Seeing as everyone is talking/scrutinizing the draft and picks, we turn our blog today to those fascinating Incredible Technology games that are at all your favorite watering holes. You know: Golden Tee Golf, Silver Strike Bowling, and the newest member Tournament Bag Toss; cornhole video game in lamens terms. Our mission today is to discuss which is the best value for your buck, gambling outlets, and most importantly the "beer ...(frame, hole, inning etc.).
To start we'll go to the veteran of the group Golden Tee Golf. You can buy in for a dollar and get three holes or pony up four bucks and play all 18. Depending on how many players involved this one can be a time consumer, which cuts down on your opportunity to chase tail gentelman. The idea is to get the most for your money, so this would be the proverbial nail-on-the-head for you. Not to mention the cool new features that allow you to customize the golfer, the intense breaks of the green, and the overall competitive factor. Add in a bet for the whole round, play skins, or have every third hole be a beer hole and you've got yourself quite the competition. I give it a 8 out of 10.
Next on our agenda would be the ole ten pin, Silver Strike Bowling. In this Incredible installment you can play three frames, a whole ten frame set, or a three game series; with prices ranging from .50 cents for the three frame all the way to $2.50 for the three game series. With up to eight players, it can get quite hard to keep everyone's attention for the whole 10 frames. With fifth frame being the "beer frame" the thin line between choke and clutch is walked. Also for you card sharks out there the Vegas game is right up your alley, no pun intended. High score, best poker hand, and most marks are all good ways to add your own brand of hot sauce to the mix. Plus the games tend to go by fast if eveyrone is on top of their turn. I give it a 9 out of 10.
Lastly we come to the new kid on the block, Tournament Bag Toss. In this slight deviation from traditional corn hole, the mega pixel version features a bevy of options. Up to four players can be in the mix, with three distictly different ways of tossing said bags. There is the flop shot, the slide, and the bounce, with an additional choice of raising or lowering the angle at which you want to throw the bag. The point system is that like regular corn hole, but slightly different. The same rules go for on the board and in the hole, but there is an added two points for everybag you send that's nothing but hole. They even tack on points depending on how many you get in a row. The only downside is that they play by innings which is sacrilage because everyone knows there's no innings in cornhole. I give it a 7 out of 10; but that could change depending on how good I become.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Reds in April
The not so big Red Machine found a mechanic with most of the missing parts. Not only that but this mechanic has spare parts like a Honda factory. The new additions to the reds ballclub that have already begun to show their value are Jeff Conine, Alex Gonzalez and Josh Hamilton.
Let me tell you what I like about Conine. This is a guy who has been in the league for a long time and his approach to the game shows it. Cool calm collect would be the best way to put it. As coach Weber, yeah blackhawks, used to say "show some class; act like you've been there before" seems to be his matra. Conine produces consistently even under pressure when runners are on the bags which to this point has been a major problem for the club, especially for Encarnacion, Ross and tonight Valentin. But getting back to the point, old Canine's facial expressions crack me up. Why? Well basicly he has none. That guy always has this straight lipped unexicted almost boardering on uninterested look on his face (however he actually is very interested if not then focused)...all the time. I saw him lose balance while striking out and in the same motion without looking at the ump continued striding to the dug out like a man who just came out of the john. This maturity isn't really something that can be taught but through his presence, hopefully, it will rub off on the younger players making the ball team that much better when it's August and every game has division implications.
Gonzalez looks to be the best defensive fielder on the team period. Plus he is another well experienced addition having won a World Series with the Marlins and having set the organization of the Red Sox's error per game record last season. Although he has already commited more errors this season than he did the entire previous season Gonzalez is a vast improvement over who we had in 2006. Heres a guy who can just make plays that other shortstops just can't. Twenty one games in he has already made the webjem list multiple times with one being number one. So at least there will be a reason for sports center to broadcast some Reds action more than every once and a while. He has also shown he can swing the bat too. He has an avg hovering between .250 and .300 which is great for a guy who bats pretty late in the line up.
Then there's Hamilton. What he has that the other two don't is youth. His upside is enormous, even the level he is playing at now is monsterous. Naturally talented and fundamentally sound he is a general at the plate. Using his 35 lbs forearms he can place the ball on a line drive anywhere inside or outside the ball park. No one on the team drives the ball off their bat like this kid does. Starting his Reds career by being the alpha dog as far as leading the team in RBI's and HR's he is the much needed cog to the still struggling offensive engine of the Reds. According to Dunn he apparently hasn't even tapped into his true hitting power since he hasn't yet learned to use the bottom half of his body, something power hitters rely on, in his swing. Said of Hamilton, "with time and experience he will eventually learn to get his legs into the ball." Once that happens it isn't too hard to imagine him setting season and even career records in MLB. Furhter proof is that during spring training veteran scouts were heard saying they have not seen a kid with this much raw talent since Mickey Mantle! Oh and not to mention he is the humblest down to earth guy. Something nearly all professional athelets dearly need.
In all the Reds have aquired three impact players on and off the field that assuredly will better a team that was already decent, competing for the division up to the end and holding a winning record against the eventual 2006 World Series champs. Next time the spare parts: our bomb ass farm teams.
Let me tell you what I like about Conine. This is a guy who has been in the league for a long time and his approach to the game shows it. Cool calm collect would be the best way to put it. As coach Weber, yeah blackhawks, used to say "show some class; act like you've been there before" seems to be his matra. Conine produces consistently even under pressure when runners are on the bags which to this point has been a major problem for the club, especially for Encarnacion, Ross and tonight Valentin. But getting back to the point, old Canine's facial expressions crack me up. Why? Well basicly he has none. That guy always has this straight lipped unexicted almost boardering on uninterested look on his face (however he actually is very interested if not then focused)...all the time. I saw him lose balance while striking out and in the same motion without looking at the ump continued striding to the dug out like a man who just came out of the john. This maturity isn't really something that can be taught but through his presence, hopefully, it will rub off on the younger players making the ball team that much better when it's August and every game has division implications.
Gonzalez looks to be the best defensive fielder on the team period. Plus he is another well experienced addition having won a World Series with the Marlins and having set the organization of the Red Sox's error per game record last season. Although he has already commited more errors this season than he did the entire previous season Gonzalez is a vast improvement over who we had in 2006. Heres a guy who can just make plays that other shortstops just can't. Twenty one games in he has already made the webjem list multiple times with one being number one. So at least there will be a reason for sports center to broadcast some Reds action more than every once and a while. He has also shown he can swing the bat too. He has an avg hovering between .250 and .300 which is great for a guy who bats pretty late in the line up.
Then there's Hamilton. What he has that the other two don't is youth. His upside is enormous, even the level he is playing at now is monsterous. Naturally talented and fundamentally sound he is a general at the plate. Using his 35 lbs forearms he can place the ball on a line drive anywhere inside or outside the ball park. No one on the team drives the ball off their bat like this kid does. Starting his Reds career by being the alpha dog as far as leading the team in RBI's and HR's he is the much needed cog to the still struggling offensive engine of the Reds. According to Dunn he apparently hasn't even tapped into his true hitting power since he hasn't yet learned to use the bottom half of his body, something power hitters rely on, in his swing. Said of Hamilton, "with time and experience he will eventually learn to get his legs into the ball." Once that happens it isn't too hard to imagine him setting season and even career records in MLB. Furhter proof is that during spring training veteran scouts were heard saying they have not seen a kid with this much raw talent since Mickey Mantle! Oh and not to mention he is the humblest down to earth guy. Something nearly all professional athelets dearly need.
In all the Reds have aquired three impact players on and off the field that assuredly will better a team that was already decent, competing for the division up to the end and holding a winning record against the eventual 2006 World Series champs. Next time the spare parts: our bomb ass farm teams.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Blame Game
The past couple of weeks the national news media has taken quite an interest in some sports stories with some social significance. They are so quick to point out who is at fault, and how you should feel about that person or group of persons. We here at ManbLAWgs feel that these miscreants should be held accountable for their actions. So without further ado, onto the Blame Game!! The following have been topical for too long, and when you join the media, it is natural to beat a dead horse. On to the whoopins!
The Peoples versus Donald Imus
For those of you just waking up from comas, the I-Man was at it again. Notorious for candidly speaking about politicians, celebrities, and metrosexual cowboys, he crossed the line this time. He referred to the Rutgers womens' basketball team as "nappy headed hoes." These courageous young women-- musicians, med students and even girl scouts-- were thrust into the limelight to defend their image. The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson called for Imus's dismissal. Imus is the obvious one to whoop here. But as Jason Whitlock said, Imus is nothing but an old white guy in a cowboy hat who's probably never spoken to a black woman, let alone girl scouts. That being said, Imus and old white men everywhere are to blame.
Duke Rape Ca.... er, well lacrosse party
While you're waking up, I'll give you the rundown. Rich white kids, a politcally driven prosecutor from Hicktown, USA, and your all-American girl stripping for tuition. Throw in the same frenzied media and above-mentioned clergymen, and you've got yourself a John Grisham novel. These three lacrossers have been scrutinized and investigated for several months, and were cleared of all charges. The obvious suspect would have to be that Naifong nut. He didn't stop till he got the answers he wanted, and in the process, tarnished the reputation of three young men. Another candidate would have to be the SSFFUBSAD(Sharpton's Scholarship Fund For Under-privileged Black Strippers at Duke). However, the winner by a landslide.... Coach K. If it weren't for all those damn American Express commercials, Duke wouldn't even have a lacrosse team to talk about.
April Showers bring May double-headers
Bud Selig is stupid, but he had to have known it would rain when he scheduled all those games in April. Six games were postponed this past Sunday, 17 since the beginning of the season. ESPN needs answers, and they need them now!! Some pundits feel the season should be shortened, others think all games in April should be played in domes or warm weather cities. I, however, love a Rain Delay. What's not to like?? The Banana Phone, the bubble gum on the hat trick, and slip-and-slide contests around the tarp-covered base paths. But still, it's gotta be someone's fault. Since Selig has already reached his quota of boneheaded leadership decisions, let's find a new mark. I was watching the outtakes and deleted scenes from An Inconvenient Truth the other day, and it hit me like unfiltered sunrays through the former O-Zone Layer: If Al Gore and the Dixie Chicks never invented global warming, we'd still be playing ball!!
The Peoples versus Donald Imus
For those of you just waking up from comas, the I-Man was at it again. Notorious for candidly speaking about politicians, celebrities, and metrosexual cowboys, he crossed the line this time. He referred to the Rutgers womens' basketball team as "nappy headed hoes." These courageous young women-- musicians, med students and even girl scouts-- were thrust into the limelight to defend their image. The Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson called for Imus's dismissal. Imus is the obvious one to whoop here. But as Jason Whitlock said, Imus is nothing but an old white guy in a cowboy hat who's probably never spoken to a black woman, let alone girl scouts. That being said, Imus and old white men everywhere are to blame.
Duke Rape Ca.... er, well lacrosse party
While you're waking up, I'll give you the rundown. Rich white kids, a politcally driven prosecutor from Hicktown, USA, and your all-American girl stripping for tuition. Throw in the same frenzied media and above-mentioned clergymen, and you've got yourself a John Grisham novel. These three lacrossers have been scrutinized and investigated for several months, and were cleared of all charges. The obvious suspect would have to be that Naifong nut. He didn't stop till he got the answers he wanted, and in the process, tarnished the reputation of three young men. Another candidate would have to be the SSFFUBSAD(Sharpton's Scholarship Fund For Under-privileged Black Strippers at Duke). However, the winner by a landslide.... Coach K. If it weren't for all those damn American Express commercials, Duke wouldn't even have a lacrosse team to talk about.
April Showers bring May double-headers
Bud Selig is stupid, but he had to have known it would rain when he scheduled all those games in April. Six games were postponed this past Sunday, 17 since the beginning of the season. ESPN needs answers, and they need them now!! Some pundits feel the season should be shortened, others think all games in April should be played in domes or warm weather cities. I, however, love a Rain Delay. What's not to like?? The Banana Phone, the bubble gum on the hat trick, and slip-and-slide contests around the tarp-covered base paths. But still, it's gotta be someone's fault. Since Selig has already reached his quota of boneheaded leadership decisions, let's find a new mark. I was watching the outtakes and deleted scenes from An Inconvenient Truth the other day, and it hit me like unfiltered sunrays through the former O-Zone Layer: If Al Gore and the Dixie Chicks never invented global warming, we'd still be playing ball!!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
My take on the Bengals 2007 schedule
Here’s a deeper look into some of the intricacies of the upcoming 2007 schedule of the Cincinnati Bengals:
Week 1) Open the season at home during the early game of the Monday Night Football show against defending division winner Baltimore Ravens. Did I mention this is against the Ravens, who the Bengals easily handled last year at home, on Monday Night Football and it’s at home? Add to that the loss of Adalius Thomas and an aging offense (with the exception of newly-acquired Willis McGahee) and I say enough said.
Week 2) Bengals travel to Cleveland for a divisional game. The Browns are coming off the Steelers at home, so should be a competitive game, although I don’t see the Browns having enough to pull out an upset.
Week 3) Bengals travel out west to Seattle, who is coming off road game against divisional foe Arizona. This will be a tough game. Seattle features a good run game, adequate passing game, stout defense and one of the best kickers in the league in Josh Brown. The Bengals front seven will have its hands full with Shaun Alexander but secondary should do a good enough job against Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson to allow for a Bengals win.
Week 4) Bengals host the New England Patriots at home on yet another Monday Night Football game, this time the only game billed for the night. NE is coming off divisional game against Buffalo at home.
Week 5) Bye
Week 6) Travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs for the second time in as many years. KC is coming off JAX at home, while Bengals have a day under two weeks to prepare for this game. Damon Huard faces a tough test against the team that made him a starter last season.
Week 7) Bengals host the Jets at home, with the Jets just removed from facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Pennington is adequate, but won’t be able to out-duel Carson or beat our secondary with the WR corps he has.
Week 8) Bengals host the Steelers at home with PIT coming off tough Sunday Night Football game against Denver. Steelers breaking in new coach. Tough rookie season despite arguably easiest schedule in the league.
Week 9) Bengals travel to Buffalo. Bills just back from trip to the Meadowlands to face the Jets. Without LB Takeo Spikes, CB Nate Clements and an established run game to speak of with the trade of Willis McGahee, I see this as being a moderately easy tally for the W column.
Week 10) Bengals travel to Baltimore, who is coming off a MNF appearance at Pittsburgh. Good news: Chris Henry is back.
Week 11) Bengals host Arizona Cardinals at home, with the Cardinals fresh off host Detroit at home. The Cardinals are one of those teams with a ton of potential but lack the coaching to make them a contender. With Whisenhunt in charge, this will be a good team with Lienart, Boldin, Fitzgerald and the Edge, but simply not in Whiz’s first year as head coach.
Week 12) Bengals host Tennessee Titans, who are fresh off a MNF appearance at Denver. The Titans are an explosive team, as seen by their late-season run in 2006. Vince Young has a year under his belt and will only get better, but without any help from his receivers, rushers Travis Henry and Chris Brown gone and LenDale White eating his way out of the starting lineup, Young won’t have much help on the O side of the ball.
Week 13) Bengals travel to Pitt., where the Steelers just hosted Miami for MNF.
Week 14) St. Louis comes to Paul Brown Stadium after hosting the Falcons at home. Bulger, Holt and Bruce simply aren’t the Greatest Game on Turf anymore. Host a questionable defense, strong run game and aging passing game easily spell a win for the Bengals.
Week 15) Bengals travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on the Saturday Night game. SF hosted Minnesota week before at home. San Fran is on the right path to contention, but without a decent passing game due to the release of Antonio Bryant, Frank Gore simply will be overmatched unless the 49ers add a few quality WRs in the draft.
Week 16) With an extra day of rest, Bengals come home to face the Browns. Browns hosted Buffalo the Sunday before.
Week 17) Bengals round out season on road against the Dolphins, with Miami coming off tough divisional game against NE. This puts onus on MIA since the last two games may have playoff implications, especially against NE.
With that said, here are some important points:
1) Two Monday Night Football games at home, with one including an extra day of rest following a long trip to Seattle to face the Pats right before the bye week.
2) Bengals don’t face a single team coming off their bye week. That’s huge. The Steelers face three while the Chiefs, Falcons, Bucs, Broncos, Bills and Saints all face two. Coincidentally, the Chiefs’ two games off teams coming off byes are in consecutive weeks, where they host the Jaguars and Bengals in Week 5 and 6. Bodes well for our Week 6 game.
2) In the second half of the season, not only do the Bengals get Chris Henry back, but the Bengals face three teams coming off Monday Night Football appearances the week before, two of the teams playing on the road: the Titans and the Ravens. In Week 10, the Bengals travel to Baltimore, who return from MNF at the Steelers. The Bengals host the Titans in Week 12, just off a MNF at Denver. The following week, the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers, fresh off hosting the Dolphins on MNF the week before. Statistically speaking, teams that play on MNF generally don’t fare well the following week, especially teams that win that showcase game.
3) The last seven games of the season are against teams without winning records last year, with four of those games at home. Granted, three of the first four games are against division winners, but this schedule is not unmanageable.
My predictions
The Bengals will pick up wins against Baltimore, at Cleveland, at Seattle, against New England, against NY Jets, against Pittsburgh, at Buffalo, against Arizona, against Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, against St. Louis, at San Francisco, against Cleveland and at Miami.
I see the lone losses to come against Kansas City and Baltimore, both on the road.
Potential upsets: at Seattle, against New England and at Miami.
Predicted 2007 outcome: no worse than 12-4.
Week 1) Open the season at home during the early game of the Monday Night Football show against defending division winner Baltimore Ravens. Did I mention this is against the Ravens, who the Bengals easily handled last year at home, on Monday Night Football and it’s at home? Add to that the loss of Adalius Thomas and an aging offense (with the exception of newly-acquired Willis McGahee) and I say enough said.
Week 2) Bengals travel to Cleveland for a divisional game. The Browns are coming off the Steelers at home, so should be a competitive game, although I don’t see the Browns having enough to pull out an upset.
Week 3) Bengals travel out west to Seattle, who is coming off road game against divisional foe Arizona. This will be a tough game. Seattle features a good run game, adequate passing game, stout defense and one of the best kickers in the league in Josh Brown. The Bengals front seven will have its hands full with Shaun Alexander but secondary should do a good enough job against Deion Branch and Darrell Jackson to allow for a Bengals win.
Week 4) Bengals host the New England Patriots at home on yet another Monday Night Football game, this time the only game billed for the night. NE is coming off divisional game against Buffalo at home.
Week 5) Bye
Week 6) Travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Chiefs for the second time in as many years. KC is coming off JAX at home, while Bengals have a day under two weeks to prepare for this game. Damon Huard faces a tough test against the team that made him a starter last season.
Week 7) Bengals host the Jets at home, with the Jets just removed from facing the Philadelphia Eagles at home. Pennington is adequate, but won’t be able to out-duel Carson or beat our secondary with the WR corps he has.
Week 8) Bengals host the Steelers at home with PIT coming off tough Sunday Night Football game against Denver. Steelers breaking in new coach. Tough rookie season despite arguably easiest schedule in the league.
Week 9) Bengals travel to Buffalo. Bills just back from trip to the Meadowlands to face the Jets. Without LB Takeo Spikes, CB Nate Clements and an established run game to speak of with the trade of Willis McGahee, I see this as being a moderately easy tally for the W column.
Week 10) Bengals travel to Baltimore, who is coming off a MNF appearance at Pittsburgh. Good news: Chris Henry is back.
Week 11) Bengals host Arizona Cardinals at home, with the Cardinals fresh off host Detroit at home. The Cardinals are one of those teams with a ton of potential but lack the coaching to make them a contender. With Whisenhunt in charge, this will be a good team with Lienart, Boldin, Fitzgerald and the Edge, but simply not in Whiz’s first year as head coach.
Week 12) Bengals host Tennessee Titans, who are fresh off a MNF appearance at Denver. The Titans are an explosive team, as seen by their late-season run in 2006. Vince Young has a year under his belt and will only get better, but without any help from his receivers, rushers Travis Henry and Chris Brown gone and LenDale White eating his way out of the starting lineup, Young won’t have much help on the O side of the ball.
Week 13) Bengals travel to Pitt., where the Steelers just hosted Miami for MNF.
Week 14) St. Louis comes to Paul Brown Stadium after hosting the Falcons at home. Bulger, Holt and Bruce simply aren’t the Greatest Game on Turf anymore. Host a questionable defense, strong run game and aging passing game easily spell a win for the Bengals.
Week 15) Bengals travel to San Francisco to face the 49ers on the Saturday Night game. SF hosted Minnesota week before at home. San Fran is on the right path to contention, but without a decent passing game due to the release of Antonio Bryant, Frank Gore simply will be overmatched unless the 49ers add a few quality WRs in the draft.
Week 16) With an extra day of rest, Bengals come home to face the Browns. Browns hosted Buffalo the Sunday before.
Week 17) Bengals round out season on road against the Dolphins, with Miami coming off tough divisional game against NE. This puts onus on MIA since the last two games may have playoff implications, especially against NE.
With that said, here are some important points:
1) Two Monday Night Football games at home, with one including an extra day of rest following a long trip to Seattle to face the Pats right before the bye week.
2) Bengals don’t face a single team coming off their bye week. That’s huge. The Steelers face three while the Chiefs, Falcons, Bucs, Broncos, Bills and Saints all face two. Coincidentally, the Chiefs’ two games off teams coming off byes are in consecutive weeks, where they host the Jaguars and Bengals in Week 5 and 6. Bodes well for our Week 6 game.
2) In the second half of the season, not only do the Bengals get Chris Henry back, but the Bengals face three teams coming off Monday Night Football appearances the week before, two of the teams playing on the road: the Titans and the Ravens. In Week 10, the Bengals travel to Baltimore, who return from MNF at the Steelers. The Bengals host the Titans in Week 12, just off a MNF at Denver. The following week, the Bengals travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers, fresh off hosting the Dolphins on MNF the week before. Statistically speaking, teams that play on MNF generally don’t fare well the following week, especially teams that win that showcase game.
3) The last seven games of the season are against teams without winning records last year, with four of those games at home. Granted, three of the first four games are against division winners, but this schedule is not unmanageable.
My predictions
The Bengals will pick up wins against Baltimore, at Cleveland, at Seattle, against New England, against NY Jets, against Pittsburgh, at Buffalo, against Arizona, against Tennessee, at Pittsburgh, against St. Louis, at San Francisco, against Cleveland and at Miami.
I see the lone losses to come against Kansas City and Baltimore, both on the road.
Potential upsets: at Seattle, against New England and at Miami.
Predicted 2007 outcome: no worse than 12-4.
Monday, April 9, 2007
A Majestic Easter
I have to say from a "fan of sports," that after the first week of the baseball season and the Masters concluding with a rookie win, that I am pleastly intrigued. Not only did the Redlegs pitching rotation look good, providing at least 6 innings in each outing (Milton does not count), the fundamental level of the game has greatly improved. I can not recall encountering a sac fly earlier in the season than Brandon Phillips providing one in the third installment against the Cubbies. Lest we forget Adam Dunn providing the bang behind 75% of the clubs first 6 runs and Edwin Encarnacion lighting it up offensivly and defensivly. Once Homer Baily is given the green light, look out National League for this year's darkhorse for the pennant. I also believe that Josh Hamilton will be this year's comeback player of the year.
Secondly give it up for Zach Johnson, you can not say enough about the 3 under he posted when it was all on the line and the gifted cat clawing behind him. To get your second career victory at that event, with the players that were chasing him all the way, speaks to the performance; Poise and steel nerves. Personally I felt that Tiger was going to mount a charge, but it was not to be this time around. That is a reflection of the greatness that is Mr. Woods, that we are surprised and wonder what is amiss about his game. When he doesn't come through in the clutch it is a letdown to all who watch. There is nothing but love at the Man Blawgs for the Masters.
To close we must give props to those who serve and protect as two friends near and dear to the Man Blawgs have returned from overseas. God speed to the men and women serving now, you all are braver than I.
To close we must give props to those who serve and protect as two friends near and dear to the Man Blawgs have returned from overseas. God speed to the men and women serving now, you all are braver than I.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Random Thoughts
For starters how about that National Championship last night? I don't think I am alone here, but witnessing one of the all time great tournament runs in history was a pleasure as a basketball fan. That group of players brings something unique to the table and feed off what the opposition is giving in a display that isn't common. It didn't matter which way you wanted them to go, they would berate you with lessons on how to counteract the game plan. Truly a special group of kids with a bright future.I think all but Green will be decent when they get into the league.The best opening day in my memory, with the pageantry of a newly refurbished Fountain Square and Josh Hamilton.Can we all agree that Yennick Noah is not Joakim's father and underneath all the wild outfits is none other than Cincinnati's own Bootsy Collins? I say yes, especially seeing that pimp hat, bug eyed sunglasses, and pirate shirt ensemble that was bestowed upon our eyes.
Since I can't come up with anything else, Check out this. Truly amazing stuff. Just watch any of the clips.
http://www.collegehumor.com/search/billiards
Since I can't come up with anything else, Check out this. Truly amazing stuff. Just watch any of the clips.
http://www.collegehumor.com/search/billiards
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Let me check under my little hat....
Abraa Caa Dabraaah! Let me introduce to you an exquisite brew-ha that like its motto is "not quite a Pale Ale."This mysterious ale is crisp, fruity, and darn right refreshing. The dry-hoppy finish gives your mouth a quenching urge for more. Let me check under my little hat and reveal..... Magic Hat's #9!
Unknown to many, (because its only distributed on the East Coast and some Midwest states) Magic Hat is becoming a popular brewing company. They have quite a selection of products including a variety 12-pack called Joe's Garage.
#9 would be a perfect beverage on a warm spring day at your favorite golf course. Its quenching taste will put you at easy and you might just pull
something out of your hat...
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Rumblings from the Weekend:
Greetings from an epic weekend of basketball and interaction with a female that resulted in sent flowers accompanied with an "I'm sorry" tag. For all of you men out there involved with a female, just for the record. All those accounts of flowers assist in getting out of the dog house are true. Moving on to (I present a new feature) "Rumblings from the Weekend:"
-Stealing a tall Miller Lite draft from a BW 3-esque restaurant may result in sudden vomiting in accompanying parking lots.
-Losing by 20 in your Sunday night basketball league results in unexpected bursts of energy.
-Flowers are indeed pretty.
-Walking can lead to benefits, such as unexpected parties and church parking lots filled with people who have a cooler.
-Greg Oden is at the very least 35 years old and shall be nicknamed Grandpa. Especially after that exceptional block that sent Tennessee and its tournament hopes home.
-The Ohio State and Georgetown might score 70 points combined.
-Florida and UCLA are going to be out for blood in a rematch of last years National Championship. I predict a lot of no-calls as these two go toe to toe one more time with everything at stake.
-When is the last time we had these sublets for a Final Four; two seven foot centers going at it underneath and the repeat champs facing the team the ousted the year prior?
-Empty stomachs + Alcohol = a bed and unexpected food.
-Babies look adorable in one of your favorite team’s outfits.
Watching Ohio State in this year’s tournament has been an eye-opening experience to say the least. It wasn't even Grandpa's "who's overrated now?" performance against Joey Dorsey. It was Mike Conley Jr. (stopping.....going.....st.....gone to the rack and one) dribble, drive, penetration he displayed. His hesitation move is one devastating weapon, leaving ankles, jocks, and pride in its wake. Defenders in their minds immediately go to the corner and place a dunce cap for the rest of the game. Perhaps it's the fact that Grandpa is his best friend or the Olympic gene pool, whatever it happens to be makes him a fearless, hungry wolf smelling blood. Ice water in his veins and he's all of 19 years of age. Just think if he and Grandpa win the title this year, then end up on the same team in the NBA? They would have won four titles in a row and once they develop on the professional level.... WOW! It could be the greatest duo of all time on the basketball courts, domination on all levels. Just food for thought in the inaugural Ramblings.
-Stealing a tall Miller Lite draft from a BW 3-esque restaurant may result in sudden vomiting in accompanying parking lots.
-Losing by 20 in your Sunday night basketball league results in unexpected bursts of energy.
-Flowers are indeed pretty.
-Walking can lead to benefits, such as unexpected parties and church parking lots filled with people who have a cooler.
-Greg Oden is at the very least 35 years old and shall be nicknamed Grandpa. Especially after that exceptional block that sent Tennessee and its tournament hopes home.
-The Ohio State and Georgetown might score 70 points combined.
-Florida and UCLA are going to be out for blood in a rematch of last years National Championship. I predict a lot of no-calls as these two go toe to toe one more time with everything at stake.
-When is the last time we had these sublets for a Final Four; two seven foot centers going at it underneath and the repeat champs facing the team the ousted the year prior?
-Empty stomachs + Alcohol = a bed and unexpected food.
-Babies look adorable in one of your favorite team’s outfits.
Watching Ohio State in this year’s tournament has been an eye-opening experience to say the least. It wasn't even Grandpa's "who's overrated now?" performance against Joey Dorsey. It was Mike Conley Jr. (stopping.....going.....st.....gone to the rack and one) dribble, drive, penetration he displayed. His hesitation move is one devastating weapon, leaving ankles, jocks, and pride in its wake. Defenders in their minds immediately go to the corner and place a dunce cap for the rest of the game. Perhaps it's the fact that Grandpa is his best friend or the Olympic gene pool, whatever it happens to be makes him a fearless, hungry wolf smelling blood. Ice water in his veins and he's all of 19 years of age. Just think if he and Grandpa win the title this year, then end up on the same team in the NBA? They would have won four titles in a row and once they develop on the professional level.... WOW! It could be the greatest duo of all time on the basketball courts, domination on all levels. Just food for thought in the inaugural Ramblings.
Monday, March 26, 2007
two thousand aught seven's NCAA men's basketball tourney
The selection committee got it right this year. Teams are as close to evenly matched as possible. Each round brings tougher competition. Each round brings out higher levels of play on both sides. Resulting in the most watchable tournement in the not-so-recent past. Even though we havent reached the grand finale the coup de gra it seems like we alrady have. For instance, osu's come back from the dead clawing out of its grave to over come an 18 point half time deficit. And the best part was you could see it on the faces of each and every memphis player: a look of submittance disbelief and shock maybe verging on horror for the beasts they had just unleashed. Sure they sit quietly on porch but only until their survival in the tournement is threatend. Then youll be shut down by infreakingtense man defence lookin like theyve been training in a buddhist temple, quick quick hands. As far as offence scoring points is no obsticle its what they do best how could you not with that baller senior and those two freshmen guys are purdy good too. Also have to give it to the Hoyas heroic come back to get to the final four through ot.. Then there is the multiple other over time games and the 6 point average margin of victory in the second round.
Some may say the lack of upsets makes this year's brackett a dissapointment and the lack of buzzer beaters makes it boaring. It's too bad they dont appreciate they quality basketball that has been played. Instead of only one shot at the end of the game we have multiple great shots come down the last five minute stretch. As far as the upsets go..stop focusing on the seed its never ment much in the past so why should we care if we can say a number 12 beat a 5. The 64 team bracket is designed to create the most amount of good competition as mathmaticly possible providing the seeds are ranked correctly. Well they came pretty damn close this year.
Some may say the lack of upsets makes this year's brackett a dissapointment and the lack of buzzer beaters makes it boaring. It's too bad they dont appreciate they quality basketball that has been played. Instead of only one shot at the end of the game we have multiple great shots come down the last five minute stretch. As far as the upsets go..stop focusing on the seed its never ment much in the past so why should we care if we can say a number 12 beat a 5. The 64 team bracket is designed to create the most amount of good competition as mathmaticly possible providing the seeds are ranked correctly. Well they came pretty damn close this year.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
mmm the smell of fresh grass
So here we are, football is over, march madness is in full effect but i cant get my mind off them beloved boys of summer. Yes we still may get snow but the players are in full spring trainingis only a week or so left before opening day in Cincinnati is unleashed. A fresh start for the underachievers and overachievers. Baseball is forever lamented in my heart because of the players sucks as Jackie Robinson, Chris Sabo, Omar visquel and of course Ozzie Smith best short stop to ever set his feet between 3rd and 2ND, occasionally past 2ND on some crazy plays that only he can make. All the players i just mentioned have one great thing in common they know how to lay down a good bunt. How many home runs will adam dunn or bonds have is not the question to ask your self as a true baseball fan but the question is How many sacrifice bunts will be laid down to improve your chances of getting that key insurance run.
The key to winning close games is all in a simple technique bunting. The exact definition for a bunt. a "bunt" is a type of offensive technique in baseball or fast pitch softball. In a bunt play the batter loosely holds the bat in front of the plate and intentionally taps the ball into play. A similar play is seen in kickball where the kicker simply taps the ball with his or her foot.
See folks is that easy to lay a bunt down its similar to kickball thatsright KICKBALL. So why are these "professionals"(players who get lots of money to play a game) unable to lay a simple bunt down when most needed. How many times have us the fans been so upset because the manager didn't call for a bunt or the bunt attempt was just awful. In evidence that a bunt can go a long way is the 06 World series. The all but lost cardinals against the mighty Detroit tigers and "the mayor" (sean casey another player i would want on my super team) How many bunts were laid down in that series. I can remember back to back bunts that were laid down successfully. During a successful bunt it can put alot of pressure on the defense to make a simple throw but it gets into the players head i have to rush this play and make a quick throw and sailing over the 1st base bag and into the stands. That was the exact events that lead to multiple runs for the cardinals and that series of events changed the whole outcome of the world series.
So for all you die hard baseball fans out there, how many sacrifice bunts do you want to see this year?
The key to winning close games is all in a simple technique bunting. The exact definition for a bunt. a "bunt" is a type of offensive technique in baseball or fast pitch softball. In a bunt play the batter loosely holds the bat in front of the plate and intentionally taps the ball into play. A similar play is seen in kickball where the kicker simply taps the ball with his or her foot.
See folks is that easy to lay a bunt down its similar to kickball thatsright KICKBALL. So why are these "professionals"(players who get lots of money to play a game) unable to lay a simple bunt down when most needed. How many times have us the fans been so upset because the manager didn't call for a bunt or the bunt attempt was just awful. In evidence that a bunt can go a long way is the 06 World series. The all but lost cardinals against the mighty Detroit tigers and "the mayor" (sean casey another player i would want on my super team) How many bunts were laid down in that series. I can remember back to back bunts that were laid down successfully. During a successful bunt it can put alot of pressure on the defense to make a simple throw but it gets into the players head i have to rush this play and make a quick throw and sailing over the 1st base bag and into the stands. That was the exact events that lead to multiple runs for the cardinals and that series of events changed the whole outcome of the world series.
So for all you die hard baseball fans out there, how many sacrifice bunts do you want to see this year?
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Dead Guy
Scrumtrulescence in a bottle. Rogue Dead Guy Ale is as pontent as its name. Created to celebrate the Mayan Day of the Dead this brew-ha is deep honey in color with a malty aroma. Symbolizing a german-style maibock with a well-balanced finish. Its outstanding to drink on your porch during a nice spring night while rocking out to the Greatful Dead. Enjoy this ale and don't be afraid to try Rogue again.
"Oh well a touch of gray, kinda suits you anyway,That's all I had to say, but it's alrightI will get by, I will get by, I will get by, I will survive."
---Greatful Dead "Touch of Grey"
The Face of Big Ten Bball
My favorite play in all of the sports world is a quarterback going down blindsided by a man with a running start and a thirst for blood. As a matter of fact any big defensive hit on the football field tops my chart. During the fall and early winter there is nothing better...but its march yo! Slam dunks nice cuts deep threes fast breaks plus buzzer beaters please. Watching the first two rounds of the ncaa tourney I often wondered are some of these teams still thinking the leaves are falling? Basketball is a thrilling game to watch ,that is, when the game has a smooth rythme to it. But there are those who refuse to keep the pace and do everything in their power to disrupt the others' tempo. The Big Ten strives on this. It does win games. It does take skill and practive. Blocked shots, full court presses and stolen passes are cool dont get me wrong but the way Michigan State went about it in the first round was just ugly basketball. I was honestly getting frustrated while witnessing four to five minutes of play go by without a fiedgoal. The average trip down court consisted of the crap you see at a gradeschool game: people throwing wild passes out of bounds, guys dribbling the ball off themselves, and no one able to hit a shot to save their lives. Come on, if I want to see that kind of action I'll just watch highschool ball on ONN. So all those teams out there concentrating harder on their own focus than disrupthing focus I'm pulling for you and until September rolls around defence takes a back seat.
Welcome to the Jungle
Greetings All!!!
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a self-described under-achiever who works full time at the Tri-State-renowned Party Source in beautiful Bellevue, KY. I'm a pessimist about almost everything. The main exceptions are Cincinnati Sports and women. Well, woman, to be more specific. I have strong beliefs about the following: Pete belongs in the Hall; he has no right to be a part of professional baseball, however. My beloved Bengals: Call me!! I'll be the designated driver! Now let's stay sober and win a damn Super Bowl! Huggs got a raw deal; but that was two years ago. GET OVER IT!!! Mick is a helluva coach and in a matter of time, Huggs will just be the coach of another overrated Big 12 school. As far as Xavier: keep dominating the A1o; maybe with all those A10 titles a coach might decide to stay for more than 2 years. On to UK: other than my girlfriend being one of "those" fans I could care less. Tubby is not gonna win a title every year, especially when Chris Lofton is in his own back yard, and can't play there. Other than that, go JungleKats. I hope we get another professional indoor franchise that fails miserably in that shitty arena.
Now on to the goodness...
In case no one has heard, Juan Encarnacion is doubtful to play in baseball's opening game. Earth shattering news, I know. The reason ESPN felt compelled to run this on the Bottom Line for more than a day is because, now we can't watch the former Red play on ESPN in the first nationally televised game of the season. It's merely another shameless ploy from our friends in Bristol to make everyone join the ESPN Family.
That being said, fuck ESPN. I emplore everyone to avoid ESPN. Seriously. On top of their website being slower than that guy in I Am Sam, you have to pay for almost all their articles. Go somewhere where you can find everything you really need.
Fuck ESPN.
Allow me to introduce myself. I'm a self-described under-achiever who works full time at the Tri-State-renowned Party Source in beautiful Bellevue, KY. I'm a pessimist about almost everything. The main exceptions are Cincinnati Sports and women. Well, woman, to be more specific. I have strong beliefs about the following: Pete belongs in the Hall; he has no right to be a part of professional baseball, however. My beloved Bengals: Call me!! I'll be the designated driver! Now let's stay sober and win a damn Super Bowl! Huggs got a raw deal; but that was two years ago. GET OVER IT!!! Mick is a helluva coach and in a matter of time, Huggs will just be the coach of another overrated Big 12 school. As far as Xavier: keep dominating the A1o; maybe with all those A10 titles a coach might decide to stay for more than 2 years. On to UK: other than my girlfriend being one of "those" fans I could care less. Tubby is not gonna win a title every year, especially when Chris Lofton is in his own back yard, and can't play there. Other than that, go JungleKats. I hope we get another professional indoor franchise that fails miserably in that shitty arena.
Now on to the goodness...
In case no one has heard, Juan Encarnacion is doubtful to play in baseball's opening game. Earth shattering news, I know. The reason ESPN felt compelled to run this on the Bottom Line for more than a day is because, now we can't watch the former Red play on ESPN in the first nationally televised game of the season. It's merely another shameless ploy from our friends in Bristol to make everyone join the ESPN Family.
That being said, fuck ESPN. I emplore everyone to avoid ESPN. Seriously. On top of their website being slower than that guy in I Am Sam, you have to pay for almost all their articles. Go somewhere where you can find everything you really need.
Fuck ESPN.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Comercials are bad enough, but having to suffer through the last minute of these games can become unbearable. These NCAA games that is, but it has been even worse this year due to the lack of excitement in the first couple of rounds. Two legitimate upsets is all we got, not to forget that VCU and Winthrop were somewhat bandwagon upstarts. We still got to witness Duke falter in the first round, which is always fun as the media homers seethe on the set.
The comercials though have gotten rather bad, espcially when watching courtesy of Direct TV's tournament package. They do allow you to watch all the games, but then air four seperate comercial breaks; at the same TIME! How can they do that? Isn't that grounds for breach of contract? Simulatneous comercial breaks are a travesty that should not go unpunished. That being said, people are still going to pay for it and it will be broadcast at any business with the sports fan in mind.
So I propose to all those people out there who are deterred by this phenomena to adjust to the predicament. Gamble on which comercials will be shown or turn it into a drinking game. That would be the only logical alternative to the lame comments that you pull out of your Mystery Science Theatre 3000 library of quotes. What are you going to do? In the words of the late Mitch Hedberg: "Make oatmeal."
The comercials though have gotten rather bad, espcially when watching courtesy of Direct TV's tournament package. They do allow you to watch all the games, but then air four seperate comercial breaks; at the same TIME! How can they do that? Isn't that grounds for breach of contract? Simulatneous comercial breaks are a travesty that should not go unpunished. That being said, people are still going to pay for it and it will be broadcast at any business with the sports fan in mind.
So I propose to all those people out there who are deterred by this phenomena to adjust to the predicament. Gamble on which comercials will be shown or turn it into a drinking game. That would be the only logical alternative to the lame comments that you pull out of your Mystery Science Theatre 3000 library of quotes. What are you going to do? In the words of the late Mitch Hedberg: "Make oatmeal."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Manifesto
Here we go. As the information age picks up speed accelerating at mega-hertz every day our eyes and ears become drenched by the mainstream. Weather it be CNN news, XM radio, or ESPN's Sports Center a specific and undeniable influence can be sensed. This sense has been pricked so many times one stops noticing it. Its presence takes the form of the wallet in your back pocket. Never feeling it unless mentioned and a conscious effort is put towards feeling it. Indeed right now many of you are shifting in your desk chairs suddenly aware of the lump under your ass...this is our purpose. The bullpen alchoholics want you to take note of your surroundings we want you to analize this excess of purified, steralized, streamlined, cookie-cutter, made for the masses weshouldgiveashitaboutbarrybonds national news. By reading this and the many many more blogs to be posted on this site it is our hope to spark if only a flicker of intrest in the things less seen which do not lie on the surface and God willing even inspire you to having an original idea yourself. Some of our blogs might be as revolutionary as the pet rock but I assure you some true jems will be found amoungst the rubble. This is the begining of a new age of information gathering soon internet posts and blogs will overcome monopolistic broadcasting soon everyone and anyones ideas will be heard and soon this blog site will recieve 200 hits a day. Just remember corporate America wants you were they can see you: floating face down in the mainstream. Vale.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Madness?
I've been so inundated with "12 over 5's", "10 over 7's", that I was blinded come tounament time this year. Using what is familiar usually guaranteed at least a fighting chance for my "illegal" office bracket, that I didn't factor in several elements. 1, my acumen towards college basketball slipped due to the University of Cincinnati's downright terrible performance this year. 2, the studs that would have declared for the NBA draft were forced to play for those teams that they usually committed to for a cover. 3, aside from Winthrop there were no really scarry Mid-Major teams. Granted some of that is hindsight, but anyone with at least a cursory knowledge about the college game could have seen in coming.
I'm not upset or anything because my bracket looks like a confused pirate's treasure map with all the x's on it, but it was an eye opening revelation. Mainly bringing back my notion that sports teams will in general mimic the towns they play for. In this instance the focus is on Cincinnati. Everything from the Bob Huggins fiasco, to the Andy Kennedy saga that transpired last year as he and Nancy Zimpher clashed time and time again; seems to have derailed the program. Everything that Huggs had built in this city was thrown under the bus in a tour-de-force by president Nancy. Not to villify that witch, but the truth of the matter is Huggs won basketball games, in doing that brought national prestige. Then a year before he was to lead "his" program in against the big dogs, he made a mistake. For that mistake she decided to set the program that he built into the cellar.
Why would one do that? Why is it relevant now? The simple fact that like my curiosity towards college basketball suffered, so too does the cities. The crosstown shootout doesn't feel the same. The buzz around town during the season isn't there. Sure Xavier made it this year, but was the city that into it? I say no. Ever since Huggs and his disciples have been redflagged it's brought a sour mood and a single black rain cloud with it. There is hope. Mick can recruit, which will bring back the face of the program. Fiesty, up-tempo defense and one hell of a college basketball town.
I'm not upset or anything because my bracket looks like a confused pirate's treasure map with all the x's on it, but it was an eye opening revelation. Mainly bringing back my notion that sports teams will in general mimic the towns they play for. In this instance the focus is on Cincinnati. Everything from the Bob Huggins fiasco, to the Andy Kennedy saga that transpired last year as he and Nancy Zimpher clashed time and time again; seems to have derailed the program. Everything that Huggs had built in this city was thrown under the bus in a tour-de-force by president Nancy. Not to villify that witch, but the truth of the matter is Huggs won basketball games, in doing that brought national prestige. Then a year before he was to lead "his" program in against the big dogs, he made a mistake. For that mistake she decided to set the program that he built into the cellar.
Why would one do that? Why is it relevant now? The simple fact that like my curiosity towards college basketball suffered, so too does the cities. The crosstown shootout doesn't feel the same. The buzz around town during the season isn't there. Sure Xavier made it this year, but was the city that into it? I say no. Ever since Huggs and his disciples have been redflagged it's brought a sour mood and a single black rain cloud with it. There is hope. Mick can recruit, which will bring back the face of the program. Fiesty, up-tempo defense and one hell of a college basketball town.
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