You know, I've never been much of a fan of drinking games. I don't know why. I like drinking beer and I like playing games. It's the perfect combination of the two, so you would think that I would be on board with it. But whether you call it beer pong, Beirut or anything else, I'm just not a fan.
I always preferred to play just drink the beer. After you get over the legal drinking age then I don't think you should have to earn the drink you paid for. Before turning 21 sure, you want a beer you better be able to do some task and earn it. Sinking a ping-pong ball into a cup is a pretty standard game, so you can probably do it even once you get tipsy. I get all that. Still, it's never been my thing.
I guess I just don't want to get herpes.
-You think you're having a bad day? Try surviving a heart attack and bypass surgery, only to find out that someone stole your car from the hospital parking lot. That's a classy bitch right there.
-Of course, the Patriots traded Mike Vrabel yesterday, after I just got his jersey before last season. Typical.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
KG, Starbury and Mikki
When Kevin Garnett left last Thursday's game against the Utah Jazz with a knee injury I almost had a heart attack. Thankfully, it was only a sprain and he should be back in a couple weeks or so. Now, sitting with 46 wins already, the team has some room in the standings and can afford to be cautious. While they have yet to officially clinch a playoff spot, they are getting closer by the day and are practically guaranteed a high seed. They currently have a 16.5 game lead in the Atlantic Division. Call me crazy, but I'm willing to bet they can hold on. Now, they are in a closer race with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the number one seed and home court throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs, which would be a nice advantage to have (especially since Cleveland has only lost once at home this season), but having Garnett healthy for the playoffs is the bigger deal.
Some people have taken the fact the Celtics won the next two games without Garnett in convincing fashion as a way to say that Garnett isn't as good as hyped. These people are idiots. The simple fact of the matter is that there is no way this team wins a championship last season if Garnett remained a Timberwolf. That closes any argument about whether the Celtics are better with or without KG. Even if he isn't the one taking the last shot and that honor falls to Ray Allen, he changed the culture of the team and elevated the play of guys like Big Baby Davis and Kendrick Perkins. The fact that he couldn't do the same with Patrick O'Bryant (we'll get to him in a second) was very surprising to me.
Now that the trading deadline has passed and the Celtics could not pull of a deal other than giving away the aforementioned O'Bryant, they need to start checking the waiver wire for some help. As a team with a legitimate shot to win a second straight title, they are a destination for veterans desperate to get off lousy teams and who want a shot at a ring. They already have reached a deal with Mikki Moore, who will hopefully bring some energy off the bench to take the place of O'Bryant, who's work ethic was seen as less than intense. I thought O'Bryant was going to turn into a reliable bench player once KG took him under his wing and he learned you can't just show up at game time. Guess he never learned that lesson. Moore should be a good sub for Perkins if he gets into foul trouble, as he is a 7' who fills the lane better than the shorter Leon Powe.
I've also spent the last 48 hours talking myself into Stephon Marbury, who was just bought out by the Knicks. I've come over to the dark side on this one, mostly because it's going to happen so I've done my 5 stages and have come to accept it. You can easily make the case that this is going to be a low risk/high reward deal for the Celtics because he'll sign for cheap and if he acts up even slightly, he'll be gone. Also, he's a true point guard and would allow Eddie House to just worry about shooting, although I don't want the two of them playing together that much, cause that's a small back court. If he is motivated and wants to get another big contract (somewhere else) this could work out really well. See? I can talk myself into anything.
The issue with Marbury has always been with his heart and his head, never his skills. This is a guy who famously got himself traded away from KG and Minnesota because he would rather have been the man on a bad team than second fiddle on a contender. That was a long time ago, but maybe not long enough. KG is known for holding grudges (as a man who holds a few myself, I can respect that). I've heard multiple people say that the reason KG held off on coming to the Celtics wasn't because he wanted them to get Ray Allen, but more because he wanted them to get rid of Wally Szczerbiak, who he had problems with when both were Timberwolves. But, as long as Garnett is fine with it, then the rest of us should climb on board with Starbury coming to the Green.
I just hope the team isn't done looking. Marbury can fill the Sam Cassell role from last year and maybe Mikki Moore can be this year's James Posey, but we still need another player to take the role of P.J. Brown. There are rumors that if he's bought out that Joe Smith would want to come here from Oklahoma City, but then that raises the question of who the C's would jettison to make room for him. Who could it be? Who, oh who?
Oh, Gabe, how nice of you to volunteer.
Some people have taken the fact the Celtics won the next two games without Garnett in convincing fashion as a way to say that Garnett isn't as good as hyped. These people are idiots. The simple fact of the matter is that there is no way this team wins a championship last season if Garnett remained a Timberwolf. That closes any argument about whether the Celtics are better with or without KG. Even if he isn't the one taking the last shot and that honor falls to Ray Allen, he changed the culture of the team and elevated the play of guys like Big Baby Davis and Kendrick Perkins. The fact that he couldn't do the same with Patrick O'Bryant (we'll get to him in a second) was very surprising to me.
Now that the trading deadline has passed and the Celtics could not pull of a deal other than giving away the aforementioned O'Bryant, they need to start checking the waiver wire for some help. As a team with a legitimate shot to win a second straight title, they are a destination for veterans desperate to get off lousy teams and who want a shot at a ring. They already have reached a deal with Mikki Moore, who will hopefully bring some energy off the bench to take the place of O'Bryant, who's work ethic was seen as less than intense. I thought O'Bryant was going to turn into a reliable bench player once KG took him under his wing and he learned you can't just show up at game time. Guess he never learned that lesson. Moore should be a good sub for Perkins if he gets into foul trouble, as he is a 7' who fills the lane better than the shorter Leon Powe.
I've also spent the last 48 hours talking myself into Stephon Marbury, who was just bought out by the Knicks. I've come over to the dark side on this one, mostly because it's going to happen so I've done my 5 stages and have come to accept it. You can easily make the case that this is going to be a low risk/high reward deal for the Celtics because he'll sign for cheap and if he acts up even slightly, he'll be gone. Also, he's a true point guard and would allow Eddie House to just worry about shooting, although I don't want the two of them playing together that much, cause that's a small back court. If he is motivated and wants to get another big contract (somewhere else) this could work out really well. See? I can talk myself into anything.
The issue with Marbury has always been with his heart and his head, never his skills. This is a guy who famously got himself traded away from KG and Minnesota because he would rather have been the man on a bad team than second fiddle on a contender. That was a long time ago, but maybe not long enough. KG is known for holding grudges (as a man who holds a few myself, I can respect that). I've heard multiple people say that the reason KG held off on coming to the Celtics wasn't because he wanted them to get Ray Allen, but more because he wanted them to get rid of Wally Szczerbiak, who he had problems with when both were Timberwolves. But, as long as Garnett is fine with it, then the rest of us should climb on board with Starbury coming to the Green.
I just hope the team isn't done looking. Marbury can fill the Sam Cassell role from last year and maybe Mikki Moore can be this year's James Posey, but we still need another player to take the role of P.J. Brown. There are rumors that if he's bought out that Joe Smith would want to come here from Oklahoma City, but then that raises the question of who the C's would jettison to make room for him. Who could it be? Who, oh who?
Oh, Gabe, how nice of you to volunteer.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Control(ler) Issues
You know, there comes a time in a man's life when he must make a decision. It's never an easy choice, but it is one that you must stick with once you've made the commitment. It can divide families, destroy bonds built up over time but, ultimately, you find out who your friends really are. I'm talking, of course, about PlayStation versus X-Box.
Oh sure, you may own both, but you know damn well you have a favorite. And if the day should ever come when you have to make a choice between them, in your heart of hearts you know the decision has already been made (all males ages 14 - 35 are nodding right now). Look, they're just very different systems. It's not easy to bounce between the two. We've come a long way from the days of Nintendo and 2 buttons controllers. Asking someone who is a PlayStation user to play a game using an X-Box is like asking a monkey to land a plane - it's not going to end well and no one is going to have fun in the process.
I mention this only because I'm losing controllers at an alarming rate with my PlayStation 2 and contemplating an upgrade to PlayStation 3, while a friend of mine is trying to get me to make the switch. Apparently, the controllers for X-Box are made of sturdier stuff.
I should backtrack for a moment and explain how I play video games and why this is an issue. It's a full body workout, featuring a lot of standing and hopping off the couch. There is also a lot of twisting of controllers, slamming of buttons, and looks skyward while swearing. This is especially prevalent during the "Back to Earth" game that is so common in Madden (for those of you who don't play, that's when the computer decides you've won enough for one season and suddenly you're playing the re-incarnated '86 Bears. Your defense can't tackle, your quarterback is giving interceptions out like Halloween candy and your running back has inherited Edward Scissorhands' digits. No, not bitter about that loss, though). You see, despite the PlayStation not having the powers like the Wii, I still lean and twist as if that effects the buttons. Crazy? Sure, but I'm not going to risk not doing it when I've only got a two shot lead going into the final round of the Masters in Tiger Woods: 09.
In the last week I've had two controllers start acting up on me. Buttons won't push fast enough, some just push on their own and others seem to be sticking. While playing video golf I can usually get the drive power up to around 115. Today my controller spazzed and I got an 8. If I wanted to hit a drive that shitty I'd be playing golf for real. Not to mention from repeated use the controller sticks are now permanently off-center. It's added a degree of difficulty to my game playing. My quarterback only wants to roll to the left now.
The easiest solution, of course, is just to go buy a new controller. However, I'm not sure how much money I want to invest in PlayStation 2 anymore. They've clearly stopped investing in the system's games, because there were almost no upgrades from last season's model. It's a pretty blatant attempt to make you go buy PlayStation 3. However, PlayStation 3 is much more expensive than X-Box. But, it's not that easy to make a switch - I'm 29, for God's sake; I'm not a kid anymore (those of you thinking "Well, maybe you should stop playing video games all together," should leave my blog and never return). But, in the end, I guess these are the decisions that separate the men from the.... well, less socially-inclined men.
Oh sure, you may own both, but you know damn well you have a favorite. And if the day should ever come when you have to make a choice between them, in your heart of hearts you know the decision has already been made (all males ages 14 - 35 are nodding right now). Look, they're just very different systems. It's not easy to bounce between the two. We've come a long way from the days of Nintendo and 2 buttons controllers. Asking someone who is a PlayStation user to play a game using an X-Box is like asking a monkey to land a plane - it's not going to end well and no one is going to have fun in the process.
I mention this only because I'm losing controllers at an alarming rate with my PlayStation 2 and contemplating an upgrade to PlayStation 3, while a friend of mine is trying to get me to make the switch. Apparently, the controllers for X-Box are made of sturdier stuff.
I should backtrack for a moment and explain how I play video games and why this is an issue. It's a full body workout, featuring a lot of standing and hopping off the couch. There is also a lot of twisting of controllers, slamming of buttons, and looks skyward while swearing. This is especially prevalent during the "Back to Earth" game that is so common in Madden (for those of you who don't play, that's when the computer decides you've won enough for one season and suddenly you're playing the re-incarnated '86 Bears. Your defense can't tackle, your quarterback is giving interceptions out like Halloween candy and your running back has inherited Edward Scissorhands' digits. No, not bitter about that loss, though). You see, despite the PlayStation not having the powers like the Wii, I still lean and twist as if that effects the buttons. Crazy? Sure, but I'm not going to risk not doing it when I've only got a two shot lead going into the final round of the Masters in Tiger Woods: 09.
In the last week I've had two controllers start acting up on me. Buttons won't push fast enough, some just push on their own and others seem to be sticking. While playing video golf I can usually get the drive power up to around 115. Today my controller spazzed and I got an 8. If I wanted to hit a drive that shitty I'd be playing golf for real. Not to mention from repeated use the controller sticks are now permanently off-center. It's added a degree of difficulty to my game playing. My quarterback only wants to roll to the left now.
The easiest solution, of course, is just to go buy a new controller. However, I'm not sure how much money I want to invest in PlayStation 2 anymore. They've clearly stopped investing in the system's games, because there were almost no upgrades from last season's model. It's a pretty blatant attempt to make you go buy PlayStation 3. However, PlayStation 3 is much more expensive than X-Box. But, it's not that easy to make a switch - I'm 29, for God's sake; I'm not a kid anymore (those of you thinking "Well, maybe you should stop playing video games all together," should leave my blog and never return). But, in the end, I guess these are the decisions that separate the men from the.... well, less socially-inclined men.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Lent List
Today is Ash Wednesday. It's the first day of Lent and also the day that Catholics walk around and constantly have people point out that they've got something on their foreheads. Lent is meant to represent the time that Jesus was in the desert for 40 days being tempted by the Devil. Catholics honor his time by not eating meat on Fridays... unless you are old, young, have dietary restrictions or you just forget. Then it's ok - just try not to forget next week. As a Catholic you're also supposed to give something up for the forty days. I'm not sure what I'm going with yet, but here are my nominees:
Of course, there is another alternative that the nuns taught us back in grade school, which would be to do a good deed for someone every day for 40 days. Sounds like a great idea, as long as you don't make the mistake that I did and tell my sisters. Then it was "Did you do you're good deed yet today? No? Make me a CD. And get a jump on tomorrow, bring me a glass of water." That was a long 40 days. Also, do you think I would get credit for things like "not saying 'poker is based entirely on luck' in front of Josh", considering I know how much it annoys him?
In the end, I will most likely go with what I always do: forgetting what I gave up after a week and when I remember much later, simply shrugging and moving on.
- Donuts. Now, I've done this before and it's not very fun. It's worth it come Easter though, because I turn around and get a half a dozen to myself. However, it wouldn't be that hard this year, because I typically would grab a donut on my way to work and with no commute they'd be pretty easy to avoid.
- Diet Pepsi. Yeah, not gonna happen. I think my record for not drinking soda is three days.
- Paying Bills. Probably not legal, but wouldn't it be awesome when Capital One called to simply say "Sorry, I've given up paying bills for Lent. And you can't sue me, otherwise it's religious discrimination." Oh, to dream.
- Peppers. I could have gone with coconut or olives as well, as I don't like eating any of those. In fact, I would contend that I could go months without eating any of that stuff and it would make me an uber-Catholic. But, considering you're supposed to give up something you would actually miss, I guess these don't work.
- Socks. Bear with me, I'll explain. I love wearing socks. I can't stand not having socks on when I put shoes on, probably the main reason I'm not big on sandals. So, I think it would be a challenge for me to not wear socks for 40 days. My main opponents would be nasty odor and blisters. Also, it's still not that warm around here. I think it's enough of a challenge to be interesting. Plus, I've never heard of anyone giving up a piece of clothing for Lent before.
Of course, there is another alternative that the nuns taught us back in grade school, which would be to do a good deed for someone every day for 40 days. Sounds like a great idea, as long as you don't make the mistake that I did and tell my sisters. Then it was "Did you do you're good deed yet today? No? Make me a CD. And get a jump on tomorrow, bring me a glass of water." That was a long 40 days. Also, do you think I would get credit for things like "not saying 'poker is based entirely on luck' in front of Josh", considering I know how much it annoys him?
In the end, I will most likely go with what I always do: forgetting what I gave up after a week and when I remember much later, simply shrugging and moving on.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Everything Goes Down at the IHOP
First, there was Nicky Hilton making a citizen's arrest. Now, I didn't even know that was a real thing you could do. I just assumed it was another one of those ideals that everyone had heard of, but couldn't actually carry through on. This knowledge could cause some serious trouble, especially on the road. If I can rig a flashing light on top of my car, it is on.
This story also leaves me brimming with questions. Like, what the hell was she doing at an IHOP at 5 am? I know that pancake houses are the token go-to for people getting out of bars, but wouldn't she have people to get her a plate of french toast? And, is the Hollywood IHOP very glamorous? Or is it like any other IHOP at 5 am, full of drunk teenagers and truckers?
Then, IHOP announced that today was free pancake day. Damn, it's too bad I didn't read that story until after lunch.
This story also leaves me brimming with questions. Like, what the hell was she doing at an IHOP at 5 am? I know that pancake houses are the token go-to for people getting out of bars, but wouldn't she have people to get her a plate of french toast? And, is the Hollywood IHOP very glamorous? Or is it like any other IHOP at 5 am, full of drunk teenagers and truckers?
Then, IHOP announced that today was free pancake day. Damn, it's too bad I didn't read that story until after lunch.
Monday, February 23, 2009
At the Movies...
Well, I guess I have to go see SlumDog Millionaire now.
I wonder what it says about the American viewing public that SlumDog Millionaire, which was just acknowledged as the best thing to come out this year, has made 98 million since coming out 15 weeks ago. At the same time, Paul Blart: Mall Cop has made $121 million in 5 weeks and Madea Goes to Jail had a $41 million opening weekend. I'm not sure if that speaks to a bigger disconnect between the film studios and the Academy or between the Academy and the American viewing public.
Eh, whatever... 164 days until G.I. Joe comes out.
I wonder what it says about the American viewing public that SlumDog Millionaire, which was just acknowledged as the best thing to come out this year, has made 98 million since coming out 15 weeks ago. At the same time, Paul Blart: Mall Cop has made $121 million in 5 weeks and Madea Goes to Jail had a $41 million opening weekend. I'm not sure if that speaks to a bigger disconnect between the film studios and the Academy or between the Academy and the American viewing public.
Eh, whatever... 164 days until G.I. Joe comes out.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Notre Dame Basketball
Due to a high pre-season ranking and the fact that there are so many quality opponents throughout the Big East conference, I've been able to see a ton of Notre Dame basketball this season. Since they were in Providence yesterday to take on the Friars, now seem as good a time as any to give you my take on them.
First off, they just don't have enough depth. They only go 8 deep which, for the up and down style they play, wears down the starters too fast. As a result, they seem to have a second-half lull every single game. For most of the season Coach Brey wouldn't even play that deep, only starting to use Tyrone Nash more the last couple of games. Also, they are too reliant on the three-pointer. If it's falling like it did yesterday then that's fine. But if it's not then they are going to have a tougher time than usual.
Yesterday was interesting because what usually happens is that Harangody is an automatic double double and it's up to Ayers and McAlarney to show up and help with the scoring. Instead Harangody was a non-factor in the first half because of foul trouble while Ayers and McAlarney were lighting it up from the opening tip. McAlarney reminds me a lot of Gerry McNamara, which is to say he'll shoot as soon as he gets in the gym. But, only being six feet tall, I hope he enjoys playing overseas for the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Harangody's game is similar to a guy like Eduardo Najera. He's a banger and plays like a bull in a china shop. But he has trouble with taller, stronger or faster guys (in the NBA, that group will be made up of... everyone). He'll get drafted after another season of college ball, but he'll be coming off the bench for the Pacers in 3 years.
Unfortunately, I don't see the Irish making the field of 65. The 7 game losing streak looks really bad, even though 6 of those games were against teams ranked in the top 25. Add to that bad losses to Ohio State and St. John's, and I just don't think their resume is strong enough to get in. Of course, a strong showing in the Big East tournament could change all of that, but the team needs to keep winning before then or even that may not be enough.
But, you know where I found a surprising amount of talent? The Friars Cheerleading team. Well done, P.C.
First off, they just don't have enough depth. They only go 8 deep which, for the up and down style they play, wears down the starters too fast. As a result, they seem to have a second-half lull every single game. For most of the season Coach Brey wouldn't even play that deep, only starting to use Tyrone Nash more the last couple of games. Also, they are too reliant on the three-pointer. If it's falling like it did yesterday then that's fine. But if it's not then they are going to have a tougher time than usual.
Yesterday was interesting because what usually happens is that Harangody is an automatic double double and it's up to Ayers and McAlarney to show up and help with the scoring. Instead Harangody was a non-factor in the first half because of foul trouble while Ayers and McAlarney were lighting it up from the opening tip. McAlarney reminds me a lot of Gerry McNamara, which is to say he'll shoot as soon as he gets in the gym. But, only being six feet tall, I hope he enjoys playing overseas for the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Harangody's game is similar to a guy like Eduardo Najera. He's a banger and plays like a bull in a china shop. But he has trouble with taller, stronger or faster guys (in the NBA, that group will be made up of... everyone). He'll get drafted after another season of college ball, but he'll be coming off the bench for the Pacers in 3 years.
Unfortunately, I don't see the Irish making the field of 65. The 7 game losing streak looks really bad, even though 6 of those games were against teams ranked in the top 25. Add to that bad losses to Ohio State and St. John's, and I just don't think their resume is strong enough to get in. Of course, a strong showing in the Big East tournament could change all of that, but the team needs to keep winning before then or even that may not be enough.
But, you know where I found a surprising amount of talent? The Friars Cheerleading team. Well done, P.C.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Conan Heads West
Conan O'Brien wrapped up his last show in New York last night and now he'll be heading west to California and taking over for Jay Leno at the Tonight Show while Jimmy Fallon will be assuming his seat at Late Night. Personally, I'm not sure this is going to work.
When it was announced years ago that Leno was going to be retiring and O'Brien would be moving into the position it seemed like a lifetime away. But, as the day sped closer, Leno started to rumble that he wasn't totally ready to retire. He continued to get good rating and the people at NBC, who don't have many shows that pull in good ratings anymore, began to question how this was going to work. The couldn't let Leno walk and see him get a show on ABC, because then Conan would be going against Letterman and Leno. But, at the same time, there was no way Conan would allow NBC to back out of the deal they had agreed to and make him stay at 12:30. As a compromise, Leno will get a new show at 10, Conan will follow the news at 11:30, Fallon will go at 12:30 and Carson Daly and his 4 viewers will bring up the rear at 1:30.
I'm not sure O'Brien's humor is going to work as well at the Tonight Show. Leno's core audience loves the boring, bland monologues and non-offensive Jay-walking skits. They like the 20 minutes of safe jokes that no one can get upset about to start the show every night. Conan doesn't do monologues. Instead he's known for the stuff like the brilliant Walker, Texas Ranger Lever (look for the one with Haley Joel Osmand) and the masturbating bear. I just don't know if he'll be allowed to do that stuff an hour earlier or if the audience will accept it. Despite just being one hour later, you get a hell of a different audience at 12:30. And if he's not doing that stuff then he's not being Conan O'Brien.
Also, I think by putting Leno at 10 NBS is setting Conan up for failure. The hope is that Leno's audience will watch him at 10, stay for the news and stick around while Conan's core audience, who like me are now approaching 30 and can't stay up until 1:30 anymore, will watch him in droves. More likely than not, however, the current Tonight Show viewer is going to go to bed after the news. All that is going to do is deflate O'Brien's ratings. Another consequence is that Fallon's rating will also be effected. But, let's be honest, he'll do that all by himself (that decision will fall somewhere between bad and horrible. Fallon isn't funny.).
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. After all, I wasn't sure O'Brien would be as funny without Andy Richter and it turns out his show got better. But, in the meantime, since I couldn't find any footage of the time Conan had the all kids audience and brought in a sick, exotic bird parade, I'll just have to show my second favorite Conan clip of all-time.
When it was announced years ago that Leno was going to be retiring and O'Brien would be moving into the position it seemed like a lifetime away. But, as the day sped closer, Leno started to rumble that he wasn't totally ready to retire. He continued to get good rating and the people at NBC, who don't have many shows that pull in good ratings anymore, began to question how this was going to work. The couldn't let Leno walk and see him get a show on ABC, because then Conan would be going against Letterman and Leno. But, at the same time, there was no way Conan would allow NBC to back out of the deal they had agreed to and make him stay at 12:30. As a compromise, Leno will get a new show at 10, Conan will follow the news at 11:30, Fallon will go at 12:30 and Carson Daly and his 4 viewers will bring up the rear at 1:30.
I'm not sure O'Brien's humor is going to work as well at the Tonight Show. Leno's core audience loves the boring, bland monologues and non-offensive Jay-walking skits. They like the 20 minutes of safe jokes that no one can get upset about to start the show every night. Conan doesn't do monologues. Instead he's known for the stuff like the brilliant Walker, Texas Ranger Lever (look for the one with Haley Joel Osmand) and the masturbating bear. I just don't know if he'll be allowed to do that stuff an hour earlier or if the audience will accept it. Despite just being one hour later, you get a hell of a different audience at 12:30. And if he's not doing that stuff then he's not being Conan O'Brien.
Also, I think by putting Leno at 10 NBS is setting Conan up for failure. The hope is that Leno's audience will watch him at 10, stay for the news and stick around while Conan's core audience, who like me are now approaching 30 and can't stay up until 1:30 anymore, will watch him in droves. More likely than not, however, the current Tonight Show viewer is going to go to bed after the news. All that is going to do is deflate O'Brien's ratings. Another consequence is that Fallon's rating will also be effected. But, let's be honest, he'll do that all by himself (that decision will fall somewhere between bad and horrible. Fallon isn't funny.).
I guess we'll just have to wait and see. After all, I wasn't sure O'Brien would be as funny without Andy Richter and it turns out his show got better. But, in the meantime, since I couldn't find any footage of the time Conan had the all kids audience and brought in a sick, exotic bird parade, I'll just have to show my second favorite Conan clip of all-time.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Things Are Getting Worse for A-Rod
One of the original Kings of Comedy, Steve Harvey, used to say the main problem for men in relationships is that we never think our lies out far enough. Men think out to level 4 of the lie, but women tend to investigate whatever men say out to level 10. By the time they get to level 5 they know we're lying and it's just a matter of how big a hole we dig ourselves. Well, congrats, Alex Rodriguez, for the first time in a long time, you get to be the man in a scenario. Unfortunately, the New York media are playing the role of the women in your life and without doing much leg work, they're unravelling your web of bullshit.
First Alex said he never took steroids - didn't need to. Then it was OK, fine, he took them, but he was young and naive... and hey, did you hear the lady doing the story is nuts? Yeah, she's stalking him. Only, no, she wasn't and he had to apologize to her (privately, mind you; slander in public, apologize in private. I hate people who do that.). Then he had his press conference at spring training where he said the substance was something he bought over the counter in the Dominican Republic, it was his cousin who injected him and he stopped in 2003. Well, today comes reports that the substance he took is illegal in the Dominican Republic (so much for the over the counter claim), that the "cousin" is actually not a blood relative and is instead the front man for a steroid dealer who was banned from all clubhouses by the league in 2001. And, oh yeah, that steroid dealer travelled constantly with Alex as recently as 2007.
Did he think that people would just accept whatever explanations he gave and move on? Of course they were going to look into his claims. Now, there are two ways Rodriguez can handle this: He can shut up, never say another word on the matter and therefore not give any more fuel to the fire. They can't uncover any more lies if he doesn't tell any more lies. He has zero credibility right now. At this point if he said the sky was blue 15 reporters would call NASA and check. Or, he can stop apologizing for what he's been caught doing, get ahead of it by admitting all this stuff and anything else he may be hiding before someone else finds it.
He needs to take a page out of the Charles Barkley book here. What Barkley did (drinking and driving) is immeasurably worse than what Alex did. While a steroids admission tarnishes his legacy, it doesn't really hurt anyone else (I don't want to hear this whole "What about the children?" crap anymore). However, Charles has handled this so much better than Rodriguez. Charles' apology on TNT was very well done: "Yep, I suck. I'm very sorry for my DUI. What I did was stupid. I'm stupid. Its unacceptable, I deserve to be fired but I'm lucky enough to get a second shot. I screwed up and I'm sorry. I'm getting counselling and I promise it won't happen again. If it does I'm gone and I know it." Everyone loves Chuck and no one outside of New York likes Alex that much - there is a reason for that. I can only imagine that there is still more that will come out about Rodriguez in the coming months, and the games haven't even started yet.
First Alex said he never took steroids - didn't need to. Then it was OK, fine, he took them, but he was young and naive... and hey, did you hear the lady doing the story is nuts? Yeah, she's stalking him. Only, no, she wasn't and he had to apologize to her (privately, mind you; slander in public, apologize in private. I hate people who do that.). Then he had his press conference at spring training where he said the substance was something he bought over the counter in the Dominican Republic, it was his cousin who injected him and he stopped in 2003. Well, today comes reports that the substance he took is illegal in the Dominican Republic (so much for the over the counter claim), that the "cousin" is actually not a blood relative and is instead the front man for a steroid dealer who was banned from all clubhouses by the league in 2001. And, oh yeah, that steroid dealer travelled constantly with Alex as recently as 2007.
Did he think that people would just accept whatever explanations he gave and move on? Of course they were going to look into his claims. Now, there are two ways Rodriguez can handle this: He can shut up, never say another word on the matter and therefore not give any more fuel to the fire. They can't uncover any more lies if he doesn't tell any more lies. He has zero credibility right now. At this point if he said the sky was blue 15 reporters would call NASA and check. Or, he can stop apologizing for what he's been caught doing, get ahead of it by admitting all this stuff and anything else he may be hiding before someone else finds it.
He needs to take a page out of the Charles Barkley book here. What Barkley did (drinking and driving) is immeasurably worse than what Alex did. While a steroids admission tarnishes his legacy, it doesn't really hurt anyone else (I don't want to hear this whole "What about the children?" crap anymore). However, Charles has handled this so much better than Rodriguez. Charles' apology on TNT was very well done: "Yep, I suck. I'm very sorry for my DUI. What I did was stupid. I'm stupid. Its unacceptable, I deserve to be fired but I'm lucky enough to get a second shot. I screwed up and I'm sorry. I'm getting counselling and I promise it won't happen again. If it does I'm gone and I know it." Everyone loves Chuck and no one outside of New York likes Alex that much - there is a reason for that. I can only imagine that there is still more that will come out about Rodriguez in the coming months, and the games haven't even started yet.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Revel in the Awesomeness
My uncle Mike has started uploading tons of old family photos online. They are incredible and I wish I had the time to share them all with you. Now, I was going to go with sweet, sweet picture of my mom when she was in the Debonaires (think color guard, but with more spirit). However, as she reads this blog, I'd better not risk it. Instead I'll share these two that are just fantastic.
I'm sorry, is that Amy or Abigail?
This is my grandparents' wedding day. 5 kids, 8 grandkids and 5 great-grandkids (and counting) later, I would say that work out well...
-By the way, I had to watch Addy for a quick hour today and I discovered another side effect of the girls growing up - you can't fool them nearly as easily. Addison had been sitting on her singing motorcycle and when she walked away from it to get a closer look at Elmo's World, I discreetly reached down and turned it off, hoping she wouldn't notice (seriously, I can only hear the same song so many times). Well, she got back on and when it didn't start playing music she pushed it back to my feet and look at me expectantly. Busted by a 2 year-old.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Wanted...
It's not often anymore that a movie will make me stand up and say "wow." But, that was exactly what happened after I finished watching the action movie Wanted last night. I stood up and said, "Wow... that was awful."
This unbelievable piece of crap features one of my all-time favorite actors, Morgan Freeman. If I were him I would attempt to get this cleared from my IMDB page. They clearly lied to him about what this movie was going to be. I can only imagine that he was very excited to hear that he would be working with Angelina Jolie, showed up on set and was immediately hit with a feeling of dread. Assassins that get their targets from a magic loom? Did you not read the script, Morgan?
This movie relies too heavy on special effects and slow motion action. Yes, the bullets collided in mid-air; very impressive work with a computer. Oh, we get to see it again? And a third time? A fifteenth, even? You didn't need people of such high acting regard to play these roles - you honestly could have just used stunt doubles.
Also, I didn't like this movie for the way it tried to out do itself plot-wise. You're my friend... no, my enemy... no, my friend. All in all it was too many twists that just didn't make sense with the rest of the movie. Shoot 'em Up did the same thing, but at least that movie was so ridiculous it was almost campy. This movie felt like it was taking itself way too seriously. Also, it takes the time to insult the viewer at the end by insinuating that if you have a normal job and don't kill people for a living, you're a pansy. Thanks, I enjoy my entertainment more if it thinks it's better than me.
I was pretty bummed out by this movie, cause I wanted to like it. It was so awful, though, that I won't even recommend it as a rental.
-Now, I'm no lawyer, so I'm not sure if being invited back to campus is enough to cancel out a restraining order for you to stay away from campus. But, I do know that even if you think you are in the right, writing "Fuck You" where it says "name" isn't the best course of action. It's too bad really, missed one hell of an upset.
This unbelievable piece of crap features one of my all-time favorite actors, Morgan Freeman. If I were him I would attempt to get this cleared from my IMDB page. They clearly lied to him about what this movie was going to be. I can only imagine that he was very excited to hear that he would be working with Angelina Jolie, showed up on set and was immediately hit with a feeling of dread. Assassins that get their targets from a magic loom? Did you not read the script, Morgan?
This movie relies too heavy on special effects and slow motion action. Yes, the bullets collided in mid-air; very impressive work with a computer. Oh, we get to see it again? And a third time? A fifteenth, even? You didn't need people of such high acting regard to play these roles - you honestly could have just used stunt doubles.
Also, I didn't like this movie for the way it tried to out do itself plot-wise. You're my friend... no, my enemy... no, my friend. All in all it was too many twists that just didn't make sense with the rest of the movie. Shoot 'em Up did the same thing, but at least that movie was so ridiculous it was almost campy. This movie felt like it was taking itself way too seriously. Also, it takes the time to insult the viewer at the end by insinuating that if you have a normal job and don't kill people for a living, you're a pansy. Thanks, I enjoy my entertainment more if it thinks it's better than me.
I was pretty bummed out by this movie, cause I wanted to like it. It was so awful, though, that I won't even recommend it as a rental.
-Now, I'm no lawyer, so I'm not sure if being invited back to campus is enough to cancel out a restraining order for you to stay away from campus. But, I do know that even if you think you are in the right, writing "Fuck You" where it says "name" isn't the best course of action. It's too bad really, missed one hell of an upset.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Abigail turns 2
Once again I'm realising just how fast the last two years have gone by. Now it's Abigail's turn to become a two-year old. It seems like just yesterday she was a little sumo.
And now she's a whirling dervish who can't sit still.
As you can see, not happy to pause long enough for me to get a picture. But, what should I expect, ballerinas with babies have a lot going on.
And now she's a whirling dervish who can't sit still.
As you can see, not happy to pause long enough for me to get a picture. But, what should I expect, ballerinas with babies have a lot going on.Monday, February 16, 2009
Lincoln would be so proud...
Somewhere along the way, professional cheerleaders' roles changed. Back in the day they just had to stand on the sidelines, look cute and shake their pom-poms. Then in the mid-90's teams decided those ladies really had to earn that $40 a game and be dancers. Now, they need to be full-on dance professionals. Also, if you could be related to someone famous, that would be great.
In honor of Presidents' Day, we're going to look at the case of one Bonnie Lincoln, a cheerleader for the New Jersey Nets, who also happens to be related to former President Abraham Lincoln. In addition she works in a law office and as you would imagine, is pretty hot. I think President Lincoln would be really proud. After all, he is credited with saying
In honor of Presidents' Day, we're going to look at the case of one Bonnie Lincoln, a cheerleader for the New Jersey Nets, who also happens to be related to former President Abraham Lincoln. In addition she works in a law office and as you would imagine, is pretty hot. I think President Lincoln would be really proud. After all, he is credited with saying
"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds... Now, who wants a tee-shirt?!?!?"
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Pitchers and Catchers
The last week it has been getting progressively warmer around here. We've had temperatures climb to near 60 one day last week and the rest of the time it has been in the mid to high 40's, which is balmy for Massachusetts in February. It's melted most of the snow, to the point only the spots that had the major piles are still showing signs of winter. All of this has given me a severe case of Spring Fever.
I can't wait until all the snow is gone and I can go out and play the first round of the season. My brother got me the 2008 New England Golf Guide for my birthday and I've been flipping through it looking for courses to try this spring and summer. My clubs are already in my car, I just need a reason to use them. I can't believe most courses don't open for another month and a half.
Adding to my case is the fact that pitchers and catchers reported yesterday and thus, it's just another sign of how close we are to spring. Now, I make no secret of the fact that the Sox come in third behind the Celtics and Patriots on my personal depth chart. But, that doesn't change the fact that this scene warms my heart.
I can't wait until all the snow is gone and I can go out and play the first round of the season. My brother got me the 2008 New England Golf Guide for my birthday and I've been flipping through it looking for courses to try this spring and summer. My clubs are already in my car, I just need a reason to use them. I can't believe most courses don't open for another month and a half.
Adding to my case is the fact that pitchers and catchers reported yesterday and thus, it's just another sign of how close we are to spring. Now, I make no secret of the fact that the Sox come in third behind the Celtics and Patriots on my personal depth chart. But, that doesn't change the fact that this scene warms my heart.
image courtesy of Boston.com
Count me among those who are happy the Sox decided to bring back 'Tek (who is looking jacked, by the way) and also those that aren't afraid of the big free-spending Yankees. They signed a lot of people, but it was more replacing than adding. Also, we'll see if Tampa Bay backslides or if they're for real now. They won't be sneaking up on anyone this season.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Man's View Of Valentine's Day
On the surface, I have no moral problem with Valentine's Day. Afterall, it's a day to show the love to the people in your life. Great concept. It's such a great concept, in fact, that you should be doing it more than once a year. Why the need to go out all on the one specific day is created by the greeting card company. (If I could speak to the ladies for a second: any blockhead can make you feel special once a year when he feels shamed into it by the rest of the world. It's the guys that can do it on a random Tuesday in September that you should keep an eye out for.)
I just resent the fact that prices of flowers have been jacked up to the Nth degree this week. Really, why do I have to pay $70 for roses on Saturday just to guarantee that I get some action, when a foot massage and letting you have the remote to watch The Real Housewives of Orange County got me the same result on Tuesday?
-Now, in honor of Valentine's Day, here's the story of a woman who told the world she was divorcing her soccer-playing husband by changing her Facebook status. I'm sure he would have like to have known it was coming. But, he had the last laugh because he cancelled her cell service. That'll show her.
I just resent the fact that prices of flowers have been jacked up to the Nth degree this week. Really, why do I have to pay $70 for roses on Saturday just to guarantee that I get some action, when a foot massage and letting you have the remote to watch The Real Housewives of Orange County got me the same result on Tuesday?
-Now, in honor of Valentine's Day, here's the story of a woman who told the world she was divorcing her soccer-playing husband by changing her Facebook status. I'm sure he would have like to have known it was coming. But, he had the last laugh because he cancelled her cell service. That'll show her.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Horror Movies
Since it's Friday the 13th, several television stations have taken it upon themselves to show horror movies the last couple of days. Also, today is the day the latest, updated version of the Friday the 13th movie comes out (I think this is about number 39). They've taken this concept in about 14 different directions and three or four re-launches. They even tried to cross over with another horror franchise, Nightmare on Elm Street. This led to one of the greatest exchanges I've ever had with my dad:
Dad: "Freddy versus Jason. Who loses?"
Me: "Anyone who paid to see it."
Personally, I'm not a big fan of the overly gore-filled horror movies. Obviously there will be some blood in a horror movie, I just think they can go overboard. I've just never seen the point of seeing how much blood you can fit in one movie. I think what you can't see but can only imagine is much worse. But, a few make the crossover very well and thus here is my personal top 5 list of horror movies (please note, not all of these would be considered you're typical horror movie. If you disagree, that's fine - go write your own blog):
5. Audition Guy looking for a date instead finds a psycho. Hey, it's happened to the best of us. She just takes it to another level. Think Hostel, but with less gore and more psychological warfare against your brain. The last 15 minutes are weird, though, so be warned.
4. Halloween Before they made all the sequels, this was the original "the bad guy's dead... no wait" movie.
3. Misery How's your foot?
2. Silence of the Lambs Don't know if this would have been as good with anyone but Anthony Hopkins. He's the perfect mix of sophisticate and psycho; able to talk about horrific things very calmly. It's weird that Buffalo Bill is now on Monk, though.
1. Jaws I fricking love this movie. This wasn't always the case. As a kid I watched all four Jaws movies all the way through and never saw the shark once. Once I heard the music I would simply look away until the screaming stopped. But, I finally got the nerve to watch people get eaten by a mechanical shark and now whenever this movie is on TV I have to watch until the end. Only the original stands the test of time, the sequels all stunk. Also, I wonder how good it would have been had the shark worked like it supposed to.
Dad: "Freddy versus Jason. Who loses?"
Me: "Anyone who paid to see it."
Personally, I'm not a big fan of the overly gore-filled horror movies. Obviously there will be some blood in a horror movie, I just think they can go overboard. I've just never seen the point of seeing how much blood you can fit in one movie. I think what you can't see but can only imagine is much worse. But, a few make the crossover very well and thus here is my personal top 5 list of horror movies (please note, not all of these would be considered you're typical horror movie. If you disagree, that's fine - go write your own blog):
5. Audition Guy looking for a date instead finds a psycho. Hey, it's happened to the best of us. She just takes it to another level. Think Hostel, but with less gore and more psychological warfare against your brain. The last 15 minutes are weird, though, so be warned.
4. Halloween Before they made all the sequels, this was the original "the bad guy's dead... no wait" movie.
3. Misery How's your foot?
2. Silence of the Lambs Don't know if this would have been as good with anyone but Anthony Hopkins. He's the perfect mix of sophisticate and psycho; able to talk about horrific things very calmly. It's weird that Buffalo Bill is now on Monk, though.
1. Jaws I fricking love this movie. This wasn't always the case. As a kid I watched all four Jaws movies all the way through and never saw the shark once. Once I heard the music I would simply look away until the screaming stopped. But, I finally got the nerve to watch people get eaten by a mechanical shark and now whenever this movie is on TV I have to watch until the end. Only the original stands the test of time, the sequels all stunk. Also, I wonder how good it would have been had the shark worked like it supposed to.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Finding New Music
Now that I have no commute to work I've pretty much stop listening to the radio. Other than the 20 minutes in the shower (ok, probably closer to 30), I don't bother turning on my radio during the rest of the day. I've found that I just don't enjoy most of the DJ's in Boston anymore. They're either music snobs (which is a phase you should grow out of at 23), old guys trying to act like they're still back at the frat (dude, you're in your 40's with a kid - let go) or they're trying desperately not to offend anyone and get fired and thus are extremely bland and bring nothing to the table. And, I don't listen to sports talk because while I love talking sports with people, sports radio is like being in a one sided conversation where I can't add my two cents. Thus, it's pretty pointless.
But, as a result of not listening to the radio, I'm having a hard time discovering new music. I can only hear the same songs on my iPod for so long. Reading the list of Grammy nominees this year was startling because I knew very few of them. It was a long list of either people I had never heard of or songs performed by people I knew, but not for this music. So I went on a quest to hunt down some of this stuff with my computer (for the sake of copyright infringement we'll say it was using iTunes). For the first time in a long time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was good music nominated for the Grammy's this year. Normally they try and out-do themselves to pick music that was a sales thud, but they can claim is critically acclaimed. But this year featured some solid entries and a nomination for the Best New Artist Grammy may not end up being the kiss of death that it usually is (well, except for the Jonas Brothers. I've taken to calling them Hanson 2.0). Go ahead and look at the list of former nominees. It's a who's who? of one hit wonders. Seriously, Asia was nominated.
However, there is one problem with just downloading music and then hoping it's good. That would be the sneak-attack God song. It's really jarring when you are listening to a new song that you are getting into, only to hear them turn it into a song about God. Now, there have been lots of acts that have started out as Christian singers and then once they have started to get even the smallest bit of exposure they switch labels and pretend it never happened (Jessica Simpson, Evanescence and Creed spring to mind). So, it's not like these guys don't have talent or the music isn't well put together. You're just not expecting God to pop up in certain places is all. There was a song from the Transporter 2 trailer that starts out like any normal rock song and then the guy starts singing about Jesus. Did not see that coming.
I'll leave it to Boston boy Mike Birbiglia to put it into song for us:
But, as a result of not listening to the radio, I'm having a hard time discovering new music. I can only hear the same songs on my iPod for so long. Reading the list of Grammy nominees this year was startling because I knew very few of them. It was a long list of either people I had never heard of or songs performed by people I knew, but not for this music. So I went on a quest to hunt down some of this stuff with my computer (for the sake of copyright infringement we'll say it was using iTunes). For the first time in a long time, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was good music nominated for the Grammy's this year. Normally they try and out-do themselves to pick music that was a sales thud, but they can claim is critically acclaimed. But this year featured some solid entries and a nomination for the Best New Artist Grammy may not end up being the kiss of death that it usually is (well, except for the Jonas Brothers. I've taken to calling them Hanson 2.0). Go ahead and look at the list of former nominees. It's a who's who? of one hit wonders. Seriously, Asia was nominated.
However, there is one problem with just downloading music and then hoping it's good. That would be the sneak-attack God song. It's really jarring when you are listening to a new song that you are getting into, only to hear them turn it into a song about God. Now, there have been lots of acts that have started out as Christian singers and then once they have started to get even the smallest bit of exposure they switch labels and pretend it never happened (Jessica Simpson, Evanescence and Creed spring to mind). So, it's not like these guys don't have talent or the music isn't well put together. You're just not expecting God to pop up in certain places is all. There was a song from the Transporter 2 trailer that starts out like any normal rock song and then the guy starts singing about Jesus. Did not see that coming.
I'll leave it to Boston boy Mike Birbiglia to put it into song for us:
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Donut Run
For the most part, I've got no regrets about college. Given where newspapers and radio are heading, I should have gone with a different concentration, but other than that I wouldn't do much different. However, I've always wondered what it would have been like to go to a school down south.
First off, you've got a major bonus in weather and as a result, you get better women. It seems like all the hot women in the world congregate in the South, Texas or southern California. Now, that's not to say that there aren't hot women above the Mason/Dixon line, but it's just harder to tell when they have to wear five layers just to go to the library from October to April. Schools in the south have the advantage of allowing women to dress in less for most of the year. You just won't see this lineup in South Bend in November, is my point.
The other thing is all the wacky traditions the southerns have. This year I learned about the Krispy Kreme Challenge. At North Carolina State, they have an annual tradition of running to the local Krispy Kreme, eating a dozen donuts and then running back to campus, with all profits going to charity. 2,000 people participated this year.
I'm torn about this tradition. You see, it combines one of my favorite things (donuts), with one of my least favorite things (running). I think what you need to do is tweak this event and make it a relay thing. One person can do all the running and another can do all the eating. Then you can sign me up.
-So, Brett Favre is retiring. Again. Dude, if you want to go it's your prerogative - just mean it this time.
First off, you've got a major bonus in weather and as a result, you get better women. It seems like all the hot women in the world congregate in the South, Texas or southern California. Now, that's not to say that there aren't hot women above the Mason/Dixon line, but it's just harder to tell when they have to wear five layers just to go to the library from October to April. Schools in the south have the advantage of allowing women to dress in less for most of the year. You just won't see this lineup in South Bend in November, is my point.
The other thing is all the wacky traditions the southerns have. This year I learned about the Krispy Kreme Challenge. At North Carolina State, they have an annual tradition of running to the local Krispy Kreme, eating a dozen donuts and then running back to campus, with all profits going to charity. 2,000 people participated this year.
I'm torn about this tradition. You see, it combines one of my favorite things (donuts), with one of my least favorite things (running). I think what you need to do is tweak this event and make it a relay thing. One person can do all the running and another can do all the eating. Then you can sign me up.
-So, Brett Favre is retiring. Again. Dude, if you want to go it's your prerogative - just mean it this time.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
A-Rod and other musings...
-You would think, now that Alex Rodriguez has come out and admitted taking steroids that he would be well on the road to forgiveness. But, he's looking worse, as if it was possible. I watched the interview with Gammons and it was typical A-Rod: every answer was controlled, calculated and measured before being spoken. I don't believe that he didn't know what he was taking and I don't believe that he stopped after 2003. You felt pressured to live up to your contract in Texas? No one plays well in Texas. And you expect us to believe that New York is a breeze? He's under much more pressure now, so why would we think he's not on 'roids now? It's all about finding the next drug and staying ahead of the league's chemists. You can't expect us to believe you now if less than two years ago you were looking Katie Couric in the eye and lying to her. Dammit, Alex, if you can lie to Katie, you can lie to anyone.
-P.S. Alex, when you're in the middle of backtracking about all the bullshit you've said over the past couple of years that's not the best time to attempt a character assassination about the woman who co-wrote the article. You just said she's right. So, in terms of credibility it's her 1, you 0.
-I'm trying not to get too high and mighty with this A-Rod stuff, cause you know damn well that if the remaining 100+ names come out (and if I'm a player and I'm not one of those names I'm screaming they do come out so I'm not lumped in with the guilty), there will be at least a couple Red Sox on it.
-The list of players that it would shock me if they took steroids, by the way, is only about four deep: Jeter, Schilling, Eckstein, Maddux.
-Happiest guy that this story broke when it did? Michael Phelps. Now we don't have to listen to another week of bong jokes and debates about him being a role model.
-You know what girl I can't figure out? The girl from Big Bang Theory. Some episodes she's cute, some she's hot, others merely eh. It's frustrating. I think she falls somewhere in the "Above cute, but not so hot that you would feel intimidated trying to talk to her" range.
-By the way, President Obama - I voted for you cause I thought you were going to do a good job. You've got some trust here. You don't need to do a press conference everyday telling us what you're doing now. And you really don't need to take an hour of prime-time TV and then weigh in on Alex Rodriguez.
-When I was picking up blue G2, there are a number of flavors I expected it to be. Pomegranate was not in the Top 5.
-I'm putting my money on the English Bulldog for the Westminster Dog Show. I know he's a longshot, but one of these times a bulldog is going to pull off the upset.
-P.S. Alex, when you're in the middle of backtracking about all the bullshit you've said over the past couple of years that's not the best time to attempt a character assassination about the woman who co-wrote the article. You just said she's right. So, in terms of credibility it's her 1, you 0.
-I'm trying not to get too high and mighty with this A-Rod stuff, cause you know damn well that if the remaining 100+ names come out (and if I'm a player and I'm not one of those names I'm screaming they do come out so I'm not lumped in with the guilty), there will be at least a couple Red Sox on it.
-The list of players that it would shock me if they took steroids, by the way, is only about four deep: Jeter, Schilling, Eckstein, Maddux.
-Happiest guy that this story broke when it did? Michael Phelps. Now we don't have to listen to another week of bong jokes and debates about him being a role model.
-You know what girl I can't figure out? The girl from Big Bang Theory. Some episodes she's cute, some she's hot, others merely eh. It's frustrating. I think she falls somewhere in the "Above cute, but not so hot that you would feel intimidated trying to talk to her" range.
-By the way, President Obama - I voted for you cause I thought you were going to do a good job. You've got some trust here. You don't need to do a press conference everyday telling us what you're doing now. And you really don't need to take an hour of prime-time TV and then weigh in on Alex Rodriguez.
-When I was picking up blue G2, there are a number of flavors I expected it to be. Pomegranate was not in the Top 5.
-I'm putting my money on the English Bulldog for the Westminster Dog Show. I know he's a longshot, but one of these times a bulldog is going to pull off the upset.
Monday, February 9, 2009
This Day in History
All of this comes courtesy of HistoryOrb.com...
1870 - The U.S. Weather Bureau was established. Haven't gotten a thing right since.
1895 - 1st intercollegiate basketball game (Minn Agricult beats Hamline, 9-3). Defensive clinic put on that day. Also, volleyball invented by W G Morgan in Massachusetts. Big day for the future of gym classes in America.
1964 - the Beatles made their first live American TV appearance, on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Sullivan resisted the urge to tell the band "Get a haircut, hippies!"
1964 - G.I. Joe character created. Always knew we had a special kinship.
1980 - George and Judy Rakauskas have their fourth kid. This little Buddha...
1991 - Lithuanians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.
1994 - Israeli minister Shimon Perez signs accord with PLO's Arafat. And everything was A-OK in that region for the rest of time.
2001 - A U.S. Navy submarine collided with a Japanese fishing boat off the Hawaiian coast, killing nine people aboard the boat. Aren't we just ending on a happy note?
Notable Birthdays
Carole King (67), Joe Pesci (66 - What, my age is funny to you? Funny how?), Vince Papale (63 - still looks nothing like Marky Mark), John Kruk (48), Travis Tritt (46), Lennox Lewis (44), Vladimir Guerrero (33), Zhang Ziyi (30 - How you doing?).
1870 - The U.S. Weather Bureau was established. Haven't gotten a thing right since.
1895 - 1st intercollegiate basketball game (Minn Agricult beats Hamline, 9-3). Defensive clinic put on that day. Also, volleyball invented by W G Morgan in Massachusetts. Big day for the future of gym classes in America.
1964 - the Beatles made their first live American TV appearance, on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Sullivan resisted the urge to tell the band "Get a haircut, hippies!"
1964 - G.I. Joe character created. Always knew we had a special kinship.
1980 - George and Judy Rakauskas have their fourth kid. This little Buddha...
1991 - Lithuanians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.
1994 - Israeli minister Shimon Perez signs accord with PLO's Arafat. And everything was A-OK in that region for the rest of time.
2001 - A U.S. Navy submarine collided with a Japanese fishing boat off the Hawaiian coast, killing nine people aboard the boat. Aren't we just ending on a happy note?
Notable Birthdays
Carole King (67), Joe Pesci (66 - What, my age is funny to you? Funny how?), Vince Papale (63 - still looks nothing like Marky Mark), John Kruk (48), Travis Tritt (46), Lennox Lewis (44), Vladimir Guerrero (33), Zhang Ziyi (30 - How you doing?).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
How to take a good idea...
and completely ruin it.
First off, the NBA decides that All-Star weekend will feature a game of H-O-R-S-E. Fantastic idea. Everyone loves H-O-R-S-E, everyone plays H-O-R-S-E. It's one of the first games you can play and it doesn't involved any of that pesky running, dribbling or passing that always slows down a good game of basketball. You can be on crutches and play H-O-R-S-E. People have been calling for this for years. They were even smart enough to include a 'no dunking' policy so that it wouldn't infringe on the dunk contest. The only problem was that it took them this long to listen. I wish Larry Bird was still around for this. He was notorious for taking teammate's money playing H-O-R-S-E after practice. It was a great move by the NBA.
Or, at least it was until they decided that they could make even more money by getting a sponsor for the event. Kind of cheesy considering the NBA typically makes money and it's not like ticket prices are going down anytime soon, but yeah, I can roll with "HORSE presented by Company X". That's just the way that sports are now. But they went too far with this one. Instead of spelling horse, the players will now be spelling G-E-I-C-O. Oh, come on.
As it is, All-Star games are barely hanging on. They didn't even sell out the Pro Bowl this year. People don't want to waste time or money watching a game that the players don't even care about. The only thing that they have going for them anymore is the sideshow that comes with them. Baseball has the home run derby, basketball has the dunk contest (which was getting stale, hence the new twist) and hockey has the skills competitions. Football has no such thing, which could be why the lack of interest. But, when you take a great game that people have been playing in their driveways since they were kids and turn it into another corporate promotion, it's going to turn a lot of people off. They could have left it alone and been the heroes for finally listening to the public cries for something new, but now people are going to be focused on the fact that they bastardized the game. So close to getting it right, NBA; just not close enough.
-Now, from the "Why don't you stop talking for a while, Champ" files: Republicans want us to know that the economic stimulus package will lead to "disaster." Thank God you guys spoke up - wouldn't want to ruin the sweet roll we're on now. You know, in the face of economic collapse I don't think it's best to listen to the guys who were in charge when it happened. That's like demanding the drunk driver who put his car in a ditch be the one who's in charge of getting it out.
First off, the NBA decides that All-Star weekend will feature a game of H-O-R-S-E. Fantastic idea. Everyone loves H-O-R-S-E, everyone plays H-O-R-S-E. It's one of the first games you can play and it doesn't involved any of that pesky running, dribbling or passing that always slows down a good game of basketball. You can be on crutches and play H-O-R-S-E. People have been calling for this for years. They were even smart enough to include a 'no dunking' policy so that it wouldn't infringe on the dunk contest. The only problem was that it took them this long to listen. I wish Larry Bird was still around for this. He was notorious for taking teammate's money playing H-O-R-S-E after practice. It was a great move by the NBA.
Or, at least it was until they decided that they could make even more money by getting a sponsor for the event. Kind of cheesy considering the NBA typically makes money and it's not like ticket prices are going down anytime soon, but yeah, I can roll with "HORSE presented by Company X". That's just the way that sports are now. But they went too far with this one. Instead of spelling horse, the players will now be spelling G-E-I-C-O. Oh, come on.
As it is, All-Star games are barely hanging on. They didn't even sell out the Pro Bowl this year. People don't want to waste time or money watching a game that the players don't even care about. The only thing that they have going for them anymore is the sideshow that comes with them. Baseball has the home run derby, basketball has the dunk contest (which was getting stale, hence the new twist) and hockey has the skills competitions. Football has no such thing, which could be why the lack of interest. But, when you take a great game that people have been playing in their driveways since they were kids and turn it into another corporate promotion, it's going to turn a lot of people off. They could have left it alone and been the heroes for finally listening to the public cries for something new, but now people are going to be focused on the fact that they bastardized the game. So close to getting it right, NBA; just not close enough.
-Now, from the "Why don't you stop talking for a while, Champ" files: Republicans want us to know that the economic stimulus package will lead to "disaster." Thank God you guys spoke up - wouldn't want to ruin the sweet roll we're on now. You know, in the face of economic collapse I don't think it's best to listen to the guys who were in charge when it happened. That's like demanding the drunk driver who put his car in a ditch be the one who's in charge of getting it out.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Silly Alex...
I'm not very surprised that Alex Rodriguez was found to have failed a steroid test. At this point I'm more surprised if someone doesn't pop positive for something. It's just the nature of baseball from the 80's through 2004, when they finally started testing for this stuff. Now, thanks to those oh-so-trickable tests you have to put in 5 minutes of work and hide the fact you're on steroids. It's a big leap.
Now, I don't like Alex Rodriguez, even a little. There is something about him that seems very disingenuous, as if nothing comes from his mouth until he considers how it will sound on SportsCenter. From signing not one, but two contracts that pay him more than most small countries can produce, to the fact that the only thing automatic about him from July and on is how un-clutch he is, I find the media adulation over the top considering teams seem to get better once he leaves. But, this still disappoints the hell out of me. I thought that when he eventually passes Barry Bonds for the all-time home run total (and really, he's the got the best shot of anyone) we would go back to having a question-free star hold the most impressive record in American Sports history. As baseball fans (and yes, I know I'm only loosely one. I enjoy going to Sox games and will watch other teams if nothing else is on between the end of the NBA Finals and the start of pre-season football) we could finally point to a guy and say "You may not like him, but you have to respect him." Now, that's gone.
I don't care that this was 2003 and what he took then wasn't illegal for baseball. He still felt like he couldn't compete with the rest of the league and needed an edge, so he took a short cut. You have to assume that his number from before that (57 homers in 2002, especially) have to now be looked at with the same skeptical eye as Barry Bond's numbers. And the worst part of it all? Jose Canseco now looks credible, because he mentioned Rodriguez in his second book. When Canseco is the voice of reason you know something is going wrong in the world.
In the end I don't think this will matter at all. Despite the nature of it all, nothing of consequence will happen. Less people will go to ballparks this year, but that's the economy's fault, not steroids. At this point, fans are collectively over it. Nothing is going to happen and we know it. Commissioner Bud Selig would never grow the stones to toss out Bonds' or Rodriguez's numbers and revert back to Maris and Aaron like he should. The fact that we know Selig is too busy wondering what Scott Van Pelt said about him to do anything about this will ultimately trump our outrage at what has happened to the once National Pastime.
Now, I don't like Alex Rodriguez, even a little. There is something about him that seems very disingenuous, as if nothing comes from his mouth until he considers how it will sound on SportsCenter. From signing not one, but two contracts that pay him more than most small countries can produce, to the fact that the only thing automatic about him from July and on is how un-clutch he is, I find the media adulation over the top considering teams seem to get better once he leaves. But, this still disappoints the hell out of me. I thought that when he eventually passes Barry Bonds for the all-time home run total (and really, he's the got the best shot of anyone) we would go back to having a question-free star hold the most impressive record in American Sports history. As baseball fans (and yes, I know I'm only loosely one. I enjoy going to Sox games and will watch other teams if nothing else is on between the end of the NBA Finals and the start of pre-season football) we could finally point to a guy and say "You may not like him, but you have to respect him." Now, that's gone.
I don't care that this was 2003 and what he took then wasn't illegal for baseball. He still felt like he couldn't compete with the rest of the league and needed an edge, so he took a short cut. You have to assume that his number from before that (57 homers in 2002, especially) have to now be looked at with the same skeptical eye as Barry Bond's numbers. And the worst part of it all? Jose Canseco now looks credible, because he mentioned Rodriguez in his second book. When Canseco is the voice of reason you know something is going wrong in the world.
In the end I don't think this will matter at all. Despite the nature of it all, nothing of consequence will happen. Less people will go to ballparks this year, but that's the economy's fault, not steroids. At this point, fans are collectively over it. Nothing is going to happen and we know it. Commissioner Bud Selig would never grow the stones to toss out Bonds' or Rodriguez's numbers and revert back to Maris and Aaron like he should. The fact that we know Selig is too busy wondering what Scott Van Pelt said about him to do anything about this will ultimately trump our outrage at what has happened to the once National Pastime.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Addison turns 2...
I can't get over how fast my nieces are growing up. It's amazing how quickly we went from this... 
to this...
to this...
"Hell yeah I'm wearing Butterfly Wings, a tutu, a bedazzled shirt, a crown and a fur shawl. It's my birthday and you know I look good."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
My Survival Instincts
I watch a lot of the television show SurvivorMan and I take mental notes the whole time. Honestly, I couldn't wait to go camping this summer with the faintest of hope that something could go wrong and I would be ready to go: catching squirrels and starting fires with a rock, a small piece of string and my mind. That was until today.
When we get snow one of the more important areas that should be cleaned off is my parents' balcony. If the snow piles up and then starts to melt it can lead to water damage in the house. Well, I hadn't done it the last couple of storms, since anything out of sight is out of my mind. I finally was reminded to go out and clean it off, since it was starting to solidify. Throwing on just a sweatshirt, after all this was only going to take 10 minutes (don't get ahead of me, people), I got the door open and started to clean off the snow.
The top layer was three or four inches of light fluffy snow, but underneath was solid ice; remnants of the last two storms that I had neglected to shovel. This was probably 4 inches thick. So, after getting rid of the snow I started hacking away at the ice. But, after about 15 minutes I was starting to get really cold (it was about 18 degrees out today and I was in the shade) so I decided to do the rest another time. So, I turned to head inside... and the storm door wouldn't open. Well, shit.
After pulling on the door for a couple more minutes I began to assess my situation. I was stuck on a balcony, slightly sweating from hacking at the ice (always a no-no according to Les Stroud) and it was freezing outside. My father was on the other side of the house so no chance he would hear me yelling. I had a couple ways to look at this. I could:
- try and lower myself the 10 feet from the balcony to on top of the grill and hop down from there. (unlikely, plus I would then need a new grill)
- try and break into my parents bathroom through the window. (also unlikely)
- attempt (with no running start) to jump the 20 feet across to the sun room roof. (highly unlikely - who do I think I am, Chuck Norris?)
- kick in the storm door. (very messy)
- beat the hell out of the lock. (and we have a winner)
As I began to see visions of myself being written about on the next Darwin Awards (freezing to death on a balcony when there are other people in the house has to be up there) I cleared more space on the balcony, braced my feet, grabbed the door with two hand and started pulling. Now, I am not what you would call light, by any standard. But I have to give the makers of this door credit, it did not budge. I then just started punching the handle itself since it was my main problem. I'm sure that if my hands weren't numb it would have hurt (nope, no gloves either).
But, eventually I got the lock to move enough to shake loose and get the door open. It was only after I was inside and started to get feeling in my hands that I realised I had a phone in my leg pocket the entire time. Yeah... so much for keeping my wits.
Moral of the story: I'm still going camping this summer, but I'm bringing extra supplies for everything, just in case.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Just when I think I'm out...
...they hit me with more snow.
For both Sunday and Monday, it was in the mid to high 40's and lots of sun. The result was a pretty nice melting of all the snow that we had acquired over the last month or so. I was just about to start seeing the Christmas lights that have been buried and displayed for a month too long... and we got hit with even more snow.
It started snowing late Monday night and it continued into Tuesday... and then into Wednesday. It was the particularly annoying kind of snowfall that occurs when you get a small amount of snow over several hours. We only ended up with about 4 inches of snow and it was the light fluffy kind, but the span of the storm made it very annoying. You never know when it's going to stop, so you almost don't want to go out and shovel because if you leave less than an inch of snow then the whole thing freezes over and the driveway becomes an ice skating rink. See, this is the kind of shit you won't find from a guy writing a blog in Miami.
And, we've officially hit the "screw it" stage of winter here in Massachusetts. This is the stage when people, much like alcoholics, start to bargain with themselves over what exactly is the shovelling point. "5 inches or more and I'll go out. Eh, whats an extra inch? Just drive over it." Most of the neighbors didn't even bother to shovel and, if we didn't have the mix of small nieces and nurses for my dad coming to the door then we probably wouldn't have bothered, either.
Just in case you were wondering, average snowfall for this point of winter in Boston is about 24 inches of snow. We've already had 50 inches of snow so far. Aren't we just the little over-achievers.
For both Sunday and Monday, it was in the mid to high 40's and lots of sun. The result was a pretty nice melting of all the snow that we had acquired over the last month or so. I was just about to start seeing the Christmas lights that have been buried and displayed for a month too long... and we got hit with even more snow.
It started snowing late Monday night and it continued into Tuesday... and then into Wednesday. It was the particularly annoying kind of snowfall that occurs when you get a small amount of snow over several hours. We only ended up with about 4 inches of snow and it was the light fluffy kind, but the span of the storm made it very annoying. You never know when it's going to stop, so you almost don't want to go out and shovel because if you leave less than an inch of snow then the whole thing freezes over and the driveway becomes an ice skating rink. See, this is the kind of shit you won't find from a guy writing a blog in Miami.
And, we've officially hit the "screw it" stage of winter here in Massachusetts. This is the stage when people, much like alcoholics, start to bargain with themselves over what exactly is the shovelling point. "5 inches or more and I'll go out. Eh, whats an extra inch? Just drive over it." Most of the neighbors didn't even bother to shovel and, if we didn't have the mix of small nieces and nurses for my dad coming to the door then we probably wouldn't have bothered, either.
Just in case you were wondering, average snowfall for this point of winter in Boston is about 24 inches of snow. We've already had 50 inches of snow so far. Aren't we just the little over-achievers.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
A New Goal
The other day, I was clicking my way around Craig's List (because who doesn't enjoy looking for a new car, job, apartment, girlfriend and Celtics tickets on one site?) when I came across an ad looking for extras to be on the television show Bones. Now, I'm a fan of the show, but at first I wasn't going to bother going online and filming the needed dialog with my webcam. However, I've decided to take on a new project and while I doubt I will get it done, I figure it's worth a shot.
Now, I have no delusions of forwarding my acting career beyond where it stands now: in the background of the wildly-underrated Celtic Pride and playing the Doctor in Oliver Twist in the 6th grade (Whats that you say? There was no doctor in Oliver Twist? Oh, I beg to differ. I diagnosed the hell out of that little orphan.). But, I think it would be hysterical if I had an IMDB page and I would like it to be as short as possible. It would be better if I didn't even have a speaking part. I would love to just be "guy with cup in hand" in the background, because I then plan on writing a 10,000 word biography to go on the page.
So, there's my goal: an IMDB page with one acting credit (preferably a non-speaking role) and the largest biography possible. Yes we can!
Now, I have no delusions of forwarding my acting career beyond where it stands now: in the background of the wildly-underrated Celtic Pride and playing the Doctor in Oliver Twist in the 6th grade (Whats that you say? There was no doctor in Oliver Twist? Oh, I beg to differ. I diagnosed the hell out of that little orphan.). But, I think it would be hysterical if I had an IMDB page and I would like it to be as short as possible. It would be better if I didn't even have a speaking part. I would love to just be "guy with cup in hand" in the background, because I then plan on writing a 10,000 word biography to go on the page.
So, there's my goal: an IMDB page with one acting credit (preferably a non-speaking role) and the largest biography possible. Yes we can!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Oh, Arizona... (and Michael Phelps)
-I thought you had it for a second there.
I wasn't sure the Steelers could go on that long of a drive given the way that they hadn't moved the ball since the first quarter. But, that was a hell of a game, probably one of the Top 5 Super Bowl endings of all time. My only complaints were I thought the refs were a little too flag happy (especially with the roughing the passer call on Roethlisberger. We should just start making quarterbacks wear skirts) and I would have like them to take a second look at the final play, just to be sure. I thought his shoulder was at least going forward, so his arm could have been. Whats the harm in waiting 2 minutes to make sure you got it right? Could Arizona have pulled off the ultimate Hail Mary? Doubtful. But it would just have eliminated all doubt about the outcome. As it is, any Steeler hater out there is going to be screaming that the refs were in their pockets, just like after they won Super Bowl XL against the Seahawks.
As for the rest of the stuff that surrounds the game, I like Bruce's performance... right up until the fake ref showed up. Kind of cheesy for the boss. I thought Jennifer Hudson's performance was great (but obviously lip-synced). And the commercials were a weak crop this year. Outside of the Pepsi Max "Guys Can Take Anything" ad, this was easily... EASILY the best thing of the night.
So, between Arizona and the Tampa Bay Rays, I guess this is the year of close-but-not-quite for Cinderella teams. I wonder if that means we'll see a team in the NBA like Memphis get hot and make a late run to make the finals, only to lose to a more storied franchise like the Celtics. Other than the final part of that equation, I wouldn't count on it.
-Now, if I could address Michael Phelps for a second:
Mike (can I call you Mike?), I know you've spent your entire adult life underwater. Because of this, stories about your lack of social skills are far and wide over the web. But you're famous now (at least for like another 2 months... then we'll forget about you until a month before the next Summer Olympics), you need to start being a little more careful. There are going to people who say that they are your friend because you won approximately 47 gold medals. Sketchy waitresses with tattoos covering their backs are going to want to be your girlfriend so you can buy them things. You need to be careful of who you let into your inner circle. Otherwise, when you do something stupid like, oh I don't know... let someone take pictures of you taking a bong hit, they're going to sell them to the highest bidder. Or, here's a wacky idea... don't let anyone take a picture of you taking a bong hit. You're not the first athlete to do pot, you won't be the last. But those guys know to do it behind close doors and away from people with cameras. Your entire image is based on you being a squeaky-clean guy. Now, this won't kill your career or anything, but it is the first chink in your armor. I mean, you don't want to lose that sweet Rosetta Stone money, now do you? Bottom line is, you're at about 14:38 of your 15 minutes. You just need to be careful for a little while longer and then you can go back to your pool and obscurity.
I wasn't sure the Steelers could go on that long of a drive given the way that they hadn't moved the ball since the first quarter. But, that was a hell of a game, probably one of the Top 5 Super Bowl endings of all time. My only complaints were I thought the refs were a little too flag happy (especially with the roughing the passer call on Roethlisberger. We should just start making quarterbacks wear skirts) and I would have like them to take a second look at the final play, just to be sure. I thought his shoulder was at least going forward, so his arm could have been. Whats the harm in waiting 2 minutes to make sure you got it right? Could Arizona have pulled off the ultimate Hail Mary? Doubtful. But it would just have eliminated all doubt about the outcome. As it is, any Steeler hater out there is going to be screaming that the refs were in their pockets, just like after they won Super Bowl XL against the Seahawks.
As for the rest of the stuff that surrounds the game, I like Bruce's performance... right up until the fake ref showed up. Kind of cheesy for the boss. I thought Jennifer Hudson's performance was great (but obviously lip-synced). And the commercials were a weak crop this year. Outside of the Pepsi Max "Guys Can Take Anything" ad, this was easily... EASILY the best thing of the night.
So, between Arizona and the Tampa Bay Rays, I guess this is the year of close-but-not-quite for Cinderella teams. I wonder if that means we'll see a team in the NBA like Memphis get hot and make a late run to make the finals, only to lose to a more storied franchise like the Celtics. Other than the final part of that equation, I wouldn't count on it.
-Now, if I could address Michael Phelps for a second:
Mike (can I call you Mike?), I know you've spent your entire adult life underwater. Because of this, stories about your lack of social skills are far and wide over the web. But you're famous now (at least for like another 2 months... then we'll forget about you until a month before the next Summer Olympics), you need to start being a little more careful. There are going to people who say that they are your friend because you won approximately 47 gold medals. Sketchy waitresses with tattoos covering their backs are going to want to be your girlfriend so you can buy them things. You need to be careful of who you let into your inner circle. Otherwise, when you do something stupid like, oh I don't know... let someone take pictures of you taking a bong hit, they're going to sell them to the highest bidder. Or, here's a wacky idea... don't let anyone take a picture of you taking a bong hit. You're not the first athlete to do pot, you won't be the last. But those guys know to do it behind close doors and away from people with cameras. Your entire image is based on you being a squeaky-clean guy. Now, this won't kill your career or anything, but it is the first chink in your armor. I mean, you don't want to lose that sweet Rosetta Stone money, now do you? Bottom line is, you're at about 14:38 of your 15 minutes. You just need to be careful for a little while longer and then you can go back to your pool and obscurity.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
My Super Bowl Pick
As we've covered in this space before, I don't care one way or another about the teams playing in the Super Bowl. To be perfectly honest, if this match-up was in week 4 of the regular season I probably wouldn't even check the box score. But, it's the Super Bowl and the last meaningful football we'll get until September, so color me interested. I'm probably not qualified to make an informed decision on the outcome of the game, but that's never stopped me before. Here's the best way I can figure this breaks down:
They are riding an unbelievable wave of momentum right now. They are playing with a confidence that we've haven't seen from this organization since they moved to the desert. Larry Fitzgerald is playing on another level right now and even if the Steelers manage to take him out of the game (easier said than done) then the Cardinals still have enough weapons to be effective on offense. Also, if Pittsburgh takes away their running game they won't care, because they basically didn't use it during the regular season and therefore know how to win without it. They are a tough match-up for the Steelers because the way to beat a team with a good linebacking core is to spread the field, go four wide and make those linebackers sit on the sidelines. With Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston and even Urban or Doucet they can spread the field better than most. Also, I'm not convinced of the Steelers secondary. Making Joe Flacco look like a rookie was about three weeks over-due and not that impressive considering they had two earlier meeting worth of film on him to figure out his weaknesses. This quarterback is big game tested and capable of handling a blitz in his face. They have to feel like their playing with house money right now and will be loose before the game starts. A win wouldn't be a shock.
They are probably the better all-around team. And, since their fanbase travels so well, this will pretty much be a home game for them. While the Cardinals offense is more dynamic than Pittsburgh's, the Steelers can boast the much stronger defense which more than makes up the difference. And the best way to attack a 3-4 base is up the seams with a tight end, and the Cardinals don't have a playmaker there. Roethlisberger is big and can stand in to take a hit so trying to bring him down with a swipe isn't going to cut it. Also, he has the unique perspective of being a Super Bowl winning quarterback and having a chip on his shoulder, since he played so poorly in Super Bowl XL. They can pound the ball on the run and you've got to think not playing on the chewed-up Heinz Field grass will help Willie Parker move better than he has the entire playoffs. A fast track will also help James Harrison get into the backfield before Kurt Warner knows he is coming. Plus, they've spent two weeks hearing everyone slowly talk themselves into the Cardinals and therefore will be looking to play the disrespect card.
When it comes down to picking games, I always go with the first instinct. Thinking too much can only get in the way. Now, I'll be rooting for the Cardinals, but that's only because I love an upset when it's not my team getting upset. Yes, the coaches on the Cardinals are familiar with Pittsburgh's players - but that's a two-way street and thus I can't give either team the advantage there. To me the Cardinals have a little too much of a "Just happy to be here" vibe going on. Plus, I feel that the AFC is the superior conference. By having to go through the likes of San Diego (the last team that everyone wrote off until they got hot at the right time) and Baltimore (better defense than what they'll face tonight), I think the Steelers are the more battle-tested team. While the thought of a bang-up Hines Ward makes me a little hesitant, if he can gut it out and play then it will be a huge boost to the Steelers. I expect the Cardinals to get off a trick play or two and keep the game interested, but at the end of the night I expect to see Pittsburgh holding the Lombardi Trophy. A little more spaced out than people are expecting - I'm going with Pittsburgh 31, Cardinals 21.
The Case for the Cardinals
They are riding an unbelievable wave of momentum right now. They are playing with a confidence that we've haven't seen from this organization since they moved to the desert. Larry Fitzgerald is playing on another level right now and even if the Steelers manage to take him out of the game (easier said than done) then the Cardinals still have enough weapons to be effective on offense. Also, if Pittsburgh takes away their running game they won't care, because they basically didn't use it during the regular season and therefore know how to win without it. They are a tough match-up for the Steelers because the way to beat a team with a good linebacking core is to spread the field, go four wide and make those linebackers sit on the sidelines. With Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston and even Urban or Doucet they can spread the field better than most. Also, I'm not convinced of the Steelers secondary. Making Joe Flacco look like a rookie was about three weeks over-due and not that impressive considering they had two earlier meeting worth of film on him to figure out his weaknesses. This quarterback is big game tested and capable of handling a blitz in his face. They have to feel like their playing with house money right now and will be loose before the game starts. A win wouldn't be a shock.
The Case for the Steelers
They are probably the better all-around team. And, since their fanbase travels so well, this will pretty much be a home game for them. While the Cardinals offense is more dynamic than Pittsburgh's, the Steelers can boast the much stronger defense which more than makes up the difference. And the best way to attack a 3-4 base is up the seams with a tight end, and the Cardinals don't have a playmaker there. Roethlisberger is big and can stand in to take a hit so trying to bring him down with a swipe isn't going to cut it. Also, he has the unique perspective of being a Super Bowl winning quarterback and having a chip on his shoulder, since he played so poorly in Super Bowl XL. They can pound the ball on the run and you've got to think not playing on the chewed-up Heinz Field grass will help Willie Parker move better than he has the entire playoffs. A fast track will also help James Harrison get into the backfield before Kurt Warner knows he is coming. Plus, they've spent two weeks hearing everyone slowly talk themselves into the Cardinals and therefore will be looking to play the disrespect card.
The Pick
When it comes down to picking games, I always go with the first instinct. Thinking too much can only get in the way. Now, I'll be rooting for the Cardinals, but that's only because I love an upset when it's not my team getting upset. Yes, the coaches on the Cardinals are familiar with Pittsburgh's players - but that's a two-way street and thus I can't give either team the advantage there. To me the Cardinals have a little too much of a "Just happy to be here" vibe going on. Plus, I feel that the AFC is the superior conference. By having to go through the likes of San Diego (the last team that everyone wrote off until they got hot at the right time) and Baltimore (better defense than what they'll face tonight), I think the Steelers are the more battle-tested team. While the thought of a bang-up Hines Ward makes me a little hesitant, if he can gut it out and play then it will be a huge boost to the Steelers. I expect the Cardinals to get off a trick play or two and keep the game interested, but at the end of the night I expect to see Pittsburgh holding the Lombardi Trophy. A little more spaced out than people are expecting - I'm going with Pittsburgh 31, Cardinals 21.
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