Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Baseball HOF Voting
Mark McGwire - no way. He hit a very significant portion (42%) of his career home runs between 1996 and 1999 while he was on the juice. He had to be on the juice, the only logical conclusion one could draw following his Congressional Testimony before the 2005 season "I'm not here to talk about the past." His career numbers from 1987 to 1995 weren't above average for the league. He had some nice home run totals, but didn't hit for a respectable average from 1989-91 (.235 OR LESS). He missed most of 1993 and 1994 due to injuries. When the steriod wing of the Hall of Fame opens in Tijuana (late Padres 3B Ken Caminiti's source), McGwire can be inducted in the innaugural class. Similarly, hit leader Pete Rose can go in with Joe Jackson to the Vegas wing.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Thanksgiving Football
There is a third game in the 8ET timeslot. It's Denver at Kansas City, of note is an AFC team hosting a game. It will air on the NFL Network (available in HD depending on satellite/cable service provider) instead of broadcast or ESPN (though I think the DEN and KC network affiliates will have the opportunity to air the game locally. I wonder if it will draw a higher rating than the lame Lions in the 12ET time slot.
12:30 PM ET - Miami 23 Detroit 10. I'm wondering if the NFL is going to cancel the Lions' hosting Thanksgiving football if GM Matt Millen isn't gone before the next schedule is made. Maybe they can threaten Detroit with Flex Scheduling for THEIR Thanksgiving game. I'm not too disappointed that I'll be in the car for the start of this game!
4:15 PM ET - Dallas 27 Tampa Bay 13. Tampa will have to come up with a Herculean effort to defeat the surging Cowboys. I fear having to listen to Joe Buck announce this game.
I'm not surprised by Cowboy PK Mike Vanderjagt's struggles, search for his name (CTRL-F) in my post following the Steelers-Colts game last season:
http://webjavaworld.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_webjavaworld_archive.html
2005 Playoffs - Steelers 20, Colts 17. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (46 yds)
2004 Opener - Patriots 30, Colts 27. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (44 yds)
2000 Playoffs - MV missed way wide right in overtime (42 yds).
Once, an isolated incident. Twice, a trend. Three times, ... Houston, we have a problem.
8:00 ET Denver 23 Kansas City 17. Al Davis can't be happy that the AFC West rivalry being showcased in this one doesn't involve his Raiders, but I can't remember the last time they won an AFC West game. OK, it was in the snow against the Broncos in 2004 (the snow is the only reason I remember that). The Broncos were ambushed by LaDanian Tomlinson and the Chargers in the second half last week, the East Coast newspaper audience had to think that the writers just changed some names and numebrs from the Cincinnati game the week before! QB Jake Plummer hasn't played well this season and needs to rediscover his 2005 form.
BCS - Michigan played well enough in my mind that they could end up behind USC, Florida, Arkansas, or maybe West Virginia should those teams win out. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, college football polling isn't like a golf competition where a low score can be posted early and hold up on its own merit. USC, Florida, and Arkansas all have games left against good (UCLA, Florida State) and excellent (Notre Dame, LSU, Ark-Fla: each other) teams on their schedule that offer the opportunity to leave a strong impression with the voters. The challengers to #2 ranked according to the probability they can pass Michigan:
USC - Still has to win two more games, and this team has been winning ugly. They called on a backup kicker to kick a 49-yard field goal to tie up Cal at 9-9 in the 3rd quarter. Their last TD came on a 4th and 2 downfield pass (I was happy to see a formation with WR's in it, unlike last year's alignment agianst Texas).
Fla - They cleaned up on Western Carolina last week. I-AA opponent? This week's game against FSU shouldn't be a difficult victory, even if it's a rivalry game.
WV - Their one loss was on the road to Louisville, stud RB Steve Slaton was injured in the second half, they fell behind while he was out. If they beat Rutgers at home they might (unlikely based on current BCS rankings) challenge the Wolverines.
Ark - They lost 50-14 to USC, and their SEC road wasn't as challenging as Florida's.
ND - They won't be able to overcome their 47-21 loss to Michigan; the Wolverines are in the BCS clubhouse ahead of the Irish.
12:30 PM ET - Miami 23 Detroit 10. I'm wondering if the NFL is going to cancel the Lions' hosting Thanksgiving football if GM Matt Millen isn't gone before the next schedule is made. Maybe they can threaten Detroit with Flex Scheduling for THEIR Thanksgiving game. I'm not too disappointed that I'll be in the car for the start of this game!
4:15 PM ET - Dallas 27 Tampa Bay 13. Tampa will have to come up with a Herculean effort to defeat the surging Cowboys. I fear having to listen to Joe Buck announce this game.
I'm not surprised by Cowboy PK Mike Vanderjagt's struggles, search for his name (CTRL-F) in my post following the Steelers-Colts game last season:
http://webjavaworld.blogspot.com/2006_01_01_webjavaworld_archive.html
2005 Playoffs - Steelers 20, Colts 17. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (46 yds)
2004 Opener - Patriots 30, Colts 27. MV missed way wide right at end of regulation (44 yds)
2000 Playoffs - MV missed way wide right in overtime (42 yds).
Once, an isolated incident. Twice, a trend. Three times, ... Houston, we have a problem.
8:00 ET Denver 23 Kansas City 17. Al Davis can't be happy that the AFC West rivalry being showcased in this one doesn't involve his Raiders, but I can't remember the last time they won an AFC West game. OK, it was in the snow against the Broncos in 2004 (the snow is the only reason I remember that). The Broncos were ambushed by LaDanian Tomlinson and the Chargers in the second half last week, the East Coast newspaper audience had to think that the writers just changed some names and numebrs from the Cincinnati game the week before! QB Jake Plummer hasn't played well this season and needs to rediscover his 2005 form.
BCS - Michigan played well enough in my mind that they could end up behind USC, Florida, Arkansas, or maybe West Virginia should those teams win out. Unfortunately for the Wolverines, college football polling isn't like a golf competition where a low score can be posted early and hold up on its own merit. USC, Florida, and Arkansas all have games left against good (UCLA, Florida State) and excellent (Notre Dame, LSU, Ark-Fla: each other) teams on their schedule that offer the opportunity to leave a strong impression with the voters. The challengers to #2 ranked according to the probability they can pass Michigan:
USC - Still has to win two more games, and this team has been winning ugly. They called on a backup kicker to kick a 49-yard field goal to tie up Cal at 9-9 in the 3rd quarter. Their last TD came on a 4th and 2 downfield pass (I was happy to see a formation with WR's in it, unlike last year's alignment agianst Texas).
Fla - They cleaned up on Western Carolina last week. I-AA opponent? This week's game against FSU shouldn't be a difficult victory, even if it's a rivalry game.
WV - Their one loss was on the road to Louisville, stud RB Steve Slaton was injured in the second half, they fell behind while he was out. If they beat Rutgers at home they might (unlikely based on current BCS rankings) challenge the Wolverines.
Ark - They lost 50-14 to USC, and their SEC road wasn't as challenging as Florida's.
ND - They won't be able to overcome their 47-21 loss to Michigan; the Wolverines are in the BCS clubhouse ahead of the Irish.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
BCS Analysis and Forecast
#1 Ohio State v. #2 Michigan - The winner is in the title game, the loser goes to the Rose Bowl unless every other Division 1 team has at least 2 losses. The loser might be #2, but I don't think that it has distinguished itself so much from the other 115 Div I-A teams to get two shots at the #1 team before the other 1-loss teams get a 1st (save for ND v. Michigan rematch. If Ohio State is competitive w/ the Wolverines and ND is 10-1, then I would consider a rematch since ND was trounced by Michigan).
#3 USC - I think that they are correctly ranked here. I am a fan, but believe that their non-conference schedule of likely SEC West Champ Arkansas, likely Big 12 North Champ Nebraska, and Notre Dame (see #5) more than overcomes the difference between the Pac-10 and the SEC, Big 10, etc. That being said, I don't see this team winning its reamining 3 games in LA. Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA are all much better than the triumverate of Arizona State, Washington State, and Washington, all of whom were within a TD of USC in the 4th quarter and had possession of the football.
#4 Florida - They have stumbled since their loss to Auburn but have avoided a second loss. Non-conference schedule: Florida State (which hasn't lost LESS than 4 games since 2000), Southern Miss (ok), Central Florida (?), and Western Carolina (??). No non-conference games against a quality BCS conference team? Did Bill Snyder of Kansas State make this schedule?
#5 Notre Dame - Beat Georgia Tech, tops in ACC. 3-1 against the Big 11, but was mauled by Michigan 47-21, so I don't like the idea of putting them in a rematch. 2-0 against the Pac 10 w/ USC remaining. 2-0 against the Service Academies w/ Army remaining. They might want to look into playing SEC teams more frequently to take away some the SEC fodder "it's the best conference"... they don't (need to play) Army and Air Force every year.
#6 Rutgers - This probably is where they should be until we see them play West Virginia. Before any of their supporters point out that they defeated Illinois by 33 while Ohio State won by 7, they only beat a horrific North Carolina team by 5. The Big East is easliy the weakest of all the BCS conferences and Rutgers' non-conference schedule isn't that tough (Hey Florida, at least it has some BCS conference teams!): North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Howard, and Navy. Navy is the only team heading to a bowl, but they don't earn many of the required 6 wins against BCS conference teams.
#7 Arkansas - They were taken behind the woodshed by USC in their opener 50-14. The rest of the non-conference slate: Utah St. (?), SE Mo St.(??), Lousiana Monroe (???). They are probably even with Notre Dame in my mind.
#8 West Virginia - I think that they will defeat Rutgers at home. Many BCS suits will be pulling for them as well to prevent the playoff talk that will erupt if an undefeated Rutgers team is displaced in the title game by a 1-loss USC, Florida, or Notre Dame team.
This season is a great example to me of why a playoff isn't in college football's best interest. USC had 1 too many turnovers against Oregon State and had no shot at the championship game until FOUR 1-loss teams lost last Saturday. Florida's lackluster non-conference schedule has it behind a similar 1-loss USC team. Rutgers is undefeated, but there might be more than 3 undefeated Div I-A teams if they played the Scarlet Knights' schedule. I'd be intrigued by a 12-0 Rutgers team, I need to see that first.
Forecast:
#1 Ohio State over Michigan (Jim Tressel owns the Wolverines the way they owned John Cooper).
#3 USC loses at least once to Cal, ND, or UCLA.
#4 Florida wins out over Western Carloina, Florida State, and Arkansas.
#5 Notre Dame wins out.. If the over/under for USC is in the 50s, go under. The two offenses will try to limit the amount of time their defenses are on the field.
#6 Rutgers - loses to West Virginia.
#7 Arkansas - loses to LSU and Florida.
Title Game - Ohio State v. Florida (****FOX, PLEASE SPARE US FROM JOE BUCK. JUST ONCE!****)
#3 USC - I think that they are correctly ranked here. I am a fan, but believe that their non-conference schedule of likely SEC West Champ Arkansas, likely Big 12 North Champ Nebraska, and Notre Dame (see #5) more than overcomes the difference between the Pac-10 and the SEC, Big 10, etc. That being said, I don't see this team winning its reamining 3 games in LA. Cal, Notre Dame, and UCLA are all much better than the triumverate of Arizona State, Washington State, and Washington, all of whom were within a TD of USC in the 4th quarter and had possession of the football.
#4 Florida - They have stumbled since their loss to Auburn but have avoided a second loss. Non-conference schedule: Florida State (which hasn't lost LESS than 4 games since 2000), Southern Miss (ok), Central Florida (?), and Western Carolina (??). No non-conference games against a quality BCS conference team? Did Bill Snyder of Kansas State make this schedule?
#5 Notre Dame - Beat Georgia Tech, tops in ACC. 3-1 against the Big 11, but was mauled by Michigan 47-21, so I don't like the idea of putting them in a rematch. 2-0 against the Pac 10 w/ USC remaining. 2-0 against the Service Academies w/ Army remaining. They might want to look into playing SEC teams more frequently to take away some the SEC fodder "it's the best conference"... they don't (need to play) Army and Air Force every year.
#6 Rutgers - This probably is where they should be until we see them play West Virginia. Before any of their supporters point out that they defeated Illinois by 33 while Ohio State won by 7, they only beat a horrific North Carolina team by 5. The Big East is easliy the weakest of all the BCS conferences and Rutgers' non-conference schedule isn't that tough (Hey Florida, at least it has some BCS conference teams!): North Carolina, Illinois, Ohio, Howard, and Navy. Navy is the only team heading to a bowl, but they don't earn many of the required 6 wins against BCS conference teams.
#7 Arkansas - They were taken behind the woodshed by USC in their opener 50-14. The rest of the non-conference slate: Utah St. (?), SE Mo St.(??), Lousiana Monroe (???). They are probably even with Notre Dame in my mind.
#8 West Virginia - I think that they will defeat Rutgers at home. Many BCS suits will be pulling for them as well to prevent the playoff talk that will erupt if an undefeated Rutgers team is displaced in the title game by a 1-loss USC, Florida, or Notre Dame team.
This season is a great example to me of why a playoff isn't in college football's best interest. USC had 1 too many turnovers against Oregon State and had no shot at the championship game until FOUR 1-loss teams lost last Saturday. Florida's lackluster non-conference schedule has it behind a similar 1-loss USC team. Rutgers is undefeated, but there might be more than 3 undefeated Div I-A teams if they played the Scarlet Knights' schedule. I'd be intrigued by a 12-0 Rutgers team, I need to see that first.
Forecast:
#1 Ohio State over Michigan (Jim Tressel owns the Wolverines the way they owned John Cooper).
#3 USC loses at least once to Cal, ND, or UCLA.
#4 Florida wins out over Western Carloina, Florida State, and Arkansas.
#5 Notre Dame wins out.. If the over/under for USC is in the 50s, go under. The two offenses will try to limit the amount of time their defenses are on the field.
#6 Rutgers - loses to West Virginia.
#7 Arkansas - loses to LSU and Florida.
Title Game - Ohio State v. Florida (****FOX, PLEASE SPARE US FROM JOE BUCK. JUST ONCE!****)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
R.I.P. John F. Kerry
This JFK is a complete IDIOT. I've heard hime attempt to tell jokes and his delivery of "Stuck in Iraq" doesn't sound at all like his joke-telling delivery, honed over the course of his 60-year (estimated) life. I'm not satisfied with our current President, but every time a reporter puts a microphone in front of Kerry, he gives me another reason to be satisfied with the 2004 Presidential Election result. Listening to JFK explain the losers, dummies, and disadvantaged that serve in our military, I have no idea how our military was able to win WWI or WWII. The way that JFK sees things, our military is the equivalent of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, MLB's Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the NBA's/Isiah Thomas' New York Knicks. But our country TRULY VALUES patriotism, something that clearly escapes JFK. MY QUESTION: How does he not grasp the concept of patriotism after serving in the Armed Forces and then holding office in our national government for the past 20+ years? "Reporting for Duty" at the 2004 DNC Convention, YEAH RIGHT! He ought to retreat to one of his mansions NOW and spend a lot of time fishing, windsurfing, skiing, golfing, SUV touring, etc. What are the Jerry Lewis Telethon info-babes at MSNBC going to do with this one? Especially since JFK won't apologize! They had better find some cheerleading outfits complete w/ pom-pom's if they aren't going to report this event with zeal. Stick a fork in you JFK, you are done. Will Massachusetts have the dignity to run a different candidate for Senate in 2008 when JFK's term is up? Too bad it's a rhetorical question.
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Dark Season is Here
The end of Daylight Savings means that the sun goes down to early. I'll be ready to spring ahead in a couple of weeks!
World Series - The Tigers finally played their age and experience level. They didn't need the DH, they needed a DF... their pitchers set a record with 5 errors in 5 games, 1 in each! National TV ratings were down, I'm not surprised since neither DET or STL is a huge TV market, and the Tigers certainly haven't been maintaining their fan base over the past 15 years. Add in the 8:30 first pitch times, Joe Buck (I've never liked), Tim McCarver (I like him but I know that most don't), 2:30 between innings and pitching changes, and it's no surprise that ratings are down. Next year the WS starts on a TUE, I'm figuring that there will be a 3-day shift to the right to include a travel day in between games 4 and 5 in the first round. The other 2 days, I guess 1 before the start of the playoffs and 1 between the LCS and the WS. I've heard that TBS will have an LCS and FOX will have one similar to the NBA arrangement w/ ESPN and TNT; hopefully that will be an improvement.
NFL Sunday Ticket should be comp'ed for any fan that goes to 1 Raider OR 49er game in person. The 49ers fell behind to CHI 41-0 in first half before making the final score a respectable 41-10! The Niners must have been blinded by those orange jerseys. The Raiders were sacked more often than they completed a pass (6 to 5). They finished with 14 yards passing, 98 yards of total offense. Their offense earned more first downs (5) by penalty than by actually gaining yardage (4). Most importantly, their defense had 1 less catch (4) than the offense (5) and OUTGAINED that offense on one play! Two INT returns for TDs (100, 24) were enough to beat the Steelers 20-13. I listened to the DEN-IND game on the radio to remember what a quality NFL game sounds like.
Good Games This Week:
NCAA: #3 West Virginia at #5 Louisville 7:30 ET Thursday on ESPN HD
NFL: Indianapolis (7-0) at New England (6-1) 8:00 ET Sunday on NBC HD
World Series - The Tigers finally played their age and experience level. They didn't need the DH, they needed a DF... their pitchers set a record with 5 errors in 5 games, 1 in each! National TV ratings were down, I'm not surprised since neither DET or STL is a huge TV market, and the Tigers certainly haven't been maintaining their fan base over the past 15 years. Add in the 8:30 first pitch times, Joe Buck (I've never liked), Tim McCarver (I like him but I know that most don't), 2:30 between innings and pitching changes, and it's no surprise that ratings are down. Next year the WS starts on a TUE, I'm figuring that there will be a 3-day shift to the right to include a travel day in between games 4 and 5 in the first round. The other 2 days, I guess 1 before the start of the playoffs and 1 between the LCS and the WS. I've heard that TBS will have an LCS and FOX will have one similar to the NBA arrangement w/ ESPN and TNT; hopefully that will be an improvement.
NFL Sunday Ticket should be comp'ed for any fan that goes to 1 Raider OR 49er game in person. The 49ers fell behind to CHI 41-0 in first half before making the final score a respectable 41-10! The Niners must have been blinded by those orange jerseys. The Raiders were sacked more often than they completed a pass (6 to 5). They finished with 14 yards passing, 98 yards of total offense. Their offense earned more first downs (5) by penalty than by actually gaining yardage (4). Most importantly, their defense had 1 less catch (4) than the offense (5) and OUTGAINED that offense on one play! Two INT returns for TDs (100, 24) were enough to beat the Steelers 20-13. I listened to the DEN-IND game on the radio to remember what a quality NFL game sounds like.
Good Games This Week:
NCAA: #3 West Virginia at #5 Louisville 7:30 ET Thursday on ESPN HD
NFL: Indianapolis (7-0) at New England (6-1) 8:00 ET Sunday on NBC HD
Monday, October 23, 2006
Kenny Rogers Pine Tar Roasters
What bothers me the most about this escapade is how soft we've become. It was ok, since he washed the stuff off his hand after the first inning. The Cardinals didn't complain... why? They didn't want to offend the other team's fans? These are the fans that burn their cities, incite riots w/ NBA players, etc. Manager Tony LaRussa should have bolted from the dugout moments after FOX slow-mo'd the close-ups on Rogers' hand. It was apparent in SD that he had something on his pitching hand. I know that it was football weather and not baseball weather, but then document the rules properly for substances allowed on pitcher's hands when the game time temp is less than 40F in swirling rain, sleet, and snow at night. Until then, no hitter should dig in lest one of those pitchers not be able to grip his pitch through the windup to the release point.
West Coast College Football Rant
HD Football availability on the West Coast for ESPN on ABC.
Is essentially 0. While the rest of the nation was able to watch Texas v. Nebraska in HD last Saturday, the West Coast was stuck w/ San Jose St v. Nevada in SD. Is there any means of allowing/enabling/encouraging the West Coast affiliates to air HD Sports feeds on their HD Channels, for both broadcast and cable/satellite providers? I checked the cartoons that were on at 9:30 am PT; those weren't in HD, so it's not as if any alternative programming would be diminished by airing HD sports in its place. That's just one example. Most of the regional 8ET/5PT games have the west coast game in SD and the rest of the nation able to see HD. (Check the map at http://espn-att.starwave.com/espntv/topics/coveragemaps/map102106_12.jpg) The HD games should be simulcast in HD on the west coast affiliates when the regional game won't be broadcast in HD. An HD set, tuner, and subscription is an expensive investment, and the inability to watch HD programming because a viewer lives west of the Rocky Mountains is ridiculous. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Is essentially 0. While the rest of the nation was able to watch Texas v. Nebraska in HD last Saturday, the West Coast was stuck w/ San Jose St v. Nevada in SD. Is there any means of allowing/enabling/encouraging the West Coast affiliates to air HD Sports feeds on their HD Channels, for both broadcast and cable/satellite providers? I checked the cartoons that were on at 9:30 am PT; those weren't in HD, so it's not as if any alternative programming would be diminished by airing HD sports in its place. That's just one example. Most of the regional 8ET/5PT games have the west coast game in SD and the rest of the nation able to see HD. (Check the map at http://espn-att.starwave.com/espntv/topics/coveragemaps/map102106_12.jpg) The HD games should be simulcast in HD on the west coast affiliates when the regional game won't be broadcast in HD. An HD set, tuner, and subscription is an expensive investment, and the inability to watch HD programming because a viewer lives west of the Rocky Mountains is ridiculous. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Kenny Rogers Roasters
Detroit is turning to the 41-year old who hasn't allowed a run in his 2 postseason starts to even the World Series at 1. The game tonight figures to have some interesting plays in it because of the wintery conditions (snow flurries, rain, sleet?, temps in the low 30's). I think the Tigers will win, I don't see their bats being stymied by the Cardinals rotation over the duration of the series. I'll miss Scott Spezio's Cardinal Red Goatee after the series ends.
Oakland - The A's pennance for not taking the tarps off the upper deck of McAffee Colesium was losing in 4 straight. It's too bad that Raider owner Al Davis didn't force his team to win a game before ok'ing sodding over the infield dirt.
New York - The Corey Lidle tragedy took the attention away from 3B Alex Rodriguez. The Mets got to Game 7 of the LCS despite losing SPs Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez right before the playoffs and LF Cliff Floyd during them. Unfortunatley, PH-1B Julio Franco was starting to look his age (48) at the plate in the playoffs.
NCAA - What was Miami HC Larry Coker watching during the fight between his team and FIU? He needs to check the tape to see what really happened? Did he need binoculars to see a helmet being used as part of aroundhouse right to an opposing player? Does he rememeber broadcaster Keith Jackson's comments during an on-field fracas between Miami and Colorado 10-15 years ago "If this is what college football is about now-adays, I'm not sure that I want to be associated with it". The Hurricanes barely beat Duke this weekend, and if the Orange Bowl would be 75% empty for a couple of games that would be nice (it was half-empty for the FIU game).
NBA - Stephen Jackson of the Pacers fired his handgun after leaving a men's entertainment club in the wee hours of the morning. This guy doesn't seem to have had success improving his judgment skills since charging into the stands behind Ron Artest at the Palace a couple of years ago.
NFL - 8:30 ESPN MNF Dallas (-3) 27 NY Giants 20. The home team generally wins this series, TO is happy (at least for a week), and the Giants have a bad tendency this season to fall far behind early in the game.
Oakland - The A's pennance for not taking the tarps off the upper deck of McAffee Colesium was losing in 4 straight. It's too bad that Raider owner Al Davis didn't force his team to win a game before ok'ing sodding over the infield dirt.
New York - The Corey Lidle tragedy took the attention away from 3B Alex Rodriguez. The Mets got to Game 7 of the LCS despite losing SPs Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez right before the playoffs and LF Cliff Floyd during them. Unfortunatley, PH-1B Julio Franco was starting to look his age (48) at the plate in the playoffs.
NCAA - What was Miami HC Larry Coker watching during the fight between his team and FIU? He needs to check the tape to see what really happened? Did he need binoculars to see a helmet being used as part of aroundhouse right to an opposing player? Does he rememeber broadcaster Keith Jackson's comments during an on-field fracas between Miami and Colorado 10-15 years ago "If this is what college football is about now-adays, I'm not sure that I want to be associated with it". The Hurricanes barely beat Duke this weekend, and if the Orange Bowl would be 75% empty for a couple of games that would be nice (it was half-empty for the FIU game).
NBA - Stephen Jackson of the Pacers fired his handgun after leaving a men's entertainment club in the wee hours of the morning. This guy doesn't seem to have had success improving his judgment skills since charging into the stands behind Ron Artest at the Palace a couple of years ago.
NFL - 8:30 ESPN MNF Dallas (-3) 27 NY Giants 20. The home team generally wins this series, TO is happy (at least for a week), and the Giants have a bad tendency this season to fall far behind early in the game.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Division Series Observations
The Yankees face an elimination game against the Tigers and have shaken up their lineup a bit. Highest-paid free agent from the 2001 off-season, 1B/DH Jason Giambi ($119M/7 yrs) is on the bench. Highest-paid free agent from the 2000 off-season, 3B Alex Rodriguez ($250M/10 yrs) is hitting 8th. A-Rod hasn't hit 8th since his first full season in the major leagues. I wonder if George had Torre ask Sheffield if he wanted to try 3B again (his position when Julio Franco was only in his 30s).
The A's broke their ALDS jinx, the tarps over the upper-deck in McAffee Colesium must have been the key. They don't plan on taking the tarps off for the ALCS either. I don't understand it from a financial standpoint, the lower 2 levels sold out right away for the ALDS.
The Padres finally took a lead today, they even retired 1B Albert Pujols in a couple of dangerous situations to keep their lead through the 8th.
Auburn lost to Arkansas this afternoon when the Tigers couldn't prevent big plays, add them to the list of teams that need help to reach the BCS title game.
TO returns to the field in Philadelphia tomorrow with Dallas. The fans who booed Santa Claus will provide plenty of entertainment for the viewers and temptation for TO, how will he respond?
The A's broke their ALDS jinx, the tarps over the upper-deck in McAffee Colesium must have been the key. They don't plan on taking the tarps off for the ALCS either. I don't understand it from a financial standpoint, the lower 2 levels sold out right away for the ALDS.
The Padres finally took a lead today, they even retired 1B Albert Pujols in a couple of dangerous situations to keep their lead through the 8th.
Auburn lost to Arkansas this afternoon when the Tigers couldn't prevent big plays, add them to the list of teams that need help to reach the BCS title game.
TO returns to the field in Philadelphia tomorrow with Dallas. The fans who booed Santa Claus will provide plenty of entertainment for the viewers and temptation for TO, how will he respond?
Monday, October 02, 2006
October Baseball
The first postseason since 1991 that won't include the Atlanta Braves begins tomorrow. The last time that happened, I was in college, Ross Perot wasn't a household name, Julio Franco was an everyday player winning a batting title, ESPN2 didn't exist, let alone ESPNEWS, ESPNU, or ESPN360! SP John Smoltz was the only player on all 14 division winning teams, and his long-time Braves teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine wil face one another when the Mets and Dodgers play Game 2 of their division series. Television note of interest: the Yankees-Tigers series will be at 8 ET for all 5 games, why wouldn't FOX try to get the top 2 media markets (NYM vs. LAD) into the prime-time slot instead of all Yankees all the time. I mean, Tim McCarver is aware that other baseball teams exist. He's not former Yanke broadcaster Phil Rizzuto who talked more about Italian dinners than baseball during 1980's casts. It's too bad that the Tigers limped to the finish line one heartbeat faster than the Cardinals and will likely only play 3 games in October.
NY Mets over LA Dodgers in 5 - I can't remember teh last meaningful games that the Mets played... can they?
SD Padres over StL Cardinals in 4 - If the Cardinals and Tigers played a game right now, would either team win?
NY Yankees over Det Tigers in 3 - See above.
Minnesota over Oakland in 5 - The Twins are a solid team and can score runs more ways than Oakland can.
NFL - Titans DT Albert Haynesworth should have been suspended for the rest of the season for Leattnering an opposing player with his cleats in the head. The bandage on the Cowboys player was the size of a PGA putting green!
Patriots - not dead yet. They Cowboy'ed up and took out the Bengals to stay ahead of the rest of the lackluster AFC East. Maroney ripped off some good runs, Brady had his mind in the game, and the defense silenced the powerful Bengal offense.
TO - was quiet off the field and all posts pertaining to him will be of that varitey. He brought it upon himself, he's now a circus attraction with a sideshow for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon.
NY Mets over LA Dodgers in 5 - I can't remember teh last meaningful games that the Mets played... can they?
SD Padres over StL Cardinals in 4 - If the Cardinals and Tigers played a game right now, would either team win?
NY Yankees over Det Tigers in 3 - See above.
Minnesota over Oakland in 5 - The Twins are a solid team and can score runs more ways than Oakland can.
NFL - Titans DT Albert Haynesworth should have been suspended for the rest of the season for Leattnering an opposing player with his cleats in the head. The bandage on the Cowboys player was the size of a PGA putting green!
Patriots - not dead yet. They Cowboy'ed up and took out the Bengals to stay ahead of the rest of the lackluster AFC East. Maroney ripped off some good runs, Brady had his mind in the game, and the defense silenced the powerful Bengal offense.
TO - was quiet off the field and all posts pertaining to him will be of that varitey. He brought it upon himself, he's now a circus attraction with a sideshow for 3 hours on a Sunday afternoon.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Mr. Clinton and some light fare
I was able to view Mr. Clinton's appearance on the Fox New Channel Sunday in between the NFL games and was disappointed and unsurprised. He expressed the same anger as when asked about Monica Lewinsky and wagged his finger at Chris Wallace as only he and 1B Rafael Palmeiro can. Then he went on and on about trying... when in reality under his command the U.S. never responded to continuing attacks by the Islamic fascists. WTC in 93, Khobar Towers in 96, African Embassies in 98, USS COLE in 2000. His idea was to try the first batch of WTC bombers in court, as a legal matter, not a military one. That didn't do much to deter future attacks. Killing the people responsible would, that is what we are doing now, and it is necessary. Would courtrooms have been successful against the Japanese or Germans? This post would be in a different language if we tried that strategy.
On the lighter side - watched Studio 60 this week. They are poking fun at all things conservative, don't know how long I'll be able to watch the show. I'll remind myself that it's healthy to laugh at oneself.
KAS - thanks for the link to prompt this post. MSNBC - I'll have it on when they have one of their attractive info-babes (Roback, Witt, Brewer, etc) reading the news for a pleasent background noise. Olbermann is interesting talking about sports but why he can't apply the same logic when thinking about current events is an unsolved mystery.
NFL - The Patriots are vulnerable, but Miami isn't taking advantage with new QB Daunte Culpepper struggling. The Jets and Bills are surprisingly strong so the AFC East may be an interesting race.
TO - I heard the 911 audio and don't buy his explanation. Best commentary that I heard was from SF radio host Ralph Barberi - TO's therapist should be the one talking but the problem is that TO doesn't have a therapist. The man needs help, is he smart enough to seek it and follow it?
NCAA - Auburn edged South Carolina tonight 24-17 to stay undefeated. Of note, South Carolina ran 0, that's not a typo, zero, offensive plays in the 3rd quarter. Auburn ran 4 in the 4th quarter, the 4th being the kneel down after stopping the potential game-tying drive at the 6 yard line in the final seconds.
MLB
On the lighter side - watched Studio 60 this week. They are poking fun at all things conservative, don't know how long I'll be able to watch the show. I'll remind myself that it's healthy to laugh at oneself.
KAS - thanks for the link to prompt this post. MSNBC - I'll have it on when they have one of their attractive info-babes (Roback, Witt, Brewer, etc) reading the news for a pleasent background noise. Olbermann is interesting talking about sports but why he can't apply the same logic when thinking about current events is an unsolved mystery.
NFL - The Patriots are vulnerable, but Miami isn't taking advantage with new QB Daunte Culpepper struggling. The Jets and Bills are surprisingly strong so the AFC East may be an interesting race.
TO - I heard the 911 audio and don't buy his explanation. Best commentary that I heard was from SF radio host Ralph Barberi - TO's therapist should be the one talking but the problem is that TO doesn't have a therapist. The man needs help, is he smart enough to seek it and follow it?
NCAA - Auburn edged South Carolina tonight 24-17 to stay undefeated. Of note, South Carolina ran 0, that's not a typo, zero, offensive plays in the 3rd quarter. Auburn ran 4 in the 4th quarter, the 4th being the kneel down after stopping the potential game-tying drive at the 6 yard line in the final seconds.
MLB
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Couch Potato Saturday
NBC HD 3:30 ET Michigan (+7) 20 Notre Dame 16. The Irish got things untracked last week against Penn St, now continue the Big 10 portion of their schedule against Penn St. Michigan HC Lloyd Carr is on the hot seat and it's been a few years since his team has played well against the Irish.
ESPN on ABC HD 3:30 ET Miami (+ 4 1/2) 23 Louisville 20. The Hurricanes aren't that good, but the Cardinals are without star RB Michael Bush (season-ending injury). Pretty soon ESPN will be supplying all of the announcers to the ABC games.
CBS HD 3:30 ET Auburn 16 (-3) LSU 10. What was I thinking buying Navy tickets for the Stanford game on this day? I should upgrade the projector to a multi-input model for this time slot!
CBS HD 8:00 ET Florida 30 (-3 1/2) Tennessee 24. The Gators have owned the Vols in recent years and will offer a tougher opposition than the Cal Bears did.
ABC HD 8:00 ET Nebraska 20 (+19) USC 35. The Trojans got off to a slow start (for them) against Arkansas a couple of weeks ago, but after losing Leinart, White, and Bush, there's no surprise or shame to that. They stopped covering big spreads about the halfway point last season, and I haven't seen their defense improve enough to feel confident giving away more than 2 TDs.
ESPN on ABC HD 3:30 ET Miami (+ 4 1/2) 23 Louisville 20. The Hurricanes aren't that good, but the Cardinals are without star RB Michael Bush (season-ending injury). Pretty soon ESPN will be supplying all of the announcers to the ABC games.
CBS HD 3:30 ET Auburn 16 (-3) LSU 10. What was I thinking buying Navy tickets for the Stanford game on this day? I should upgrade the projector to a multi-input model for this time slot!
CBS HD 8:00 ET Florida 30 (-3 1/2) Tennessee 24. The Gators have owned the Vols in recent years and will offer a tougher opposition than the Cal Bears did.
ABC HD 8:00 ET Nebraska 20 (+19) USC 35. The Trojans got off to a slow start (for them) against Arkansas a couple of weeks ago, but after losing Leinart, White, and Bush, there's no surprise or shame to that. They stopped covering big spreads about the halfway point last season, and I haven't seen their defense improve enough to feel confident giving away more than 2 TDs.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
NFL Week 1
This year offers the biggest change for the TV viewer since FOX grabbed the NFC in 1993 and added the score box for out-of-town games that now includes updates for fantasy football players.
NBC - I like Cris Collinsworth and Sterling Sharpe. I think they'll offer some critical sarcastic humor to the highlight/pregame show before the Sunday Night Game. I'd like to see them do their show a little bit more like NFL PrimeTime and a little bit less like FOX's Terry Bradshaw.
ESPN - Get Ron Jaworksi into Joe Theismann's chair. NOW! He offered the first criticism of Raider WR Randy Moss that I've heard. On a play where the CB covering Moss left him to defend the ball, Moss held his arms up in disgust for not being thrown the ball depsite being open. Jaworksi correctly pointed out that Moss wasn't open until the CB reacted to the ball being thrown to somebody else! Jaws has done some great work using the NFL Films library for ESPN's studio and pre-game shows; I'm ready to listen to him do live games. I'm also inclined to think that Tony Kornheiser will work in the booth, he's very entertaining on PTI. I especially liked his line to getting Monday Night players on his fantasy team so that he'll maintain interest in the game he's being paid to broadcast! I miss Chris Berman and Tom Jackson doing NFL PrimeTime before the Sunday Night game, they did the highlights of a few games in the NFL Blitz segment that was woven into SportsCenter at 11 ET, but it wasn't as good as the old PrimeTime. ESPN has SuperBowl-like pregame show planned for every MNF game, they have some opportunity for PrimeTime highlights, but at a day old in today's information age, I don't know how entertaining it could be.
CBS - I didn't get to see any of their coverage.
FOX - Get Joe Buck off the air. I just don't find his attempts at humor marginally funny and when he does play-by-play he doesn't seem to recognize that he's at a football game instead of a baseball game.
ABC - I noticed that the Ohio St-Texas graphics had an ESPN-on-ABC logo to them; Interesting branding.
NBC - I like Cris Collinsworth and Sterling Sharpe. I think they'll offer some critical sarcastic humor to the highlight/pregame show before the Sunday Night Game. I'd like to see them do their show a little bit more like NFL PrimeTime and a little bit less like FOX's Terry Bradshaw.
ESPN - Get Ron Jaworksi into Joe Theismann's chair. NOW! He offered the first criticism of Raider WR Randy Moss that I've heard. On a play where the CB covering Moss left him to defend the ball, Moss held his arms up in disgust for not being thrown the ball depsite being open. Jaworksi correctly pointed out that Moss wasn't open until the CB reacted to the ball being thrown to somebody else! Jaws has done some great work using the NFL Films library for ESPN's studio and pre-game shows; I'm ready to listen to him do live games. I'm also inclined to think that Tony Kornheiser will work in the booth, he's very entertaining on PTI. I especially liked his line to getting Monday Night players on his fantasy team so that he'll maintain interest in the game he's being paid to broadcast! I miss Chris Berman and Tom Jackson doing NFL PrimeTime before the Sunday Night game, they did the highlights of a few games in the NFL Blitz segment that was woven into SportsCenter at 11 ET, but it wasn't as good as the old PrimeTime. ESPN has SuperBowl-like pregame show planned for every MNF game, they have some opportunity for PrimeTime highlights, but at a day old in today's information age, I don't know how entertaining it could be.
CBS - I didn't get to see any of their coverage.
FOX - Get Joe Buck off the air. I just don't find his attempts at humor marginally funny and when he does play-by-play he doesn't seem to recognize that he's at a football game instead of a baseball game.
ABC - I noticed that the Ohio St-Texas graphics had an ESPN-on-ABC logo to them; Interesting branding.
Friday, September 01, 2006
NCAA Viewing Guide
2006 Football is here!
The NCAA season got started last night with ESPN opening in Starkville, MS. Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks opened with a 15-0 win over Mississippi St. His punter had the big play of the game, running for a first down after deciding he couldn’t get the planned punt off. South Carolina continued that drive for a field goal and a 2-possession lead.
Saturday 8:00 ET ABC HD Notre Dame 34 (-6 ½) Georgia Tech 24. The Irish return QB Brady Quinn, WR Jeff Samardzija, and a whole cast of others from last year’s successful team. Their defense will need to contain Georgia Tech WR Calvin Jackson, who has the skills that USC’s receivers have been displaying under Pete Carroll.
8:45 ET ESPN HD Arkansas 20 (+7 ½) Southern Cal 24. The Trojans have to replace their entire offense except WR Dwayne Jarrett, or so it seems. Last time they had to do that, the replacements were Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and LenDale White. Will lightning strike twice for Pete Carroll? I don’t think so, but USC will find a way to collect victories.
Monday 8:00 ET ABC HD Miami 19 (-3) Florida State 13. The Seminoles lucked out last year when they clearly lost the line of scrimmage but managed to win an ugly 10-7 decision because their special teams weren’t as bad as Miami’s. The Seminoles aren’t what they were in the 90’s and it will show in this game.
The NCAA season got started last night with ESPN opening in Starkville, MS. Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks opened with a 15-0 win over Mississippi St. His punter had the big play of the game, running for a first down after deciding he couldn’t get the planned punt off. South Carolina continued that drive for a field goal and a 2-possession lead.
Saturday 8:00 ET ABC HD Notre Dame 34 (-6 ½) Georgia Tech 24. The Irish return QB Brady Quinn, WR Jeff Samardzija, and a whole cast of others from last year’s successful team. Their defense will need to contain Georgia Tech WR Calvin Jackson, who has the skills that USC’s receivers have been displaying under Pete Carroll.
8:45 ET ESPN HD Arkansas 20 (+7 ½) Southern Cal 24. The Trojans have to replace their entire offense except WR Dwayne Jarrett, or so it seems. Last time they had to do that, the replacements were Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and LenDale White. Will lightning strike twice for Pete Carroll? I don’t think so, but USC will find a way to collect victories.
Monday 8:00 ET ABC HD Miami 19 (-3) Florida State 13. The Seminoles lucked out last year when they clearly lost the line of scrimmage but managed to win an ugly 10-7 decision because their special teams weren’t as bad as Miami’s. The Seminoles aren’t what they were in the 90’s and it will show in this game.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Red Sox
The Sox didn't win any games against the Yanks in that 5-game set... losing some late leads, unable to get runs across versus Rivera, had a bullpen ERA over 12, it was ugly. Saw them play Monday in Oakland, and it looked more like a spring training lineup - no Manny, No Ortiz, No Manny Ortez, the 2B and SP were wearing #'s in the 60's, castoffs Carlos Pena and Eric Hinske were in the lineup, etc., etc. etc. I saw on ESPN's news crawl that Ortiz was experiencing irregular heartbeat symptoms, so his injury concerns are whole-life, not baseball (don't try to separate the two when speaking to Red Sox fans).
In the National League, none of the teams seems willing to take charge. 8 teams are within 3 games in the loss column, 10 within 5. Even the Marlins with their $14 million payroll are in that group after winning 8 in a row. Consider this: Take SP Dontrelle Willis' salary ($4.35 million) off their books (which might have been attempted in July), and the teams payroll drops below $10 million! The Yankees pay 11 individual players more than that and will pay about $28 million to the leauge office in payroll luxury tax! I wonder how much of that $28 million the Marlins are getting... My Braves didn't make the summer run towards the Wild Card that I thought they would, but any of the teams within 3 in the loss column has a near-equal chance to take the last postseason berth.
NCAA football starts this weekend, and the NFL the following weekend. QB Jeff George is on an NFL roster again, and WR Terrell Owens is vintage 2005, not 2004 for the Cowboys. His response to HC Bill Parcells wanting to see him on the field before playing him: "There's 10 years of film". Actually, TO, there's only 9 1/2. PK Mike Vanderjagt hasn't been on the field in the Dallas games that I've watched; I interpret that as not a good sign for a team where Owner Jerry Jones had more influence in selection of those players than Parcells would have liked.
In the National League, none of the teams seems willing to take charge. 8 teams are within 3 games in the loss column, 10 within 5. Even the Marlins with their $14 million payroll are in that group after winning 8 in a row. Consider this: Take SP Dontrelle Willis' salary ($4.35 million) off their books (which might have been attempted in July), and the teams payroll drops below $10 million! The Yankees pay 11 individual players more than that and will pay about $28 million to the leauge office in payroll luxury tax! I wonder how much of that $28 million the Marlins are getting... My Braves didn't make the summer run towards the Wild Card that I thought they would, but any of the teams within 3 in the loss column has a near-equal chance to take the last postseason berth.
NCAA football starts this weekend, and the NFL the following weekend. QB Jeff George is on an NFL roster again, and WR Terrell Owens is vintage 2005, not 2004 for the Cowboys. His response to HC Bill Parcells wanting to see him on the field before playing him: "There's 10 years of film". Actually, TO, there's only 9 1/2. PK Mike Vanderjagt hasn't been on the field in the Dallas games that I've watched; I interpret that as not a good sign for a team where Owner Jerry Jones had more influence in selection of those players than Parcells would have liked.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Yankees v. Red Sox
It's a 5-game series this weekend with the opener on ESPN @ 1pm ET Friday afternoon. The Sox are without C Jason Varitek and OF Trot Nixon while the Yankees have received good production from trade deadline acquisitions P Corey Lidle and OF Bobby Abreu. RP Octavio Dotel was jsut activated from the DL to setup CL Mariano Rivera. Unlike recent years, the Sox have to sweat the Wild Card race. The White Sox and Twins are much hotter than any of the teams the Sox have had to beat out for the Wild Card the past 4 seasons. There will be plenty of opportunity to catch $320 million payroll during the weekend on national television:
Saturday 1 PM ET - FOX
Sunday 8 PM ET - ESPN
Monday 1 PM ET - ESPN2
Good news for these two: The White Sox and Twins play each other in a 3-game series this weekend.
Saturday 1 PM ET - FOX
Sunday 8 PM ET - ESPN
Monday 1 PM ET - ESPN2
Good news for these two: The White Sox and Twins play each other in a 3-game series this weekend.
Monday, July 31, 2006
MLB Trading Deadline
Well, the Yanks added some pop by getting OF Bobby Abreu from the Phillies. No SP changed teams was better than Corey Lidle, so the Bombers didn't lose any ground in that department. My question, who among Sheffield, Matsui, and Abreu goes into the rotation when they're all healthy enough to play? We know Damon can't reach the plate from the pitcher's mound, so it won't be him!
The Braves are done in the NL East. I was tempted to write them off at the end of June, but their bats were on fire into and out of the All-Star break. But Chipper Jones is on the DL and star SP Tim Hudson is getting hit as hard as a slow-pitch softball pitcher. The 1-5 homestand against the Marlins and Mets closed the deal on the Braves' amazing run of 14 straight divison titles. ESPN.com hailed Leo Mazzone as the best assistant coach of all-time, it should be noted that this year's Atlanta staff is among the league worst in ERA, WHIP, and blown saves. It's too early to pass judgment on new pitching coach Roger McDowell (Hudson didn't come to Atlanta needing Mazzone and #3 and #4 starters Mike Hampton and Horacio Ramirez have spent more time on the DL than J. D. Drew) but Mazzone always seemed to get enough production out of his staff.
Playoff Predictions:
AL: Yankees, Tigers, A's. WC: Red Sox.
NL: Mets, Cardinals, Padres. WC: Braves.
The Braves are done in the NL East. I was tempted to write them off at the end of June, but their bats were on fire into and out of the All-Star break. But Chipper Jones is on the DL and star SP Tim Hudson is getting hit as hard as a slow-pitch softball pitcher. The 1-5 homestand against the Marlins and Mets closed the deal on the Braves' amazing run of 14 straight divison titles. ESPN.com hailed Leo Mazzone as the best assistant coach of all-time, it should be noted that this year's Atlanta staff is among the league worst in ERA, WHIP, and blown saves. It's too early to pass judgment on new pitching coach Roger McDowell (Hudson didn't come to Atlanta needing Mazzone and #3 and #4 starters Mike Hampton and Horacio Ramirez have spent more time on the DL than J. D. Drew) but Mazzone always seemed to get enough production out of his staff.
Playoff Predictions:
AL: Yankees, Tigers, A's. WC: Red Sox.
NL: Mets, Cardinals, Padres. WC: Braves.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Last Man on the Plane!
I just completed my 2-week annual training aboard the USS O'KANE out of Pearl Harbor. Spending some extended time underway on the surface allowed me to realize that the submarine force was the right service selection for me.
I was all set to return this afternoon when the gate agents announced that the plane needed a mechanical part that was located on the mainland. They were trying to rearrange the flight schedules to limit our delay but speculated on a 5-hour delay. I attempted to change to the American flight leaving about 30 min later, but wasn't able to do so over the phone. So I hustled to the gate where the agent said that they were full, but to wait by the gate in case something opened up. Luckily it did when former NFL LB Bill Romanowski upgraded to 1st class and freed up a seat for me. He looked a bit thinner, and older in the face than I'd expect. I didn't get an opportunity to thank him since he was busy w/ his laptop and cell phone at the gate right up until it was closed. This was the 2nd straight year that I got the last seat on an airplane flying east over the Pacific!
Turns out that I may not have been too far eff recommending Laura Ingraham for the CBS News Anchor Chair. Katie Couric told Access Hollywood that she wouldn't go to the Middle East to cover the news becuase "it's dangerous there". Shouldn't Katie have moved over to Access Hollywood if she only wanted to report news from "safe" places? Does "If it bleeds, it leads" ring any bells to her? Was she listening to any of the news headlines that Ann Curry was reading on the Today set? Can CBS get a discount on the $15 million that they're going to pay Katie since now they have to send someone else to go to those "dangerous" places? Leadership by example is strong; as Managing Editor, I deduce leadership is expected/warranted/part of that title, I'm observing some great leadership, Katie.
I was all set to return this afternoon when the gate agents announced that the plane needed a mechanical part that was located on the mainland. They were trying to rearrange the flight schedules to limit our delay but speculated on a 5-hour delay. I attempted to change to the American flight leaving about 30 min later, but wasn't able to do so over the phone. So I hustled to the gate where the agent said that they were full, but to wait by the gate in case something opened up. Luckily it did when former NFL LB Bill Romanowski upgraded to 1st class and freed up a seat for me. He looked a bit thinner, and older in the face than I'd expect. I didn't get an opportunity to thank him since he was busy w/ his laptop and cell phone at the gate right up until it was closed. This was the 2nd straight year that I got the last seat on an airplane flying east over the Pacific!
Turns out that I may not have been too far eff recommending Laura Ingraham for the CBS News Anchor Chair. Katie Couric told Access Hollywood that she wouldn't go to the Middle East to cover the news becuase "it's dangerous there". Shouldn't Katie have moved over to Access Hollywood if she only wanted to report news from "safe" places? Does "If it bleeds, it leads" ring any bells to her? Was she listening to any of the news headlines that Ann Curry was reading on the Today set? Can CBS get a discount on the $15 million that they're going to pay Katie since now they have to send someone else to go to those "dangerous" places? Leadership by example is strong; as Managing Editor, I deduce leadership is expected/warranted/part of that title, I'm observing some great leadership, Katie.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
I'm Keith Hernandez!
What the heck was Keith Hernandez thinking when he chastised the Padres for having a woman in the dugout during their game against the Mets last wekeend? She's a member of the training staff, something that Hernandez thought unfathomable before he opened his mouth. I loved the clip of broadcast partner Gary Cohen "I think you should stop talking now" trying to get Hernandez to end his rant. I don't think that Hernandez's comments were in line with today's thinking, but he's entitled to his opinion. He didn't say that a woman couldn't do the job, just that if it were up to him, a woman wouldn't be doing the job... which is why I don't think an apology (he rambled through one later in the game) was necessary.... anyone who heard his rant understood that he just didn't realize he was broadcasting a game in 2006 and not 1906. And it sheds new light on his Just For Men hiar dye commercial... he might actually think that real life plays out just like the script!
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Why Katie? Why not Laura Ingraham?
It's been too long since I've posted, but hopefully I'll get some regular opinions on the board.
Katie Couric replaces Dan Rather at CBS... doesn't make much sense from a business standpoint. There is one news outlet that caters to conservative viewers (Fox News Channel) and a slew of them catering to liberal viewers (to varying degrees: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, PBS). With the populace's ideology split pretty evenly between the liberal and conservative camps, why would CBS continue to compete against 5 competitors instead of 1? It would make sense to compete against only the Fox New Channel for conservative viewers... CBS would generate higher ratings, which translates into more ad dollars!
I've been following the real estate market on the blogosphere and in the local news. A 1-BR 722 sq ft Condo down the street from me went for 400K! Supply and demand will eventually determine the outcome of the recent price increases, but rising interest rates and prices will damper both investor and occupier demand for homes.
Katie Couric replaces Dan Rather at CBS... doesn't make much sense from a business standpoint. There is one news outlet that caters to conservative viewers (Fox News Channel) and a slew of them catering to liberal viewers (to varying degrees: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, PBS). With the populace's ideology split pretty evenly between the liberal and conservative camps, why would CBS continue to compete against 5 competitors instead of 1? It would make sense to compete against only the Fox New Channel for conservative viewers... CBS would generate higher ratings, which translates into more ad dollars!
I've been following the real estate market on the blogosphere and in the local news. A 1-BR 722 sq ft Condo down the street from me went for 400K! Supply and demand will eventually determine the outcome of the recent price increases, but rising interest rates and prices will damper both investor and occupier demand for homes.
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