Read it, don't read it, I don't care...just needed to get some things of my chest.
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
1) Virginia Tech gave Duke a run at Cameron this weekend. They ended up losing in OT. Let's just say this. It doesn't matter what year it is or what personnel are on the court. You will NEVER go into Duke and get a win without playing an above average, smart, slightly lucky game. Their home court advantage is pretty magical over the years. Even though they have had a couple speedbumps and closer game this season, you still need to have the ball bounce a few more times to you, make a couple extra shots, and be SMART. VA Tech played a GREAT game. Ended up they were up one with about 40 seconds left. What happened? Whistled for an obvious travel before even setting up the offense. NOT smart. It ended up going in OT. Let Duke catch up with you at home and playing another 5 minutes? Done and done.
2) Constant rain allows me to watch the Daytona 500 in night racing on a Monday night. Not really, as most of you know if it very hard for me to tune in for a whole race. No right turns, someone always crashes when I watch it (not a large control group (1)-when I watched Dale Earnhardt die), and any rooting for Danica Patrick evidently ends up with her crashing yet again. I just flipped to it in between Family Guy and college basketball, they are on lap 45, and she has bit it again. I am not an expert, and not saying that the crash was her fault, but she sure seems to be in a lot of those crash things. If something seems like a pattern, it usually is, or however the cliche goes.
3) Ryan Braun said that the "truth prevailed" in his successful drug appeal. That is fine. Say it prevailed, and now shut up. We all know it was gray area rules and great lawyers who prevailed in this one. As. Ter. isk.
4) Damn love. First I lose angry Linkin Park and half of all of my workout music because the guy "matured" as a song writer. Now this. Chad Ochocinco is going back to Chad Johnson in July because he is getting married. I pray she is one of the girls who doesn't try and change a guy, because we NEED that guy in the news. Guess wrestling that alligator is now a distant memory though now.
5) UVA basketball gave UNC a solid run in Charlottesville. I know you don't need me to rehash the entire game. Three notes though. 1) John Henson is a 49% FT shooter? Weird. Stroke looks solid, and he made a lot of them against UVA at least. 2) Although I was happy how UVA ran their offense when Scott was on the bench with 2 and then 3 fouls, these are the games you have to win if you are going to advance to that next level as a team. You are at home. It is judgement week. You blew it. 3) That foul call on Scott when John Henson evidently was celebrating Oscar weekend by making his case for best actor, when UVA was still in the game, and that gave Scott his fourth foul...was bullshit. The other oddity of this game was that I had to watch the end of a NASCAR race while waiting for tip-off and still not being able to find that damn mysterious ESPN 3 channel.. A big crash happened at the end as I expected.
6) I don't get people who dislike Charles Barkley. I am not saying everything he says is gold, but he says some of the craziest, yet still making sense but no one has the guts to say it things. His line of the weekend in my opinion? Larry Bird was so good that people would buy his jersey in the ghetto. That is FUNNY.
7) Deep thoughts. I think that Peter Gabriel's song Solsbury Hill has the best lyrics of any mainstream pop/ rock song I remember. Even while sneaking in "Boom boom boom." Awesome song, awesome artist, and one of the best live performances I have ever seen. Lyrics? http://www.lyricsfreak.com/p/peter+gabriel/solsbury+hill_20107506.html
8) It is very sad that a change of conferences for one team is ending one of the longest running and truest college basketball rivalries ever. Missouri/ Kansas, the border war, ended Saturday since Missouri is moving to the SEC. Sad. However, what a way to go out if this game doesn't happen any time in the near future. KU comes back from 19 down relatively late in the game, it goes to OT, and KU prevails. Odd ending though. Missouri had a final play with time, and didn't even get a final shot off. Looks like '92 UK/ Duke is safe once again.
9) 2.6 weeks have elapsed, and John Elway has randomly once again told the media that he supports Tebow and hopes he is long term. Thanks, John. Talk to you in 2.6 weeks.
10) Gronkowski came to the defense of his post Super Bowl/ pre-surgery dancing exhibition this week. Check out the story. Here is what I got out of it. Blah-blah-blah. Yada yada yada. "I try to get over things as soon as possible." Blah-blah-blah. Thanks, Gronk. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/rob_gronkowski_defends_post_super_bowl_antics/10103752
11) I am not saying that I am hip. I miss things. That being said, I wasn't too familiar with who Kevin Hart was (not good with celebrity faces/ names/ who they are married to, etc.). Anyway, I watched the celebrity basketball game for All Star Weekend. Kevin Hart predicted he would get 40 and 10 in the game. He didn't. I got a taste of his acting when he threw some semi-fake temper tantrum near the end of the game. He threw a nice alley-oop to J. Cole for a dunk. Kevin is also pretty popular, as there was no way he deserved MVP. Arnie Duncan, our Secretary of Education, is a bball stud. He hardly played the second half, but that was because he probably wanted to save himself for games against Obama and they were up 30 at the time. If we get in a war situation with another country, and if Obama can talk them into playing basketball for conflict instead of going to war, we are in good hands. Arnie can flat out ball.
12) You don't think I cover all sports? How about this one? There is an annual race up the stairs of the Empire State Building. Some dude won it this month for the SEVENTH straight time. That is a hell of a run for a random race up some steps. That was cool, but THIS is what I found interesting. He doesn't own the record even after all of those wins. Nope. Record was back in 2003, with some dude busting out a 9:33, a good :45 better than this 7 year in a row chump. What happened to that guy? Did he die? Did something happen to him? Or. Maybe he pulled a John Elway and rode off into the Empire States Building run-up-the-steps-race sunset. Yup. That must be it. Moving on.
13) Rangers Josh Hamilton needs to take a break on talking to the media. Here is what happened with him JUST since Thursday.
-Josh Hamilton hopes latest alcohol relapse is his last
-Josh Hamilton says "I don't owe the Rangers" (talking about hometown discount for his upcoming resigning).
-Josh Hamilton clarifies "loyalty" statement.
Dude, I love ya, but take a break from the mic for a week or so.
14) In my "I am so glad I am retired from betting" hook, Ohio State basketball lost to Wisconsin at HOME Sunday. Wouldn't have seen that one coming. At Madison? Sure. In OHIO STATE'S crib late in the season? Not.
15) I was pumped to see my cool church play Van Halen "Jump" this weekend. It didn't turn out like I hoped. Not only did they play/ get it out of the way before service actually began, it was probably the worse version of Jump I have ever heard. No keyboard solo, which I can do in my sleep (should have gotten me up there), obviously nothing close to Eddie on guitar, and the the kicker was this-the keyboardist couldn't even match up his keyboard sound with Jump. The song came out in 1984 on an ancient DX-7. Surely, even if you can't play the song, you can at least match up the synthesizer sound. Geez.
16) In case you care, T.O. had 3 TD's in his IFL debut. What's that? You don't? You are right. Nor do I. Sometimes I take a hook and literally JUST report a story. I am assuming I could think of a funny acronym for IFL, but I will SAVE m y dumb jokes. You have to have goals, dammit.
17) Well, I thought the Nats would make noise this season, and they really didn't do much at the winter meetings. This weekend, they locked up Ryan Zimmerman for 6 years, 100 million. You know what this is? This is called KNOWINGLY overpaying your present superstar to make your fans feel like you are trying to build something. Kid IS good, but that salary is pretty steep.
18) Did I miss something or did the Oscars stop announcing the Best Director right before the Best Picture award? Confused.
19) I just flipped to the Daytona 500. They are halfway done. Is it me, or does anyone else think it might be fun for someone from Queens to announce a NASCAR race? Just saying.
20) For all of you who missed the part of the NBA All Star Weekend with the real players:
-the "dunkometer" is stupid. Dumb.
-I foresee a monster Geico commercial coming next year. Last year, Blake jumps over a car. This year, Derrick Williams jumps over a motorcycle. If it matters, I would pretty impressed by someone jumping over a boat.
-Tony Parker wins the Skills Challenge over "the younger ball handlers of the NBA." Wow. Although grouped with Ginobli and Duncan as the big three, he is FREAKING 29 YEARS OLD. Stop writing this guy off. Guy gets divorced from a hottie and suddenly is OLD.
-West gets the best of the East 152-149. Look at the score, and it looks pretty ridiculous, but it was pretty solid near the end. I always say. Watch the first 10 minutes for fun dunks and behind the back passes. Watch the last ten minutes to watch the transition in their eyes when they really want to win. The ending was entertaining. You can say what you want. The NBA All-Star game is really the only one worth watching. Watching the END of the MLB one makes sense since home field in the World Series is oddly on the line.
-Paul George jumping over two people as opposed to one person sounds stupid, but then I remind myself that jumping over ANY person is pretty badass.
-I thought the best dunk was Jeremy Evans dunking two balls thrown in the air to him was the best dunk.
-Love the remakes and tributes. Chase Budinger did the Cedric Ceballos blind-folded dunk. Still works.
-Jeremy Evans dunking over Kevin Hart was cool now that I learned who he actually is.
-Kyree Irving winning the Rising Stars game's MVP is actually accurate. He is most likely the best rising star.
-Kobe overtakes MJ as all time leading scorer in All-Star game history. Well, at least he is better than him in SOMETHING.
-I like trivial examples to demonstrate larger, deeper points. Look at today's top 3 point shooters as an example of the evolution of the game since the three-point line was put into play. Dirk Nowitki, Kevin Love (this year's winner), and Kevin Durant. All VERY large dudes, and all your recent best long range shooters. Chicks do evidently dig the long ball still.
-Watching the skills competition made me realize that the NHL does have one thing over the NBA event. The skills competition for the NHL is SO badass. NBA? Not so much.
-Now that the All Star game in Orlando is over, prepare yourself for an onslaught of media Dwight Howard trade rumors that will make you wish that Brett Favre is making a comeback this year.
21) In case you are worried about Derrick Rose's financial future, which I know we ALL are, I give you this tidbit. Derrick Rose quietly signed a 14 year, $250 million contract with Adidas. Yup, I think he will be good.
22) Evgeni Malkin had a weekend hat trick. I know I am wishing that Sidney Crosby comes back for the benefit of this generation's hockey fans, but they are still as set as Derrick Rose's financial welfare. Like I have said before, without Crosby, the team can still win a Stanley Cup. With him, they. Are. Downright. Scary.
23) Have you ever noticed things you start loving WAY late in life? Let me give you some examples to jog your memory. Off the top of my head without overthinking it and then making this hook really long, here are a few things I am surprised how late it took me to like. Cholula, deviled eggs (I am not allowed at parties to be near this brought appetizer-I can kill an entire plate without even thinking-won CONTESTS and BETS...what is amazing is that my brother and dad had them in house ALL the time-weird), dijon mustard, and lox and eggs. Who would have thunk?
24) Robert Griffin blazed a 4.38 and 4.41 at the NFL combine. Well, I will still do SOMETHING stupid SOMEWHERE if somehow he is drafted above Luck, but I think that pretty much solidified his #2 status. At this point, the Rams (who already have Sam Bradford) are literally licking their chops at who they can pull with this monster trade.
25) The Wings home winning streak ended this weekend. Feels like months I have been writing about this. Maybe I have. Wouldn't it be ironic if they lose a couple and then DON'T have home arena advantage in their first round? And lost?
26) In ski news that has been going on about as long as the Wings home win streak, Lindsey Vonn won again. Not only does the US have a ski star oddly enough, but she is just destroying people.
27) Sometimes an article stirs something up in me and makes me pay attention. Well, on this I am sold. Apparently, Rashad Evans and Jon Jones will be fighting soon in the UFC. I am finally in on this shit. Great story about how student became better than teacher, and then how Dana White literally created friction between the two out of nothing. I will watch it, and will root for Rashad Evans just because of the whole Mr. Miyagi thing. Teacher HAS to win.
28) Hunter Mahan beats Rory McIlroy in the final match in the Accenture World Match Play Championship, denying his bid at taking over the #1 spot in the world. I am not sad he lost. I am more surprised. So many times, someone wins that I have to look up his first name (Hunter Mahan is pretty much mainstream, well above Kevin Hart in the golf world in status). Not this time. A decent player beats the next thing coming in golf.
29) See??????????????????????????? I KNEW it. I just turned to the Daytona 500 again. A truck is on fire on the track, and jet fuel is spilling down the track. AND. The guy announcing it says "I don't think I have EVER seen this before." Wow. I tune into 2 races in 15 years, and both times something that has never happened in a race...happened. I really should just quit while I am behind. The announcer just said these words. "That is the most bizarre thing in racing I have ever seen."
30) Here is my dumb question that I refuse to look up. Why the HELL is truck on the track?
31) To pile on with the announcer who messed up talking about Linsanity, here is one I DIDN'T see coming. Ben & Jerry's had to apologize this week for their contribution. I don't know about you, but I never thought I would write THIS line. "Racist ice cream flavor."
32) TNT decided to count down the best dunks in the contest of all time. I was relatively ok with the list, except that I was slightly confused. Are we talking independent dunks, or performances OVERALL? Here is the list:
10-Nate Robinson (jumping over Spud Webb WAS pretty cool, but he was also the beneficiary of that eternal 60 seconds to do ONE dunk-not the same...overall performance)
9) Blake (jumping over a car is cool, and landed him a car contract for life)
8) Dee Brown (agree. not overall performance. his dunk was flat out nasty)
7) Isaiah Rider (yup. More people do it now, but he WAS officially to go between the legs on a dunk)
6) Jason Richardson (powerful, not original)
5) Dr. J (how the f$^& is the original free throw line dunk #5??)
4) Spud Webb (overall performance by a short guy...NOT an individual dunk)
3) Dominique Wilkins (pick one. any one.)
2) MJ (kind of offended that he is #2, but...)
1) Vince Carter (give him SOMETHING since he is tailing off. In his prime, not saying I would rank ahead of MJ, but I GET the debate)
33) At least someone likes and thanks Kobe. ARod thanked Kobe for sending him to the medical clinic across seas. That's it. Just think it is fun when someone puts Kobe in a positive light. It doesn't happen often.
34) One last thing on the dunk contest and another round of LeBron obviously going against his media person's advice. LeBron came out this weekend and said he WOULD be in the dunk contest next year IF...the winner got $1million. Really? You are making this about the money, bro? Do you need to borrow money from Derrick Rose? Say something relevant in the next two weeks and I will be happy.
35) In my "now you can get some sleep" hook, the Kings might have figured out a way to stay in Sacramento. Sleep well, people. Might have been different had they pulled a championship when they had that early 2000's squad. Do they still have bad dreams about Robert Horry?
36) Calhoun's surgery was a success and he is hoping for an early March return. Glad he is better, and judging by the flow chart in front of me, I expect some sort of NCAA violation coming VERY soon. How did you get Drummond, again, coach?
37) Miami basketball, if they get into the tournament, is NO ONE anyone wants a part of. They destroyed a solid FSU squad over the weekend. They got a couple guys back midseason, I said it here that would be dangerous, and they might be scary in the ACC tourney. Scary #11 seed? Yup.
38) Judgement week. A healthy WVA team takes on a depleted (due to self imposed penalties) Marquette team. What happens? Marquette wins at WVA. Hey, Huggins, winning with players who aren't thugs and graduating a zero % in a year a little tougher for you? Glad you are at your alma mater though. Fuzzy feeling galore. Nick Van Exel and Kenyon Martin are NOT sitting at the end of your bench, just so you know.
39) Peyton Manning update. Nothing. Nothing new at least. Something is coming though, people. Very soon. Wait for it. It could be power shifting in the NFL. A very good possibility of a change in equilibrium in the NFL.
40) I am saddling up, and riding a horse home like John Elway and Tony LaRussa did. I caught wind of a Seinfeld trivia contest in town next week. I have fielded a team the Dream Team would be jealous of. We are allowed 6 people, but we are taking only 4. I am not worried about winning the damn thing. I will be bothered if we miss ONE question. I have MJ. I have Larry Bird. Even though my friends think that I am the Seinfeld master, guess who I am on the team? I am thinking Chris Mullin. Still badass, but ranked #3 on my own team at best.
41) New Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine has officially banned alcohol from the clubhouse. What a domineering manager? Lol. How DARE he ban alcohol from a professional MLB team's clubhouse? Way to draw the line.
42) Quiet NHL move of the week. The Los Angeles Kings, on the outside looking in for the playoff picture but still in the mix, got ex-Flyer Jeff Carter this weekend. Nice move. I think they need to advance past the 7th or 8th seed to make noise so they can avoid Vancouver and Detroit in the first round, but nice move regardless. The Blue Jackets? Kind of just admitting they are dead in the water.
43) Someone told me Queen was a better rock band than Led Zeppelin this weekend. What???? The only thing they have going for them is they have a more "singable" song for karaoke (Stairway to Heaven should be off limits at ALL bars-sign of respect). Kind of like Kobe having more All Star points than MJ. My top ten rock bands improv?
1) Led Zeppelin (try to find a BAD Zeppelin song. You can't)
2) Beatles (not a huge fan, but I get their genius)
3) Rolling Stones (repeat first part of last description, add longevity and their own sound, and don't apply the last part (the genius part))
4) The Who (SO MANY staples)
5) Pink Floyd (awesome, and their own niche)
6) Grateful Dead (captain of the jam band genre)
7) Jimi Hendrix (he had other guys playing with him)
8) Queen (Chris Mullin of the Dream Team)
9) Van Halen (would be #1 in my book, but I am trying to be FAIR)
10) Bon Jov....I Can't??? I am from Jersey for Pete's sake. Oh. Ok. How about U2, Metallica, or Bob Marley?
(Notice I REFUSE to put the Eagles on this list. I don't know why. I HATE them...so much...apparently it is also a funny cabs scene in Big Lebowski)
44) The UK/ Vandy bball game was high quality. Vandy still couldn't close the deal, but they proved they can play at that level. They will be the scariest 5 seed in YEARS.
45) The grass is green, the sky is blue, and Bobby Knight's son is PROBABLY going to have a temper. He RIPPED his Lamar seniors at a press conference this weekend. The funny part of that hook is not him acting like his dad. The funny part is that he did it at his present place of work...Lamar. What???
46) I find it odd that although I love movies, I NEVER watch the "extra's." The last one I remember watching is the 40-Year Old Virgin. I was told about the...how do I say this..."Coldplay extensions." That was nicely said. I will stick with it, and you know what I am talking about it if you have seen the movie.
47) NFL scouting combine. Memphis DT Dontari Poe? SHHHH. I want the Steelers to get you at #24, but you running a 4.98 40 at 346 lbs is NOT helping that cause. I also hear that Justin Blackmon is doing well. Have you taken a LOOK at this guy. Dude looks like a badass linebacker, not a pretty boy receiver. Draft. This. Guy. Quickly. BADASS. https://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=justin+blackmon+photo&pbx=1&oq=justin+blackmon+photo&aq=f&aqi=g1g-b1&aql=&gs_sm=3&gs_upl=1006073l1014569l0l1014868l41l21l0l8l8l7l540l3349l4.11.3.5-1l29l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=fcdc84a7d2cf260d&biw=1440&bih=799
48) Well, I could go on. Maybe I will squeeze in my midseason NBA analysis next Rant. Without taking the obvious Heat, I am sticking by my preseason picks-Bulls-OKC. The Spurs can't win it since we are in an even year. More college basketball? Since I haven't even figured out HOW I will do any blogs during the month of March, we will just go baby steps. I have a job, have done 48 takes, and need to get back to life. Next Rant is Thursday night. Check me out Friday morning. Hooks, lines, and sinkers, people. Peace.
48a) This Daytona 500 is STILL in delay. 11:31pm on the East Coast? I pick the CRAZIEST races to watch...well, flip to. You know.
Blog links that are assisting my cause:
ttp://www.hotvsnot.com
here is another blog website:
http://www.ontoplist.com/join/
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="jA500">Hostgator promo</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogdust.com/blog-directory/">Blogdust</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogs-collection.com/" title="blog directory" target="_blank">Blogs Directory</a>
and another one:
<!-- Begin BlogToplist tracker code -->
<a href="http://www.blogtoplist.com/sports/" title="Sports">
<img src="http://www.blogtoplist.com/tracker.php?u=192620" alt="Sports" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://billigtboende.weebly.com/hotell-london.html">billiga hotell london</a>
<!-- End BlogToplist tracker code -->
and another helpful one:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
and another one:
<a href="http://www.submitblognow.info/">Submit
another:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Let's go Round and Round, and damn straight I am going to Lay it Down...
Read it, don't read it, I don't care...just needed to get some things off my chest.
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
Let's hope we don't have a "lack of communication..."
1) Kentucky men's college basketball. A scary, talented, young team is now scarier, still talented, and pretty much approaching sophomore status at this point in the season. For a bunch of freshmen who are supposed to be still cocky from them being McDonald's All-American team members, they are playing some SERIOUS defense. Nice 15-2 run against a very solid Mississippi State team to win comfortably...at the other team's crib. The kids have picked up Calipari's dribble drive motion offense and run it very well. Their transition game is fluid. They have some kid named A.D. in the middle about to break all the college block records. All that being said, here is my hook on this. A.D. might become player of the year in college, Teague might run the show, and Miller might be the starting lineup experienced guy who keeps it all together. I get it. They are a great team with all of these guys. I personally think the guy who will be the difference if they make it through the 6 game gauntlet is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He is a freshman who plays like a senior, has solid ball skills, and has a knack for making the big play at the right time. To think. He was the runt of the litter of top 50 recruits in that class.
2) Copied and pasted from last year's paper at about this time. "Greg Oden is out for the year." and "Greg Oden has no plans on retiring." I am rooting for you kid (still feels weird calling a player "kid" when he looks like a grandfather), but knees were not made to play basketball just so you know, and you got some extra faulty ones, man. Good luck in rehab again, Greg. Like a Favre comeback story, we will hear from you next year.
3) Besides a mole removal, it still seems weird to see the word "surgery" and the phrase "two weeks" in the same sentence. But. Here you go. "Wings Datsyuk will have knee surgery and miss two weeks." Wow, technology.
4) Poor Kris Humphries. Dude gets married to the popular girl, she wants a divorce a month or so later, and then Landry Fields does this to him. Right next to "vicious" in the dictionary, you will see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiDDx_eBfhA
5) England. Thanks for the hearty laugh you gave me this week. Not much is funnier than some huge project being completed and realizing you forgot one small item. You build a $767 MILLION stadium for the Olympic Games. Everything is perfect, right? Wrong. In a country where they pride themselves on their love of soccer, they made the stadium wrong for their own freaking soccer league. Yup. As soon as the Olympics are done, the thing will have to be literally ripped apart because it doesn't meet the code/ standards of the Premier League. They forgot the "under-soil heater," which I guess is pretty damn important in soccer. Couldn't forget an outside lamp post, could you? Nice.
6) Binghamton basketball almost caused celebratory riots on campus this week. They were 0-26 before they knocked off conference leading Vermont 57-53. I was happy for them. Really. I was actually more happy about finding out where ex-Temple and former NBA player Mark Macon was these days. NOW I can finally get some sleep at night with yet another mystery solved.
7) Hold the phone. What?? A couple days after Matt Kemp announced that he didn't want the MVP if Ryan Braun lost his drug suspension appeal, the unthinkable happened. He DIDN'T lose the appeal. Wow. Was it a bad sample? No. Us, the fans, got the explanation we would expect should he become the first player ever to win an appeal against a drug suspension. TECHNICALITIES. Evidently, the urine sample was in the "chain of custody" gray area. It sat in the Fed Ex shop over a long weekend. If I suddenly get rich, suddenly become a bad person, do something bad, and then get caught, I am giving THAT lawyer a call. And getting that judge to try it also. Feeling like I am in the sports version of The Devil's Advocate. Give me Braun's lawyer and Kevin Lomax (as long as we can replace Keanu Reeves as Kevin in this dream scenario-dude sucks).
8) Florida Gator basketball is evidently on a mission to start 5 guards at once on the floor. Sure, they are having a solid season with their sometimes 4 guard lineup, but losing any people with "F" or "C" in front of their name just isn't good for them long term this year. Being a closet Gator basketball fan, I am ready to admit they don't have any Final Four potential this year after the loss of F Will Yeguete.
9) In the cards. Woods drops his match to Nick Watney in the Match Play tournament. Notice I finally did NOT pick Tiger to win the tournament this weekend. I didn't forget about it. I love the event actually. March Madness feel. But. He has had good rounds here and there, but this event demands that someone get hot and have a lot of luck...for six straight rounds. Tiger has showed no signs of being hot or even solid for consecutive rounds yet. He sure as hell hasn't had any luck on his side. What actually surprised me most was this. He didn't lose by a margin that was definitive. Ironically, he had a chance to square up the match on the 18th hole with a 5.5 foot putt that he made in his sleep in the early 2000's. He missed it, thereby deserving the loss. I actually kind of hoped that if he was going to lose at all, that he would lose in the FIRST round, because then it would have been a 12 beating a 5 which would have started me salivating about March Madness. Wow. That was a long sentence. Anyway, maybe he won't get it back (slumping shoulders). Nah, he will (straightening up and smiling). Yeah. We got the Masters coming up in a month and two weeks.
10) I saw a Fiat 500 commercial. The car looked really cool. I googled the Fiat 500 shortly thereafter. It is an ugly version of the Austin Cooper car. I officially got totally tricked by a commercial.
11) The grass is green, the sky is blue, and....what? It's NOT? Rex Ryan has made it clear that he will NOT make any Super Bowl predictions this year. Damn, bro. We are coming up on the time of year that I just EXPECT it. Losing, internal player conflict, and a pretty boy QB not producing wearing on you a bit, aye?
12) THIS is getting RIDICULOUS. I get it. We live in a society where you have to sue SOMEONE in EVERY situation. But, there HAS to be a line. I also get that concussions are the hot button in the NFL. But, this is over the line. Dave Duerson, ex-football Bear player who committed suicide, had concussions coincidentally also in his career. His family is suing the NFL over his DEATH because they say those same concussions made him kill himself. Come on, people. If I get rich ( I guess that this would have to happen in the next couple months-LOTTO???), Duerson family, I will GIVE you money to not do this. It sucks that both things happened, but I am not a believer that the horrible thing happened directly BECAUSE of the concussion thing.
13) I think the US soccer team plays a friendly against Italy soon (I obviously didn't open the article since it does not involve World Cup). I am still confused by this whole friendly thing. Do they tell jokes? Do they fake less injuries? Is it not for points in the FIFA rankings? Is it a glorified practice (insert Iverson interview...NOW)? If I hypothetically was a hard core soccer fan, do I enjoy these, or are these like preseason NFL football? Confused. Moving on.
14) Not a proud day being a UVA guy. Ex-lacrosse player George Huguely got 26 years in prison for killing lacrosse player Yeardley Love. Google it. Horrible story. Deserved the sentence from what we know. Oddly enough, UVA has an honor code that kicks you out of college if you cheat on a test. Guess George went there simply for the lacrosse, because he grossly misjudged what that is all about.
15) I still like catching Laker games on national TV. Because of Kobe? Hell, no. Because maybe Hubie Brown might be announcing it? Kind of, but that is not it either. I just chuckle every time Metta World Peace does something on the court. I have made it a game. To see how many lines that would make sense if he weren't a player and we were actually talking about world peace. Like "World Peace is in now," or "World Peace has a shot!" etc. I know I am easily entertained, but I think it would be fun for all of you basketball fans to play my game.
16) For you long time readers, that guy in my apartment complex STILL orders out EVERY night. It wasn't a fad. I haven't caught him taking out his industrial sized trash bags recently, but at least I know there is still a chance of seeing it.
17) Kevin Durant will be, barring injuries, one of the best players of all time when it is all said and done. As great as he is and will be, this will occasionally happen in basketball. It is what it is. Avery Bradley is a guy you might not recognize...because he is another one of those college players who went pro about one year early (not as premature as Corey Maggette, but still early). He went to Texas also if you are curious. Anyway, Kevin? Meet Avery. Ouch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdPW7hFiucE
18) Simple Sportscenter line that I involuntary laughed out loud at. Scott Van Pelt said "The Washington Wizards do something each night that is inexplicable." That is funny, and true. He actually had another one talking about the Match Play golf tournament. His co-anchor said that Scott was sad about Adam Scott losing, because if he had won, he could have said that the next match in the tournament was Scott-Van Pelt (Bo Van pelt won by the way). Like I say. I am easily entertained.
19) Thanks. Way to make this even more exciting. The wire took space saying that the Colts GM is not ready to decide about Peyton Manning yet. What? Irsay takes a media break and you decide we are lonely for attention on the topic? Whatever. Anyway, in your tidbit of the week and my conspiracy theory that I don't actually believe, Oliver Luck (Andrew's dad) actually backed up Archie Manning briefly in the NFL. See? This is all Oliver's doing! He doesn't want to ever have to utter the words in relation to football, like fathers, like sons.
20) I am on a NASCAR streak for reporting...stuff. Anyway, I have been given the final straw to "steer" (that is funny to me...because this hook involves cars...and they have steering wheels) me away from watching the damn thing. I would have rooted for Danica Sunday, but she crashed in qualifying today. I am not looking it up, and I do not stand behind my knowledge on this sport, but I think that means she starts in the back. I can do a Google search about 2 hours in on Sunday to see if she is in contention, and then go about my day.
21) I have an idea for Mike D'Antoni. Everyone is wondering about how the starting lineup should look if Lin drops off. Here is your solution. You have two of the most talented knuckleheads on your team in the entire league (tough competition by the way-maybe I will take time and rank this someday). Just put them together and call it a day. I think Baron Davis and JR Smith, barring foul trouble or injury, should literally enter and exit games together EVERY time. It is fail-safe. You keep them away from the level headed players, have a second team scoring punch, and have a pool as to who does something dumb first. It is a win-win for everyone. Just think about it, Mike. Call me if you want to discuss.
22) Conspiracy theory #2 that I don't actually believe but think it is funny thinking about. UFC head guy Dana White called out Floyd Mayweather for his racial Lin tweets. UFC is still on the upswing. Floyd can't get the Pacquiao fight. Mayweather has a prison sentence coming up. Do you see it? DO YOU? It would be AWESOME. Have Floyd fight in the UFC when he gets out of his time. I LOVE it.
23) Do you have Twitter? No? Kind of? Well, if you did, and followed Packers TE Finley on it, you would have known nanoseconds before the all mighty ESPN that he had a new contract. That is what I look for on the wire...ESPN or CNNSI saying so and so "tweets" yada yada yada. It is a headline that says "yeah, we saw it, but we are not trusting it yet, so we will word it THIS way." The one tweet I thought was going to be bullshit? JR Smith saying he went to the Knicks. He actually backed up something. Wow. Technology...and JR actually doing the correct thing. Crazy.
24) I won't go into a long hook on this. I am scared of these new talking/ listening phones. Some people think they are cool and are probably waiting in line outside a Verizon store in a tent to get one right now. I am petrified to EVER own one of them. I call. I text. I get email. I occasionally go online before I get frustrated at the small writing. I will officially say there is only one place I am glad I own a "smart phone." I will give you a hint. It has what they call "stalls."
25) In yet another example of the changing of the power status of players and their power in sports, Roy Oswalt has announced he MIGHT wait until midseason to sign. I guess he got brainwashed by all of those Favre ploys of missing training camp, is getting old, and just wants to cash in with a team before the deadline at midseason. You are good, dude, but I don't think you are THAT good. Plus, your stock goes down with you throwing pitches with a high school team somewhere. That is assuming we are still on the Favre joke.
26) I am sad about this whole Tebow/ Brady Quinn conflict. I am mad I have to deal with Tebowmania in about 5-6 months, I am mad that it is my fellow church goer who is starting shit, and I am mad that he will be leaving our town soon, virtually guaranteeing that Tebow will be in for the long haul. Side note about my church. I have said how cool it is. I use the piano once a week and was there today. The message next week is "Jump." I happened to be playing the song, when the guys in the back came out and said they are actually busting out that song this week. Yay. So cool. Non-denominational, baptisms in hot tubs and pools, and Van Halen. Bring it.
27) The Cuse played South Florida the other night. South Florida went up surprisingly 20-7 early. They then went FIFTY REAL TIME MINUTES without scoring. 50 minutes. That is a LONG time. Oddly enough, Syracuse didn't exactly put it away. Barely won.
28) I am a Linsanity fan. I have supported him in this Rant. I will also say this. No one. NO ONE. In the history of the NBA has EVER had 56 turnovers in his first 9 games of playing. Sure, he is learning his position on the fly, but dude needs to scale back. Stop trying to either successfully be Pete Maravich or unsuccessfully TRY to be Pistol Pete like Jason Williams aka White Chocolate did. Relax, smart guy. Otherwise, we will sick Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on you. The joke is about Harvard. Smart guys. Bar.
29) I will try to find it in my reread, and was going to post the link, but if you can find Tennessee's Jordan McRae's dunk on Ole Miss on the internet, it is Ms. Jackson nasty ( Actually, I found it on the reread-it is about a minute in): http://volstothewall.com/board/index.php?topic=23160.0
30) Albert Pujols is objecting to the "el hombre" billboards being put up. I get his point, but I guarantee that this is the only story you know of where a guy who is being called the man on BILLBOARDS is complaining. Albert, I get your stance, but they are embracing you. You and Jeremy Lin should go out for some beers next time he is in L.A. Talk out your billboards, his turnovers, and make time to make fun of Floyd Mayweather.
31) My traffic is increasing, but I just realized something. If I ever hit a certain number, and if the right friend reads it, Floyd Mayweather is going to come to Denver and KICK MY ASS. Good news is this. If I somehow survive that, I will have plenty of new blog material. I will hide my laptop before he starts pummeling me. Note to self.
32) Criminal Minds this week. My rating: D. You guys are tanking. This week? Better than the bartender being the bad guy, but very much a lack of creativity in how you ended it this week. This is not glam rock, where there are only SO many notes to repetitively hit with the same drum beat and feather hair. This is not Dokken trying to figure out if they slow down Burning Like a Flame, they have a new song. This is not Poison, wondering if they speed UP Every Rose Has Its Thorn if they have a totally new song. You are PROFILERS, examining serial killers. There are LOTS of different ways to kill someone. Sit down, brainstorm, and come back with the same plots as two years ago, when you hit your prime. Either that, or pull a Whitesnake and Ratt, release a best of CD, and END IT. Ratt. LOVE them. If I busted out my favorite glam rock bands of all time, they might not make the top 5, but I will say this. Doing karaoke on a table singing "Lay it Down" is pretty damn fun. I did my contests with Still of the Night and Sweet Child Of Mine, but I will always have a soft spot for Ratt.
33) NBA dunk contest. Iman Shumpert, a guy you hardly know, is out. Who takes his place? JEREMY EVANS!!! Yes. I am SO happy. Just kidding. This is coming from a guy who plays a game while watching NBA games and has to name every college, European League, or high school that each player went to before the NBA. I get about 97% of them, sometimes just by last name alone. ANYWAY, I guess what I am saying, and in my continuous dismay about the quality of an event that used to have MJ versus the Human Highlight Reel, is this. I had to look him up. I admit it. Here you go (he even has less than a page on Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Evans
34) No matter how old I get, and maybe it is because you just don't think it can happen, I am ALWAYS surprised and empty handed when I run out of chapstick or deodorant. If I had a dime for every time I went into a grocery store and JUST got one of those things and then went through that self checkout line, I would be...less broke. I never will learn.
35) Flow chart needed. Jim Calhoun is out for back surgery now as coach of UCONN. That poor man. Between health problems and NCAA violations, that dude has NO free time.
36) The NHL trade deadline is near. I still love hockey. Swear. But this has as much excitement as when us guys found out that an old Meg Ryan had a nude scene in the movie "In the Cut."
37) Flux capacitor needed. I will do my part and grab the DeLorean. Joel Pryzbilla will be back in a Trail Blazers uniform. This guy is like the Case Keenum of basketball, without the accolades (if you don't get the joke, you have to read this on a more regular basis...then it will be funny...well, funniER)
38) Article I didn't need to open. The sky is blue, the grass is green, and a radio talk show person would make a Lin racial remark. "Knicks radio announcer disciplined in show remark." Let's go play Trivial Pursuit, because I truly don't understand all of these bubble boys. You people are taking the DeLorean back to the wrong part of the country in the wrong part of time. Grow up.
39) Temple will be joining the Big East in all sports. Is this such a good idea, guys? Think it through. I don't exactly regularly see your school in the Capital One Cup standings (that is the contest of being best school overall in all sports).
40) Shocker. SHOCKER. The "BCS bosses are in no rush for new postseason plan." Hate to be a downer for all of us playoff supporters (6 teams, 3 weeks, people).
41) Straight out of SNL's Jack Handy. Kobe has requested that the Lakers "either trade Pau Gasol or don't trade him." Deep. Reminds me of this one from SNL. " I was walking along the beach. I picked up a seashell. I couldn't hear shit."
42) Hook I am going to say again whether you like it or not. I have never been a carbonated beverage guy, but Coke Zero is the best tasting thing EVER. I feel like I am in that Seinfeld where everyone is eating the fat free frozen yogurt, and then it ends up being very fatty. A scam. There is NO way that thing has zero of ANYTING. Know this. If my traffic increases any more, and I get ad offers, Coke Zero and Ratt's reunion tour are first on MY list.
43) Paul George is in the dunk contest as one of your unknown participants who will NOT be jumping over a Kia. In game practice:
http://www.rantsports.com/courtcrusades/2012/02/23/video-indiana-pacers-paul-george-dunk-contest-practice/
44) Against Illinois, Jared Sullinger got called for a foul going up for a shot. In his follow-through, his elbow hit the guy in the face. This is wrong. Whether it is accepted or not, basketball is about getting to a spot on the floor first AND does have contact. Jared did it right. He was like Maverick in Top Gun. Screw the "hard deck." He got a foul for a "gutsy move." I hope Thad Matta did NOT yell at him about that play. Watching the replay, it was a strong guy going up with a strong move. Protect the players? Yes. Ruin HOW the game is played? No.
45) I was SO happy to see the NCAA back up Karl Hess (ref who threw out Corchiani and Gugliotta at an NC State game). Must be having a tough week at home, you over-reacted, and you kicked out the 2nd and 3rd best players publicly out of a home game. Get a grip, Karl. Go meet up with Albert Pujols and Jeremy Lin. I will have Marcus Vick as your driver just to try and mess the night up. Damn. That joke just NEVER gets old to me.
46) In the crazy Big East, inconsistent Seton Hall beat Gtown by EIGHTEEN points this week. In a "down" year for the Big East, the lower teams are playing like people on Celebrex, without the side effects. Death?
47) The Spurs 12 game streak got stopped by the Trailblazers??? Are we back in the late 90's? Did I leave the keys to the DeLorean in the car with it running? Damn. Speaking of the Spurs, check out this. Manu is out, and Tony Parker, without hot wife these days, is quietly sneaking into the MVP conversation. Along with the Heat's quiet win streak, he is the quietest big name person in the NBA making a statement.
48) I don't care if K State basketball flames out. Their win at Missouri this week solidifies that they should be in March Madness in my opinion. Or. Maybe, I am just scared of their head coach. Maybe a combination of both. Whatever. Martin is SCARY. If there is another Rocky (don't rule it out, people), he should either be Rocky's trainer or the guy he fights.
49) Is ANYONE else excited as I am to watch this? Check it out: http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2012/02/23/espn-to-present-2012-sprint-nba-all-star-celebrity-game/
50) Feels weird that Ichiro will not be a lead-off hitter this year. Maybe he is running the sprints as slow as I am. Dude is still the ultimate way to start the game and set others up in later game situations. How many 200 hit seasons does he have? Oh. My bad. He slacked to ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR hits last season? Come one.
51) In our splitting the atom hook, the Dodgers have announced that Clayton Kershaw will be their opening day starter. Thanks. I bet you Rambo was still standing in every movie too, right?
52) Weird. The Red Sox and Cubs just made a trade. Fly on the wall hook. Would have LOVED to been listening to THOSE negotiations. This is a Theo Epstein joke by the way.
53) I was not off on President's Day. I love working, so I am all good with this. That being said, I know that I should have a day off when an NBA game is being played DURING THE DAY. That is it. My definition. Yeah. And the presidents, too. Good job, guys.
54) Mariano Rivera has "hinted" this may be his last year. You are like a Hall of Fame Tim Wakefield. NEVER seen anyone make a career off of one pitch pretty much.
55) I hope you found this Rant "way cool junior." I am out. My next rant will be Monday night. Have a good weekend, people. Peace.
Blog links that are assisting my cause:
ttp://www.hotvsnot.com
here is another blog website:
http://www.ontoplist.com/join/
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="jA500">Hostgator promo</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogdust.com/blog-directory/">Blogdust</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogs-collection.com/" title="blog directory" target="_blank">Blogs Directory</a>
and another one:
<!-- Begin BlogToplist tracker code -->
<a href="http://www.blogtoplist.com/sports/" title="Sports">
<img src="http://www.blogtoplist.com/tracker.php?u=192620" alt="Sports" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://billigtboende.weebly.com/hotell-london.html">billiga hotell london</a>
<!-- End BlogToplist tracker code -->
and another helpful one:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
and another one:
<a href="http://www.submitblognow.info/">Submit
another:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
40)
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
Let's hope we don't have a "lack of communication..."
1) Kentucky men's college basketball. A scary, talented, young team is now scarier, still talented, and pretty much approaching sophomore status at this point in the season. For a bunch of freshmen who are supposed to be still cocky from them being McDonald's All-American team members, they are playing some SERIOUS defense. Nice 15-2 run against a very solid Mississippi State team to win comfortably...at the other team's crib. The kids have picked up Calipari's dribble drive motion offense and run it very well. Their transition game is fluid. They have some kid named A.D. in the middle about to break all the college block records. All that being said, here is my hook on this. A.D. might become player of the year in college, Teague might run the show, and Miller might be the starting lineup experienced guy who keeps it all together. I get it. They are a great team with all of these guys. I personally think the guy who will be the difference if they make it through the 6 game gauntlet is Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He is a freshman who plays like a senior, has solid ball skills, and has a knack for making the big play at the right time. To think. He was the runt of the litter of top 50 recruits in that class.
2) Copied and pasted from last year's paper at about this time. "Greg Oden is out for the year." and "Greg Oden has no plans on retiring." I am rooting for you kid (still feels weird calling a player "kid" when he looks like a grandfather), but knees were not made to play basketball just so you know, and you got some extra faulty ones, man. Good luck in rehab again, Greg. Like a Favre comeback story, we will hear from you next year.
3) Besides a mole removal, it still seems weird to see the word "surgery" and the phrase "two weeks" in the same sentence. But. Here you go. "Wings Datsyuk will have knee surgery and miss two weeks." Wow, technology.
4) Poor Kris Humphries. Dude gets married to the popular girl, she wants a divorce a month or so later, and then Landry Fields does this to him. Right next to "vicious" in the dictionary, you will see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiDDx_eBfhA
5) England. Thanks for the hearty laugh you gave me this week. Not much is funnier than some huge project being completed and realizing you forgot one small item. You build a $767 MILLION stadium for the Olympic Games. Everything is perfect, right? Wrong. In a country where they pride themselves on their love of soccer, they made the stadium wrong for their own freaking soccer league. Yup. As soon as the Olympics are done, the thing will have to be literally ripped apart because it doesn't meet the code/ standards of the Premier League. They forgot the "under-soil heater," which I guess is pretty damn important in soccer. Couldn't forget an outside lamp post, could you? Nice.
6) Binghamton basketball almost caused celebratory riots on campus this week. They were 0-26 before they knocked off conference leading Vermont 57-53. I was happy for them. Really. I was actually more happy about finding out where ex-Temple and former NBA player Mark Macon was these days. NOW I can finally get some sleep at night with yet another mystery solved.
7) Hold the phone. What?? A couple days after Matt Kemp announced that he didn't want the MVP if Ryan Braun lost his drug suspension appeal, the unthinkable happened. He DIDN'T lose the appeal. Wow. Was it a bad sample? No. Us, the fans, got the explanation we would expect should he become the first player ever to win an appeal against a drug suspension. TECHNICALITIES. Evidently, the urine sample was in the "chain of custody" gray area. It sat in the Fed Ex shop over a long weekend. If I suddenly get rich, suddenly become a bad person, do something bad, and then get caught, I am giving THAT lawyer a call. And getting that judge to try it also. Feeling like I am in the sports version of The Devil's Advocate. Give me Braun's lawyer and Kevin Lomax (as long as we can replace Keanu Reeves as Kevin in this dream scenario-dude sucks).
8) Florida Gator basketball is evidently on a mission to start 5 guards at once on the floor. Sure, they are having a solid season with their sometimes 4 guard lineup, but losing any people with "F" or "C" in front of their name just isn't good for them long term this year. Being a closet Gator basketball fan, I am ready to admit they don't have any Final Four potential this year after the loss of F Will Yeguete.
9) In the cards. Woods drops his match to Nick Watney in the Match Play tournament. Notice I finally did NOT pick Tiger to win the tournament this weekend. I didn't forget about it. I love the event actually. March Madness feel. But. He has had good rounds here and there, but this event demands that someone get hot and have a lot of luck...for six straight rounds. Tiger has showed no signs of being hot or even solid for consecutive rounds yet. He sure as hell hasn't had any luck on his side. What actually surprised me most was this. He didn't lose by a margin that was definitive. Ironically, he had a chance to square up the match on the 18th hole with a 5.5 foot putt that he made in his sleep in the early 2000's. He missed it, thereby deserving the loss. I actually kind of hoped that if he was going to lose at all, that he would lose in the FIRST round, because then it would have been a 12 beating a 5 which would have started me salivating about March Madness. Wow. That was a long sentence. Anyway, maybe he won't get it back (slumping shoulders). Nah, he will (straightening up and smiling). Yeah. We got the Masters coming up in a month and two weeks.
10) I saw a Fiat 500 commercial. The car looked really cool. I googled the Fiat 500 shortly thereafter. It is an ugly version of the Austin Cooper car. I officially got totally tricked by a commercial.
11) The grass is green, the sky is blue, and....what? It's NOT? Rex Ryan has made it clear that he will NOT make any Super Bowl predictions this year. Damn, bro. We are coming up on the time of year that I just EXPECT it. Losing, internal player conflict, and a pretty boy QB not producing wearing on you a bit, aye?
12) THIS is getting RIDICULOUS. I get it. We live in a society where you have to sue SOMEONE in EVERY situation. But, there HAS to be a line. I also get that concussions are the hot button in the NFL. But, this is over the line. Dave Duerson, ex-football Bear player who committed suicide, had concussions coincidentally also in his career. His family is suing the NFL over his DEATH because they say those same concussions made him kill himself. Come on, people. If I get rich ( I guess that this would have to happen in the next couple months-LOTTO???), Duerson family, I will GIVE you money to not do this. It sucks that both things happened, but I am not a believer that the horrible thing happened directly BECAUSE of the concussion thing.
13) I think the US soccer team plays a friendly against Italy soon (I obviously didn't open the article since it does not involve World Cup). I am still confused by this whole friendly thing. Do they tell jokes? Do they fake less injuries? Is it not for points in the FIFA rankings? Is it a glorified practice (insert Iverson interview...NOW)? If I hypothetically was a hard core soccer fan, do I enjoy these, or are these like preseason NFL football? Confused. Moving on.
14) Not a proud day being a UVA guy. Ex-lacrosse player George Huguely got 26 years in prison for killing lacrosse player Yeardley Love. Google it. Horrible story. Deserved the sentence from what we know. Oddly enough, UVA has an honor code that kicks you out of college if you cheat on a test. Guess George went there simply for the lacrosse, because he grossly misjudged what that is all about.
15) I still like catching Laker games on national TV. Because of Kobe? Hell, no. Because maybe Hubie Brown might be announcing it? Kind of, but that is not it either. I just chuckle every time Metta World Peace does something on the court. I have made it a game. To see how many lines that would make sense if he weren't a player and we were actually talking about world peace. Like "World Peace is in now," or "World Peace has a shot!" etc. I know I am easily entertained, but I think it would be fun for all of you basketball fans to play my game.
16) For you long time readers, that guy in my apartment complex STILL orders out EVERY night. It wasn't a fad. I haven't caught him taking out his industrial sized trash bags recently, but at least I know there is still a chance of seeing it.
17) Kevin Durant will be, barring injuries, one of the best players of all time when it is all said and done. As great as he is and will be, this will occasionally happen in basketball. It is what it is. Avery Bradley is a guy you might not recognize...because he is another one of those college players who went pro about one year early (not as premature as Corey Maggette, but still early). He went to Texas also if you are curious. Anyway, Kevin? Meet Avery. Ouch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdPW7hFiucE
18) Simple Sportscenter line that I involuntary laughed out loud at. Scott Van Pelt said "The Washington Wizards do something each night that is inexplicable." That is funny, and true. He actually had another one talking about the Match Play golf tournament. His co-anchor said that Scott was sad about Adam Scott losing, because if he had won, he could have said that the next match in the tournament was Scott-Van Pelt (Bo Van pelt won by the way). Like I say. I am easily entertained.
19) Thanks. Way to make this even more exciting. The wire took space saying that the Colts GM is not ready to decide about Peyton Manning yet. What? Irsay takes a media break and you decide we are lonely for attention on the topic? Whatever. Anyway, in your tidbit of the week and my conspiracy theory that I don't actually believe, Oliver Luck (Andrew's dad) actually backed up Archie Manning briefly in the NFL. See? This is all Oliver's doing! He doesn't want to ever have to utter the words in relation to football, like fathers, like sons.
20) I am on a NASCAR streak for reporting...stuff. Anyway, I have been given the final straw to "steer" (that is funny to me...because this hook involves cars...and they have steering wheels) me away from watching the damn thing. I would have rooted for Danica Sunday, but she crashed in qualifying today. I am not looking it up, and I do not stand behind my knowledge on this sport, but I think that means she starts in the back. I can do a Google search about 2 hours in on Sunday to see if she is in contention, and then go about my day.
21) I have an idea for Mike D'Antoni. Everyone is wondering about how the starting lineup should look if Lin drops off. Here is your solution. You have two of the most talented knuckleheads on your team in the entire league (tough competition by the way-maybe I will take time and rank this someday). Just put them together and call it a day. I think Baron Davis and JR Smith, barring foul trouble or injury, should literally enter and exit games together EVERY time. It is fail-safe. You keep them away from the level headed players, have a second team scoring punch, and have a pool as to who does something dumb first. It is a win-win for everyone. Just think about it, Mike. Call me if you want to discuss.
22) Conspiracy theory #2 that I don't actually believe but think it is funny thinking about. UFC head guy Dana White called out Floyd Mayweather for his racial Lin tweets. UFC is still on the upswing. Floyd can't get the Pacquiao fight. Mayweather has a prison sentence coming up. Do you see it? DO YOU? It would be AWESOME. Have Floyd fight in the UFC when he gets out of his time. I LOVE it.
23) Do you have Twitter? No? Kind of? Well, if you did, and followed Packers TE Finley on it, you would have known nanoseconds before the all mighty ESPN that he had a new contract. That is what I look for on the wire...ESPN or CNNSI saying so and so "tweets" yada yada yada. It is a headline that says "yeah, we saw it, but we are not trusting it yet, so we will word it THIS way." The one tweet I thought was going to be bullshit? JR Smith saying he went to the Knicks. He actually backed up something. Wow. Technology...and JR actually doing the correct thing. Crazy.
24) I won't go into a long hook on this. I am scared of these new talking/ listening phones. Some people think they are cool and are probably waiting in line outside a Verizon store in a tent to get one right now. I am petrified to EVER own one of them. I call. I text. I get email. I occasionally go online before I get frustrated at the small writing. I will officially say there is only one place I am glad I own a "smart phone." I will give you a hint. It has what they call "stalls."
25) In yet another example of the changing of the power status of players and their power in sports, Roy Oswalt has announced he MIGHT wait until midseason to sign. I guess he got brainwashed by all of those Favre ploys of missing training camp, is getting old, and just wants to cash in with a team before the deadline at midseason. You are good, dude, but I don't think you are THAT good. Plus, your stock goes down with you throwing pitches with a high school team somewhere. That is assuming we are still on the Favre joke.
26) I am sad about this whole Tebow/ Brady Quinn conflict. I am mad I have to deal with Tebowmania in about 5-6 months, I am mad that it is my fellow church goer who is starting shit, and I am mad that he will be leaving our town soon, virtually guaranteeing that Tebow will be in for the long haul. Side note about my church. I have said how cool it is. I use the piano once a week and was there today. The message next week is "Jump." I happened to be playing the song, when the guys in the back came out and said they are actually busting out that song this week. Yay. So cool. Non-denominational, baptisms in hot tubs and pools, and Van Halen. Bring it.
27) The Cuse played South Florida the other night. South Florida went up surprisingly 20-7 early. They then went FIFTY REAL TIME MINUTES without scoring. 50 minutes. That is a LONG time. Oddly enough, Syracuse didn't exactly put it away. Barely won.
28) I am a Linsanity fan. I have supported him in this Rant. I will also say this. No one. NO ONE. In the history of the NBA has EVER had 56 turnovers in his first 9 games of playing. Sure, he is learning his position on the fly, but dude needs to scale back. Stop trying to either successfully be Pete Maravich or unsuccessfully TRY to be Pistol Pete like Jason Williams aka White Chocolate did. Relax, smart guy. Otherwise, we will sick Matt Damon and Ben Affleck on you. The joke is about Harvard. Smart guys. Bar.
29) I will try to find it in my reread, and was going to post the link, but if you can find Tennessee's Jordan McRae's dunk on Ole Miss on the internet, it is Ms. Jackson nasty ( Actually, I found it on the reread-it is about a minute in): http://volstothewall.com/board/index.php?topic=23160.0
30) Albert Pujols is objecting to the "el hombre" billboards being put up. I get his point, but I guarantee that this is the only story you know of where a guy who is being called the man on BILLBOARDS is complaining. Albert, I get your stance, but they are embracing you. You and Jeremy Lin should go out for some beers next time he is in L.A. Talk out your billboards, his turnovers, and make time to make fun of Floyd Mayweather.
31) My traffic is increasing, but I just realized something. If I ever hit a certain number, and if the right friend reads it, Floyd Mayweather is going to come to Denver and KICK MY ASS. Good news is this. If I somehow survive that, I will have plenty of new blog material. I will hide my laptop before he starts pummeling me. Note to self.
32) Criminal Minds this week. My rating: D. You guys are tanking. This week? Better than the bartender being the bad guy, but very much a lack of creativity in how you ended it this week. This is not glam rock, where there are only SO many notes to repetitively hit with the same drum beat and feather hair. This is not Dokken trying to figure out if they slow down Burning Like a Flame, they have a new song. This is not Poison, wondering if they speed UP Every Rose Has Its Thorn if they have a totally new song. You are PROFILERS, examining serial killers. There are LOTS of different ways to kill someone. Sit down, brainstorm, and come back with the same plots as two years ago, when you hit your prime. Either that, or pull a Whitesnake and Ratt, release a best of CD, and END IT. Ratt. LOVE them. If I busted out my favorite glam rock bands of all time, they might not make the top 5, but I will say this. Doing karaoke on a table singing "Lay it Down" is pretty damn fun. I did my contests with Still of the Night and Sweet Child Of Mine, but I will always have a soft spot for Ratt.
33) NBA dunk contest. Iman Shumpert, a guy you hardly know, is out. Who takes his place? JEREMY EVANS!!! Yes. I am SO happy. Just kidding. This is coming from a guy who plays a game while watching NBA games and has to name every college, European League, or high school that each player went to before the NBA. I get about 97% of them, sometimes just by last name alone. ANYWAY, I guess what I am saying, and in my continuous dismay about the quality of an event that used to have MJ versus the Human Highlight Reel, is this. I had to look him up. I admit it. Here you go (he even has less than a page on Wikipedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Evans
34) No matter how old I get, and maybe it is because you just don't think it can happen, I am ALWAYS surprised and empty handed when I run out of chapstick or deodorant. If I had a dime for every time I went into a grocery store and JUST got one of those things and then went through that self checkout line, I would be...less broke. I never will learn.
35) Flow chart needed. Jim Calhoun is out for back surgery now as coach of UCONN. That poor man. Between health problems and NCAA violations, that dude has NO free time.
36) The NHL trade deadline is near. I still love hockey. Swear. But this has as much excitement as when us guys found out that an old Meg Ryan had a nude scene in the movie "In the Cut."
37) Flux capacitor needed. I will do my part and grab the DeLorean. Joel Pryzbilla will be back in a Trail Blazers uniform. This guy is like the Case Keenum of basketball, without the accolades (if you don't get the joke, you have to read this on a more regular basis...then it will be funny...well, funniER)
38) Article I didn't need to open. The sky is blue, the grass is green, and a radio talk show person would make a Lin racial remark. "Knicks radio announcer disciplined in show remark." Let's go play Trivial Pursuit, because I truly don't understand all of these bubble boys. You people are taking the DeLorean back to the wrong part of the country in the wrong part of time. Grow up.
39) Temple will be joining the Big East in all sports. Is this such a good idea, guys? Think it through. I don't exactly regularly see your school in the Capital One Cup standings (that is the contest of being best school overall in all sports).
40) Shocker. SHOCKER. The "BCS bosses are in no rush for new postseason plan." Hate to be a downer for all of us playoff supporters (6 teams, 3 weeks, people).
41) Straight out of SNL's Jack Handy. Kobe has requested that the Lakers "either trade Pau Gasol or don't trade him." Deep. Reminds me of this one from SNL. " I was walking along the beach. I picked up a seashell. I couldn't hear shit."
42) Hook I am going to say again whether you like it or not. I have never been a carbonated beverage guy, but Coke Zero is the best tasting thing EVER. I feel like I am in that Seinfeld where everyone is eating the fat free frozen yogurt, and then it ends up being very fatty. A scam. There is NO way that thing has zero of ANYTING. Know this. If my traffic increases any more, and I get ad offers, Coke Zero and Ratt's reunion tour are first on MY list.
43) Paul George is in the dunk contest as one of your unknown participants who will NOT be jumping over a Kia. In game practice:
http://www.rantsports.com/courtcrusades/2012/02/23/video-indiana-pacers-paul-george-dunk-contest-practice/
44) Against Illinois, Jared Sullinger got called for a foul going up for a shot. In his follow-through, his elbow hit the guy in the face. This is wrong. Whether it is accepted or not, basketball is about getting to a spot on the floor first AND does have contact. Jared did it right. He was like Maverick in Top Gun. Screw the "hard deck." He got a foul for a "gutsy move." I hope Thad Matta did NOT yell at him about that play. Watching the replay, it was a strong guy going up with a strong move. Protect the players? Yes. Ruin HOW the game is played? No.
45) I was SO happy to see the NCAA back up Karl Hess (ref who threw out Corchiani and Gugliotta at an NC State game). Must be having a tough week at home, you over-reacted, and you kicked out the 2nd and 3rd best players publicly out of a home game. Get a grip, Karl. Go meet up with Albert Pujols and Jeremy Lin. I will have Marcus Vick as your driver just to try and mess the night up. Damn. That joke just NEVER gets old to me.
46) In the crazy Big East, inconsistent Seton Hall beat Gtown by EIGHTEEN points this week. In a "down" year for the Big East, the lower teams are playing like people on Celebrex, without the side effects. Death?
47) The Spurs 12 game streak got stopped by the Trailblazers??? Are we back in the late 90's? Did I leave the keys to the DeLorean in the car with it running? Damn. Speaking of the Spurs, check out this. Manu is out, and Tony Parker, without hot wife these days, is quietly sneaking into the MVP conversation. Along with the Heat's quiet win streak, he is the quietest big name person in the NBA making a statement.
48) I don't care if K State basketball flames out. Their win at Missouri this week solidifies that they should be in March Madness in my opinion. Or. Maybe, I am just scared of their head coach. Maybe a combination of both. Whatever. Martin is SCARY. If there is another Rocky (don't rule it out, people), he should either be Rocky's trainer or the guy he fights.
49) Is ANYONE else excited as I am to watch this? Check it out: http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2012/02/23/espn-to-present-2012-sprint-nba-all-star-celebrity-game/
50) Feels weird that Ichiro will not be a lead-off hitter this year. Maybe he is running the sprints as slow as I am. Dude is still the ultimate way to start the game and set others up in later game situations. How many 200 hit seasons does he have? Oh. My bad. He slacked to ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR hits last season? Come one.
51) In our splitting the atom hook, the Dodgers have announced that Clayton Kershaw will be their opening day starter. Thanks. I bet you Rambo was still standing in every movie too, right?
52) Weird. The Red Sox and Cubs just made a trade. Fly on the wall hook. Would have LOVED to been listening to THOSE negotiations. This is a Theo Epstein joke by the way.
53) I was not off on President's Day. I love working, so I am all good with this. That being said, I know that I should have a day off when an NBA game is being played DURING THE DAY. That is it. My definition. Yeah. And the presidents, too. Good job, guys.
54) Mariano Rivera has "hinted" this may be his last year. You are like a Hall of Fame Tim Wakefield. NEVER seen anyone make a career off of one pitch pretty much.
55) I hope you found this Rant "way cool junior." I am out. My next rant will be Monday night. Have a good weekend, people. Peace.
Blog links that are assisting my cause:
ttp://www.hotvsnot.com
here is another blog website:
http://www.ontoplist.com/join/
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="jA500">Hostgator promo</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogdust.com/blog-directory/">Blogdust</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogs-collection.com/" title="blog directory" target="_blank">Blogs Directory</a>
and another one:
<!-- Begin BlogToplist tracker code -->
<a href="http://www.blogtoplist.com/sports/" title="Sports">
<img src="http://www.blogtoplist.com/tracker.php?u=192620" alt="Sports" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://billigtboende.weebly.com/hotell-london.html">billiga hotell london</a>
<!-- End BlogToplist tracker code -->
and another helpful one:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
and another one:
<a href="http://www.submitblognow.info/">Submit
another:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
40)
Monday, February 20, 2012
This is the cleanest and nicest police car I have ever been in...
Read it, don't read it, I don't care...just needed to get some things off my chest.
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
I am boiling...in absolute need of a solid rant...
1) How are YOU feeling today, AJ Burnett? The Yankees bust pitching pick up a few years ago recently used his no trade power to veto a trade to the Angels. Yes. The SAME Angels with CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols. The same town that is by a beach and labels their highway with "the" in front of it. He was officially traded today. To where? The PIRATES. Wow. Dude. I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall in your head, and maybe you are mixing up football and basketball, but WHAT are you thinking? Good news? You will be in the starting rotation guaranteed. Bad news? That is NOT such a good sign that you are pretty much assured that spot...sign of the talent level you are moving over to.
2) Tim Wakefield, one of the last remaining active knuckle ballers, retired this week. Tim, you made the most of a dying art. Interesting side note #1? CNNSI had him retiring after 17 years, and ESPN had him retiring after 19 seasons. Weird. Interesting side note #2? Guess that pretty much does it for that knuckleball CATCHER who had a job the last few seasons because of Wakefield still playing. He SPECIALIZED in catching knuckballers. Monster.com in your future?
3) Hook where the joke is there, but I just can't find it. George Lucas, legendary movie guy and the creator of Star Wars, has a daughter who is a professional MMA fighter. Amanda Lucas is a badass, and if I could just figure out how to figure out a stormtrooper reference with MMA, I am sure it would be funny.
3a) A "hook" is what I used to call a "take." With increased traffic, I need my own jargon. It was in HONOR of you, Rome, I swear.
4) Multi-reference hook. In my "Groundhog Day" hook, Sidney Crosby "skated again with no timeline of his return," and Greg Oden "undergoes another knee surgery." The former makes me sad because I want him back on the ice for us fans, and the latter makes me sad because I truly believe that, in a league sort of deficient on classic big men, he would have been a game changer. Instead of getting a taste of his talent before injuries like Grant Hill or Tracy McGrady, Greg is pulling more of a KiJana Carter. Had a feeling, but no proof since college, and probably no proof after. Someone go find that freaking groundhog from the movie and ask him if it will be JUST six more weeks of rehab.
5) Talk about bad starts. Jimmie Johnson has ALREADY gotten busted for trying on purpose or accidentally to cheat...and they haven't even started racing yet. Something about restrictor plates being not within the rules. Would love to tell you more, but that would be like Keanu Reeves telling us about acting.
6) These people who are bitching about 2.5 Men being crappy since Sheen's departure are starting to bother me. Everyone needs to realize this. They did NOT pull a new Coke tank. They didn't PURPOSELY and PROACTIVELY change the show with a new strategy. They HAD to improvise. They couldn't predict they would have to kick Sheen off the show (actually, it wouldn't be like splitting the atom, but it wasn't concrete either). I don't think the show is that bad now. The emphasis on Alan HAS to exist since that is the only main thing they have that they might think people will like. For all of those doubters and pessimists, YOU try keeping a hit show going successfully when the main funny character now does not exist. It takes creativity, people, and I give them a B+ for their effort.
7) Elite soccer player Lionel Messi scored 4 goals against Valencia this week. Using Jim Rome's system described in my last rant (each goal scored equals 2 touchdowns in American football), that means he scored 8 touchdowns in one game. Pretty stellar if you ask me. Rock on, bro. I still don't agree with CNNSI ranking you #1 as best of all time. Give me Pele or Diego in a heartbeat.
8) Yay. Manny Ramirez is back in the big leagues...with a minor league comeback for the A's. Why do I say "yay?" Not because I want to see him play, but only because my "special" team members have MUCH more opportunity to do dumb shit when actually in the team atmosphere and traveling all around the nation. We are rooting for you, Manny. Just do SOMETHING stupid, bro. Please. Call Marcus Vick. He is my perennial designated driver.
9) I would like to meet the media person for LeBron James. Are they slacking, or do they just have not too much power? He had some time under the radar...just winning and reminding us how special of player he is on the court. Then, he opens his mouth ONCE too often. Before a game with Cleveland, he says that he could foresee him playing back in that town someday. Shut UP, dude. THEN, he modifies the statement to address Miami fans, and assures he is happy and planning on staying. For the most part, those Cleveland fans don't care. For the most part, NO city wants to hear where their present player MIGHT play years from now. For the most part, you need to just sticking to talking about your sick stats each night. Run EVERYTHING else through your media person.
10) Jeremy Lin had a bad night Friday...against the HORNETS. Weird. Anyway, he "rebounded" Sunday and was key in a big win against the Mavs. Here are my thoughts. First of all, in the win, he had 7 turnovers. I am still concerned about this overall, but we have to realize that he is LEARNING to play PG in the NBA...IN the NBA. It demands a HUGE learning curve. Fans, be patient. Second, in football there are 16 games TOTAL. In basketball, there are 82 games in a normal season and 66 total this year. So, in comparing this to Tebowmania, and then getting all sad because he had a bad game Friday, take it easy. Every NBA player is going to have bad games. Larger control group, more chances for being off one night. Third, did you hear about ESPN's major headline malfunction? Kind of scary, that even during the evening shift at the sports powerhouse, that no one high up was there to edit this headline. "Chink in the Armor?" Wow, guys. Not too classy, and I am assuming some heads rolled the next day from that shift.
11) Baseball journeyman Mike Cameron retired this week. What a quality player he was, and shame he didn't get a few more accolades or a ring. He deserved it. 2001 All-Star, a couple Gold Gloves, and tied for a record that I can't ever really see topped. He is one of 13 players to hit 4 home runs in one game. Sure, it is a big group, but I can't see anyone ever hitting 5, so I think he is safe. Good luck to you, Mike, and thanks for the great baseball you gave us.
12) Does anyone else think this is odd? Not only were Hangover 1 and 2 the same exact movie, and not only is this new movie Project X made by the same guy, but in the preview, I noticed a funny scene during the previews where a little guy pops out of the oven. Short on ideas, bro? Instead of having the Asian guy jump out of a car, you went with the little guy out of the oven? I am not exactly pulling a Bob Beamon by making that parallel (Google him if you don't get the reference).
13) The sky is blue, the grass is green, and an athlete wants more money. I hear that Ray Rice wants "Adrian Peterson money." That's great, man. Thanks for being "one of those guys." I know RB's shelf life is not that long, but I think you are slightly reaching here. You have one less year under your belt. You trail him by 2400 in rushing yards (two seasons at your rate), 64-24 in TD's (Adrian could sit out a year and you wouldn't catch him), 4.8 YPA to 4.6 YPA (not bad, actually), 336-176 first downs (pretty big difference, bro), and trail him in yards per reception 9.6 to 8.9. You whip him in lack of fumbles lost (5 to 13), but I think you should just take a raise, not talk about him, and call it a day.
14) JR Smith is BACK! Yay. Now I have three reasons to watch the Knicks. I can watch Melo play bullfighting defense (Olay!), Lin keeping the movement going, and anxiously waiting for JR to do SOMETHING stupid, and then admire his creativity of that stupidity. What an exciting team. In their holster, remember they have Baron Davis. Baron playing for the Washington Generals would be interesting at some level. By the way, who cares that the Knicks picked up Smith? What I care about is THIS. Who will pick up Ronaldo Balkman, the guy they had to cut to make room for Smith? If I am an NBA GM, I am figuring out how to pick that guy up. Yesterday.
15) The second and third best players ever at NC State (Chris Corchiani and Tom Gugliotta (David Thompson was #1 by the way)) got kicked out of the game Saturday...by the game's official, Karl Hess. If you watch the incident, it appears that Karl Hess was suddenly moody, and forgot that he is a veteran official and is abused on a nightly basis. Judging by their reaction, it is evident to me Karl had a short fuse, or their quiet comments must have been REALLY witty and irritating. I think Hess was wrong. You hear people yelling all kinds of shit at games, and they are just fans at that game. You let it ride. I am not saying ex-greats should have free reign-just don't think they did anything obvious enough to merit a public banishment.
16) UVA basketball defense. They don't allow anything to happen in the lane and guard man to man on the perimeter VERY tough. Tied 31-31 at halftime, they beat Maryland 71-44. Good stuff, guys. Especially after a couple meltdowns against teams that could have made statements and a less than flashy loss against a subpar Clemson game, this was needed.
17) Family Guy is doing their Revenge of the Nerds musical performance bit in a talent show episode. Classic.
18) Speaking of the early 80's, I caught Beverly Hills Cop this weekend. I have decided that Eddie Murphy is the Rick Ankiel of the movie/ comedy world. Bare with me. If you recall, Rick Ankiel was a stud pitcher who woke up one day and couldn't throw a strike to save his life. He was like Charlie Sheen in Major League before he got glasses. Anyway, Ankiel found a new role as an outfielder. Eddie Murphy? He SUDDENLY became NOT funny. OVERNIGHT. I believe it started with Beverly Hills Cop 3. For the younger readers, check out Trading Places, Raw, Delirious, early SNL shows, Bev Hills Cop I and II, and some others. The original Beverly Hills Cop is SO funny. So, Eddie becomes NOT funny, is as lost as Kevin Costner for a bit (who NEVER recovered except for sport movies), and then finds a new role in kids movies and as a supporting actor in other flicks. He adapted. Side note, and VERY important point. Every guy has a "flipper" when watching TV. What did I have? The OT Nugs/ Thunder game AND Golden Child. If you are not familiar with The Golden Child, it is the worst movie released DURING the time that Eddie Murphy was still funny. You still laugh at it. Trust me. "I want the knife..."
18a) Plus, what the hell other time in life could you have an all synthesizer theme song rule the air waves for months? Harold Faltermeyer. Axel F. It is like Peter in Family Guy walking around to his own theme music after being granted that wish. Axel F just ROCKED, and was MANDATORY for a young piano player back in the day. So was Jump by Van Halen. So were those stupid Richard Marx songs. Damn.
19) My favorite tattoo story is Jason Terry's. In October of 2010, without a championship, he got a tattoo on his arm of the Larry O'Brien trophy. A little assuming, aye? Yup. Except that after a lackluster year for the team and just sneaking in the playoffs, they go on to win it all. Brilliant. He got to hold the actual one, and has the tattoo to remind him of it. Just. Badass.
20) The plan to have Bubba Watson's recently purchased General Lee be the pace car in Phoenix later this year was scrapped. The confederate flag was deemed negative on a sport trying to rid itself of that image. I get it, but it still sucks. I might have actually turned on that race. In related news, the Budweiser shootout happened this weekend, the week before Daytona. A race with no points awarded, so evidently it actually makes racers more uninhibited. Whatever. Also, in more related news, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle are in the front row for Daytona. I wouldn't be so excited, but I said Biffle's team would win the team part this year. Well, I read an entire NASCAR preview on it and then passed my naive opinions along. Biffle. What a cool name.
21) Read this one slowly. UNC bball won over Clemson for the 56th straight time at home. FIFTY SIX. That is a LOT. Powerhouse or not, in all of the ebb and flow of rebuilding years, etc., they haven't won in 56 tries. Wow. They should have caught them in the late 90's or early 2000's, because I can't see it happening anytime soon on the Roy Williams watch.
22) I admit at times I am slow. I admit it. The first 10 times I saw the State Farm Insurance commercial when the male agent and the tough guy were talking was some odd "journey" guy to guy moment on TV. On the 11th time, I caught that it was simply a Journey band reference. My bad. Anyway I want it? Anyway you need it. All night? Every night. Got it now. Whoops.
23) I wasn't worried about Hue Jackson not getting another job. Back to the land of assistant coaching and having to prove himself all over again and have us forget about his verbal rant after the season, he is back with the Bengals. Good luck, Hue. Aside from that little rant, you did a pretty good job with lackluster talent in my opinion.
24) Crazy stat I heard this week. Dwayne Wade made his FIRST 3 ptr of the SEASON this week. Dude might not be Reggie Miller, but he can shoot ok. I would have bet the house that this stat was wrong. It is not. NOW, you can sleep better at night with that little nugget. Tell your friends.
25) The Wings are now at 23 straight home games with a win. Nice streak, guys. I would say more on this, but have already commented on it in the last 3 rants. Maybe I will have something next time. I feel like I have been writing about this streak for weeks, which I have. Good stuff.
26) We are getting closer to March, and things are heating up and getting weirder. Baylor continues its not so impressive run against decent teams by losing AT HOME to Kansas State (on my brief editing run, I can now report they beat a subpar Texas team), previously upstart UNLV gets beat by a suddenly upstart New Mexico (coached by ex-Indiana great, Steve Alford-'87 player of the year (Keith Smart was actually the hero for the record)), Marquette beats UCONN AT UNCONN, and Murray State stomps a very good St. Mary's team (St. Mary's WAS missing one main guy-wouldn't have made a difference) on national TV with Dick Vitale in the house. Good stuff, and I am getting so excited for my favorite month of the year when I ignore everyone and everything except for work.
27) If I EVER Tivo a game, show, or event, it will be when I miss a Hubie Brown announced NBA game...even if it the Wizards against the Bobcats. Ok, maybe that is reaching, but you get the point. Brilliance on the mic, my friends.
28) I am kind of impressed by the press the last couple days. Not much being said about Colts owner Irsay or Colts QB Peyton Manning. VERY proud of you all. The silence actually heightens the anticipation of something very, very big coming out in the next week (kind of like the anticipation of death actually made Hard to Kill watchable). It could be franchise changing, along with balance of power shifting movement in the NFL.
29) I have invented a new term. "Public Jogger." You know these people. You are at a bar on a Friday or Saturday night at 9pm in a busy part of town, and this workout gear decked out person runs by the place you are. These people have an odd motivation source. They HAVE to pick a busy street or busy time of night to run by people who a) are having fun on a normal fun night b) will see them running and therefore the person HAS to keep on running. These people are shallow. Either that, or this is their way of being social. Like they CAN'T find a park or less busy street nearby...right. Rock on, public jogger. I will run in a dark park and know I am STILL doing good for myself. I don't need eyes on me.
30) Big week for boxer Dereck Chisora. He slaps Klitscho at the pre fight conference, then loses, THEN gets in a brawl with ex-champion David Haye AFTER the loss. Apparently still upset for having a random "c" in his name, he will now look for a new opponent. Dude, give Kim Clijsters a call to hang out. She is still getting over the "j."
31) Imagine. Utah football was pretty damn good being in a subpar conference and playing better teams with less than top flight talent. Now, they are in the Pac-12. Better schools. More visibility. Something tells me they will be in a BCS bowl about 3 years from now. They might have to capitalize on a rebuilding year for USC, but I think this is a good ballpark guess.
32) Injuries might have forced him off the radar for a year or so, but look out baseball world. Joe Mauer is back, and healthy. Who is he? You baseball people already know how badass he is. For you non-baseball fans, he is "the guy in the Head and Shoulders Troy Polamalu" commercials.
33) Thanks Mr. Truckdriver from 1993. Thanks for FINALLY apologizing to Bobby Hurley for ruining his NBA career back then. Daniel Wieland hit Hurley in an almost fatal car crash on Bobby's drive back from a game. Not sure why it took so long, and I for one am curious how well that tough kid would have panned out in the league, but I guess now is better than never. I am not saying that he would have made it long term, but let's just say this about his toughness. The doctor that night said that 99% of people would have died in that crash. HE didn't. Maybe he didn't have all of the physical tools, but no one can crack his character or will.
34) Bruce Weber has told the media that he refuses to resign at Illinois basketball. I know, I know. It is just my prerogative, but I get this feeling after this last little losing streak, that you might not have that option by the end of March. It is in the cards, as they say.
35) Count me in on the old Wichita State bandwagon. Before you leave this hook, remember that you WILL most likely be entering a bracket pool in March...no matter HOW much you care about college bball. I am off the UNLV bandwagon, and on the Shocker bandwagon (it is the mascot of the team, people-not a bad joke). Legitimate 7 footer, experienced squad, and great coach. Solid backcourt. If I am in a major conference hovering around .500 in that conference, I would be HORRIFIED to see them on Selection Sunday in my first game.
36) I recently went grocery shopping. I have OCD and get the same thing every time. I have a full cart every 2 weeks, but am in and out (barring bad check out lines) in about 22 minutes. Anyway, I was in the frozen aisle, and saw an item that I used to eat all the time back in the day. I will go on record with this. I think that the pizza version of Hot Pockets could be the greatest thing to come out of a microwave.
37) In their first statement game since becoming "good," the Sixers flamed out against the Mavs on national TV. Not saying they aren't decent, and they may win one round in the playoffs, but they are still missing SOMETHING. Cool as it is that your leading scorer comes off the bench, I personally don't think you are aligned for a championship if that is the case. Just saying.
38) Very cool when the genes come through. Kelvin Taylor, a 5 star RB from FL and a junior in high school, verbally committed to Florida. His dad? Fred Taylor. Thing that I still have not confirmed, don't have time to do further research during this rant, but made me do a double take was this. Dude has already broken Emmit Smith's HS record in rushing. Like I said, I didn't double check this, but crazy if he did it in 3 years.
39) Duke bball came back from 20 down with 11 plus left at Cameron to beat NC State the other night. Rule is this, people. AT Cameron, it is against the law to turn off any game with less than 4 minutes left if they are down. Why would you anyway? If Duke is winning, you know it will happen and can turn the channel and look for Beverly Hills Cop on TBS. If Duke is losing, you know "the run" is coming. And who doesn't love to see the chance of Duke losing at home for Pete's Sake. Side note. Get NC State while you can. Check out the recruiting for next year. NC State is BACK, and Indiana will also officially join the party.
40) San Antonio Spurs are at 10 straight wins. Manu Ginobili is hurt again. Peaking a little early, still making us worry about their health, and surprising us as always. Wait a minute. Nevermind. Don't sweat them, rest of the league. It is an even year with 2012. The Spurs can't win it in anything but an odd year. Case closed.
41) I hear the guy from Jersey Shore will be playing during NBA All-Star weekend. Someone asked me if I watch the show...since I am from New Jersey. Why do I need to watch it, for Pete's Sake? I am FROM Jersey. I LIVED it. I might tune in to make sure he can hold serve in basketball against non-Jersey people, but that is it. Shit. Just realize that my new habit of not watching MTV over the last 20 years has made me forget to try and catch the new Beavis and Buttheads. Damn.
42) Line I will sneak in SOME conversation over the next week, AND make it work. From Bev Hills Cop, "this is not my locker." I will. It will be funny. Maybe not funny funny. Maybe dumb Fillerbuster11 funny.
43) In one other jogger hook, check this out. Someone passed the bar I was last weekends jogging, with the words "freedom" on his workout gear. I look at my buddy, and say "I suddenly feel like going to watch Braveheart." Without prepping it (I have know my friend for a LOT of years), we both simultaneously yell "Freedom!" at the top of our lungs. The guy, who is now 20 feet down the way, gives us a thumbs up as he runs away. I am entertained by very little things, but it was my favorite part of the day/ night.
44) Kevin Durant had 51 points in the OT win against the Nugs. Scary thing is this. Not only is he an oversized 3-think the next generation's version of Dirk... Now, the dude can score off the dribble. He averaged 30 pretty much just being a spot up shooter. Now, he can go AROUND people. Wow, what a talent. This rant has already predicted the Thunder will lose to the Bulls (with a healthy Derrick Rose) in the Finals. Really scary part? OKC's core. Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka? No one over the age of 23 and all signed on. Watch out, people.
45) The world lost a few expert skiers this week in the Washington avalanche. Very sad. I felt bad laughing at my co-worker telling us today in a team meeting about the avalanche in Washington, DC. Uhhh. No mountains there, girl.
46) RGIII changed his pro day to not conflict with Andrew Luck's. Good move. You are good. If you go before Luck, I am not sure what I will do, but I will do SOMETHING. Can't happen, people.
47) Jay Haas beat Phil Mickelson in a playoff in the PGA event this weekend. In a related story, Semi-Charmed Kind of Life, the #1 songs of the year that no one reads the lyrics and realizes that the song is all about drugs and sex because it sounds so "happy," is also now again popular. Haas, you have to be pretty old, bro.
48) Syracuse bball barely escaped Rutgers over the weekend. In a story about 4 times longer than Favre comeback articles, Rutgers "almost" beats a LOT of good schools.
49) Ex-Raiders Routt signs with the Chiefs. Watch these guys, people. Subpar division. Healthy Cassel coming back. Solid RB situation. If the Chargers play yet another year of only playing 11 quality games, put me in for the Chiefs as your AFC West champion.
50) I think DVD's with movies having "alternate endings" is stupid. Dumb. Listen, thanks for the extra shit to watch when I rent it, but to me, it just seems like you were undecided of how to end the movie. My theory is this. If I don't like the movie (happens frequently), then I guess you are telling me "well, Fillerbuster, we ALMOST decided to end it THIS way. Better?"
51) Oscar weekend. GO Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close. In the words of Rocky IV, "you know what you have to do. Now, DO it. DO it." Movie is AWESOME.
52) That is it, people. Thanks for the time. I will be writing again Thursday night, so hope you check it out Friday morning. Hooks, lines, and sinkers. As one shepherd said to the other shepherd, I am going to get the flock out of here. AND. Now, I'm done. Peace.
53) Enjoy the only rant that may ever exist without one single direct Seinfeld reference. Won't happen again.
Blog links that are assisting my cause:
ttp://www.hotvsnot.com
here is another blog website:
http://www.ontoplist.com/join/
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="jA500">Hostgator promo</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogdust.com/blog-directory/">Blogdust</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogs-collection.com/" title="blog directory" target="_blank">Blogs Directory</a>
and another one:
<!-- Begin BlogToplist tracker code -->
<a href="http://www.blogtoplist.com/sports/" title="Sports">
<img src="http://www.blogtoplist.com/tracker.php?u=192620" alt="Sports" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://billigtboende.weebly.com/hotell-london.html">billiga hotell london</a>
<!-- End BlogToplist tracker code -->
and another helpful one:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
and another one:
<a href="http://www.submitblognow.info/">Submit
another:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
In no particular order of chronology or importance...
I am boiling...in absolute need of a solid rant...
1) How are YOU feeling today, AJ Burnett? The Yankees bust pitching pick up a few years ago recently used his no trade power to veto a trade to the Angels. Yes. The SAME Angels with CJ Wilson and Albert Pujols. The same town that is by a beach and labels their highway with "the" in front of it. He was officially traded today. To where? The PIRATES. Wow. Dude. I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall in your head, and maybe you are mixing up football and basketball, but WHAT are you thinking? Good news? You will be in the starting rotation guaranteed. Bad news? That is NOT such a good sign that you are pretty much assured that spot...sign of the talent level you are moving over to.
2) Tim Wakefield, one of the last remaining active knuckle ballers, retired this week. Tim, you made the most of a dying art. Interesting side note #1? CNNSI had him retiring after 17 years, and ESPN had him retiring after 19 seasons. Weird. Interesting side note #2? Guess that pretty much does it for that knuckleball CATCHER who had a job the last few seasons because of Wakefield still playing. He SPECIALIZED in catching knuckballers. Monster.com in your future?
3) Hook where the joke is there, but I just can't find it. George Lucas, legendary movie guy and the creator of Star Wars, has a daughter who is a professional MMA fighter. Amanda Lucas is a badass, and if I could just figure out how to figure out a stormtrooper reference with MMA, I am sure it would be funny.
3a) A "hook" is what I used to call a "take." With increased traffic, I need my own jargon. It was in HONOR of you, Rome, I swear.
4) Multi-reference hook. In my "Groundhog Day" hook, Sidney Crosby "skated again with no timeline of his return," and Greg Oden "undergoes another knee surgery." The former makes me sad because I want him back on the ice for us fans, and the latter makes me sad because I truly believe that, in a league sort of deficient on classic big men, he would have been a game changer. Instead of getting a taste of his talent before injuries like Grant Hill or Tracy McGrady, Greg is pulling more of a KiJana Carter. Had a feeling, but no proof since college, and probably no proof after. Someone go find that freaking groundhog from the movie and ask him if it will be JUST six more weeks of rehab.
5) Talk about bad starts. Jimmie Johnson has ALREADY gotten busted for trying on purpose or accidentally to cheat...and they haven't even started racing yet. Something about restrictor plates being not within the rules. Would love to tell you more, but that would be like Keanu Reeves telling us about acting.
6) These people who are bitching about 2.5 Men being crappy since Sheen's departure are starting to bother me. Everyone needs to realize this. They did NOT pull a new Coke tank. They didn't PURPOSELY and PROACTIVELY change the show with a new strategy. They HAD to improvise. They couldn't predict they would have to kick Sheen off the show (actually, it wouldn't be like splitting the atom, but it wasn't concrete either). I don't think the show is that bad now. The emphasis on Alan HAS to exist since that is the only main thing they have that they might think people will like. For all of those doubters and pessimists, YOU try keeping a hit show going successfully when the main funny character now does not exist. It takes creativity, people, and I give them a B+ for their effort.
7) Elite soccer player Lionel Messi scored 4 goals against Valencia this week. Using Jim Rome's system described in my last rant (each goal scored equals 2 touchdowns in American football), that means he scored 8 touchdowns in one game. Pretty stellar if you ask me. Rock on, bro. I still don't agree with CNNSI ranking you #1 as best of all time. Give me Pele or Diego in a heartbeat.
8) Yay. Manny Ramirez is back in the big leagues...with a minor league comeback for the A's. Why do I say "yay?" Not because I want to see him play, but only because my "special" team members have MUCH more opportunity to do dumb shit when actually in the team atmosphere and traveling all around the nation. We are rooting for you, Manny. Just do SOMETHING stupid, bro. Please. Call Marcus Vick. He is my perennial designated driver.
9) I would like to meet the media person for LeBron James. Are they slacking, or do they just have not too much power? He had some time under the radar...just winning and reminding us how special of player he is on the court. Then, he opens his mouth ONCE too often. Before a game with Cleveland, he says that he could foresee him playing back in that town someday. Shut UP, dude. THEN, he modifies the statement to address Miami fans, and assures he is happy and planning on staying. For the most part, those Cleveland fans don't care. For the most part, NO city wants to hear where their present player MIGHT play years from now. For the most part, you need to just sticking to talking about your sick stats each night. Run EVERYTHING else through your media person.
10) Jeremy Lin had a bad night Friday...against the HORNETS. Weird. Anyway, he "rebounded" Sunday and was key in a big win against the Mavs. Here are my thoughts. First of all, in the win, he had 7 turnovers. I am still concerned about this overall, but we have to realize that he is LEARNING to play PG in the NBA...IN the NBA. It demands a HUGE learning curve. Fans, be patient. Second, in football there are 16 games TOTAL. In basketball, there are 82 games in a normal season and 66 total this year. So, in comparing this to Tebowmania, and then getting all sad because he had a bad game Friday, take it easy. Every NBA player is going to have bad games. Larger control group, more chances for being off one night. Third, did you hear about ESPN's major headline malfunction? Kind of scary, that even during the evening shift at the sports powerhouse, that no one high up was there to edit this headline. "Chink in the Armor?" Wow, guys. Not too classy, and I am assuming some heads rolled the next day from that shift.
11) Baseball journeyman Mike Cameron retired this week. What a quality player he was, and shame he didn't get a few more accolades or a ring. He deserved it. 2001 All-Star, a couple Gold Gloves, and tied for a record that I can't ever really see topped. He is one of 13 players to hit 4 home runs in one game. Sure, it is a big group, but I can't see anyone ever hitting 5, so I think he is safe. Good luck to you, Mike, and thanks for the great baseball you gave us.
12) Does anyone else think this is odd? Not only were Hangover 1 and 2 the same exact movie, and not only is this new movie Project X made by the same guy, but in the preview, I noticed a funny scene during the previews where a little guy pops out of the oven. Short on ideas, bro? Instead of having the Asian guy jump out of a car, you went with the little guy out of the oven? I am not exactly pulling a Bob Beamon by making that parallel (Google him if you don't get the reference).
13) The sky is blue, the grass is green, and an athlete wants more money. I hear that Ray Rice wants "Adrian Peterson money." That's great, man. Thanks for being "one of those guys." I know RB's shelf life is not that long, but I think you are slightly reaching here. You have one less year under your belt. You trail him by 2400 in rushing yards (two seasons at your rate), 64-24 in TD's (Adrian could sit out a year and you wouldn't catch him), 4.8 YPA to 4.6 YPA (not bad, actually), 336-176 first downs (pretty big difference, bro), and trail him in yards per reception 9.6 to 8.9. You whip him in lack of fumbles lost (5 to 13), but I think you should just take a raise, not talk about him, and call it a day.
14) JR Smith is BACK! Yay. Now I have three reasons to watch the Knicks. I can watch Melo play bullfighting defense (Olay!), Lin keeping the movement going, and anxiously waiting for JR to do SOMETHING stupid, and then admire his creativity of that stupidity. What an exciting team. In their holster, remember they have Baron Davis. Baron playing for the Washington Generals would be interesting at some level. By the way, who cares that the Knicks picked up Smith? What I care about is THIS. Who will pick up Ronaldo Balkman, the guy they had to cut to make room for Smith? If I am an NBA GM, I am figuring out how to pick that guy up. Yesterday.
15) The second and third best players ever at NC State (Chris Corchiani and Tom Gugliotta (David Thompson was #1 by the way)) got kicked out of the game Saturday...by the game's official, Karl Hess. If you watch the incident, it appears that Karl Hess was suddenly moody, and forgot that he is a veteran official and is abused on a nightly basis. Judging by their reaction, it is evident to me Karl had a short fuse, or their quiet comments must have been REALLY witty and irritating. I think Hess was wrong. You hear people yelling all kinds of shit at games, and they are just fans at that game. You let it ride. I am not saying ex-greats should have free reign-just don't think they did anything obvious enough to merit a public banishment.
16) UVA basketball defense. They don't allow anything to happen in the lane and guard man to man on the perimeter VERY tough. Tied 31-31 at halftime, they beat Maryland 71-44. Good stuff, guys. Especially after a couple meltdowns against teams that could have made statements and a less than flashy loss against a subpar Clemson game, this was needed.
17) Family Guy is doing their Revenge of the Nerds musical performance bit in a talent show episode. Classic.
18) Speaking of the early 80's, I caught Beverly Hills Cop this weekend. I have decided that Eddie Murphy is the Rick Ankiel of the movie/ comedy world. Bare with me. If you recall, Rick Ankiel was a stud pitcher who woke up one day and couldn't throw a strike to save his life. He was like Charlie Sheen in Major League before he got glasses. Anyway, Ankiel found a new role as an outfielder. Eddie Murphy? He SUDDENLY became NOT funny. OVERNIGHT. I believe it started with Beverly Hills Cop 3. For the younger readers, check out Trading Places, Raw, Delirious, early SNL shows, Bev Hills Cop I and II, and some others. The original Beverly Hills Cop is SO funny. So, Eddie becomes NOT funny, is as lost as Kevin Costner for a bit (who NEVER recovered except for sport movies), and then finds a new role in kids movies and as a supporting actor in other flicks. He adapted. Side note, and VERY important point. Every guy has a "flipper" when watching TV. What did I have? The OT Nugs/ Thunder game AND Golden Child. If you are not familiar with The Golden Child, it is the worst movie released DURING the time that Eddie Murphy was still funny. You still laugh at it. Trust me. "I want the knife..."
18a) Plus, what the hell other time in life could you have an all synthesizer theme song rule the air waves for months? Harold Faltermeyer. Axel F. It is like Peter in Family Guy walking around to his own theme music after being granted that wish. Axel F just ROCKED, and was MANDATORY for a young piano player back in the day. So was Jump by Van Halen. So were those stupid Richard Marx songs. Damn.
19) My favorite tattoo story is Jason Terry's. In October of 2010, without a championship, he got a tattoo on his arm of the Larry O'Brien trophy. A little assuming, aye? Yup. Except that after a lackluster year for the team and just sneaking in the playoffs, they go on to win it all. Brilliant. He got to hold the actual one, and has the tattoo to remind him of it. Just. Badass.
20) The plan to have Bubba Watson's recently purchased General Lee be the pace car in Phoenix later this year was scrapped. The confederate flag was deemed negative on a sport trying to rid itself of that image. I get it, but it still sucks. I might have actually turned on that race. In related news, the Budweiser shootout happened this weekend, the week before Daytona. A race with no points awarded, so evidently it actually makes racers more uninhibited. Whatever. Also, in more related news, Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle are in the front row for Daytona. I wouldn't be so excited, but I said Biffle's team would win the team part this year. Well, I read an entire NASCAR preview on it and then passed my naive opinions along. Biffle. What a cool name.
21) Read this one slowly. UNC bball won over Clemson for the 56th straight time at home. FIFTY SIX. That is a LOT. Powerhouse or not, in all of the ebb and flow of rebuilding years, etc., they haven't won in 56 tries. Wow. They should have caught them in the late 90's or early 2000's, because I can't see it happening anytime soon on the Roy Williams watch.
22) I admit at times I am slow. I admit it. The first 10 times I saw the State Farm Insurance commercial when the male agent and the tough guy were talking was some odd "journey" guy to guy moment on TV. On the 11th time, I caught that it was simply a Journey band reference. My bad. Anyway I want it? Anyway you need it. All night? Every night. Got it now. Whoops.
23) I wasn't worried about Hue Jackson not getting another job. Back to the land of assistant coaching and having to prove himself all over again and have us forget about his verbal rant after the season, he is back with the Bengals. Good luck, Hue. Aside from that little rant, you did a pretty good job with lackluster talent in my opinion.
24) Crazy stat I heard this week. Dwayne Wade made his FIRST 3 ptr of the SEASON this week. Dude might not be Reggie Miller, but he can shoot ok. I would have bet the house that this stat was wrong. It is not. NOW, you can sleep better at night with that little nugget. Tell your friends.
25) The Wings are now at 23 straight home games with a win. Nice streak, guys. I would say more on this, but have already commented on it in the last 3 rants. Maybe I will have something next time. I feel like I have been writing about this streak for weeks, which I have. Good stuff.
26) We are getting closer to March, and things are heating up and getting weirder. Baylor continues its not so impressive run against decent teams by losing AT HOME to Kansas State (on my brief editing run, I can now report they beat a subpar Texas team), previously upstart UNLV gets beat by a suddenly upstart New Mexico (coached by ex-Indiana great, Steve Alford-'87 player of the year (Keith Smart was actually the hero for the record)), Marquette beats UCONN AT UNCONN, and Murray State stomps a very good St. Mary's team (St. Mary's WAS missing one main guy-wouldn't have made a difference) on national TV with Dick Vitale in the house. Good stuff, and I am getting so excited for my favorite month of the year when I ignore everyone and everything except for work.
27) If I EVER Tivo a game, show, or event, it will be when I miss a Hubie Brown announced NBA game...even if it the Wizards against the Bobcats. Ok, maybe that is reaching, but you get the point. Brilliance on the mic, my friends.
28) I am kind of impressed by the press the last couple days. Not much being said about Colts owner Irsay or Colts QB Peyton Manning. VERY proud of you all. The silence actually heightens the anticipation of something very, very big coming out in the next week (kind of like the anticipation of death actually made Hard to Kill watchable). It could be franchise changing, along with balance of power shifting movement in the NFL.
29) I have invented a new term. "Public Jogger." You know these people. You are at a bar on a Friday or Saturday night at 9pm in a busy part of town, and this workout gear decked out person runs by the place you are. These people have an odd motivation source. They HAVE to pick a busy street or busy time of night to run by people who a) are having fun on a normal fun night b) will see them running and therefore the person HAS to keep on running. These people are shallow. Either that, or this is their way of being social. Like they CAN'T find a park or less busy street nearby...right. Rock on, public jogger. I will run in a dark park and know I am STILL doing good for myself. I don't need eyes on me.
30) Big week for boxer Dereck Chisora. He slaps Klitscho at the pre fight conference, then loses, THEN gets in a brawl with ex-champion David Haye AFTER the loss. Apparently still upset for having a random "c" in his name, he will now look for a new opponent. Dude, give Kim Clijsters a call to hang out. She is still getting over the "j."
31) Imagine. Utah football was pretty damn good being in a subpar conference and playing better teams with less than top flight talent. Now, they are in the Pac-12. Better schools. More visibility. Something tells me they will be in a BCS bowl about 3 years from now. They might have to capitalize on a rebuilding year for USC, but I think this is a good ballpark guess.
32) Injuries might have forced him off the radar for a year or so, but look out baseball world. Joe Mauer is back, and healthy. Who is he? You baseball people already know how badass he is. For you non-baseball fans, he is "the guy in the Head and Shoulders Troy Polamalu" commercials.
33) Thanks Mr. Truckdriver from 1993. Thanks for FINALLY apologizing to Bobby Hurley for ruining his NBA career back then. Daniel Wieland hit Hurley in an almost fatal car crash on Bobby's drive back from a game. Not sure why it took so long, and I for one am curious how well that tough kid would have panned out in the league, but I guess now is better than never. I am not saying that he would have made it long term, but let's just say this about his toughness. The doctor that night said that 99% of people would have died in that crash. HE didn't. Maybe he didn't have all of the physical tools, but no one can crack his character or will.
34) Bruce Weber has told the media that he refuses to resign at Illinois basketball. I know, I know. It is just my prerogative, but I get this feeling after this last little losing streak, that you might not have that option by the end of March. It is in the cards, as they say.
35) Count me in on the old Wichita State bandwagon. Before you leave this hook, remember that you WILL most likely be entering a bracket pool in March...no matter HOW much you care about college bball. I am off the UNLV bandwagon, and on the Shocker bandwagon (it is the mascot of the team, people-not a bad joke). Legitimate 7 footer, experienced squad, and great coach. Solid backcourt. If I am in a major conference hovering around .500 in that conference, I would be HORRIFIED to see them on Selection Sunday in my first game.
36) I recently went grocery shopping. I have OCD and get the same thing every time. I have a full cart every 2 weeks, but am in and out (barring bad check out lines) in about 22 minutes. Anyway, I was in the frozen aisle, and saw an item that I used to eat all the time back in the day. I will go on record with this. I think that the pizza version of Hot Pockets could be the greatest thing to come out of a microwave.
37) In their first statement game since becoming "good," the Sixers flamed out against the Mavs on national TV. Not saying they aren't decent, and they may win one round in the playoffs, but they are still missing SOMETHING. Cool as it is that your leading scorer comes off the bench, I personally don't think you are aligned for a championship if that is the case. Just saying.
38) Very cool when the genes come through. Kelvin Taylor, a 5 star RB from FL and a junior in high school, verbally committed to Florida. His dad? Fred Taylor. Thing that I still have not confirmed, don't have time to do further research during this rant, but made me do a double take was this. Dude has already broken Emmit Smith's HS record in rushing. Like I said, I didn't double check this, but crazy if he did it in 3 years.
39) Duke bball came back from 20 down with 11 plus left at Cameron to beat NC State the other night. Rule is this, people. AT Cameron, it is against the law to turn off any game with less than 4 minutes left if they are down. Why would you anyway? If Duke is winning, you know it will happen and can turn the channel and look for Beverly Hills Cop on TBS. If Duke is losing, you know "the run" is coming. And who doesn't love to see the chance of Duke losing at home for Pete's Sake. Side note. Get NC State while you can. Check out the recruiting for next year. NC State is BACK, and Indiana will also officially join the party.
40) San Antonio Spurs are at 10 straight wins. Manu Ginobili is hurt again. Peaking a little early, still making us worry about their health, and surprising us as always. Wait a minute. Nevermind. Don't sweat them, rest of the league. It is an even year with 2012. The Spurs can't win it in anything but an odd year. Case closed.
41) I hear the guy from Jersey Shore will be playing during NBA All-Star weekend. Someone asked me if I watch the show...since I am from New Jersey. Why do I need to watch it, for Pete's Sake? I am FROM Jersey. I LIVED it. I might tune in to make sure he can hold serve in basketball against non-Jersey people, but that is it. Shit. Just realize that my new habit of not watching MTV over the last 20 years has made me forget to try and catch the new Beavis and Buttheads. Damn.
42) Line I will sneak in SOME conversation over the next week, AND make it work. From Bev Hills Cop, "this is not my locker." I will. It will be funny. Maybe not funny funny. Maybe dumb Fillerbuster11 funny.
43) In one other jogger hook, check this out. Someone passed the bar I was last weekends jogging, with the words "freedom" on his workout gear. I look at my buddy, and say "I suddenly feel like going to watch Braveheart." Without prepping it (I have know my friend for a LOT of years), we both simultaneously yell "Freedom!" at the top of our lungs. The guy, who is now 20 feet down the way, gives us a thumbs up as he runs away. I am entertained by very little things, but it was my favorite part of the day/ night.
44) Kevin Durant had 51 points in the OT win against the Nugs. Scary thing is this. Not only is he an oversized 3-think the next generation's version of Dirk... Now, the dude can score off the dribble. He averaged 30 pretty much just being a spot up shooter. Now, he can go AROUND people. Wow, what a talent. This rant has already predicted the Thunder will lose to the Bulls (with a healthy Derrick Rose) in the Finals. Really scary part? OKC's core. Durant, Westbrook, Harden, and Ibaka? No one over the age of 23 and all signed on. Watch out, people.
45) The world lost a few expert skiers this week in the Washington avalanche. Very sad. I felt bad laughing at my co-worker telling us today in a team meeting about the avalanche in Washington, DC. Uhhh. No mountains there, girl.
46) RGIII changed his pro day to not conflict with Andrew Luck's. Good move. You are good. If you go before Luck, I am not sure what I will do, but I will do SOMETHING. Can't happen, people.
47) Jay Haas beat Phil Mickelson in a playoff in the PGA event this weekend. In a related story, Semi-Charmed Kind of Life, the #1 songs of the year that no one reads the lyrics and realizes that the song is all about drugs and sex because it sounds so "happy," is also now again popular. Haas, you have to be pretty old, bro.
48) Syracuse bball barely escaped Rutgers over the weekend. In a story about 4 times longer than Favre comeback articles, Rutgers "almost" beats a LOT of good schools.
49) Ex-Raiders Routt signs with the Chiefs. Watch these guys, people. Subpar division. Healthy Cassel coming back. Solid RB situation. If the Chargers play yet another year of only playing 11 quality games, put me in for the Chiefs as your AFC West champion.
50) I think DVD's with movies having "alternate endings" is stupid. Dumb. Listen, thanks for the extra shit to watch when I rent it, but to me, it just seems like you were undecided of how to end the movie. My theory is this. If I don't like the movie (happens frequently), then I guess you are telling me "well, Fillerbuster, we ALMOST decided to end it THIS way. Better?"
51) Oscar weekend. GO Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close. In the words of Rocky IV, "you know what you have to do. Now, DO it. DO it." Movie is AWESOME.
52) That is it, people. Thanks for the time. I will be writing again Thursday night, so hope you check it out Friday morning. Hooks, lines, and sinkers. As one shepherd said to the other shepherd, I am going to get the flock out of here. AND. Now, I'm done. Peace.
53) Enjoy the only rant that may ever exist without one single direct Seinfeld reference. Won't happen again.
Blog links that are assisting my cause:
ttp://www.hotvsnot.com
here is another blog website:
http://www.ontoplist.com/join/
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/" id="jA500">Hostgator promo</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogdust.com/blog-directory/">Blogdust</a>
here is another one:
<a href="http://www.blogs-collection.com/" title="blog directory" target="_blank">Blogs Directory</a>
and another one:
<!-- Begin BlogToplist tracker code -->
<a href="http://www.blogtoplist.com/sports/" title="Sports">
<img src="http://www.blogtoplist.com/tracker.php?u=192620" alt="Sports" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a href="http://billigtboende.weebly.com/hotell-london.html">billiga hotell london</a>
<!-- End BlogToplist tracker code -->
and another helpful one:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
and another one:
<a href="http://www.submitblognow.info/">Submit
another:
<a href="http://www.topblogarea.com/sports/" title="Sports blogs"><img border="0" src="http://www.topblogarea.com/tracker.php?do=in&id=196100" alt="Sports blogs"></a>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)