As you read this blog I will commit to you that it will a commentary on yesterday's news and my rants eer... insights on various topics (usually sports related). As a loyal reader I commit to you blog on an irregular basis and bring to you my take on day old news stories. As well as again and again to show forth my age with cultural references which will require link for many of you to recall the reference. Welcome to my life and welcome to my blog. Book 'Em Dano!
Not only do I serve as the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mebane, I am the husband of Teri, father of Tucker, "master" of Justice my German Shepherd and Liberty my Terrier. Not to mention a fan of the Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, and Washington Redskins.
This appeared in the Truth and Rumors section on SI.com and I had to laugh when I saw it.
Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin denied telling South Carolina recruit that he "would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life" on Tuesday, according to ESPN. Alshon Jeffrey of St. Matthews, S.C., one of the nation's top prospects at wide receiver, signed with South Carolina after an intense recruiting battle with Southern Cal and Tennessee. On Tuesday, Kiffin told ESPN, "I never said that to Alshon, nor would I say anything like that. That's just not something I would say."
How great of story is that?!?! It is like this "kid" is a clone of ole Stevie Ball Coach himself. Kiffen may not ever win a game at UT, but at least he came onto campus with guns ablazing. and now he is even taking shots at the master of SEC Coach Trash Talk...Stevie Ball Coach. Over the years UT has been know for having a solid winning program, but it seemed to lack the swagger that other programs had. And many years it seemed as if it was the step child to Florida and Stevie Boy. Now Lane swaggers into Knoxville and his gums are a flappin'. UT may not win much this year, but I am certain Laney is going to keep us all entertained.
I am a praying man and there are times in which I am prone to pray for selfish things. I have to admit that just a few moments ago while engaging in on of my favorite activities, watching ESPN, when I saw a news item come across the crawler at the bottom of the screen. It mentioned that there might be interest in San Fransisco signing Terrell Owens. I pray that TO would sign again with the 49ers. Why? Is it because I hate the 49ers? Nope Is it because I think TO is a great player .who will make the Niners into winners? Nope. I want the Niners to sign To so that I can see more press conferences like this one.
Can you imagine what Samurai Mike would do if TO pulled some of the stunts he has in the past few years? How awesome would it be to see Samurai Mike go Samurai on TO? To loaf through a play or miss a cut or drop a pass or complain about not getting the ball or calling his QB gay or doing crunches in your driveway... Only to be greeted by this:
How totally awesome would that be! I grew up watching Samurai Mike slicing and dicing opponents as part of the Ditka Bears. OH yeah, I would dig change out of the couch cushions in order to pay to see Samurai Mike introduce himself to TO after TO is TO!
I am in the midst of fantasy baseball league draft. I have finished last in the standings for the last 3 years. This year we have switched to an NL only league. I took Chase Utley in the round 1. If you have an advice I am listening.
Fan IQ recently ranked the Top 10 Ugliest Baseball Uniforms Of All Time. As I read the list I was immediately thrown back into my youth. I loved the Pirates uniforms...We Are Family!
A couple of days ago the story broke about the Denver Broncos had entertained talks about a 3 way trade involving Jay Cutler. Cutler has come out and aired his thoughts and feelings about the news. News flash to Jay. Because I know he is reading this being a Vandy grad he is a smart guy. You are a good QB, way better so far than Vincey Young or MattyLienart who were taken in the draft ahead of you. Being a Titans fan I do wish we had gone with you than Vince, but that is hind sight. But you are only 17-20 as a starter and have not been to the playoffs. That doesn't make you Joe Montana, heck that doesn't even make you Kurt Warner, so quit acting like you are Joe Montana. Also, you are a football player and in football at any given moment you are up to be traded. It is the nature of the beast we affectionately call the NFL. Stop crying and whining and play football. The last time I checked they did not already have your bust carved in Canton. You are a decent QB and time will tell if you will be a good QB or a great QB or maybe Hall of Famer. I like the swagger and confidence, but I say to you...suit up and win some games. Until you have a championship ring or three you need to keep quit and play ball. Get over yourself, your not a Manning.
As I proud member of Red Sox nation I still sport my Man Ram jersey and at times found his antics to be funny. By far my favorite is the time in which Johnny Damon chased down a ball hit to the center field wall in Fenway. Damon comes up throwing to his cut off man...err Manny. Yep, Manny playing left fields comes over and cuts off the throw. I would love to post a clip but it seems as if MLB has pulled all clips from the net due to copyright infringement. I think that I smell the commish and Fehr. Ohh look there they are
But I digress, Manny has sorta landed in LA and word is that he just turned down the Dodgers latest offer.
I understand Manny being Manny and Borus being Borus, but what universe do they reside in? They turned down a 2 year, $45 million contract?!?! How nuts can one be? Boys and girls let's take a look at this. Manny stormed the Dodger Stadium castle after burning down the Fenway park bridge. Manny is a free agent, spring training is underway and only one team is offering you a contract. Cutting off the throw from Damon or whizzing in the Green Monster make you look like Bill Nye compared to turning down the Dodgers offer. Where are the Yanks? How satisfying would it be for Hank and Daddy George and the Evil Empire to win a World Series with the help of a former Red Sox Jedi? Where are the Giants, the arch rival of the Dodgers? You mean they don't want to steal Manny from the Dodger stable and watch him shred the Dodgers next season. Or what about the KC Royals who can't even win an inner squad game? Wouldn't they love to have the Manny sideshow in town to put some rear ends in the seat? And there are no other teams sniffing around the Manny Being Manny wagon.
I know that the Dodgers will end up signing Manny in time for Manny to be in the line up on opening day. But, I would LOVE to see the Dodgers to sit on their wallets and Manny be forced to sell more items on e-bay. I heard his grill brought in some good money. Wonder what an autographed Manny hot tub would fetch? And if all else fails I am sure that the Tiawana Tigers could use a left fielders/DH. And who knows, I might be willing to fork over $20 a week for Manny to mow my yard.
Memo to the Danny Boy and Vinny: Your next purchase needs to a white Velor Jump Suit with a Redskins logo. Something along these lines.
I don't know how you justify this signing and tying up the money when you have so many holes in team. Campbell is questionable at QB mainly because he has no receivers to throw to. Your premiere RB is slowing down. Yet you blow mega $$ on two defensive players. How many ways can you say 5-11? Look at the teams who win in the NFL in the past few years. They all have a solid QB, 2-3 solid receivers, and 1-2 solid RBs. You have none of these. Again, I say 6-10.
Wait, why should I care? I am a Titans fan. And I will know that come the 1st Sunday in February 2010 I will be parked on my couch wondering why companies paid millions for that commerical while Danny Boy and Vinny will be parked on a couch in a luxury suite wondering why they paid millions for the next Warren Sapp, Raider Version.
At midnight last night the NFL free agency began and it seems as if all the talk that the Redskins garnered pre-free agency has not come through. It seems as if they want Albert Haynesworth, but nothing as of yet has come through. As a Titans fan, it would not be a great loss to see Albert head to D.C. Sure, the last two years have been good ones for Big Al even though he has not been able to play an entire season. But, overall he has been an above average lineman who does not play up to potential unless he is staring down a payday. If you could sign him to a one year contract then maybe he will be dominate, otherwise the 'Skins will end up with another overpaid bust. But, i am sure that the Danny Boy and Vinny Show will repeat itself and sign Big Al to a huge contract and then be stuck with an under producing player who will be sitting hurt on the bench. But, there is always the chance that Big Al will be Big Al and stomp someone head like it was a bug or be caught drinking and driving or driving 150 mph in a 55 mph zone. Memo to Dan Synder...you own a REAL football team not a NFL.com FANTASY team. Winning the news cycle in March will not win you a game in September or for that matter December. You are becoming Al Davis for a new generation without the championships.
I am not one to watch awards shows, they rank in my book right up there with made up greeting card holidays. However, today i was surfing the net and came across this clip which has to be the greatest acceptance speech in the history of acceptance speeches. Got to love the old skool shout out! dude, I can't pronounce your name and have never seen or heard of your animated short film, but let me say "Dude, you rock!"
Friday night was the last night for Conan. Well at least in the 12:30 PM time slot. On Monday he takes over for the joke cracking chin or as some call him Jay Leno. Leno has had a run and it is good to see that NBC did the right thing and give the slot to Conan. I remember when Letterman bolted to CBS and Conan was chosen to replace the New King of Late Night. Many like me wondered "Who is this goofy redhead comic and will not last 2 months. Well, 16 years and 2725 episodes later, Conan is leaving the 12:30 time slot for the coveted 11:35 slot. I can only hope that he will continue his tradition of goofy, off beat comedy during the 11:35 PM time slot. Conan, don't try to be Carson or Leno...continue to rock it as Conan! Do what makes you a great comic and bring back Andy! Here's to hoping my grandkids will be watching ;late Night with Conan live and not on the grandchild of You Tube!
In case you missed it here is the final episode! Be sure to watch for the sexiest leprechaun on the planet!
There are times in which you see things that make you stop and go WOW! And this is one of them. Take a look at Alex Ovechkin living up to his nickname, Alex the Great.
Today is the birthday of the greatest basketball player in the history of the world. My dad will argue that Pistol Pete or Cousey or Russell was better, but it is futile. MJ was/is the greatest EVER! End of discussion and we will go to the video to prove it:
I have a file in my head called "When You Think You Have Seen It All" where I file away goofy, off the wall stories that just seem to come out of left field. such is this story that I ran across this morning.
I mean how totally cool is this? If you are married think back to your wedding day...the nerves, sweaty palms and pits, pacing back and forth, trying not to sweat too much so you don't glisten in the pictures, etc. Now all that is taken care of. No worries about pit stains...it's -5 below! Worried that the groom might get cold feet? Worry no longer, they are COLD, real COLD! And he decides to run he isn't getting far. It is a perfect place to get married. I mean, who wouldn't want to get married in the Fortress of Solitude?
Or if you are not into "truth, justice, and the American way" and lean more to the villainous side then we have just the place for you -- Gustav Graves' spectacular lair, the Ice Palace
And have no fear because it is easily reached by car, no need for capes and tights or a sleigh drawn by reindeer. All you need is a souped up British spy sports car and Hale Berry.
Well, no matter which option you choose you got to hand it to those wacky Swedes. First they give us their World Famous Bikini Team and now the Ice Church. Yah!
Last night the NBA slam sunk contest was held. If you were like me and did not see it then here are the highlights.
As I watch the highlights I reminisce back tot he day when I would look forward to the Slam Dunk contest and would not miss it for the world. As I watch the highlights I long for those days again. Days of Dominique and MJ and the master Dr. J. When there were no capes or other props. Just guys who were freaks of nature throwing down the rock with grace and style.
And let's kick it Old Skool Baby! The Colonel may have the original recipie for chicken, but the Dr. is the original slam dunker. Kick it Dr. J, fro and all...
I just ran across this on the SI (Sports Illustrated for all you non-sporters out there) website under Truth & Rumors and I got pumped just reading it.
Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd has long felt the game of baseball was taken away from him far too soon. He was 31 years old when he threw his last pitch for the Texas Rangers in 1991. But now, at age 49, Boyd believes his shoulder is stronger than ever. He says his velocity is up in the low 90s and the 12-6 curveball and changeup have returned. He wants a chance to show a major league team he can still pitch. "I have nothing to lose, and all a major league team has to lose is 15 minutes," said Boyd. "Give me 15 minutes and I'll show I can still pitch. That's all I want."
This is exactly what baseball needs. It needs another great Mississipian in its ranks. Especially one like the Can. (If you were curious the name Oil Can is Mississippi slang for Beer Can. The Can's nickname came from his like of beer not that he worked at the local Jiffy Lube. Although he may have, I don't know).
I remember that Oil Can tried once in the mid 1990's to resurrect his career pitching in the #2 spot with the MS Delta Bluesmen. The Bluesmen were an actually indie league team, so the rumor goes. Anyway, I would pay to a 49 year old Oil Can pitch. Heck, I bet he could easily be the #3 starter on the Royals or the Stienbreners could add hem to the traveling sideshow once known as the Yankees. Jabba the Hut, Oil Can, A-Roid, and HGHPettite. If they could get Oil Can they need to rip Thong Boy RoidGiambi back from the A's. I don't think I have seen a better line-up since I was in 4th grade and went to the MS State Fair. They had the Bearded Lady, Human Garbage Disposal who ate light bulbs, The Elastic Lady, the Snake Handler, and Gordo the Great.
I would have to say if Oil Can pitches I would pay to see it. Not much granted for tow reasons (1) Oil Can will be pitching for low level Minor League team at best. Which is great if he pitches on Feed Your Face Night where $10 gets me a ticket and all the hot dogs I can shovel down my gullet. (2) seeing how I can't spring for the tickets to Man 'o War at the Patriot Center. And I still am hoping that Big O, Dukes, or Luke Thomas come through for me. He guys, I know that you are reading this so help out a fellow fan. All I need is 2 tickets and they don't even have to be ringside, that would be super cool, just inside the center. Dudes, please help out a fan here.
I have to admit to you all that I am becoming more and more of a fan of Mixed Martial Arts. Over the past 2-3 years I have watched UFC Fight Night and UFC Unleashed on Spike TV. Several months ago I ran across the Big O and Dukes Radio Show on WJFK in D.C. As i was listen the topic of the moment was MMA, Chad's love of it, and the guest was one Mr. Luke Thomas who host MMA Nation, Saturdays on WJFK, as well as running the top shelf MMA sight Bloody Elbow. As they talked about MMA I became more and more interested. Growing up as a boxing fan, I loved hearing the enthusiasm and excitement regarding MMA. The same excitement I heard from my grad dad and his cronies as they talked Ali, Frazier, and Marciano. I was totally pumped to hear about MMA and its evolution from underground human cock fights to a multi-million dollar sport that it is today.
If you are in the greater D.C. area and want to see MMA in person I would suggest you check out UWC Man 'o War event at the Patriot Center. I wish I was able to attend in person, but money is tight. So if any of you reading this can help me out with a couple of tickets, I would be grateful. I have never seen a MMA fight in person and I am itching too! Hey Luke, Big O, Dukes hook a fellow fan up...please!
Before I yell Book 'Em Dano, check out one of the greatest movies ever. Book 'Em Dano!
A-Fraud...uhh....Roid....uhh....I will never win a world series, so I roid up to pad my numbers...Rod reports next week to Spring Training. Or should we call it a 4 Ring Circus Training? But to continue with the themes of earlier post here is Letterman's Top Ten Messages Left on Alex Rodriguez's Answering Machine.
I know you have heard by now, but have you seen the Video of Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman last night? If not, here it is and if so, watch it again...
As I watched this clip, I don't know what to say other than it is about time that Letterman had on a whacked out guest. Your honor people's exhibit A:
And People's Exhibit B:
Is it just me or does it seem that about ever 10 years or so a whacked out, goofy guest appears on Letterman which gets Dave all the headlines? I think it is brilliant for Letterman and his guys. Think about it, the world of late night comedy TV is crowded. You have every major TV station with a show or three not to mention cable. Goofy guest and headlines all over the world. Great move Dave! And what a great move for J.P. Look at what it did for the careers of Jill Munroe and George McFly! J.P. only has great days ahead of him.
Some blogs and reporters suggest that all this crazy JP behavior is because he and his bro in law Casey Affleck are filming a documentary. Suggestions swirl that it is a "mockumentay" in which Casey and JP are actually filming. HMMMM...a talented, Oscar nominated actor is swayed by his bro in law to film a "documentary"... this ain't Spinal Tap. Is it just me or do you think this idea all started with a phrase such as, "here hold my beer" or "dude, while you are getting me another beer think how cool it would be if like dude we punk'd the world..."
At this point let me talk directly to JP (I know he reads this blog and is real concerned with what I have to say). JP, dude, look and read closely. You are talented. I love your film work. Gladiator is in my top 3 favorite movies as is Signs and Walk the Line was phenomenal. Go back to legitimate acting. Casey may be your bro in law, but remember that he might be a nice guy, but he is not half the actor you are. Go to Netflix and check out The Assassination of Jesse by Coward Robert Ford. And just because his brother calls himself and actor it does not make him one. While on Netflix watch Daredevil. You may have a bromance with Casey and it is OK to let him choose the restaurant to eat at tonight, but it is not ok for him to give you career advice. JP wake up before you further become a punch line to corny late night hack comics.
There is no way that I could blog about Farrah Fawcett without posting this picture:
As great as Farrah was for me she is second to Wonder Woman Lynda Carter.
Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman was my first crush who I have never forgotten!!! She will always be Wonder Woman for me!
I am a HUGE fan of Minor league baseball. Feed Your Face Night; The BK Strike Out King of the game, if a certain player on the opposing team strikes out anytime during the game everyone gets a free whopper; $2 hot dogs any game night; $10 gets you on the front row; players handing kids their game bats as they head to the locker rooms which just so happen to double as the restrooms in the ticket office; goofy games played by randomly chosen fans with the chance to win tickets; the list goes on and on and on. As a dad and baseball lover it is great to be able to take my kid to a game for under $30 for the both of us. $30 at a MLB game gets me sitting next to the pidgeons while praying my nose don't bleed.
So, with this said, I happened upon a story today that mentioned the UFL, I thought it was a misprint and they meant the USFL. I did some research (yeah, I googled it) and ran across this website which promises to deliever quailty fan friendly football starting in the fall 2009. It sounded like a great idea and the way I read it it can become Mnor League Football. All the quality football we know and love without the sky high pricing and the big name players. By golly I think they are one to something here. How cool would it be to have $1 doller dog night while watching a decent football game. Brillant I think.
And speaking of Googleing, it too must have thought I mis-typed because I got a link to the New USFL!!! I was like no way! Way! How col is that? I was a BIG fan of the Memphis Showboats! Yeah, it was a real team in a real league not the name of a cross dressing Vegas "showgirl" who had a southern accent. My hands are shaking with excitement as I read this...what is next? Are they going to make a real life verison of He-Man and Masters of the Universe?
Here's a throwback for all you children of the '80's:
A few post ago I posted a video of Lane Kiffen, UT's new football coach, taking a jab at Urban Meyer and the Gator program. I thought it was rather funny myself and a something new at UT, their football coach actually throwing verbal punches instead of taking them. (Spurrier v. Fulmer throughout Stevie's tenture at the swamp.). But, I would like to say to Lane and the rest of the boys in Knoxville...welcome to the BIG SHOW that we call SEC Football!
Back in the day, when I made my "official" visit to college campus I did not get a fog machine or press conference. All I got was a tour of the library and a free lunch in the cafeteria. I guess that is the difference between being a solid C student and the ability to run 40 yards in 4 seconds.
My granddad always said that you have to give a dog its due and I am here today to give a Yank dog his due. Monday A-Rod manned up and sat down face to face with ESPN's Peter Gammons to discuss the issue at hand.
A-Fraud, the nickname given to him by those wacky club house boys and other Yanks, at least had the guts to admit that he did 'Roids while he played in Texas. But not since 2003 has he done 'roids. Do I believe him? As I look at it you have a clubhouse with at least 3 big name players juicing (and I am so sure that no one knew) and you have been juicing for the past 3 years, but now you decide to not juice. It is like an alcoholic doing rehab at a the Dew Drop Inn Saloon. But, in his defense, if A-Rod has been clean then good for him and I hope that he is not lying to us once again. I can see why A-Fraud is coming "clean". He is seeking a pass and keep himself in the Hall of Fame. A pass has been given to Giambi and Pettite as they apologized for their roid use. Well, I am not sure what Giambi apologized for specifically, but he should immediately issue and apology for the whole thong thing as well as that awful 'stache he had going. It made Jeff Kent's 'stache look good. On the other hand, others who have been linked to steriods have not even sniffed the Hall of Fame...Mark "Big Mac" McGuire..even if they had the numbers to get in.
In all this though I have to ask, where is Bud Selig? The man who has reigned over the the Roid Era that has included two players strikes, a canceled World Series, an All Star game tie, and a World Series postponed game. HMMM...just where is the man, the myth, and the legend (in his own mind) Oh wait I think I see him there in the corner of the room during the interview look closely and you can see him. If you have trouble here is a still picture taken off of the video.
Did you happen to catch the breaking NBA news? It seems as if the league in in it's effort to always be cutting edge, i.e the 3 point shooting contest and the Rookie Challenge, now brings you G-E-I-C-O. In a twist to the old H-O-R-S-E game we played as kids (or P-I-G if we were short on time) contestants will instead play a game of G-E-I-C-O. How cool is this? Maybe they could up the stakes and have Geico pitch men vs. NBA'ers. Think about it...Kobe, Kevin Garnett, and D Wade vs. Caveman, Gecko, and Lauren Wallace (who happens to be my personal fav, check him out here and here) This is pure genius! Way to go Stern! This should be riviting TV, even better than the slam dunk contest that has lost alot of luster. They should have canned it when MJ retired.
This just in...Alex Rodriguez the Evil Empire's 3rd baseman tested positive for steroids in 2003! Well, allegedly. All the details are here. Wow, who would've thought that a Yankee would test positive of 'roids? Surely not Jason Giambi, Roger Clemens, or Andy Pettite..allegedly. But, you have to hand it to A-Roid, he faced the media and manned up, "You'll have to talk to the union". I guess he was way too busy chasing down old, vieny, wrinkley pop singers to issue a real statement. As a proud, card carrying member of Red Sox nation, I have to admit that a smirk is on my face as I write this. There is some satisfaction in seeing the Yankroids be caught cheating in an era when they can't win the big one. I think that with the opening of the new Yankee Stadium that there should be a Mount Roidmore stature erected in Momument Park. There for all to see are the Rocket, Giambi, Pettite, and A-Rod's mugs chiseled in stone. And while I am piling on, check out this gallery of A-Roid through the years. My personal favorite is picture 12. "The Slap" is one of the highlights of the greatest choke jobs ever....up 3-0 in the ALCS only to lose 4 straight. Long Live The Sox!
I ran across this posted on another site and I knew that you , my loyal readers, would want to just laugh out loud today. Just click on the video and be prepared to laugh out loud. And if this video would not be embarrassing enough for this kid, his parents had to go make him wear a shirt like that!
This year's super Bowl did not feature my beloved Tennessee Titans, so there was not a whole lot of interest in the who won the game. What I was more interested in is who won Super Ad Bowl 09. so without further adieu, I will revel to you my Bottom Feeder 5 (dudes, do you know what it cost for a 30 second Super Bowl ad and you did that with your money?!?!?)
Disclaimer: Posting these videos in no way, shape form or fashion means that I endorse any of the products. Not until someone pays me the big bucks.
#5
#4 What?
#3 Wasn't David Abernathy an American Idol finalist a couple years ago?
#2 Yea...Ok...
#1 It's a tie... Even 3d did not help this one out
This year's super Bowl did not feature my beloved Tennessee Titans, so there was not a whole lot of interest in the who won the game. What I was more interested in is who won Super Ad Bowl 09. Without further adieu, I will revel to you my Top of the Sunday 5 (the best commercials)
Disclaimer: Posting these videos in no way, shape form or fashion means that I endorse any of the products. Not until someone pays me the big bucks.
Top of the Sunday 5
Honorable Mention.. I am not sure if this premiered on Super Sunday, so does not make the official top 5.
#5 Mean Troy Coke...a new take on an oldie but goldie
#4 Need a new job?
#3 Heroes ... It was a mediocre commercial until the end! Elway Rules!
I was reluctant at first to blog becaue I thought to myself, "Regis, this blogging thing is like Teddy Ruxpin of the internet. Much ado about a teddy bear strapped to a tape deck." But, alas blogging was not a Teddy Ruxpin, but instead it turned out to be a Cabbage Patch Kid...able to stand the test of time. So, here I am a month into 2009 and I am an official blogger. What a wonderfully sounding word that is...blogger.
As you read this blog I will commit to you that it will a commentary on yesterday's news and my rants eer... insights on various topics (usually sports related). As a loyal reader I commit to you blog on an irregular basis and bring to you my take on day old news stories. As well as again and again to show forth my age with cultural references which will require link for many of you to recall the reference. Welcome to my life and welcome to my blog. Book 'Em Dano!
