As I sit here and watch the All-Star game I must admit that I am entertained. Kobe Bryant, the greatest player in this era, is putting on a clinic for the younger guys. LeBron James is literally flying down the court. I am enjoying watching the 24 best players in the world show off their talents.
The same can not be said for the Sprite Dunk Contest. The show was rigged. It was unbelievably obvious the NBA was pulling for Blake Griffin to win. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy what he is doing in the regular system, but the favoritism shown last night was a bit much.
Griffin's coach was TNT analyst Kenny Smith, the only coach with direct communication to the TV broadcasters.
The final dunk, in which he jumped over a sedan, was accompanied by a choir. He had to make it to the finals so they could show off the official car of the NBA and use the choir they had invited. Griffin took off from the dotted line under the free throw line. His opponent in the finals, seven foot JaVale McGee, dunked from behind the free throw line and received four points less. McGee dunked two balls on two goals and on a another attempt dunked three balls on one goal. Both of those dunks were more impressive than Griffin's final dunk.
After last night I wanted to say the dunk contest was back after a long time of being down, but I was let down. The best dunker did not win because the NBA had already predetermined the winner.
Back to watching the game. There are two minutes left, and the All-Stars are starting to care and play some defense.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Therapeudic Nature
I am not sure how the weather could have been better yesterday in Gainesville.
When I opened the blinds this morning I knew I had to get outside, even if there was a pretty stout college basketball schedule on TV. I went for a run. I took the roads I usually do when I run outside. I have noticed a trail into the woods a number of times, but because I usually exercise later in the day I have not taken the trail, not to mention I had no idea where it leads to. But yesterday I was running around noon, and the sun was shining brightly so I took the trail through the woods. After some time, I ran up a small ridge and found a beautiful pond. I sat down for a minute, not only to rest, but to thank God for giving me all that he has given.
The run was much like what my life is like. I am running around, not necessarily feeling endangered, but oftentimes I feel lost in a new world to me. I serve a gracious God that no matter how much I want to run around by myself, He will always comfort me in times I feel alone. He is there with me even when I am not paying attention or not expecting it.
Nature can force us to be quiet and get away from the busyness with which we normally surround ourselves. You think there is a correlation in my grandfather's love of the woods, after working in them all of his life, and him being one of the strongest Christian men I know? Makes a lot of sense to me.
Needless to say, I have a new favorite trail to run. One that will be a constant reminder of God's goodness.
When I opened the blinds this morning I knew I had to get outside, even if there was a pretty stout college basketball schedule on TV. I went for a run. I took the roads I usually do when I run outside. I have noticed a trail into the woods a number of times, but because I usually exercise later in the day I have not taken the trail, not to mention I had no idea where it leads to. But yesterday I was running around noon, and the sun was shining brightly so I took the trail through the woods. After some time, I ran up a small ridge and found a beautiful pond. I sat down for a minute, not only to rest, but to thank God for giving me all that he has given.
The run was much like what my life is like. I am running around, not necessarily feeling endangered, but oftentimes I feel lost in a new world to me. I serve a gracious God that no matter how much I want to run around by myself, He will always comfort me in times I feel alone. He is there with me even when I am not paying attention or not expecting it.
Nature can force us to be quiet and get away from the busyness with which we normally surround ourselves. You think there is a correlation in my grandfather's love of the woods, after working in them all of his life, and him being one of the strongest Christian men I know? Makes a lot of sense to me.
Needless to say, I have a new favorite trail to run. One that will be a constant reminder of God's goodness.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Treemagedon
Put another reason down on the list of reasons I love college football. The incident in Auburn has everyone in SEC country talking about two oak trees. Die hard University of Alabama fan, and father of daughter Crimson and son Bear, Harvey Almorn Updyke called the Paul Finebaum radio show yesterday of the news that he had poisoned two 130 year old oak trees on Toomer's corner in Auburn, Alabama. University officials say there is a slim chance the trees will survive the poisoning. The trees received more than 60 times the lethal dose of poison from Updyke after Alabama's loss in the 2010 Iron Bowl.
Everything about this story is why I love college football and the South's obsession with it.
- Updyke was still mad from 1983, when Auburn students rolled the two trees in celebration of legendary coach, and Arkansas native, Paul "Bear" Bryant's death. He also made mention of Auburn fans "salting" the score of this years Iron Bowl into the grass of Alabama's campus.
- Updyke broke the news on the Paul Finebaum radio show, a show which is followed by every true football fan in Alabama on a daily basis. He was so mad about a previous Auburn fans call he had to break the news even if his number would be easily tracked.
- The waiting game being played. There is no telling the amount of time and financial resources (bet they wish they had an extra $350K now) that have and will be spent to see if the trees will live, but in the eyes of Auburn fans it is worth it if the oaks live.
- Everyone outside of Auburn in the South is laughing at the prank. Of course Auburn fans are perturbed by the incident, but other fans can't believe it was not done earlier. But it becomes personal when you ask how a Georgia fan would feel if their Arches were torn down or if Ole Miss's sacred Grove was destroyed.
- If the trees are not saved the only way to get it back to how it was is to wait 130 years. There is no quick fix, and Updyke has essentially ruined one of Auburn's proudest traditions.
- Updyke may or may not be safer in jail. His best bet, if he values his life is to go far far away, completely change his identity when he gets out of jail. While in jail, he will immediately need a transfer before some Auburn fan with a life sentence beats the rammer jammer out of him with a bar of soap in a sock.
I hope the rest of the country is taking note. This is worse than the Steve Barman incident at Wrigley. Down here we live for football, especially of the college variety, and loyalty to your team is something you are taught at a very young age. Treemagedon is just a glimpse to the rest of the nation of how serious Saturdays in the fall are to this part of the country.
Everything about this story is why I love college football and the South's obsession with it.
- Updyke was still mad from 1983, when Auburn students rolled the two trees in celebration of legendary coach, and Arkansas native, Paul "Bear" Bryant's death. He also made mention of Auburn fans "salting" the score of this years Iron Bowl into the grass of Alabama's campus.
- Updyke broke the news on the Paul Finebaum radio show, a show which is followed by every true football fan in Alabama on a daily basis. He was so mad about a previous Auburn fans call he had to break the news even if his number would be easily tracked.
- The waiting game being played. There is no telling the amount of time and financial resources (bet they wish they had an extra $350K now) that have and will be spent to see if the trees will live, but in the eyes of Auburn fans it is worth it if the oaks live.
- Everyone outside of Auburn in the South is laughing at the prank. Of course Auburn fans are perturbed by the incident, but other fans can't believe it was not done earlier. But it becomes personal when you ask how a Georgia fan would feel if their Arches were torn down or if Ole Miss's sacred Grove was destroyed.
- If the trees are not saved the only way to get it back to how it was is to wait 130 years. There is no quick fix, and Updyke has essentially ruined one of Auburn's proudest traditions.
- Updyke may or may not be safer in jail. His best bet, if he values his life is to go far far away, completely change his identity when he gets out of jail. While in jail, he will immediately need a transfer before some Auburn fan with a life sentence beats the rammer jammer out of him with a bar of soap in a sock.
I hope the rest of the country is taking note. This is worse than the Steve Barman incident at Wrigley. Down here we live for football, especially of the college variety, and loyalty to your team is something you are taught at a very young age. Treemagedon is just a glimpse to the rest of the nation of how serious Saturdays in the fall are to this part of the country.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Best Super Bowl Ads
Part of the tradition of Super Bowl Sunday is watching the TV commercials between the game. For some, it is the reason they watch the game. The 61 commercials played during the Super Bowl this year cost $3 million dollars per 30 second spot ($100,000 per second). After a week to think about it, here are some of my favorites.
1. Doritos- "Grandpa's Ashes"
Grandpa's Ashes got by far the most laughs during my Super Bowl party. Some of the other Doritos ads were creative but none of them could top this one.
2. Volkswagen- "DarthVader"
At first I wondered what child wants to be Darth Vader, the bad guy, out of all the characters in Star Wars, but really liked this commercial. The more I see the advertisement the more I like it.
3. NFL- "Best Fans Ever"
Best part of this commercial? The Duke boys from The Dukes of Hazard jumping a ravine with a Atlanta Falcons flag raised high above General Lee, their iconic car.
4. Bridgestone- "Beaver Returns the Favor"
I missed this commercial during the game but after seeing it I am a big fan. The official name of the commercial is "Carma." I am a sucker for puns.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Today's Happenings
I wish there was time during the day on a normal basis to write about what is going on in the sports world. Or in a dream world, I would have a talk radio show on which I could express my opinions. Maybe one day...
The Cam Newton saga continues as he had a workout for invited members of the media. The one thing I don't like about preparation for the NFL Draft is when armatures hold pro days for scouts. Not much can be learned when there is no defense and the player throws scripted routes. Yesterday, there weren't even pro scouts there. It was strictly media members to get the Cam Newton buzz back up.
In other Newton news Auburn said the athletic department has spent $170,000 in attorney fees this season in the Cam Newton case. 170,000+ 180,000= 2010 National Championship. Not a bad investment.
CBS announced with the help of TBS they will cover every March Madness game this year. Great idea, but I feel like the cutaways while watching one game to buzzer beater after buzzer beater. I think this takes away a little of the magic. Plus, I unlike my father, am not a seasoned veteran at changing channels effectively.
Jerry Sloan resigned from the head coaching job of the Utah Jazz, a title he has heald for more than 23 years. During his tenure he never won a championship, but also sufffered only one losing season. He would have a ring if his best teams hadn't had to go against Michael Jordan in his prime.
The Cleveland Caveliers now have a good argument in the case for the worse team in professional sports history after losing their 26th straight game. They now have the most consecutive losses of any team from the four major professsional sports.
Great article by SI.com's Andy Staples rating recruiting classes they should be.... looking back at how they fared in their time at college.
I know the "sports blogs" may not be the most interesting to my family who wants to know what is going on, but maybe you learned a little something. I know my Mom is learning a lot about sports and that is enough reason to keep on writing.
The Cam Newton saga continues as he had a workout for invited members of the media. The one thing I don't like about preparation for the NFL Draft is when armatures hold pro days for scouts. Not much can be learned when there is no defense and the player throws scripted routes. Yesterday, there weren't even pro scouts there. It was strictly media members to get the Cam Newton buzz back up.
In other Newton news Auburn said the athletic department has spent $170,000 in attorney fees this season in the Cam Newton case. 170,000+ 180,000= 2010 National Championship. Not a bad investment.
CBS announced with the help of TBS they will cover every March Madness game this year. Great idea, but I feel like the cutaways while watching one game to buzzer beater after buzzer beater. I think this takes away a little of the magic. Plus, I unlike my father, am not a seasoned veteran at changing channels effectively.
Jerry Sloan resigned from the head coaching job of the Utah Jazz, a title he has heald for more than 23 years. During his tenure he never won a championship, but also sufffered only one losing season. He would have a ring if his best teams hadn't had to go against Michael Jordan in his prime.
The Cleveland Caveliers now have a good argument in the case for the worse team in professional sports history after losing their 26th straight game. They now have the most consecutive losses of any team from the four major professsional sports.
Great article by SI.com's Andy Staples rating recruiting classes they should be.... looking back at how they fared in their time at college.
I know the "sports blogs" may not be the most interesting to my family who wants to know what is going on, but maybe you learned a little something. I know my Mom is learning a lot about sports and that is enough reason to keep on writing.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Off By A Little
Maybe it is a good thing I didn't write a detailed analysis of how the game was going to go because well... it didn't really go that way. Except for the points. I only missed the point total by one, which in my book is pretty impressive. The defenses didn't play up to their capabilities, but in the end what happened? Defense won the Green Bay Packers their fourth franchise Super Bowl.
This year's Super Bowl goes down as the most watched television event ever, ousting last years Super Bowl in the Nielson ratings. As far as the game went though there wasn't a whole lot of substance. There was no defining picture or moment stuck in my head. The only thing I can think of was the bad calls made against Green Bay. The Steelers had their chances and were given a few more by the zebras, but they couldn't pull off the win.
The Star Spangled Banner was "bombed" by Christina Aguilera, who forgot an entire two lines from our country's national anthem. I am taking the higher road. and not even waling down the path making fun of her. The good news is she has another gig to try again after her "fumble." She has been demoted from the Super Bowl to the New York Mets Class A minor league baseball team.
The halftime show was... interesting? It was neat to see artists under the age of 60 dance and try of so hard to cover other's songs. The best part was Usher's jump down the stage to a full split. "Never in a million years," Graham said, as he watched in awe.
Give credit to North Texas. They tried as hard as they can and all reports coming out of there said the atmosphere was incredible and the people were even better. It is just a shame no one in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has a shovel. Flash forward two years to the Super Bowl at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New York. Did you really think that idea through Roger Goodell?
Either way a good time was had by all (outside of the 100 people arrested Sunday night in Pittsburgh for disorderly conduct) as the nation got together to watch. I know I did. I got to watch a football game with four guys, who knew football, on a 48" TV and surround sound. It was almost as good as the Jerry Dome I am sure. Too bad it was the last game of the year, but as they say, "there's always next year."
Now that the game is over... who is ready for the NFL draft?
This year's Super Bowl goes down as the most watched television event ever, ousting last years Super Bowl in the Nielson ratings. As far as the game went though there wasn't a whole lot of substance. There was no defining picture or moment stuck in my head. The only thing I can think of was the bad calls made against Green Bay. The Steelers had their chances and were given a few more by the zebras, but they couldn't pull off the win.
The Star Spangled Banner was "bombed" by Christina Aguilera, who forgot an entire two lines from our country's national anthem. I am taking the higher road. and not even waling down the path making fun of her. The good news is she has another gig to try again after her "fumble." She has been demoted from the Super Bowl to the New York Mets Class A minor league baseball team.
The halftime show was... interesting? It was neat to see artists under the age of 60 dance and try of so hard to cover other's songs. The best part was Usher's jump down the stage to a full split. "Never in a million years," Graham said, as he watched in awe.
Give credit to North Texas. They tried as hard as they can and all reports coming out of there said the atmosphere was incredible and the people were even better. It is just a shame no one in the Dallas-Fort Worth area has a shovel. Flash forward two years to the Super Bowl at the New Meadowlands Stadium in New York. Did you really think that idea through Roger Goodell?
Either way a good time was had by all (outside of the 100 people arrested Sunday night in Pittsburgh for disorderly conduct) as the nation got together to watch. I know I did. I got to watch a football game with four guys, who knew football, on a 48" TV and surround sound. It was almost as good as the Jerry Dome I am sure. Too bad it was the last game of the year, but as they say, "there's always next year."
Now that the game is over... who is ready for the NFL draft?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl XLV
The Super Bowl is truly an amazing sporting event. Everyone in America watches, along with much of the world. Whether it be for the commercials or the actual game, people pay attention on Super Bowl Sunday. Everyone has an opinion about the game. Who they are pulling for. Who will win. How they will win.Who will be the difference maker. How good, or bad, will the halftime show be.
So here is my opinion about how the big game will go...
The best two defenses are playing each other, but I don't think that defense will win this championship. Expect a big game from Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller as he takes advantage from too agressive Green Bay LB's. Big Ben joins the ranks of the greats of all time and wins his third in a high scoring affair, for these two teams at least.
Steelers- 30
Packers- 26
(I had full intention of writng at length why I thought the Steelers will win, but studying for an Anatomy test and a run got in the way.)
So here is my opinion about how the big game will go...
The best two defenses are playing each other, but I don't think that defense will win this championship. Expect a big game from Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller as he takes advantage from too agressive Green Bay LB's. Big Ben joins the ranks of the greats of all time and wins his third in a high scoring affair, for these two teams at least.
Steelers- 30
Packers- 26
(I had full intention of writng at length why I thought the Steelers will win, but studying for an Anatomy test and a run got in the way.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)