't necessarily because of anything Rex did. He threw two more picks, never scrambled and never really looked comfortable. "Um, they won the game, and he threw a touchdown." That was all I had.
Sunday night was supposed to be the big test. I even sat around telling friends both present and on the phone about how Rex has more TD's, yards, wins and NFC titles than the current media golden boy, and their opponent Sunday night, Tony Romo. Both QB's made errors and had teammates make mistakes that cost them both (each had a receivers drop passes that were either in the end zone or sure touchdowns.) Somehow though, Romo continued to elude the rush, find open receivers and score touchdowns. Of course Rex didn't help by throwing it to Cowboys consistently, having one turn into a nail-in-the-coffin return for a touchdown.
It would be easy to keep putting blame elsewhere. Hester never got going ... Benson only picked up 46 yards and had a key fumble that led to the Cowboys getting up by two scores ... Berrian dropped that pass ... Rex is still only in his second full year, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. At some point though, "Wrecks" has to step up and either do the job or pass it on.
Our QB situation is simple here in Chicago. It's like when you've been going on a string of bad date's with "3's" for years and you finally end up meeting a "6.5." Even though that "6.5" isn't going to be "The One," you keep seeing them because it's such a step up from the "3's" you've ran through. You're afraid to dump the "6.5" but they still don't treat you well, and often disappoint you in key times. Hopefully either "Wrecks" proves he's more like the "8" on his jersey, or the Bears decide to go back to searching for their "10."
UPDATE: Just got word that Griese will be the starter this Sunday against the Lions. I care way more about the Bears winning than about being right about Grossman. I'll take a win, I don't care who's putting their hands on Kreutz' crotch.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
All Black For Jena 6 -- by J.O.B.
When I have to wear business attire, I always stray from the black shirt/black pants combo. Finding a shirt and pants combo that matches correctly or looks good is usually a daunting task. If you've been paying attention to the National news at all, you're familiar with the story of the Jena 6 - a group of 6 black teenagers who are charged with crimes related to an assault of a white teenager in Jena, Louisiana. It's "The Big Deal" part of a long-running issue in Jena that started with the six teenagers sitting under a tree at a high school traditionally populated by white students.
The morning after the "white tree" incident, 3 nooses were found hanging from the tree, obviously causing an uproar. Three white students were fingered for the prank, and expelled by the principal, only to have it overturned by the Board of Ed and the Superintendent. Despite it being a federal hate crime, the school district didn't report the incident to police.
Of course, situations escalated with instances of the District Attorney threatening protesters, students being denied an opportunity to address the school board and a fire that burned down the main high school building.
Tensions reached fever pitch last December when Robert Bailey and 4 other black students were denied entrance to a predominantly white party, resulting in a fight between them and some white non-students. The next day Bailey and friends were confronted by a white student who attempted to pull a gun on the 6 boys. In the fight that ensued, Bailey ended up taking the gun. This incident resulted in Bailey, Mychal Bell, Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis, Theo Shaw and Jesse Beard being charged with assault (Beard who was 14 was charged as a juvenile.) The District Attorney increased the charges to 2nd-degree murder which would put each of the boys in jail past the age of 50.
All of these and more issues have created a public outcry that has generated a public petition (www.colorofchange.org) and a rally that will take place today in Louisiana. Scheduled to attend are Martin Luther King III, Mos Def, Julian Bond, Michael Eric Dyson, Darryl Hunt, Jesse Jackson, and of course, Al Sharpton. I can't stand Sharpton or Jackson, but considering the other key noters in attendance, I'll let it slide. For those that can't attend the rally, a simple request was made - wear all black in support of the Jena 6. Normally, I resist the mono-chrome color combo, but for today and this cause - I'll make an exception.
The morning after the "white tree" incident, 3 nooses were found hanging from the tree, obviously causing an uproar. Three white students were fingered for the prank, and expelled by the principal, only to have it overturned by the Board of Ed and the Superintendent. Despite it being a federal hate crime, the school district didn't report the incident to police.
Of course, situations escalated with instances of the District Attorney threatening protesters, students being denied an opportunity to address the school board and a fire that burned down the main high school building.
Tensions reached fever pitch last December when Robert Bailey and 4 other black students were denied entrance to a predominantly white party, resulting in a fight between them and some white non-students. The next day Bailey and friends were confronted by a white student who attempted to pull a gun on the 6 boys. In the fight that ensued, Bailey ended up taking the gun. This incident resulted in Bailey, Mychal Bell, Carwin Jones, Bryant Purvis, Theo Shaw and Jesse Beard being charged with assault (Beard who was 14 was charged as a juvenile.) The District Attorney increased the charges to 2nd-degree murder which would put each of the boys in jail past the age of 50.
All of these and more issues have created a public outcry that has generated a public petition (www.colorofchange.org) and a rally that will take place today in Louisiana. Scheduled to attend are Martin Luther King III, Mos Def, Julian Bond, Michael Eric Dyson, Darryl Hunt, Jesse Jackson, and of course, Al Sharpton. I can't stand Sharpton or Jackson, but considering the other key noters in attendance, I'll let it slide. For those that can't attend the rally, a simple request was made - wear all black in support of the Jena 6. Normally, I resist the mono-chrome color combo, but for today and this cause - I'll make an exception.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Info-Hound -- by J.O.B.
So, I don't know about you, but I've never been one to limit myself to one area of interest. While I'm familiar with the old adage of "Jack of all trades, master of none," I still like knowing a lot about a lot of things. I don't need to master all the stuff I like to read about, but I like to be knowledgeable. It's great for networking as you never know what that contact you need to make is interested in.
Car Stuff
The small crossover SUV market is hot and popular in the Chicago area. Not one to be left out in the cold, Nissan drops the Rogue here in the next couple of weeks, but they announced pricing today. The fully loaded, AWD, top of the line SL version will undercut the competition (Rav4 and CR-V) with a price point under $27K. Details here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/nissan-prices-rogue-at-19-250/
Random Tech
The future is upon us. I never knew who David Hanson was before, but I do now. Zeno, his new "robot-boy" is kind of eerie looking. 18 inches tall, 6 lb. with facial recognition capabilities and a whole slew of talents, check out Zeno in motion as well as David Hanson's other neat robotic cache:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q88FK37Q8jU
http://www.hansonrobotics.com/
All About The Benjys
Nobody does original like Dubai. They make the coolest (or oddest depending on your taste) looking buildings and islands. Wait - did he say islands? That's right, if you haven't seen it yet, you've got to check this out. You can actually buy an island off the Dubai coast that has been made to look like a Country. Many have already been purchased (and some given away i.e. Michael Schumacher,) but many are still available: http://www.theworld.ae/
Silver Screen
I'm a sucker for the big-name action blockbuster as much as any XY-chromosomer out there, but there's always a place in my heart for the good, independent (or independent-looking) movie. Fox Searchlight puts out a lot of independent crap, but Juno looks like it's money. Jason Reitman directs (yes, Ivan's kid,) and the cast includes Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Ellen Page, Allison Janney, Rainn Wilson, J.K. Simmons and Michael Cera. Oh, dramatic themes with comedic dialogue to tell a coming of age tale. On December 14th, I'm a sucker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4vKs4pGsnM
Celebrealidiocy
The Emmy Awards were last night and while I'll skip commenting on any particular person's attire, I'll happily let this site do it for me. I will say that I'm always amazed at the wierd features I notice on actors on the red carpet that I don't necessarily spot in their movie or tv roles. Such as the size of someone's head in relation to their body, etc. Peep this link but I'll warn that not all of the comments are particularly PG, or containing any taste:
http://thesuperficial.com/2007/09/59th_annual_primetime_emmy_awa.php
Car Stuff
The small crossover SUV market is hot and popular in the Chicago area. Not one to be left out in the cold, Nissan drops the Rogue here in the next couple of weeks, but they announced pricing today. The fully loaded, AWD, top of the line SL version will undercut the competition (Rav4 and CR-V) with a price point under $27K. Details here:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/17/nissan-prices-rogue-at-19-250/
Random Tech
The future is upon us. I never knew who David Hanson was before, but I do now. Zeno, his new "robot-boy" is kind of eerie looking. 18 inches tall, 6 lb. with facial recognition capabilities and a whole slew of talents, check out Zeno in motion as well as David Hanson's other neat robotic cache:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q88FK37Q8jU
http://www.hansonrobotics.com/
All About The Benjys
Nobody does original like Dubai. They make the coolest (or oddest depending on your taste) looking buildings and islands. Wait - did he say islands? That's right, if you haven't seen it yet, you've got to check this out. You can actually buy an island off the Dubai coast that has been made to look like a Country. Many have already been purchased (and some given away i.e. Michael Schumacher,) but many are still available: http://www.theworld.ae/
Silver Screen
I'm a sucker for the big-name action blockbuster as much as any XY-chromosomer out there, but there's always a place in my heart for the good, independent (or independent-looking) movie. Fox Searchlight puts out a lot of independent crap, but Juno looks like it's money. Jason Reitman directs (yes, Ivan's kid,) and the cast includes Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, Ellen Page, Allison Janney, Rainn Wilson, J.K. Simmons and Michael Cera. Oh, dramatic themes with comedic dialogue to tell a coming of age tale. On December 14th, I'm a sucker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4vKs4pGsnM
Celebrealidiocy
The Emmy Awards were last night and while I'll skip commenting on any particular person's attire, I'll happily let this site do it for me. I will say that I'm always amazed at the wierd features I notice on actors on the red carpet that I don't necessarily spot in their movie or tv roles. Such as the size of someone's head in relation to their body, etc. Peep this link but I'll warn that not all of the comments are particularly PG, or containing any taste:
http://thesuperficial.com/2007/09/59th_annual_primetime_emmy_awa.php
Monday, August 20, 2007
Random Rants -- by J.O.B.
I know, I just posted goals after taking many days off ... who does that? :cough: jnicho :cough: Whatever, at least we still effing post (where are you three - Hairspray has been in theaters for weeks, so I know you're not still waiting in line at the multiplex?!?) Anyway, there are some things that have been on my mind, and as you may know, I love to randomly rant, so here I go. This should become a regular series, but considering how good I am at updating movie reviews, I doubt it. Yeah.
- White ladies of the south suburbs and southwest side of Chicago: stop feathering your GD hair! What salon are you going to that still does this for you and do they have that red, white and blue spiraling thing out front? There is no age group this looks good on and you are not frontrunning it's comeback. TVLand doesn't even have shows on that are old enough to feature this "do" as stylish.
- Driving while on cell phone people #1: Get in the far right lane! Contrary to most drivers, I don't care if you yap while driving somewhere - I do it too. However, if you check your spedometer while arranging where you plan on meeting your gay lover for the buttsecks and see that you're not even doing the maximum, put your effing blinker on and move your '86 Escort wagon with the boost gauges on the A-pillar over to the right lane. You're holding up my life.
- Driving while on cell phone people #2: Stop holding the phone in your left hand while driving. If you can't drive with your left hand while on the phone, you can't drive while on the phone. Visibility while on the phone in the car is reduced bad enough as is, but to further block what amounts to your most limited viewing area already is just asking for trouble. I've had morons who swerve so close to me because they can't judge their lane due to left ear phone placement that I can hear your Dad tell you how he can't wait to put his ham hands down your pants tonight. Get the phone in your right hand or put it down.
- People that answer calls that aren't for them: If I call and ask if someone is there and the name of the person I ask for isn't spelled or sounds exactly like yours, no need to ask me if I'd like to speak to the person who's presence I'm inquiring about. The fact I'm asking means I want to talk to them. Either, "yeah, hold on," or "sorry, he's out hiding the body" will do.
- Store clerks: Eat the frigging penny. I know that maintaining that high-profile position at the local Citgo is vital to the betterment of the planet, but I intently believe that just giving me two dimes as change instead of meticulously counting out those last four pennies will not put your drawer in such a vital state of disarray that Rajitma will fire you. Jesus H., he's probably your brother anyway ...
More to come at some point when my head stops bleeding from my repeated slamming of it against my bedroom wall...
- White ladies of the south suburbs and southwest side of Chicago: stop feathering your GD hair! What salon are you going to that still does this for you and do they have that red, white and blue spiraling thing out front? There is no age group this looks good on and you are not frontrunning it's comeback. TVLand doesn't even have shows on that are old enough to feature this "do" as stylish.
- Driving while on cell phone people #1: Get in the far right lane! Contrary to most drivers, I don't care if you yap while driving somewhere - I do it too. However, if you check your spedometer while arranging where you plan on meeting your gay lover for the buttsecks and see that you're not even doing the maximum, put your effing blinker on and move your '86 Escort wagon with the boost gauges on the A-pillar over to the right lane. You're holding up my life.
- Driving while on cell phone people #2: Stop holding the phone in your left hand while driving. If you can't drive with your left hand while on the phone, you can't drive while on the phone. Visibility while on the phone in the car is reduced bad enough as is, but to further block what amounts to your most limited viewing area already is just asking for trouble. I've had morons who swerve so close to me because they can't judge their lane due to left ear phone placement that I can hear your Dad tell you how he can't wait to put his ham hands down your pants tonight. Get the phone in your right hand or put it down.
- People that answer calls that aren't for them: If I call and ask if someone is there and the name of the person I ask for isn't spelled or sounds exactly like yours, no need to ask me if I'd like to speak to the person who's presence I'm inquiring about. The fact I'm asking means I want to talk to them. Either, "yeah, hold on," or "sorry, he's out hiding the body" will do.
- Store clerks: Eat the frigging penny. I know that maintaining that high-profile position at the local Citgo is vital to the betterment of the planet, but I intently believe that just giving me two dimes as change instead of meticulously counting out those last four pennies will not put your drawer in such a vital state of disarray that Rajitma will fire you. Jesus H., he's probably your brother anyway ...
More to come at some point when my head stops bleeding from my repeated slamming of it against my bedroom wall...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Switching Teams
So I've been thinking about it long and hard. I've decided that I'm going to seriously consider becoming a full fledged Chicago Blackhawks fan. Why? Well first of all, I really want to get 100% behind a local team. And second, I feel like if I do this now, when they suck balls, I won't be accused of being a bandwagon when they hoist the cup in three years behind Patrick Kane, Akim Aliu and Martin Havlat.
Now, does this mean I'm breaking up with the Montreal Canadiens? In a way, yes. Its the only way, really. I talked about this with my roommate (whom AWM thinks is a "nerd") and we both likened the situation to breaking up with a stable, attractive woman, who treats me well and is emotionally stable (if somewhat mediocre in bed), in order to begin dating an emotionally sensitive, highly unstable, artistic headcase. Sure, on the surface, people are asking me, "what the hell are you thinking", but what you don't realize is that I rarely see the stable woman, because she's always on the road for business (she comes to down once every two years, in fact), and the only people that care about her or even know her reside thousands of miles away in a remote Canadian province. In fact, people wonder how we even met in the first place!
Now, the crazy girl has tons of upside, despite her craziness, and I happen to firmly believe that her craziness is in direct correlation to years of neglect in her hometown. With the right amount of care and attention, she can realize her potential, and everyone will be complimenting me for buying in on a low stock.
So what does everyone think about this? I can't do this in good conscience without your blessing...especially Skurn, who is the lone hockey fan in the group, but also JOB who is the longest-tenured Chicago sports fan of the group (I won't allow myself admission into the club without his blessing in particular).
Now of course this doesn't mean I'm cutting off contact at all with the Habs. If anything, this is merely an amicable divorce, and we'll still see each other twice a month on weekends.
(By the way, the "mediocre in bed" analogy was referencing the fact that the Habs have been crapping the bed when it counts lately).
God I love comparing sports to women. Its just too easy...
Now, does this mean I'm breaking up with the Montreal Canadiens? In a way, yes. Its the only way, really. I talked about this with my roommate (whom AWM thinks is a "nerd") and we both likened the situation to breaking up with a stable, attractive woman, who treats me well and is emotionally stable (if somewhat mediocre in bed), in order to begin dating an emotionally sensitive, highly unstable, artistic headcase. Sure, on the surface, people are asking me, "what the hell are you thinking", but what you don't realize is that I rarely see the stable woman, because she's always on the road for business (she comes to down once every two years, in fact), and the only people that care about her or even know her reside thousands of miles away in a remote Canadian province. In fact, people wonder how we even met in the first place!
Now, the crazy girl has tons of upside, despite her craziness, and I happen to firmly believe that her craziness is in direct correlation to years of neglect in her hometown. With the right amount of care and attention, she can realize her potential, and everyone will be complimenting me for buying in on a low stock.
So what does everyone think about this? I can't do this in good conscience without your blessing...especially Skurn, who is the lone hockey fan in the group, but also JOB who is the longest-tenured Chicago sports fan of the group (I won't allow myself admission into the club without his blessing in particular).
Now of course this doesn't mean I'm cutting off contact at all with the Habs. If anything, this is merely an amicable divorce, and we'll still see each other twice a month on weekends.
(By the way, the "mediocre in bed" analogy was referencing the fact that the Habs have been crapping the bed when it counts lately).
God I love comparing sports to women. Its just too easy...
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Bronx is Burning
1) Watched the game last night from the 9th inning on. Skurny's boys need Zumaya back, big time. Looks like a September return, which sucks for Tigers fans who now have to suffer through Jose Capellan and Macay McBride (two former Braves who enjoy walking people).
2) The ESPN love affair with the 3rd place Toronto Blue Jays...err...rather, I'm sorry, thats the Yankees in 3rd place....has reached its absolute apex with the premier of "Bronx is Burning" on Monday night (starring Oliver Platt as George Steinbrenner). I would ordinarily delight in this year's mediocre performance by the Yanks, but I've decided to take a platform of indifference. They are simply a 200 million dollar Orioles. That's it. And I could care less about the Orioles, so why do I care about the Yankees?
3) This article by Gene Wojciechowski represents everything I despise about ESPN and the electronic media age in general. Great Gene, you hate soccer. I'm sure you aren't alone. Why waste 5 pages telling us of all the reasons why? It seems ironic to me that someone who actually receives a paycheck from the worldwide leader in sports is actually bragging about the fact that they can't name more than 6 athletes of the world's most popular sport. He's proud of this fact! How does this guy have a job? I have similar rants on columnists who celebrate their distaste for hockey, but in most cases, its just a hack journalist who can't a laugh any other way than to take a shot at a something as arbitrary as a freakin' sport.
4) Has anyone seen the RGX Body Spray commercials? The girl in those commercials is becoming something of an internet sensation, and yet no one knows her name. If you happen to be in a room full of guys when one of those commercials comes on, take note at everyone's jaw hitting the floor at the same time.
UPDATE: Ok, its amazing what hitting "page 2" on a Google search can do for you. Turns out her name is Rachael Spector, and she hosts some show on the G4 Network, which means my best friend from high school probably knows her, since he works for the G4 Network. This now increases my chances of sleeping with her from .00001% to .00002%.
Oh, and here's a tribute video someone made- set to "Policy of Truth" by Depeche Mode (an interesting song choice, but anytime The Mode gets exposure, I'm ok with it)
2) The ESPN love affair with the 3rd place Toronto Blue Jays...err...rather, I'm sorry, thats the Yankees in 3rd place....has reached its absolute apex with the premier of "Bronx is Burning" on Monday night (starring Oliver Platt as George Steinbrenner). I would ordinarily delight in this year's mediocre performance by the Yanks, but I've decided to take a platform of indifference. They are simply a 200 million dollar Orioles. That's it. And I could care less about the Orioles, so why do I care about the Yankees?
3) This article by Gene Wojciechowski represents everything I despise about ESPN and the electronic media age in general. Great Gene, you hate soccer. I'm sure you aren't alone. Why waste 5 pages telling us of all the reasons why? It seems ironic to me that someone who actually receives a paycheck from the worldwide leader in sports is actually bragging about the fact that they can't name more than 6 athletes of the world's most popular sport. He's proud of this fact! How does this guy have a job? I have similar rants on columnists who celebrate their distaste for hockey, but in most cases, its just a hack journalist who can't a laugh any other way than to take a shot at a something as arbitrary as a freakin' sport.
4) Has anyone seen the RGX Body Spray commercials? The girl in those commercials is becoming something of an internet sensation, and yet no one knows her name. If you happen to be in a room full of guys when one of those commercials comes on, take note at everyone's jaw hitting the floor at the same time.
UPDATE: Ok, its amazing what hitting "page 2" on a Google search can do for you. Turns out her name is Rachael Spector, and she hosts some show on the G4 Network, which means my best friend from high school probably knows her, since he works for the G4 Network. This now increases my chances of sleeping with her from .00001% to .00002%.
Oh, and here's a tribute video someone made- set to "Policy of Truth" by Depeche Mode (an interesting song choice, but anytime The Mode gets exposure, I'm ok with it)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
More Than Meets The Eye -- By J.O.B.
1) I got up this morning ready to invite AWM to politely get his teeth knocked in if he didn't like Transformers. Thank goodness he posted before I did. While no one will claim this is the best movie ever made, for me (that means in my personal rankings) it is my favorite movie of all time. Are there movies with better dialog? Yes. Better premises for a story? Yes. Better acting? Probably (although the skill it takes to act with robots that aren't actually there is pretty high.) But I will go on record as saying there is no better action movie ever made to date, period end of story. The writing was surprisingly entertaining and Bay once again uses every dollar to put action on-screen. I was so happy I'm going into work late just because I'm sitting here writing this.
2) If you drive to see this movie, be wary when you leave. The driving scenes in this movie lead to me being quite the daredevil on the drive home.
3) I've officially decided that my left shoulder must be tatted up with more Transformer symbolism. Until last night, I always quietly wondered if I would ever feel silly for having the Autobot tattoo on my right arm. Now, I don't understand why I don't have more Transformer references.
4) While Megan Fox is uber-hot and we can debate her sanity in real life all day (thanks to her awkward choice of tattoo and tattoo placement,) Rachael Taylor is equally fetching. I think I actually caught myself drooling in a chopper scene that had both of them. I know my head nearly exploded. All hail hot chicks.
If you don't go see this movie this week, you betray your youth and should be cast into the fiery pits of hell.
2) If you drive to see this movie, be wary when you leave. The driving scenes in this movie lead to me being quite the daredevil on the drive home.
3) I've officially decided that my left shoulder must be tatted up with more Transformer symbolism. Until last night, I always quietly wondered if I would ever feel silly for having the Autobot tattoo on my right arm. Now, I don't understand why I don't have more Transformer references.
4) While Megan Fox is uber-hot and we can debate her sanity in real life all day (thanks to her awkward choice of tattoo and tattoo placement,) Rachael Taylor is equally fetching. I think I actually caught myself drooling in a chopper scene that had both of them. I know my head nearly exploded. All hail hot chicks.
If you don't go see this movie this week, you betray your youth and should be cast into the fiery pits of hell.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Cuz' It's Everywhere -- by J.O.B.
Watching Headline News right now. Look, I'm so effing tired of hearing the attempt to blame "steroids" in this murder-suicide. Sadly enough, while I know they found steroids in the house and will ultimately find them in his bloodstream, which will lead them to blaming this on steroids, it just won't be the case. Yes, it is a known fact that "'roid rage" is real and people do have the ability for personality shifts as a result, but there are a number of other factors to consider with this. Killing people over the course of days is not a 'roid rage-type of action. Leaving bibles by the bodies is not a roid rage-type of action. This guy had some mental issues that went far beyond anything having to do with steroids. True, coupling steroids and mental illness is a bad idea, but it's also a bad idea for us to fall into the trap of lumping every steroid in together as a cause of 'roid rage.
I've done a large amount of research and been in contact with a great number of doctors that agree that steroids have the propensity to be as safe as any other supplement if used properly and as dangerous as many if used improperly. In addition, with the thousands of forms of supplements out there, to blanketly lump everything together as "steroids" is like lumping every liquid together as "water." It's completely irresponsible. I have had and know of people who have had positive steroid experiences and like most other things that people put in their bodies either orally or by injection, it is best done in moderation and measured quantities. The issue is rarely the steroid and more often the reluctance for the user to stop or pause their usage. I know of users who have cycled properly for over 30 years and are as healthy as ever in their 60's.
There are a number of easily misused compounds that give everything a bad name. The problem is with the laws and the understanding way more than it is with the actual product itself. Just like other drug laws in this country, steroid laws are so horrendous and wrongly all-encompassing that there is no proper education, and people are forced to rely on shady sources to acquire what they seek.
More times than not, people seeking a better esthetic look take "calculated risks" with the sources they trust. My first-hand experience was with ordering from overseas pharmacies. Luckily I have friends in the right places with the ability to test what I had acquired to make sure it was legit, but 99% of the time, people just have hope for the best. The response is usually, "if it's that risky, why do it at all?" I don't know, it's less risky than most plastic surgery ... My only real answer is that we live in a world today where physical appearance is a humongous part of a lot of people's self confidence. How one presents themselves is vital to everything from acquiring a mate to success in the job world. The information age has made finding out about and acquiring steroids of all sorts more available and more people are willing to take a chance. Sadly, a lot of these people stop educating themselves after understanding only the basics and coming to a conclusion that it is possible to participate in the culture without overdoing it, without actually finding out what that actually means. On the other end of the spectrum, there are also a lot of people that have educated themselves very highly and take great care to precisely measure their cycles and doses to a very successful conclusion.
Again, just like any other pharmaceutical argument, the anti-steroid populous is filled with companies and organizations that are anti-steroid strictly to push their own supplements. Doctors aren't the biggest opponent to the legalization of steroids, alternative supplement companies are. The supplement industry is huge and would take an enormous hit if steroids were ever made legal. It's the same old cat and mouse game.
I've done a large amount of research and been in contact with a great number of doctors that agree that steroids have the propensity to be as safe as any other supplement if used properly and as dangerous as many if used improperly. In addition, with the thousands of forms of supplements out there, to blanketly lump everything together as "steroids" is like lumping every liquid together as "water." It's completely irresponsible. I have had and know of people who have had positive steroid experiences and like most other things that people put in their bodies either orally or by injection, it is best done in moderation and measured quantities. The issue is rarely the steroid and more often the reluctance for the user to stop or pause their usage. I know of users who have cycled properly for over 30 years and are as healthy as ever in their 60's.
There are a number of easily misused compounds that give everything a bad name. The problem is with the laws and the understanding way more than it is with the actual product itself. Just like other drug laws in this country, steroid laws are so horrendous and wrongly all-encompassing that there is no proper education, and people are forced to rely on shady sources to acquire what they seek.
More times than not, people seeking a better esthetic look take "calculated risks" with the sources they trust. My first-hand experience was with ordering from overseas pharmacies. Luckily I have friends in the right places with the ability to test what I had acquired to make sure it was legit, but 99% of the time, people just have hope for the best. The response is usually, "if it's that risky, why do it at all?" I don't know, it's less risky than most plastic surgery ... My only real answer is that we live in a world today where physical appearance is a humongous part of a lot of people's self confidence. How one presents themselves is vital to everything from acquiring a mate to success in the job world. The information age has made finding out about and acquiring steroids of all sorts more available and more people are willing to take a chance. Sadly, a lot of these people stop educating themselves after understanding only the basics and coming to a conclusion that it is possible to participate in the culture without overdoing it, without actually finding out what that actually means. On the other end of the spectrum, there are also a lot of people that have educated themselves very highly and take great care to precisely measure their cycles and doses to a very successful conclusion.
Again, just like any other pharmaceutical argument, the anti-steroid populous is filled with companies and organizations that are anti-steroid strictly to push their own supplements. Doctors aren't the biggest opponent to the legalization of steroids, alternative supplement companies are. The supplement industry is huge and would take an enormous hit if steroids were ever made legal. It's the same old cat and mouse game.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Just Got Hit By a Truck
1) Had my first roller hockey game tonight. A free agent team of castoffs and has beens played decent enough, but still lost 8-6. I had 2 goals and 2 assists, in my first competitive hockey game in 3 years. We dominated the first half, but played sluggish the second. I asked our team, "what the hell did you all do all winter? Eat Krispy Kremes and smoke cigarettes?" We were dragging ass... Luckily, we're guaranteed a playoff spot no matter what. Boy am I going to feel it tomorrow though...I'm already in a shitload of pain.
2) Finally saw The Prestige last night. Liked it...but the ending wasn't as much of a twist as you guys made it out to be (or at least from what I remember you guys making it out to be). I saw it coming. But entertaining nonetheless. Chris Nolan is a great storyteller. And ScarJo...gah...
3) Terence Moore of the AJC has a great idea about who should replace Andruw next year in center. I can't believe I didn't think of it first...it makes way too much sense.
4) J.O.B- nicely done on the comment on Skurny's post. You did your homework for sure. You said, "Sadly enough, Pedro had the injury blip in 2001, where he was still 7-3 in 18 starts. Bracketed around that year is 17-8, 19-7, 23-4, 18-6, 20-4, and 14-4". Good point. But that injury "blip" you speak of is precisely what keeps him out of the discussion of being the greatest pitcher of our generation, in my opinion. Clemens and Maddux never got hurt, and never missed starts. That's actually become such a valued part of a pitcher's repetoire, that a guy who can make 35 starts (even if they aren't necessarily an effective 35 starts) can get 21 million in the offseason (Jason Marquis anyone?). I do agree that if Clemens and Maddux are 1a and 1b for greatest pitchers of the last 20 years, then Pedro is 1c, and Randy Johnson, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Curt Schilling, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown and (surprise!) David Cone round out the top 10. (I'm sure Skurny will have something to say about that one...Frank Tanana anyone?? Jack Morris? Bill Gullickson??)
In all fairness, I don't think I was selling Pedro short when I said he had the best 2 year stretch ever. Think about the competition on that one. Koufax, Maddux, Lefty Grove, he bested all of them. In fact, his '00 season may be the single greatest season of any player, pitcher or otherwise, of all time (and for those of you scoring at home, that would be Ivan Rodriguez that took home the MVP that year....freakin' joke).
2) Finally saw The Prestige last night. Liked it...but the ending wasn't as much of a twist as you guys made it out to be (or at least from what I remember you guys making it out to be). I saw it coming. But entertaining nonetheless. Chris Nolan is a great storyteller. And ScarJo...gah...
3) Terence Moore of the AJC has a great idea about who should replace Andruw next year in center. I can't believe I didn't think of it first...it makes way too much sense.
4) J.O.B- nicely done on the comment on Skurny's post. You did your homework for sure. You said, "Sadly enough, Pedro had the injury blip in 2001, where he was still 7-3 in 18 starts. Bracketed around that year is 17-8, 19-7, 23-4, 18-6, 20-4, and 14-4". Good point. But that injury "blip" you speak of is precisely what keeps him out of the discussion of being the greatest pitcher of our generation, in my opinion. Clemens and Maddux never got hurt, and never missed starts. That's actually become such a valued part of a pitcher's repetoire, that a guy who can make 35 starts (even if they aren't necessarily an effective 35 starts) can get 21 million in the offseason (Jason Marquis anyone?). I do agree that if Clemens and Maddux are 1a and 1b for greatest pitchers of the last 20 years, then Pedro is 1c, and Randy Johnson, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Curt Schilling, Mike Mussina, Kevin Brown and (surprise!) David Cone round out the top 10. (I'm sure Skurny will have something to say about that one...Frank Tanana anyone?? Jack Morris? Bill Gullickson??)
In all fairness, I don't think I was selling Pedro short when I said he had the best 2 year stretch ever. Think about the competition on that one. Koufax, Maddux, Lefty Grove, he bested all of them. In fact, his '00 season may be the single greatest season of any player, pitcher or otherwise, of all time (and for those of you scoring at home, that would be Ivan Rodriguez that took home the MVP that year....freakin' joke).
Monday, April 23, 2007
Must Be AWM's Dad -- by J.O.B.
I'm thinking AWM's dad isn't the milkman afterall. It's gotta be Alec Baldwin.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Still Ranting -- by J.O.B.
http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=11306
I'm going to have to say I agree with this. Unless we are going to eliminate all guns from the planet, which we know will never happen, the opportunity for self-preservation is severely hampered when someone can obtain a weapon greater than the potential defense against it, be that on the civilian or the municipal (police) level.
The original second amendment referencing our gun rights was intended to protect us against the potential future aims of a police state or governmental authority gone wrong, in addition to protecting our own persons. It was born out of the British attempting to remove guns from the homes of what would later become the first official U.S. citizens.
The question isn't whether another armed student would have stopped Seung-Hui or not, the question is whether he would have been so quick to this level of violence had he been aware that any student on campus could potentially drop him in self defense with a weapon of their own. Home burglars will decide against making an attempt on a home with a guard dog present for a reason. Car thieves are less inclined to steal cars with the "lo-jack" sticker in the window. The act of putting the protections in place to alert potential criminals that you will defend yourself seems to be very well proven as a deterrent. I think it would have helped here.
I'm going to have to say I agree with this. Unless we are going to eliminate all guns from the planet, which we know will never happen, the opportunity for self-preservation is severely hampered when someone can obtain a weapon greater than the potential defense against it, be that on the civilian or the municipal (police) level.
The original second amendment referencing our gun rights was intended to protect us against the potential future aims of a police state or governmental authority gone wrong, in addition to protecting our own persons. It was born out of the British attempting to remove guns from the homes of what would later become the first official U.S. citizens.
The question isn't whether another armed student would have stopped Seung-Hui or not, the question is whether he would have been so quick to this level of violence had he been aware that any student on campus could potentially drop him in self defense with a weapon of their own. Home burglars will decide against making an attempt on a home with a guard dog present for a reason. Car thieves are less inclined to steal cars with the "lo-jack" sticker in the window. The act of putting the protections in place to alert potential criminals that you will defend yourself seems to be very well proven as a deterrent. I think it would have helped here.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
More On Blacksburg -- by J.O.B.
Personally, I think one of the best things we can do is figure out how to better ourselves and each other - very few (if any) times, do crimes like this erupt from people that are well liked and involved people of society. It's always, as has been proven again with the identity of the killer in this tragedy, someone termed as a "loaner" or an "outcast."
We can add all the laws we want and take away weapon after weapon until all we have is our fingers and people will still go on rampages of choking others to death if we don't start working on being more inclusive and less willing to not only purposefully isolate, but allow someone to isolate themselves. True, we can't force someone to be a part of society or to integrate themselves with the masses, but so often we look on someone who isn't social with such disdain and disapproval. Can we work harder at trying to realistically and honestly let these people know that they are welcome and wanted to befriend us if they so choose?
It might seem like a pie in the sky request, but anybody who has ever been a successful part of a social circle has probably at one point or another been a part of poking fun at an "outcast" or "misfit" of society. I've surely done it. Can we take that time to instead reach out and say "hello" to someone? Can we work harder at learning about people and letting them know that we respect whatever it is they're into instead of judging either by word or deed?
I think now is an opportune time for each of us to take a look at the social contract by which we live. It's not time to figure out if the right laws are in place. It's not time to figure out what video game the kid played. It's not time to look at everything else as a possible source or culprit. It's time that we each take a long look at ourselves and take responsibility to let other people in our daily path know they are respected. That they are liked, whether we choose to spend our off hours or non-productive time with them or not. That they are welcome to say "hello" and that we do want to sometimes know how their day went.
I know, not the norm from a guy that normally expresses a conservative viewpoint. But I truly believe that at the end of the day, we as a society need to look longer at how our own actions impact the mindset and perceptions of those around us.
We can add all the laws we want and take away weapon after weapon until all we have is our fingers and people will still go on rampages of choking others to death if we don't start working on being more inclusive and less willing to not only purposefully isolate, but allow someone to isolate themselves. True, we can't force someone to be a part of society or to integrate themselves with the masses, but so often we look on someone who isn't social with such disdain and disapproval. Can we work harder at trying to realistically and honestly let these people know that they are welcome and wanted to befriend us if they so choose?
It might seem like a pie in the sky request, but anybody who has ever been a successful part of a social circle has probably at one point or another been a part of poking fun at an "outcast" or "misfit" of society. I've surely done it. Can we take that time to instead reach out and say "hello" to someone? Can we work harder at learning about people and letting them know that we respect whatever it is they're into instead of judging either by word or deed?
I think now is an opportune time for each of us to take a look at the social contract by which we live. It's not time to figure out if the right laws are in place. It's not time to figure out what video game the kid played. It's not time to look at everything else as a possible source or culprit. It's time that we each take a long look at ourselves and take responsibility to let other people in our daily path know they are respected. That they are liked, whether we choose to spend our off hours or non-productive time with them or not. That they are welcome to say "hello" and that we do want to sometimes know how their day went.
I know, not the norm from a guy that normally expresses a conservative viewpoint. But I truly believe that at the end of the day, we as a society need to look longer at how our own actions impact the mindset and perceptions of those around us.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Easter Surprise by J.O.B.
Happy Easter everyone. Guess what?! I actually had alcohol today. Nothing crazy - and if I decide to partake again, it will be in small and measured quantities, but there it is. It was a two year plus run of willing sobriety and will be remembered fondly. I'm definitely not all, "bring on the booze," but the odds of me sampling a jnicho concoction in the near future is probable. So, those of you that placed bets, either pay up or collect!
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