*I wrote this the day of the parade but decided to wait to post it. With the sports year coming to an end, the time is now right.
I awoke to a cold, dreary morning here in Austin, Texas. As I laid in bed staring out the window, I wondered how a world class city like San Francisco would celebrate what many, many Giants' fans thought may never happen: A World Championship Parade for the Giants. I wondered how the Giants' station (KNBR) would cover such an event, and finally how the fans would react to the realization that their team won the World Championship.
I spent the better part of the morning listening to KNBR. First, Murph and Mac, and then Gary. There was some giddy up in their tone as they all spoke about the many good times, as well as the bad times, the Giants and their fans have had these past 53 years. At 1:00 pm Central time I turned on the TV and did what I have been doing for the past 25+ years: I watched the Championship Parade. But this time it was different. Yes, it was northern California, but it was San Francisco, not Oakland. It was a warm sunny day in the "City." It was a perfect way to end what Giants' fans believe to be the perfect season. I watched as over one million fans lined the streets of San Francisco, and cheered as their beloved Giants rode by on floats, trolleys, or in convertibles. It brought back many, many happy thoughts I had as a child going to this type of celebration with my Dad and two older brothers. Those were times I cherish, just like many fathers and sons will after me.
As the formal celebration concluded at City Hall, I realized this celebration was more than just a celebration for the Giants and their fans, but also a celebration for all of northern California. As a Bay Area guy and northern Californian for 46 years, I was a proud man. So here's a toast to all my close friends, family, and the rest of the Giants' fans that I have gone out of my way to insult. Your team did it! I will now say what I told you I would never say:
The San Francisco Giants ... 2010 World Champions! Eating crow is a lot easier than eating armadillo.
"Wise Guy"
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Hamster ...
Just like a hamster on a wheel, after every loss Wade Phillips just keeps saying the same thing OVER and OVER again. Wade says, "I don't know what else I can do. If I did, I would have done it already." I know what you can do! Leave the Cowboys.
Hey Jerry, I don't know if you know this, but you own a football team. May I suggest you sell the team so you can have the stadium to yourself?
I was asked this morning, "Hey, Wise Guy, are your Cowboys ever going to win another game?" My reply? "Yes! Just as soon as your Longhorns win a home game!"
I know Halloween was yesterday, but the Vikings got tricked, not treated, earlier this month when they traded for Randy Moss. There is a rumor out there that the Bengals want to sign Randy.
After the past 2 weeks, I'm wondering where did you put the Oakland Raiders?
If football were more like the Senior PGA Tour, Brett Favre would be able to play with a cart.
Last, but least ... The reason we sent the Niners/Broncos across the pond to play a football game was the NFL needed to make sure we had a game that was just as exciting as European Soccer.
"Wise Guy"
Hey Jerry, I don't know if you know this, but you own a football team. May I suggest you sell the team so you can have the stadium to yourself?
I was asked this morning, "Hey, Wise Guy, are your Cowboys ever going to win another game?" My reply? "Yes! Just as soon as your Longhorns win a home game!"
I know Halloween was yesterday, but the Vikings got tricked, not treated, earlier this month when they traded for Randy Moss. There is a rumor out there that the Bengals want to sign Randy.
After the past 2 weeks, I'm wondering where did you put the Oakland Raiders?
If football were more like the Senior PGA Tour, Brett Favre would be able to play with a cart.
Last, but least ... The reason we sent the Niners/Broncos across the pond to play a football game was the NFL needed to make sure we had a game that was just as exciting as European Soccer.
"Wise Guy"
Friday, October 29, 2010
Please don't feed the Bears ... was Yogi on the bus?
Hey, night club owner, if a motor coach pulls up in front of your club on a Monday night with 25 or so NFL players from your home town, and the first two guys off the bus are Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs, please let them in. I don't know if you're aware that we are right in the middle of a recession. Who knows? If you take care of these guys you may get repeat business. There is a caveat. If that bus is carrying the Cincinnati Bengals, or you own a strip club and Pacman Jones is the first to walk off the bus, I suggest a "Closed for Remodeling" sign at the door.
Quick hits ...
I know that I don't give the Big 10 and 12 (soon to be 10) much love, but do you honestly think Michigan State and Missouri are the 5th and 6th best teams in the country? I know you're smarter than that, and will take the home dogs in both games.
Big Pac-10 game this weekend. No! Not the Cal/Oregon State game. The USC/Oregon game! Now just think if Petey were still at USC. Would this game be the battle of the undefeated and these teams currently be two, top five teams in the AP? Ducks win it late. Lane hasn't proven he can win a close one (see Stanfurd and Washington).
Speaking of Bears, Riley will return to form on the road and Cal will lose a close one. Yes! They lose on one of his picks.
The Giants are half-way there. Anyone know where I can purchase a Giants hat?
"Wise Guy"
Quick hits ...
I know that I don't give the Big 10 and 12 (soon to be 10) much love, but do you honestly think Michigan State and Missouri are the 5th and 6th best teams in the country? I know you're smarter than that, and will take the home dogs in both games.
Big Pac-10 game this weekend. No! Not the Cal/Oregon State game. The USC/Oregon game! Now just think if Petey were still at USC. Would this game be the battle of the undefeated and these teams currently be two, top five teams in the AP? Ducks win it late. Lane hasn't proven he can win a close one (see Stanfurd and Washington).
Speaking of Bears, Riley will return to form on the road and Cal will lose a close one. Yes! They lose on one of his picks.
The Giants are half-way there. Anyone know where I can purchase a Giants hat?
"Wise Guy"
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
A Giant Curse?
On the eve of what could be the greatest series ever played by the San Francisco Giants, are you wondering why it has taken 56 years? Are you wondering why such players as McCovey and Mays in 1962, Clark and Mitchel in 1989, and Bonds and Kent in 2002 were unable to do what this year's team is being asked to do? Exorcise the demon of being the bridesmaid, never the bride.
Unlike the Curse of the Bambino or that of the Billy Goat, could this curse be something as simple as a young boy who told a Giants fan, "Not in my lifetime!" Could it be that the Yankees and the A's were just too good, and there was something magical in all those "rally monkeys" in Anaheim?
Here we are in 2010, and once again the Giants are at the doorstep of immortality. Could that curse of the young boy creep up and once again bite the Giants? Could the Rangers stick another dagger in the hearts of Giants fans worldwide as the Rangers become the 20th different team to win the World Series since the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958? Or, could this band of no name players and a kid pitcher named Timmy, finally break through and become that 20th team?
As a lifelong Giants hater and one who often said, "Not in my lifetime," I will make a declaration on this blog to honor those long gone Giants fans who never witnessed a San Francisco Giants World Championship. I will purchase and wear a Giants hat for 56 days if they do the unthinkable and I live to see another day. If the Rangers win, I will purchase a Rangers hat and smile knowing that it is now 57 and counting!
"Wise Guy"
Unlike the Curse of the Bambino or that of the Billy Goat, could this curse be something as simple as a young boy who told a Giants fan, "Not in my lifetime!" Could it be that the Yankees and the A's were just too good, and there was something magical in all those "rally monkeys" in Anaheim?
Here we are in 2010, and once again the Giants are at the doorstep of immortality. Could that curse of the young boy creep up and once again bite the Giants? Could the Rangers stick another dagger in the hearts of Giants fans worldwide as the Rangers become the 20th different team to win the World Series since the Giants moved to San Francisco in 1958? Or, could this band of no name players and a kid pitcher named Timmy, finally break through and become that 20th team?
As a lifelong Giants hater and one who often said, "Not in my lifetime," I will make a declaration on this blog to honor those long gone Giants fans who never witnessed a San Francisco Giants World Championship. I will purchase and wear a Giants hat for 56 days if they do the unthinkable and I live to see another day. If the Rangers win, I will purchase a Rangers hat and smile knowing that it is now 57 and counting!
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The "Derrik Coleman" of the NFL
I have just labeled the Dallas Cowboys the "Derrik Coleman" of the NFL. You're probably asking yourself, "Wise Guy, what are you talking about?" Let me explain. After another loss on Sunday, most, if not all, of the experts on the many networks covering the NFL have said the same thing. The Cowboys are the most talented team in the NFL, and you can't write them off. Most of you NBA junkies know from the early 90's that Derrik was one of the most talented players in the NBA. More natural talent than Michael. He just didn't have the work ethic to live up to his potential. Now please tell me that is not the Dallas Cowboys. The "Wise Guy" has written the Cowboys off, and would personally drive out to Raleigh, North Carolina, and pick up Coach Cowher at season's end. Stay tuned ...
I was able to catch some of the Raiders/Niners game, and can honestly tell you I have seen more offense at a FIFA World Cup final. Now that I think about it, most of those soccer players had a higher QB rating than Jason Campbell. I heard the Raiders' fans were pretty well behaved. They realized that after many drinks, they performed like their QB. They could throw a punch, but wouldn't hit anything.
Just like the 90's, the Cowboys and Niners are battling for the top spot. Only this time, it's for last place.
"Wise Guy"
I was able to catch some of the Raiders/Niners game, and can honestly tell you I have seen more offense at a FIFA World Cup final. Now that I think about it, most of those soccer players had a higher QB rating than Jason Campbell. I heard the Raiders' fans were pretty well behaved. They realized that after many drinks, they performed like their QB. They could throw a punch, but wouldn't hit anything.
Just like the 90's, the Cowboys and Niners are battling for the top spot. Only this time, it's for last place.
"Wise Guy"
Sunday, October 17, 2010
How does that saying go, "Death, taxes, and ...
Yes, Riley throwing a couple of picks. Another embarrassing loss for the Cal Bears. I know I wasn't the only one hoping the band would start the second half. They are better prepared, and probably tackle better. Until there is a change in our starting QB, I will spell Coach Tedfurd just like Cal fans spell Stanfurd.
USC, did you forget to bring that 118th ranked passing defense to Saturday's game. If you play the rest of the season like you played Saturday the conference is in big trouble, but I'm betting you remember where you put that defense and will lose big to the Oregon schools.
Ohio State fan, you really didn't think you were the best team in the country. You're not even the best team in the Big 10, and that is pretty funny!
SEC fan, you guys rock. Not! After crushing #1 ranked Alabama, South Carolina loses to that football power Kentucky!?!? Florida is playing like they're being coached by Keith Urban, not Urban Meyer. Good thing LSU scheduled a game against Mc Neese State and didn't have to win a third straight game because of a fluke. Has Georgia won this year?
Big 12 fan, Nebraska really showed its true colors by losing to Texas. Yes, that same Texas that got rolled by UCLA. Now you're trying to get me to drink the Oklahoma punch. The Sooners are the best team in college football just like my Bears are going to the Rose Bowl.
Last and least, Oregon Fan. Yes, you are the best team in the country but that is only until your parole officers leave town. And to the team that plays on the "Smurf Turf," this is a grown-up blog. You get no love!
Wise Guy
USC, did you forget to bring that 118th ranked passing defense to Saturday's game. If you play the rest of the season like you played Saturday the conference is in big trouble, but I'm betting you remember where you put that defense and will lose big to the Oregon schools.
Ohio State fan, you really didn't think you were the best team in the country. You're not even the best team in the Big 10, and that is pretty funny!
SEC fan, you guys rock. Not! After crushing #1 ranked Alabama, South Carolina loses to that football power Kentucky!?!? Florida is playing like they're being coached by Keith Urban, not Urban Meyer. Good thing LSU scheduled a game against Mc Neese State and didn't have to win a third straight game because of a fluke. Has Georgia won this year?
Big 12 fan, Nebraska really showed its true colors by losing to Texas. Yes, that same Texas that got rolled by UCLA. Now you're trying to get me to drink the Oklahoma punch. The Sooners are the best team in college football just like my Bears are going to the Rose Bowl.
Last and least, Oregon Fan. Yes, you are the best team in the country but that is only until your parole officers leave town. And to the team that plays on the "Smurf Turf," this is a grown-up blog. You get no love!
Wise Guy
Friday, October 15, 2010
Life of Riley
Here we go again, another big game. My Bears are at a crossroads this weekend. A win over those hated Trojans of USC, and Cal is back in the hunt for the conference title. A loss and the Bears are back to another lackluster season we have all become accustomed to, and that "invite" to one of the many ... what "bowl" is that again?
What makes this game different from so many like it before is that it rests on the arm of Kevin Riley, or should I say feet? Yes, Riley has been in this position many times in his 4 years at Cal, but this is the first must-win game as the senior QB. Cal has two very good, if not great, WR's in Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen, and All Pac-10 TE Anthony Miller. Led by Shane Vereen, Cal has one of the best rushing teams in the nation. Throw in a defense ranked eighth in all of college football, and we have a team that is ready to challenge any team in the conference. Which takes us back to Riley, a QB that seems to have his worst days playing in what are supposed to be the biggest games of his career.
Riley's legacy -- or lack thereof -- will ride on tomorrow's outcome. So, for the moment, let's not look to next year where we seem to have a plethora of young QB's waiting for their opportunity, a team that should be a top 10 team, and a possible Rose Bowl birth. Let's all get behind Riley, and just maybe tomorrow will be the one time he wins one of those "biggest games" of his career, and parlays that into wins in the next two "biggest games" of his career against Oregon and Stanford. And maybe Christmas comes early this year.
Go Riley!!!
Wise Guy
What makes this game different from so many like it before is that it rests on the arm of Kevin Riley, or should I say feet? Yes, Riley has been in this position many times in his 4 years at Cal, but this is the first must-win game as the senior QB. Cal has two very good, if not great, WR's in Marvin Jones and Keenan Allen, and All Pac-10 TE Anthony Miller. Led by Shane Vereen, Cal has one of the best rushing teams in the nation. Throw in a defense ranked eighth in all of college football, and we have a team that is ready to challenge any team in the conference. Which takes us back to Riley, a QB that seems to have his worst days playing in what are supposed to be the biggest games of his career.
Riley's legacy -- or lack thereof -- will ride on tomorrow's outcome. So, for the moment, let's not look to next year where we seem to have a plethora of young QB's waiting for their opportunity, a team that should be a top 10 team, and a possible Rose Bowl birth. Let's all get behind Riley, and just maybe tomorrow will be the one time he wins one of those "biggest games" of his career, and parlays that into wins in the next two "biggest games" of his career against Oregon and Stanford. And maybe Christmas comes early this year.
Go Riley!!!
Wise Guy
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The day after yesterday ...
Texas fan, that is how you put the screws to the Bruins. Hey Bruin fan, why bring a gun to a big game and not use it? Or was it that Bear defense that put a muzzle on that pistol offense? Another thing. Why, after you finally scored, did you play Cal's fight song? Get your own.
Hey Furd, I will never pull for you, but nice job beating that lame coach and his Trojans. Hey Trojan fan, how does it feel to be 1-2 in Pac-10 play? It's good to know that with Washington State you won't finish last!
Big road win for Oregon State; I'm getting that feeling that you're going to upset the Ducks and win the Pac-10. You heard it here first!
Hey Bama, nice job beating South Carolina! What? You didn't! Gotta love Spurrier. May I be the first to say, "Overrated"!
What can I say ... Yankees win the pennant! Theeeeee ... Yankees win the pennant! They didn't. Are you sure? Come talk to me in about a week or so. Oh yeah, number 28 is coming as well.
Last but not least. My apologies to the Texas Rangers. I did not mean to "jinx" you by jumping on your bandwagon. I am getting off now. Hey, it worked for the Saints!
Wise Guy
Hey Furd, I will never pull for you, but nice job beating that lame coach and his Trojans. Hey Trojan fan, how does it feel to be 1-2 in Pac-10 play? It's good to know that with Washington State you won't finish last!
Big road win for Oregon State; I'm getting that feeling that you're going to upset the Ducks and win the Pac-10. You heard it here first!
Hey Bama, nice job beating South Carolina! What? You didn't! Gotta love Spurrier. May I be the first to say, "Overrated"!
What can I say ... Yankees win the pennant! Theeeeee ... Yankees win the pennant! They didn't. Are you sure? Come talk to me in about a week or so. Oh yeah, number 28 is coming as well.
Last but not least. My apologies to the Texas Rangers. I did not mean to "jinx" you by jumping on your bandwagon. I am getting off now. Hey, it worked for the Saints!
Wise Guy
Friday, October 8, 2010
Timmy & Giants made me feel sick! A little college trash talk.
I know what you're thinking. But really, my heart started to race, and I started to break out in a cold sweat. I reached for that old "Rally Monkey," and I felt much better.
What more can I say. Timmy was just unbelievable last night -- 14 k's. That said, the Giants were one bad call from playing extra innings. Hey Brian, how about getting this team a bat for the middle of the line-up? Lincecum can only pitch every fourth/fifth day. God forbid you show your fans that you want to win something. That other team across the Bay has 4 rings ...
Hey Ranger fan, I'm sorry. I didn't think you guys had any chance against the Rays. You're now up 2-0 coming home to wrap it up. I am officially jumping on your wagon for the rest of the playoffs, or until you lose. My new "home" team. Go Rangers! Oh yeah, I hate the Yankees and the National League!
UCLA Fan, I hope Nueheisel is bringing more than a "pistol" to this game. The Bears are not Texas, and with Mikey Mo back and healthy, it's going to be a long day for your Prince-ess. Can you say KEEEENAN!!! Bears win big!!!
Speaking of UT -- Hey Mack, are you going to win another game this year? Is it me or do Kevin Riley and Garrett Gilbert play the same way? You tell me, they both worked with Jeff Tedford.
SC fan, don't you just love Lane? After that big loss last week he was quoted saying it will take up to five years to get them back to where they were under Pete. What's he going to say after losing to Stanfurd (Cal spelling)? I'm leaving for Tennessee.
Oregon over Bama for the National Championship.
Sorry Boise, No "smurf turf" in Glendale, AZ.
Wise Guy
What more can I say. Timmy was just unbelievable last night -- 14 k's. That said, the Giants were one bad call from playing extra innings. Hey Brian, how about getting this team a bat for the middle of the line-up? Lincecum can only pitch every fourth/fifth day. God forbid you show your fans that you want to win something. That other team across the Bay has 4 rings ...
Hey Ranger fan, I'm sorry. I didn't think you guys had any chance against the Rays. You're now up 2-0 coming home to wrap it up. I am officially jumping on your wagon for the rest of the playoffs, or until you lose. My new "home" team. Go Rangers! Oh yeah, I hate the Yankees and the National League!
UCLA Fan, I hope Nueheisel is bringing more than a "pistol" to this game. The Bears are not Texas, and with Mikey Mo back and healthy, it's going to be a long day for your Prince-ess. Can you say KEEEENAN!!! Bears win big!!!
Speaking of UT -- Hey Mack, are you going to win another game this year? Is it me or do Kevin Riley and Garrett Gilbert play the same way? You tell me, they both worked with Jeff Tedford.
SC fan, don't you just love Lane? After that big loss last week he was quoted saying it will take up to five years to get them back to where they were under Pete. What's he going to say after losing to Stanfurd (Cal spelling)? I'm leaving for Tennessee.
Oregon over Bama for the National Championship.
Sorry Boise, No "smurf turf" in Glendale, AZ.
Wise Guy
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Who says you can't go home ... Welcome Randy
You gotta love this soap opera of Randy Moss returning to the Vikings. Here he is, coming home because the Pats didn't want to pay him what he thinks he is worth. Yes! He is returning to a team that never wanted to pay him in the first place. Now, throw in an old QB, who probably would play better if they let him wear his Wrangler jeans, and fighting with his head coach about the offense once again. This makes as much sense as making Lindsay Lohan the Designated Driver.
Hey Reds, next time maybe you should use a tennis racquet ... you might hit something! I hear all the time how the National League is as good as the American League. Enough! There have been 2 no hitters pitched in the post season, both by American League pitchers throwing against National League teams. Before this season, where did Halladay pitch his whole career?
Texas Rangers ... I don't mind you proving me wrong. I never thought you had a chance. I just don't want those Giants doing the same!
Wise Guy
Hey Reds, next time maybe you should use a tennis racquet ... you might hit something! I hear all the time how the National League is as good as the American League. Enough! There have been 2 no hitters pitched in the post season, both by American League pitchers throwing against National League teams. Before this season, where did Halladay pitch his whole career?
Texas Rangers ... I don't mind you proving me wrong. I never thought you had a chance. I just don't want those Giants doing the same!
Wise Guy
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Back in the Saddle...
I wrote this about a month ago, but waited to post it until now. It will be the last of the old style posts for awhile. Look for the "The Sports Wise Guy" daily quick hits with what's happening in sports.
Yes! I'm Back in the Saddle.
Here I am in this great state of “Longhorns.” No! Not Texas, but Longhorns. In this State of Longhorns, there are, of course, Longhorns, and they seem to be everywhere: Stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools, parks, and just about anywhere you can image -- but I can’t seem to find a single one. I drove through half the State of Texas (9 hours) -- or should I say Longhorns -- and have lived here for about two weeks and have yet to see such a creature. I was told that they are partial to the color burnt orange.
Burnt Orange? Really? Does such a color exist? I pulled out my son's box of Crayola Crayons. This is the mega box which holds 128 of the most popular colors. There is a red/orange, yellow/orange, and even a shade that looked purple/orange, but not one labeled burnt orange. So here I am looking for an animal that doesn’t seem to exist, and is attracted to a color that hasn’t been invented.
I gave up, knowing there are things in life that can’t be explained. Then over the weekend I pulled up to some baseball fields where my boys were going to play in a tournament, and there was this very old man. If anyone would know where I could find a Longhorn, this would be the guy. He pointed to an area of about 100 people and said, ”there they are! Look over there!" I turned and saw another 50 people. He said, "More Longhorns!" Having been from California and remembering what Lou Gossett, Jr., said in “An Officer and a Gentleman" about only two things coming out of Texas ... ahhh, forget it! He smiled and told me that some day I might be a Longhorn. I winked and said, "That can’t happen because I am a Bear. Not just any Bear, but a California Golden Bear." I walked my boys to their new teams and they were given orangish/brown uniform shirts -- burnt orange, to be exact. Then the coaches smiled and said to my boys, "You're now Longhorns!" I turned back to look at the old man. He winked back, and left.
If you happen to be from Texas ... "Hook 'em Horns!” For the rest of us, “Go Bears!”
Wise Guy
PS ... Go Aggies!!!
Yes! I'm Back in the Saddle.
Here I am in this great state of “Longhorns.” No! Not Texas, but Longhorns. In this State of Longhorns, there are, of course, Longhorns, and they seem to be everywhere: Stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools, parks, and just about anywhere you can image -- but I can’t seem to find a single one. I drove through half the State of Texas (9 hours) -- or should I say Longhorns -- and have lived here for about two weeks and have yet to see such a creature. I was told that they are partial to the color burnt orange.
Burnt Orange? Really? Does such a color exist? I pulled out my son's box of Crayola Crayons. This is the mega box which holds 128 of the most popular colors. There is a red/orange, yellow/orange, and even a shade that looked purple/orange, but not one labeled burnt orange. So here I am looking for an animal that doesn’t seem to exist, and is attracted to a color that hasn’t been invented.
I gave up, knowing there are things in life that can’t be explained. Then over the weekend I pulled up to some baseball fields where my boys were going to play in a tournament, and there was this very old man. If anyone would know where I could find a Longhorn, this would be the guy. He pointed to an area of about 100 people and said, ”there they are! Look over there!" I turned and saw another 50 people. He said, "More Longhorns!" Having been from California and remembering what Lou Gossett, Jr., said in “An Officer and a Gentleman" about only two things coming out of Texas ... ahhh, forget it! He smiled and told me that some day I might be a Longhorn. I winked and said, "That can’t happen because I am a Bear. Not just any Bear, but a California Golden Bear." I walked my boys to their new teams and they were given orangish/brown uniform shirts -- burnt orange, to be exact. Then the coaches smiled and said to my boys, "You're now Longhorns!" I turned back to look at the old man. He winked back, and left.
If you happen to be from Texas ... "Hook 'em Horns!” For the rest of us, “Go Bears!”
Wise Guy
PS ... Go Aggies!!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Irony ... It's what's for Breakfast! Big Annoucement!!!
First of all, I would like to thank ESPN for not letting me make my announcement in prime time or any other time. I would like to let everyone know that no proceeds from this announcement will go to the Boys/Girls Clubs of America.
I, unlike LaBum James (my new way of spelling the prince...sss), have informed the State of California of my decision to leave it after 45 years. It was a very difficult decision for me and my family, and up until this morning (in April), I wasn't sure if we were leaving. Just like the princess, we will be taking less money than if we stayed in California (cost of living is cheaper where we are going).
I would not like to thank New Jersey, Miami, Chicago and New York. Just like LaBum, I had no intentions to move to your City or State.
Irony, it's whats for breakfast. I have posted this statement a few times on Facebook over the past few weeks and now must explain. As a college football junkie and a die-hard Cal football fan, there is one place you would never imagine I would move to. Ok, maybe there are a few. It's not Palo Alto. I would love to piss off all those Stanfurd (Cal spelling) fans.
Where, you ask? Let me first say that in my 45 years of life, I have witnessed my baseball team (A's) win 4 World Series, my basketball team (Lakers) win 11 NBA Championships in LA, and my NFL football team (Cowboys) win 5 Super Bowls. I would trade them all for 1 Rose Bowl birth for my Bears. Not really, but it makes for good reading. You see, I have always dreamed about Pasadena and the Rose Bowl for my Bears. No! I do not mean the UCLA/Cal game played every other year -- the real one. The New Year's Day game. I thought that I was going to live this dream back in 2004 and it was taken from my Bears because a snake of a man, a cry baby -- the most hated man in the "Wise Guy" household. I will not even mention his name. Ok, Mack Brown, coach of UT. Why would I bring this up? This is the irony ... BIG irony! We are soon to be neighbors. Like two gun slingers in an old western, The Sports Wise Guy and Mack Brown in the same town. You can count on many "anti" UT posts!
Yes! The Sports Wise Guy and his family are moving to Austin, Texas. Home of the University of Texas ... UT! Thank God Augie is there and he is Fullerton guy. Who? Just the Phil Jackson of college baseball! Sorry UCLA, but Phil is the best hoop coach ever!
Just like LaBum, who is joining Bosh and Wade, I will be joining my little brother and my son "Greggers." Don't worry, you will never, ever, see me wear anything UT or the color Orange. Not even on Halloween!
In the coming weeks, a whole new look and daily posts from the "Sports Wise Guy." Call it your sports cup of coffee. It will be a quick hit on what happened in sports the previous day or night from the Wise Guy's point of view. You can also follow me on twitter!
Lastly, and most importantly, my wife, kids and I would like to thank all of you, our family and friends who are like family, for all the great times, many laughs and the countless margaritas we shared. Our older kids grew up together, and we have been an Aunt and Uncle to many of your kids as you have been to ours. You made this one of the hardest decisions we had to make. I love you all!
The Sports Wise Guy
PS: CALI baseball! You will have Baby Jake (i.e, JMM (Jaky My Man)) in two years, unless I can talk his parents into moving to Texas in the next 2-3 years.
I, unlike LaBum James (my new way of spelling the prince...sss), have informed the State of California of my decision to leave it after 45 years. It was a very difficult decision for me and my family, and up until this morning (in April), I wasn't sure if we were leaving. Just like the princess, we will be taking less money than if we stayed in California (cost of living is cheaper where we are going).
I would not like to thank New Jersey, Miami, Chicago and New York. Just like LaBum, I had no intentions to move to your City or State.
Irony, it's whats for breakfast. I have posted this statement a few times on Facebook over the past few weeks and now must explain. As a college football junkie and a die-hard Cal football fan, there is one place you would never imagine I would move to. Ok, maybe there are a few. It's not Palo Alto. I would love to piss off all those Stanfurd (Cal spelling) fans.
Where, you ask? Let me first say that in my 45 years of life, I have witnessed my baseball team (A's) win 4 World Series, my basketball team (Lakers) win 11 NBA Championships in LA, and my NFL football team (Cowboys) win 5 Super Bowls. I would trade them all for 1 Rose Bowl birth for my Bears. Not really, but it makes for good reading. You see, I have always dreamed about Pasadena and the Rose Bowl for my Bears. No! I do not mean the UCLA/Cal game played every other year -- the real one. The New Year's Day game. I thought that I was going to live this dream back in 2004 and it was taken from my Bears because a snake of a man, a cry baby -- the most hated man in the "Wise Guy" household. I will not even mention his name. Ok, Mack Brown, coach of UT. Why would I bring this up? This is the irony ... BIG irony! We are soon to be neighbors. Like two gun slingers in an old western, The Sports Wise Guy and Mack Brown in the same town. You can count on many "anti" UT posts!
Yes! The Sports Wise Guy and his family are moving to Austin, Texas. Home of the University of Texas ... UT! Thank God Augie is there and he is Fullerton guy. Who? Just the Phil Jackson of college baseball! Sorry UCLA, but Phil is the best hoop coach ever!
Just like LaBum, who is joining Bosh and Wade, I will be joining my little brother and my son "Greggers." Don't worry, you will never, ever, see me wear anything UT or the color Orange. Not even on Halloween!
In the coming weeks, a whole new look and daily posts from the "Sports Wise Guy." Call it your sports cup of coffee. It will be a quick hit on what happened in sports the previous day or night from the Wise Guy's point of view. You can also follow me on twitter!
Lastly, and most importantly, my wife, kids and I would like to thank all of you, our family and friends who are like family, for all the great times, many laughs and the countless margaritas we shared. Our older kids grew up together, and we have been an Aunt and Uncle to many of your kids as you have been to ours. You made this one of the hardest decisions we had to make. I love you all!
The Sports Wise Guy
PS: CALI baseball! You will have Baby Jake (i.e, JMM (Jaky My Man)) in two years, unless I can talk his parents into moving to Texas in the next 2-3 years.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
World Cup Dream Team -- "Wise Guy" Style!
I have been watching about a week of World Cup games -- Ok, bits and pieces of games. I wondered what it would be like if the "Wise Guy" came up with a Dream Team. Yes, I spoke in the third person (Ricky is my favorite all-time baseball player.)
I would not pick the obvious ones in their prime that most soccer aficianados would use: Pele, Maradonna, Ronaldo, Baggio or any other Futbol superstar. I would use players from other (real) sports.
First, I would need a coach. After many hours...ok, minutes, I came up with the perfect coach. Lou Panella! "Why," you ask? Because if we scored a goal and the ref took it away, I would want Lou to storm the field, yelling and cussing at the official, then walk to the corner flag, pull it and fire it back at the ref. You know he would! Then he would walk to his side line and throw every ball, water bottle, and anything else he could find onto the field. I don't think they would rule against my team anymore. For this to happen once I would have the Oakland Raider D-Line. What other team in the last 10 years had more offsides calls against it than the Raiders?
I noticed all the flops, and I would need the world's greatest flopper of all time. Yes! Vlade. He would revolutionize the way soccer players flopped! If the wind changed directions, Valde would be on the ground.
With all of yellow and red cards, I would take a line shift with the Anaheim Ducks. No team in the NHL had more major penalties, and the third most minutes in the box. If one of these guys got a red card, I'm sure the player they hit would not wake up 'til next week.
Goalie? Who else would the "Wise Guy" put in the goal other than Ray Lewis (LB...Ravens). Do you actually think anyone would kick, throw, or even look at him while he is in the goal? I don't think so. I would not need defenders.
For throw-ins, I would use Stephen Strasburg. He would fire the ball down field about 102 mph. On the receiving end, no one other than Larry Fitzgerald. He would then pass it to Kobe who would dribble down and score a goal. In World Cup Soccer a single goal will win about 95% of the game, but you know Kobe would drop "40" on the French...30 on any of the favorites, but I hate the French!
With all these fine athletes I would need a trainer and conditioning coach. I would hire Bill Romanowski and Jose Canseco. My team would never have any down time, but they would be a little short in other areas.
I would have Reggie Bush as our travel director. We could stay in South Africa or any other World Cup city for 4 weeks, or years, without paying a cent out-of-pocket. Speaking of college football, I would hire Mack Brown as our team spokesman so he could whine and cry about our seeding and then lobby to change it. After the change I would fire him ... I really hate Mack Brown.
Cheerleaders ... yes! Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders for most of the games, and the Raiderettes for those matches against the English. I would fly the Black Hole in for that one. They would make the English hooligans look like Sally Field in the Flying Nun.
I would have my high school bud, Tony, BBQ for the team ... have you seen the pictures on Facebook? I'm getting hungry again!
And, finally, I would hire Lionel Richie to entertain my fans, the Brazilians. You know we would party "all night long." I'm now dancing!!!
World Cup Dream Team, "Wise Guy" Style!
Go Team USA! I'm still holding onto the bumper with my skateboard (bandwagon).
I would not pick the obvious ones in their prime that most soccer aficianados would use: Pele, Maradonna, Ronaldo, Baggio or any other Futbol superstar. I would use players from other (real) sports.
First, I would need a coach. After many hours...ok, minutes, I came up with the perfect coach. Lou Panella! "Why," you ask? Because if we scored a goal and the ref took it away, I would want Lou to storm the field, yelling and cussing at the official, then walk to the corner flag, pull it and fire it back at the ref. You know he would! Then he would walk to his side line and throw every ball, water bottle, and anything else he could find onto the field. I don't think they would rule against my team anymore. For this to happen once I would have the Oakland Raider D-Line. What other team in the last 10 years had more offsides calls against it than the Raiders?
I noticed all the flops, and I would need the world's greatest flopper of all time. Yes! Vlade. He would revolutionize the way soccer players flopped! If the wind changed directions, Valde would be on the ground.
With all of yellow and red cards, I would take a line shift with the Anaheim Ducks. No team in the NHL had more major penalties, and the third most minutes in the box. If one of these guys got a red card, I'm sure the player they hit would not wake up 'til next week.
Goalie? Who else would the "Wise Guy" put in the goal other than Ray Lewis (LB...Ravens). Do you actually think anyone would kick, throw, or even look at him while he is in the goal? I don't think so. I would not need defenders.
For throw-ins, I would use Stephen Strasburg. He would fire the ball down field about 102 mph. On the receiving end, no one other than Larry Fitzgerald. He would then pass it to Kobe who would dribble down and score a goal. In World Cup Soccer a single goal will win about 95% of the game, but you know Kobe would drop "40" on the French...30 on any of the favorites, but I hate the French!
With all these fine athletes I would need a trainer and conditioning coach. I would hire Bill Romanowski and Jose Canseco. My team would never have any down time, but they would be a little short in other areas.
I would have Reggie Bush as our travel director. We could stay in South Africa or any other World Cup city for 4 weeks, or years, without paying a cent out-of-pocket. Speaking of college football, I would hire Mack Brown as our team spokesman so he could whine and cry about our seeding and then lobby to change it. After the change I would fire him ... I really hate Mack Brown.
Cheerleaders ... yes! Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders for most of the games, and the Raiderettes for those matches against the English. I would fly the Black Hole in for that one. They would make the English hooligans look like Sally Field in the Flying Nun.
I would have my high school bud, Tony, BBQ for the team ... have you seen the pictures on Facebook? I'm getting hungry again!
And, finally, I would hire Lionel Richie to entertain my fans, the Brazilians. You know we would party "all night long." I'm now dancing!!!
World Cup Dream Team, "Wise Guy" Style!
Go Team USA! I'm still holding onto the bumper with my skateboard (bandwagon).
Thursday, June 10, 2010
I was only about 150 years too late ... Futbal
With the start of the World Cup, I can't help flashing back to that one special day back in 1975.
As a young boy growing up in the Bay Area in the 70's, our home was dominated by big three in sports. What three, you ask? Nascar, Golf and Hockey ... oops, wrong post. Football, basketball and baseball. I learned that sports were more than just the love for the game -- it was passion you had for your team. I lived in a home where the Raiders, Warriors and A's ruled the roost. Naturally, I grew up a Cowboys and Laker fan. I was an A's fan, probably because they won a lot when I was little and my Dad would let us skip school so we could go to playoff games and World Championship parades, but looking back I think I needed a reason for my family to keep me around.
I was usually thrown out of the house every Sunday in the fall, normally for about three hours. Yes, I rooted hard for any team playing the Raiders, and it never took long for me to get the boot. I was always welcomed back home with open arms soon after the game.
It was one of those Sundays after getting the boot back in '75 that I was milling around in my front yard and found a can. It was an Olympia beer can. Yes! Olympia beer. Lucky Lager only came in bottles. I started kicking this can around. I thought, "Maybe I can dribble it like in basketball, but with my feet." I was running around the neighborhood kicking this can. Up and down the street I went for what seemed like hours.
My older brother's friends came out on their bikes, riding in front of me yelling at me, throwing "Mike & Ikes," trying to mess me up. I thought they were a bunch of hooligans. Soon my Dad came out and said to me, "Son, you can come in now." I looked at some of the younger neighborhood kids and told them that I was going to dribble that can down to the gutter and kick it in so I could score a point and win the game I'd just invented. There were about 8 boys watching, and they ran to the curb waiting for me to come down and score. I remember right before I took the shot, looking up and seeing the boys pushing and shoving each other off that curb because they didn't have enough room to stand. I shot and scored ... game over!
As I laid in bed that night I thought about the game I had just created. My mind was going a mile a minute. What if I used a round ball instead of a can? It could be played anywhere. Grass, dirt, and/or pavement. I could use giant hockey goals. The teams would have to go back and fourth for a couple of hours before one team would be allowed to score. Because no one scored, I could have rowdy fans ... call them hooligans and have them throw anything they wanted at opposing players. It could be played on a very small, enclosed field where there wasn't enough room for fans to watch so they would have to fight to get in. It would be a sport for those kids that couldn't hit or catch a baseball; dribble, make a basket, or throw; catch, run or tackle ... football. Remember, this was the 70's and we had 7-Up (the un-cola) and I created this game that was the un-sport. The following Saturday, I was watching the Wide World of Sports and they were showing this game from England called "soccer." It was exactly like the sport I thought I created. I thought about the age of the earth, and realized I was only an eyelash from inventing my new sport.
World Cup starts today and just like in years past, I will put on my Red, White and Blue colors to show support for Team USA, but I'm once again pulling for that team from Brazil. I remember Stanfurd (Cal fans spell it that way) stadium in '94. Those fans really know how to party.
"Wise Guy"
As a young boy growing up in the Bay Area in the 70's, our home was dominated by big three in sports. What three, you ask? Nascar, Golf and Hockey ... oops, wrong post. Football, basketball and baseball. I learned that sports were more than just the love for the game -- it was passion you had for your team. I lived in a home where the Raiders, Warriors and A's ruled the roost. Naturally, I grew up a Cowboys and Laker fan. I was an A's fan, probably because they won a lot when I was little and my Dad would let us skip school so we could go to playoff games and World Championship parades, but looking back I think I needed a reason for my family to keep me around.
I was usually thrown out of the house every Sunday in the fall, normally for about three hours. Yes, I rooted hard for any team playing the Raiders, and it never took long for me to get the boot. I was always welcomed back home with open arms soon after the game.
It was one of those Sundays after getting the boot back in '75 that I was milling around in my front yard and found a can. It was an Olympia beer can. Yes! Olympia beer. Lucky Lager only came in bottles. I started kicking this can around. I thought, "Maybe I can dribble it like in basketball, but with my feet." I was running around the neighborhood kicking this can. Up and down the street I went for what seemed like hours.
My older brother's friends came out on their bikes, riding in front of me yelling at me, throwing "Mike & Ikes," trying to mess me up. I thought they were a bunch of hooligans. Soon my Dad came out and said to me, "Son, you can come in now." I looked at some of the younger neighborhood kids and told them that I was going to dribble that can down to the gutter and kick it in so I could score a point and win the game I'd just invented. There were about 8 boys watching, and they ran to the curb waiting for me to come down and score. I remember right before I took the shot, looking up and seeing the boys pushing and shoving each other off that curb because they didn't have enough room to stand. I shot and scored ... game over!
As I laid in bed that night I thought about the game I had just created. My mind was going a mile a minute. What if I used a round ball instead of a can? It could be played anywhere. Grass, dirt, and/or pavement. I could use giant hockey goals. The teams would have to go back and fourth for a couple of hours before one team would be allowed to score. Because no one scored, I could have rowdy fans ... call them hooligans and have them throw anything they wanted at opposing players. It could be played on a very small, enclosed field where there wasn't enough room for fans to watch so they would have to fight to get in. It would be a sport for those kids that couldn't hit or catch a baseball; dribble, make a basket, or throw; catch, run or tackle ... football. Remember, this was the 70's and we had 7-Up (the un-cola) and I created this game that was the un-sport. The following Saturday, I was watching the Wide World of Sports and they were showing this game from England called "soccer." It was exactly like the sport I thought I created. I thought about the age of the earth, and realized I was only an eyelash from inventing my new sport.
World Cup starts today and just like in years past, I will put on my Red, White and Blue colors to show support for Team USA, but I'm once again pulling for that team from Brazil. I remember Stanfurd (Cal fans spell it that way) stadium in '94. Those fans really know how to party.
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Three Blind Mice (four in the MLB)
I'm sure most of you saw the call made by Jim Joyce that cost Armando Galarroga a place in baseball history by throwing the 21st perfect game in over 120 years of baseball.
As a fan of baseball, I am disappointed any time a call goes against a player and blows his chance at history, unless he plays his home games in San Francisco.
As an umpire who has umped hundreds of games, I'm really disappointed with all the "Monday Morning Umpires." It is easy to make a call when you have 7 different camera angles, and can take a play that takes about 6 seconds from contact to the ball in the glove. ESPN shows it in "super slow mo" and it takes about 15 seconds, and then freezes the frame at the point of contact with the bag. The umpire, in that 6 seconds, has to move from his position up the 1st baseline, running in about 25-30 feet at a 45 degree angle to get in the proper position, while picking up the ball and following it from throw to glove, while watching the batter's feet hit the bag, AND while listening to the pop of the glove. Then you add the fact that the pitcher is running to the bag as he catches it, and in fast motion the difference between safe and out is about 3/10th of a second. Jim has about a second to react, and a second to make the call. I applaud Jim for coming out and saying that he is sorry he blew the call that cost Armando a perfect game. Jim is one of the best umps in the majors, and he shouldn't have to see three different segments on Sports Center each hour about the call. I like the way ESPN gets an old manager and a front office guy to talk about how bad the call was, and how they need replay. Do you believe any manager would ever come to the defense of an umpire? Hey, manager or front office guy ,there is a reason that you're on TV and not still with a team ... YOU WERE FIRED!!!
There aren't anymore questionable calls to date this year than any other years, but you wouldn't know it listening to a Sports Center anchor who has never participated in any sport above high school level. You just have more cameras at more games looking for those calls to put on highlight reels.
The human factor has been part of the game, and always will be. The MLB umpires are the very best at what they do. You have to remember that they are human too!
We just need to hear more "Good Game Blue."
The Sports Wise Guy
As a fan of baseball, I am disappointed any time a call goes against a player and blows his chance at history, unless he plays his home games in San Francisco.
As an umpire who has umped hundreds of games, I'm really disappointed with all the "Monday Morning Umpires." It is easy to make a call when you have 7 different camera angles, and can take a play that takes about 6 seconds from contact to the ball in the glove. ESPN shows it in "super slow mo" and it takes about 15 seconds, and then freezes the frame at the point of contact with the bag. The umpire, in that 6 seconds, has to move from his position up the 1st baseline, running in about 25-30 feet at a 45 degree angle to get in the proper position, while picking up the ball and following it from throw to glove, while watching the batter's feet hit the bag, AND while listening to the pop of the glove. Then you add the fact that the pitcher is running to the bag as he catches it, and in fast motion the difference between safe and out is about 3/10th of a second. Jim has about a second to react, and a second to make the call. I applaud Jim for coming out and saying that he is sorry he blew the call that cost Armando a perfect game. Jim is one of the best umps in the majors, and he shouldn't have to see three different segments on Sports Center each hour about the call. I like the way ESPN gets an old manager and a front office guy to talk about how bad the call was, and how they need replay. Do you believe any manager would ever come to the defense of an umpire? Hey, manager or front office guy ,there is a reason that you're on TV and not still with a team ... YOU WERE FIRED!!!
There aren't anymore questionable calls to date this year than any other years, but you wouldn't know it listening to a Sports Center anchor who has never participated in any sport above high school level. You just have more cameras at more games looking for those calls to put on highlight reels.
The human factor has been part of the game, and always will be. The MLB umpires are the very best at what they do. You have to remember that they are human too!
We just need to hear more "Good Game Blue."
The Sports Wise Guy
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Say it ain't so Joe ... So Joe!!!
The past couple of weeks there have been rumblings about players and teams stealing signs from opposing teams. I don't know why this was even a story, because this has been going on for over 100 years. It got me thinking about why steriods was such a big deal, especially when you look at baseball as a whole.
Baseball has always been the one sport where players tried to gain an advantage whenever they could, legal or not. The reward for such behavior for some was the Hall of Fame. Don Drysdale and Don Sutton were caught rubbing vasoline on baseballs. The Niekro brothers were tossed for using the fingernail file. Gaylord Parry hid the vasoline on his zipper because the ump would never check there.
Batters using the corked bat. See Sammy Sosa, Albert Bell and Chris Sabo. It seems that as long as you can get away with it, it's ok.
Ty Cobb sharpened his cleats to a point so that when he slid into a base his intent was to come up high and cut the fielder. These are all forms of cheating. Runners on second base try to steal signs and relay them to the batter. The Greatest HR ever --Bobby Thompson -- was tipped off by a guy with bionoculars in the centerfield scoreboard.
Why is the infield grass at Dodger stadium 1 1/2" higher than that of Fenway Park's? It benefits the pitcher by slowing the ball down and has the opposite effect in Fenway. Why are all new stadiums built with a short fence that benifits their slugger? It is all about having an unfair advantage.
These are just a few examples of widespead cheating that have always existed, and always will. This takes us to the Peds (performance enhancers). Why is it considered acceptable for a player who is losing his vision or wants to improve what God gave him to undergo lasik surgery? But if a player took Peds for a quicker recovery, so that he is able to play longer, or keep his body fresh, that is not ok. I see them both as cheating. He has 20-20 vision and with surgery has 20-15 or 20-10. There is now talk that medicine prescribed for people with ADD/ADHD helps batters concentrate when they are at bat. There has been a very high percentage of high school and college baseball players being diagnosed with this disability.
I'm sick and tired of old timers complaining about how they would never have taken roids or other Peds. Do you think Mickey Mantel would have taken it to help get him back on the field? You bet your ass he would. He took anything and everything to get him back on the field, including horse tranquilizers ... probably a steriod. You think the Great Bambino would have said no if he knew he could stick it to the Yankees by hitting 30-40 HRs after the Yankees dumped him? I don't believe the Bash Brothers were the first. I'm sure Peds were around probably 20 years before. See the Olympic athletes from eastern block countries in the late 60'- thru today. Are you naive enough to believe that none of those drugs found baseball players in the 70's? Of course they did, but no one knew anything about it.
I am in no way condoning the use of Peds in any sport, but I am tired of baseball claiming that their sport was pure before the steriod era. Hey Commish, there was never a problem with speed/uppers in the 60's and 70's, or Coke (blow) in the 80's, right? So the next time you hear about Mac, Clemons, Raffy, Sammy or any other Juicer, just remenber this ... it's just baseball!!
The Sports Wise Guy
Baseball has always been the one sport where players tried to gain an advantage whenever they could, legal or not. The reward for such behavior for some was the Hall of Fame. Don Drysdale and Don Sutton were caught rubbing vasoline on baseballs. The Niekro brothers were tossed for using the fingernail file. Gaylord Parry hid the vasoline on his zipper because the ump would never check there.
Batters using the corked bat. See Sammy Sosa, Albert Bell and Chris Sabo. It seems that as long as you can get away with it, it's ok.
Ty Cobb sharpened his cleats to a point so that when he slid into a base his intent was to come up high and cut the fielder. These are all forms of cheating. Runners on second base try to steal signs and relay them to the batter. The Greatest HR ever --Bobby Thompson -- was tipped off by a guy with bionoculars in the centerfield scoreboard.
Why is the infield grass at Dodger stadium 1 1/2" higher than that of Fenway Park's? It benefits the pitcher by slowing the ball down and has the opposite effect in Fenway. Why are all new stadiums built with a short fence that benifits their slugger? It is all about having an unfair advantage.
These are just a few examples of widespead cheating that have always existed, and always will. This takes us to the Peds (performance enhancers). Why is it considered acceptable for a player who is losing his vision or wants to improve what God gave him to undergo lasik surgery? But if a player took Peds for a quicker recovery, so that he is able to play longer, or keep his body fresh, that is not ok. I see them both as cheating. He has 20-20 vision and with surgery has 20-15 or 20-10. There is now talk that medicine prescribed for people with ADD/ADHD helps batters concentrate when they are at bat. There has been a very high percentage of high school and college baseball players being diagnosed with this disability.
I'm sick and tired of old timers complaining about how they would never have taken roids or other Peds. Do you think Mickey Mantel would have taken it to help get him back on the field? You bet your ass he would. He took anything and everything to get him back on the field, including horse tranquilizers ... probably a steriod. You think the Great Bambino would have said no if he knew he could stick it to the Yankees by hitting 30-40 HRs after the Yankees dumped him? I don't believe the Bash Brothers were the first. I'm sure Peds were around probably 20 years before. See the Olympic athletes from eastern block countries in the late 60'- thru today. Are you naive enough to believe that none of those drugs found baseball players in the 70's? Of course they did, but no one knew anything about it.
I am in no way condoning the use of Peds in any sport, but I am tired of baseball claiming that their sport was pure before the steriod era. Hey Commish, there was never a problem with speed/uppers in the 60's and 70's, or Coke (blow) in the 80's, right? So the next time you hear about Mac, Clemons, Raffy, Sammy or any other Juicer, just remenber this ... it's just baseball!!
The Sports Wise Guy
Monday, May 31, 2010
Chicken Little, please come out! The sky is falling ...
Yes! The sky is falling according to all you Giants fans. Yes! It's time to shut it down and start to look to next year. Why, you ask? Timmy had another subpar outing.
In his past 3 starts, Mr. Lincecum has 15 1/3 inn., surrendering 14 runs, walking 15, while striking out only 14. These are hardly the numbers that you expect the 2 time Cy Young winner to have. Or is it? Let's take a look at the season as a whole. He has 11 starts -- 72+ innings with over 85 k's vs. 30 BB's, 3.15 era and a 5-2 record. Baseball is a season of peaks and valleys. That's what is great about baseball ... you don't know who is going to show up on any given day.
People have often asked me why I hate the Giants and my response is usually it's all of their "Humm Baby" fans. You guys all drive me nuts. Every week it's the same thing. You go from being just one "big bat" from winning it all to it's time to trade all your veteran players and go with the youth movement. Hey, Giants fan! Your problem is not Timmy or Barry (the clock will strike 12) Zito, it's the fact that you're the worst hitting, run scoring team in the majors. You are the only fans in the majors that would take a player like Pablo Sandoval and make him out to be the Albert Puljos of the West. Now you put the weight of the world on Buster Posey. Good luck, and a great way to ruin your young stud.
You fans have to look only at your front office for the reason that you won't, and never will, be world champions. You throw stupid money at the wrong people (see Barry ... yes, both of them), and then you surround them with veteran players that are about 5 years past their prime. For this I thank you all, I will be around for a long time.
The Sports Wise Guy
In his past 3 starts, Mr. Lincecum has 15 1/3 inn., surrendering 14 runs, walking 15, while striking out only 14. These are hardly the numbers that you expect the 2 time Cy Young winner to have. Or is it? Let's take a look at the season as a whole. He has 11 starts -- 72+ innings with over 85 k's vs. 30 BB's, 3.15 era and a 5-2 record. Baseball is a season of peaks and valleys. That's what is great about baseball ... you don't know who is going to show up on any given day.
People have often asked me why I hate the Giants and my response is usually it's all of their "Humm Baby" fans. You guys all drive me nuts. Every week it's the same thing. You go from being just one "big bat" from winning it all to it's time to trade all your veteran players and go with the youth movement. Hey, Giants fan! Your problem is not Timmy or Barry (the clock will strike 12) Zito, it's the fact that you're the worst hitting, run scoring team in the majors. You are the only fans in the majors that would take a player like Pablo Sandoval and make him out to be the Albert Puljos of the West. Now you put the weight of the world on Buster Posey. Good luck, and a great way to ruin your young stud.
You fans have to look only at your front office for the reason that you won't, and never will, be world champions. You throw stupid money at the wrong people (see Barry ... yes, both of them), and then you surround them with veteran players that are about 5 years past their prime. For this I thank you all, I will be around for a long time.
The Sports Wise Guy
Saturday, May 8, 2010
If only I had AAA...
It was mid-April. For most of us on the Left Coast that is the start of the hockey season. Yes! For those of us from California, hockey starts with the NHL play-offs. As a Bay Area guy the Sharks are my local flavor.
On April 14th I wandered out to the back shed. As I wandered, I began to dream of Lord Stanley's Cup residing in San Jose, CA. I opened the shed doors and pulled the cover off an automobile. What kind you ask? One that did not run. Its been awhile since I have driven this vehicle. I normally don't have to drive because I'm usually taken for a ride. Just like the Sharks against the Avalanche, it took awhile to get it running. With hard work and many long nights, I got my baby purrrrrring ... like a ... Shark?!?!
The pistons began to fire on all cylinders. Heatley, Marleau, and Thorton were revving up. This car ran on special high performance fuel called Joe Pavelwski and had a Evgeni Nabokov drive train.
It's time everyone climbs aboard this bandwagon as we head back to San Jose. Let's hope the Sharks can win it in 5 so I don't have to drive this wagon back to Hockey Town, USA (Detroit) for game 6. I know it won't make it home for game 7, and AAA won't tow this type of vehicle!
Go Sharks!
On April 14th I wandered out to the back shed. As I wandered, I began to dream of Lord Stanley's Cup residing in San Jose, CA. I opened the shed doors and pulled the cover off an automobile. What kind you ask? One that did not run. Its been awhile since I have driven this vehicle. I normally don't have to drive because I'm usually taken for a ride. Just like the Sharks against the Avalanche, it took awhile to get it running. With hard work and many long nights, I got my baby purrrrrring ... like a ... Shark?!?!
The pistons began to fire on all cylinders. Heatley, Marleau, and Thorton were revving up. This car ran on special high performance fuel called Joe Pavelwski and had a Evgeni Nabokov drive train.
It's time everyone climbs aboard this bandwagon as we head back to San Jose. Let's hope the Sharks can win it in 5 so I don't have to drive this wagon back to Hockey Town, USA (Detroit) for game 6. I know it won't make it home for game 7, and AAA won't tow this type of vehicle!
Go Sharks!
Friday, April 2, 2010
The end was near...
With the start of MLB season just a few days away, I thought this would be a perfect time to share this story. Most people do not know just how lucky I am to be writing this post. I have always been a happy-go-lucky guy. I've been blessed with great health, a great wife, kids, and friends. My life seems simple or ordinary. That would be a simple life for a sports nut, or looking back now, a sports wise guy.
I am going to share with you my brush with death. Yes, death. It happened back on Saturday, October 22, 2002. Events that would change my life and those in SF and Anaheim forever! I woke up that Saturday morning, and just like most Saturdays in the fall: Yard work, Cal football, and then getting ready for some buddies coming over in the evening to draft our fantasy basketball teams online with friends and family in the Bay. I remember telling my buddies that we will even put on the World Series ... LOL.
For the most part the day was uneventful. It was a warm fall day. Nothing strange or unusual that would tip me off about the events that were about to unfold that evening. I have talked to people that have had near death experiences. There is the one where a person leans forward to change a radio station and a stray bullet just misses hitting them in the head; the person who walks off a plane and finds out later the plane crashesl; or a car runs a red light and comes within a whisker of hitting the driver's side of the car. I had nothing like that. You see, I often thought whenever the good Lord decided it was my time, I would leave this earth and people would smile and say, "I thought he would leave in a manner like this." Let me explain.
That evening we began the draft right about the time the World Series started. The Giants were up 3 games to 2 over the Angels. I remembered my "rooting" pecking order for baseball. A's first, team in their division, American League, and then anyone playing against the Giants. I didn't give the game much thought. I knew the Angels would win Game 6 that night, and then Game 7 the next night. All would be right in the universe. Looking back, you might say that is exactly what happened. What you may not know is the events that unfolded during Game 6 that changed how I look at life today. Most of you either know, or have figured out just reading my blog, how much I loathe the Giants. Most who know me have heard me say, "Not in My Lifetime!"
The Giants will not win the World Series while I walk on this earth. It is a statement that I believe to be true!
Now most fantasy drafts last about 3-4hours when you get about 12 guys together. Drafts often start slow -- you have guys drinking beer or spirits so you get duplicate picks -- and there is a lot of trash talking throughout the process. This draft finished right about the time the game ended.
Things seem to be moving right along with the draft and the game until the top of the 5th. The Giants scored 3 to take a 3-0 lead. I felt a little uneasy, but I didn't worry too much. The top 6th and the 7th the Giants scored 1 run each to take a 5-0 lead going into the 7th inning stretch. Remembering what I said and how much I believe it to be true, I knew I was living on borrowed time. My heart began to race. I started feeling dizzy and I started to have body aches. I knew the Giants didn't have a Bill Buckner or the Angels a Bucky "%$^#" Dent or even Aaron Boone. I started to see a bright light coming toward me, and then I noticed this guy with a black hooded robe and a sickle in his hand. He was drinking all my beer. I knew that the "Rally Monkeys" seemed to have run out of magic. That is when I realized that I must take matters into my own hands if I wanted to keep living. I ran into my 2-yr-old son's room and grabbed a stuffed monkey and put it on my back. I became that monkey. I declared that because I was the monkey, the Angels would turn things around and win the game. My buddies laughed! One was a Giants fan and he just smiled. I looked at the hooded guy now eating all my food. He told me that soon I would not have to worry about having leftovers. I winked and said, "Maybe the Beatles are the walrus but I am the monkey!" I started to send out texts, one after another, that with each hit I was getting stronger. The Angels scored 3 runs in the 7th and the 8th to take a 6-5 lead. I was about the size of Kong when the game ended. The hooded man told me he had to leave, but promised to be back in about 60 years. I smiled and thought was I going to die of old age, or would that be the year the Giants finally win it all? Either way, I didn't care because I would have lived a long and fulling life and I wouldn't be here to witness the unspeakable! Game 7 went like most though, and I knew. John Lackey pitched the game of his life, the Angels won the Series. You now know it was not John or Dusty pulling Ortiz in game 6. It was a man who transformed himself into the real "Rally Monkey" that changed everything.
We live our lives trying to get the monkey off our backs and keep it off. I just want all you Giant fans to know ... I am the monkey that is on your Giants' backs and have no plans to come off anytime soon (52 more years).
As the 2010 season starts just remember: The Giants suck and I'm alive to tell you that.
Wise Guy
I am going to share with you my brush with death. Yes, death. It happened back on Saturday, October 22, 2002. Events that would change my life and those in SF and Anaheim forever! I woke up that Saturday morning, and just like most Saturdays in the fall: Yard work, Cal football, and then getting ready for some buddies coming over in the evening to draft our fantasy basketball teams online with friends and family in the Bay. I remember telling my buddies that we will even put on the World Series ... LOL.
For the most part the day was uneventful. It was a warm fall day. Nothing strange or unusual that would tip me off about the events that were about to unfold that evening. I have talked to people that have had near death experiences. There is the one where a person leans forward to change a radio station and a stray bullet just misses hitting them in the head; the person who walks off a plane and finds out later the plane crashesl; or a car runs a red light and comes within a whisker of hitting the driver's side of the car. I had nothing like that. You see, I often thought whenever the good Lord decided it was my time, I would leave this earth and people would smile and say, "I thought he would leave in a manner like this." Let me explain.
That evening we began the draft right about the time the World Series started. The Giants were up 3 games to 2 over the Angels. I remembered my "rooting" pecking order for baseball. A's first, team in their division, American League, and then anyone playing against the Giants. I didn't give the game much thought. I knew the Angels would win Game 6 that night, and then Game 7 the next night. All would be right in the universe. Looking back, you might say that is exactly what happened. What you may not know is the events that unfolded during Game 6 that changed how I look at life today. Most of you either know, or have figured out just reading my blog, how much I loathe the Giants. Most who know me have heard me say, "Not in My Lifetime!"
The Giants will not win the World Series while I walk on this earth. It is a statement that I believe to be true!
Now most fantasy drafts last about 3-4hours when you get about 12 guys together. Drafts often start slow -- you have guys drinking beer or spirits so you get duplicate picks -- and there is a lot of trash talking throughout the process. This draft finished right about the time the game ended.
Things seem to be moving right along with the draft and the game until the top of the 5th. The Giants scored 3 to take a 3-0 lead. I felt a little uneasy, but I didn't worry too much. The top 6th and the 7th the Giants scored 1 run each to take a 5-0 lead going into the 7th inning stretch. Remembering what I said and how much I believe it to be true, I knew I was living on borrowed time. My heart began to race. I started feeling dizzy and I started to have body aches. I knew the Giants didn't have a Bill Buckner or the Angels a Bucky "%$^#" Dent or even Aaron Boone. I started to see a bright light coming toward me, and then I noticed this guy with a black hooded robe and a sickle in his hand. He was drinking all my beer. I knew that the "Rally Monkeys" seemed to have run out of magic. That is when I realized that I must take matters into my own hands if I wanted to keep living. I ran into my 2-yr-old son's room and grabbed a stuffed monkey and put it on my back. I became that monkey. I declared that because I was the monkey, the Angels would turn things around and win the game. My buddies laughed! One was a Giants fan and he just smiled. I looked at the hooded guy now eating all my food. He told me that soon I would not have to worry about having leftovers. I winked and said, "Maybe the Beatles are the walrus but I am the monkey!" I started to send out texts, one after another, that with each hit I was getting stronger. The Angels scored 3 runs in the 7th and the 8th to take a 6-5 lead. I was about the size of Kong when the game ended. The hooded man told me he had to leave, but promised to be back in about 60 years. I smiled and thought was I going to die of old age, or would that be the year the Giants finally win it all? Either way, I didn't care because I would have lived a long and fulling life and I wouldn't be here to witness the unspeakable! Game 7 went like most though, and I knew. John Lackey pitched the game of his life, the Angels won the Series. You now know it was not John or Dusty pulling Ortiz in game 6. It was a man who transformed himself into the real "Rally Monkey" that changed everything.
We live our lives trying to get the monkey off our backs and keep it off. I just want all you Giant fans to know ... I am the monkey that is on your Giants' backs and have no plans to come off anytime soon (52 more years).
As the 2010 season starts just remember: The Giants suck and I'm alive to tell you that.
Wise Guy
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Top 10: Fantasy Baseball Draft
As I get ready for our 17Th Annual Fantasy Baseball Draft, here is a list of the top 10 things I will hear tonight during our draft:
10. I will give you my 14th pick for your 1st pick ... you'll save salary!
9. I can't believe you took that player that early. I was going to take him 5 rounds later!
8. I did not know he retired/is injured and out for the season. My brother, (Terry Allen football), I'm still laughing 18 years later?!?!
7. Someone will say that the player is listed playing multiple positions in my wife's Sunset Magazine Fantasy Baseball Issue or insert any other off the wall publication.
6. I thought I had more salary available, I need to trade down.
5. I have to run a quick errand. I should be back before (insert a name here) finally makes his pick. ZZZZZZ!
4. What? I already have 5 pitchers ... owner picking a player that he does not need.
3. Anyone have an updated cheatsheet? I haven't been crossing out players picked and I need!
2. Last round: 5 or 6 guys saying, "I have the ultimate sleeper pick" Only Mr. Wise Guys' truly is Mr. Sleeper Pick)!
1. Every player after the draft ... On paper this is my year (exception Ry).
This not a Top 10, but once again I will remind everyone -- if it weren't for that $%#@ hurricane during the playoffs 2 years ago, I would have won my 5th title.
Wise Guy
10. I will give you my 14th pick for your 1st pick ... you'll save salary!
9. I can't believe you took that player that early. I was going to take him 5 rounds later!
8. I did not know he retired/is injured and out for the season. My brother, (Terry Allen football), I'm still laughing 18 years later?!?!
7. Someone will say that the player is listed playing multiple positions in my wife's Sunset Magazine Fantasy Baseball Issue or insert any other off the wall publication.
6. I thought I had more salary available, I need to trade down.
5. I have to run a quick errand. I should be back before (insert a name here) finally makes his pick. ZZZZZZ!
4. What? I already have 5 pitchers ... owner picking a player that he does not need.
3. Anyone have an updated cheatsheet? I haven't been crossing out players picked and I need
2. Last round: 5 or 6 guys saying, "I have the ultimate sleeper pick" Only Mr. Wise Guys' truly is Mr. Sleeper Pick)!
1. Every player after the draft ... On paper this is my year (exception Ry).
This not a Top 10, but once again I will remind everyone -- if it weren't for that $%#@ hurricane during the playoffs 2 years ago, I would have won my 5th title.
Wise Guy
Monday, March 29, 2010
I thought I was perfect!
Just like the other 300 million people in our country who participated in an NCAA pool, I'm assuming that every person who lives in this country fills out a bracket.
I filled out 3 different brackets. In one, I took all the favorites. In the second one, I took the underdogs. It's the 3rd one that I really got excited about. This was the one that I spent hours watching game films of all 65 teams. I broke down each team's wins/losses, and I took into account the quality of their opponent and how they did outside their region. I also took into account what the weather would be like on the dates they played, and what they might eat on the road. I even consulted "Carnac the Magnificent" (see Johnny Carson).
I was ready! As I started to fill out the brackets I felt a rush like something I never felt before, and I took teams like Northern Iowa, Cornell and St. Mary's to the Sweet 16; teams like Michigan State and Butler going to the Final Four with Duke and West Virginia. I won't tell you how the rest played out in my bracket, because it would not be fair to those who are going to watch the games and want to be surprised by the outcome. The casinos would lose lots and lots of cash.
I will tell you that I discovered a problem with my computer last night when I checked my bracket. It must have been a bracket virus, because it changed my bracket. Yes, it did! For some godawful reason it changed all my picks and I ended up with a Final Four of Kansas, Cuse, Baylor and Kentucky. It made me feel sick. Really sick! I thought, "Why in the world would I pick those four teams and Kentucky over Kansas in the Championship?" There are things that happen that can't be explained ... NC State over Houston, Villanova over Georgetown, and the reason that this virus picked me to change my brackets. We may never know these answers, but the saving grace is that all of my family and friends know that I am still perfect with my "bracket" and that is all I care about.
Wise Guy
I filled out 3 different brackets. In one, I took all the favorites. In the second one, I took the underdogs. It's the 3rd one that I really got excited about. This was the one that I spent hours watching game films of all 65 teams. I broke down each team's wins/losses, and I took into account the quality of their opponent and how they did outside their region. I also took into account what the weather would be like on the dates they played, and what they might eat on the road. I even consulted "Carnac the Magnificent" (see Johnny Carson).
I was ready! As I started to fill out the brackets I felt a rush like something I never felt before, and I took teams like Northern Iowa, Cornell and St. Mary's to the Sweet 16; teams like Michigan State and Butler going to the Final Four with Duke and West Virginia. I won't tell you how the rest played out in my bracket, because it would not be fair to those who are going to watch the games and want to be surprised by the outcome. The casinos would lose lots and lots of cash.
I will tell you that I discovered a problem with my computer last night when I checked my bracket. It must have been a bracket virus, because it changed my bracket. Yes, it did! For some godawful reason it changed all my picks and I ended up with a Final Four of Kansas, Cuse, Baylor and Kentucky. It made me feel sick. Really sick! I thought, "Why in the world would I pick those four teams and Kentucky over Kansas in the Championship?" There are things that happen that can't be explained ... NC State over Houston, Villanova over Georgetown, and the reason that this virus picked me to change my brackets. We may never know these answers, but the saving grace is that all of my family and friends know that I am still perfect with my "bracket" and that is all I care about.
Wise Guy
I want to be like Mike!
I want to be like Mike. No, not that one (Jordan)! I'm sure most of you heard last week that Mike Bellotti stepped down as the Athletic Director of the University of Nike ... oops, I mean Oregon! The reason he gave at the press conference was that he was afforded his dream job as an analyst with ESPN, and couldn't pass it up.
It made perfect sense after I rammed my head in the wall 5 or 6 times. Mike was a California Kid who grew up in the Bay. He played football at UC Davis before coaching at Cal State Hayward, Chico State, and as an assistant coach at Davis. These were steps he took to become an assistant coach at Oregon. He was the offensive coordinator for 5 years under Rich Brooks before being named the Oregon head coach in 1994. He held that position for over 14 years before stepping down to become the Athletic Directer at Oregon. Mike won 2/3 of his games as the head coach. These were steps that he took to become an ESPN college football analyst. This makes about as much sense as Wolfgang Puck working as a fry cook at McDonald's.
It doesn't make much sense to give up a $2.5 million dollar contract to work a job for about $150,000. Living your whole life on the West Coach and have the desire to move back where the mother ship is in Bristle, Conn.? Having spent my fair share in the great northeast (sarcasm), I can honestly tell you that late fall and winter sucks! But, once again, it is his "Dream Job." Good luck, Mike, and see you at San Jose State in a couple of years ... your next "Dream Job"!
"Wise Guy"
It made perfect sense after I rammed my head in the wall 5 or 6 times. Mike was a California Kid who grew up in the Bay. He played football at UC Davis before coaching at Cal State Hayward, Chico State, and as an assistant coach at Davis. These were steps he took to become an assistant coach at Oregon. He was the offensive coordinator for 5 years under Rich Brooks before being named the Oregon head coach in 1994. He held that position for over 14 years before stepping down to become the Athletic Directer at Oregon. Mike won 2/3 of his games as the head coach. These were steps that he took to become an ESPN college football analyst. This makes about as much sense as Wolfgang Puck working as a fry cook at McDonald's.
It doesn't make much sense to give up a $2.5 million dollar contract to work a job for about $150,000. Living your whole life on the West Coach and have the desire to move back where the mother ship is in Bristle, Conn.? Having spent my fair share in the great northeast (sarcasm), I can honestly tell you that late fall and winter sucks! But, once again, it is his "Dream Job." Good luck, Mike, and see you at San Jose State in a couple of years ... your next "Dream Job"!
"Wise Guy"
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Day the Music Died... (NCAA Tournament)
I originally wrote this post the day before the Tourney started. We are now at the Sweet 16. This is shaping up to be something special...Go St. Marys (Catholic Team)!
Maybe this is what Don McLean had in mind. With the Big Dance just hours away, I was left wondering what happened to college basketball. I may be alone on this island, but again, what happened?
As a young boy growing up in the 70's I remember when the NCAA Tournament came on after the 11 pm news. Yes! The 11 o'clock news. My dad was a "sports dad" so we were allowed to stay up and watch the Tournament. I don't remember any of the UCLA Dynasty ... maybe it never happened. The first one I remember was the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. That team was led by Quin Buckner & Kent Benson. I was 12. We are a Catholic family so naturally we grew up rooting for Catholic teams, and, yes, we were USF Dons fans. The Dons were a West Coast power during that era. During that same time we also rooted for a Notre Dame team with Tripucka, Woolridge and Jackson. As I entered the 80's, I began to follow a De Paul team that was coming off a final four appearance with a freshman led team in 1979. The next four years they entered the Tournament as a #1 seed only to get knocked off in their first game. I was rooting for some of the greatest under achievers of all time. Keeping up with that Catholic theme, I was in college basketball purgatory.
Little did I know that during the 1977 season, a seed was planted deep within me and I was moving toward the Dark Side. There was this shark (Tark) that bit me. His UNLV Running Rebels played a wide open run and gun style game, and with Reggie Theus went to the Final Four. In 1987, UNLV once again made the Final Four led by Armon Gilliam and Freddie Banks. That seed continued to grow and started to blossom. By the time the 1989-1990 regular season started, I was breathing heavy and wore a black mask. I was "UNLV Vador." This was a magical time for college basketball, not just because we had the most exciting college basketball team of all time. Yes! UNLV was! They had a cast of characters named Johnson, Augmon, Butler, Hunt and Anthony. Once again, that "Catholic thing" kept coming up. After the passing of Hank Gathers, I began to pull for a Cinderella team that every expert and my paper boy predicted was going to be bounced in the 1st round. That team was the Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU).
Bo Kimbo & Co. won their first 3 games to make it to the Regional Final. The Regional Final pitted Good against Evil, Catholics against Sinners, Road Runner against Wiley Coyote. Yes, it was UNLV vs. LMU. There now seemed to be a struggle for my college basketball soul. What was I going to do? I pulled the "Hank 44" tape off the back of my 1-yr-old daughter's sneakers and I went with UNLV. Yes! Vegas baby! Sin City! I never looked back! UNLV beat Duke by 30 in the championship game. I finally reached the mountain top as a fan. I finally had a team that won it all. Yes, you can say that I danced with the college basketball devil. That is when it started to change for the worse. By the end of the 90's it seemed like everyone in high school declared for the NBA ... including my 30-yr-old paper boy.
You see, between 1976 and 1997 college basketball went from obscurity to one of the greatest sporting events of all time. We had teams like the "Basketeers" (Arkansas), Phi Slama Jama (Houston), Lethal Weapon Three (Georgia Tech), and even the Fab Five (Michigan).
There were characters that seemed to come from Marvel comics. Magic (Ervin), the Muffin Man (Mark Aguire), Sky Walker (Kenny), The Dream (Hakeem), The Glide (Drexler), The Rocket (Foster), Dr. Dunkenstein (Griffith), and we even had a Kid (Jason) and this Bird (Larry), to name a few.
We had the greatest coaches of all time: Knight, Brown, Tarkanian, Olson, Carnaseca, Thompson, Heathcote, Crum, Valvano, Richardson, McGuire, Boeheim, Miller, Lewis and those other two guys from Carolina and Duke that I will not mention.
This was a game that you could root for a team and your favorite players for 3 to 4 years. Jordan, Worthy and Perkins at UNC; Aguirre & Terry Cummings at De Paul; Hakeem & Drexler at Houston; Ewing, Morning, Mutombo and Iverson at Georgetown; Johnson & Augmon at Unlv. You also had players named Moncrief, Thomas, Sampson, Payton, Alford, Smart, Price, Malone, Stockton, Pippin; Elliot, Shaw, Bird, McHale, Parrish, Mullin, Richmond, T Hardaway, Robinson, and Duncan.
I lived through the greatest time for college basketball and young people will never know what March Madness was really about. For all the old guys, as you watch this watered down beer of an event, take time out to raise your glass to toast what once was the NCAA Tournament.
The "Wise Guy"
Maybe this is what Don McLean had in mind. With the Big Dance just hours away, I was left wondering what happened to college basketball. I may be alone on this island, but again, what happened?
As a young boy growing up in the 70's I remember when the NCAA Tournament came on after the 11 pm news. Yes! The 11 o'clock news. My dad was a "sports dad" so we were allowed to stay up and watch the Tournament. I don't remember any of the UCLA Dynasty ... maybe it never happened. The first one I remember was the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. That team was led by Quin Buckner & Kent Benson. I was 12. We are a Catholic family so naturally we grew up rooting for Catholic teams, and, yes, we were USF Dons fans. The Dons were a West Coast power during that era. During that same time we also rooted for a Notre Dame team with Tripucka, Woolridge and Jackson. As I entered the 80's, I began to follow a De Paul team that was coming off a final four appearance with a freshman led team in 1979. The next four years they entered the Tournament as a #1 seed only to get knocked off in their first game. I was rooting for some of the greatest under achievers of all time. Keeping up with that Catholic theme, I was in college basketball purgatory.
Little did I know that during the 1977 season, a seed was planted deep within me and I was moving toward the Dark Side. There was this shark (Tark) that bit me. His UNLV Running Rebels played a wide open run and gun style game, and with Reggie Theus went to the Final Four. In 1987, UNLV once again made the Final Four led by Armon Gilliam and Freddie Banks. That seed continued to grow and started to blossom. By the time the 1989-1990 regular season started, I was breathing heavy and wore a black mask. I was "UNLV Vador." This was a magical time for college basketball, not just because we had the most exciting college basketball team of all time. Yes! UNLV was! They had a cast of characters named Johnson, Augmon, Butler, Hunt and Anthony. Once again, that "Catholic thing" kept coming up. After the passing of Hank Gathers, I began to pull for a Cinderella team that every expert and my paper boy predicted was going to be bounced in the 1st round. That team was the Loyola Marymount Lions (LMU).
Bo Kimbo & Co. won their first 3 games to make it to the Regional Final. The Regional Final pitted Good against Evil, Catholics against Sinners, Road Runner against Wiley Coyote. Yes, it was UNLV vs. LMU. There now seemed to be a struggle for my college basketball soul. What was I going to do? I pulled the "Hank 44" tape off the back of my 1-yr-old daughter's sneakers and I went with UNLV. Yes! Vegas baby! Sin City! I never looked back! UNLV beat Duke by 30 in the championship game. I finally reached the mountain top as a fan. I finally had a team that won it all. Yes, you can say that I danced with the college basketball devil. That is when it started to change for the worse. By the end of the 90's it seemed like everyone in high school declared for the NBA ... including my 30-yr-old paper boy.
You see, between 1976 and 1997 college basketball went from obscurity to one of the greatest sporting events of all time. We had teams like the "Basketeers" (Arkansas), Phi Slama Jama (Houston), Lethal Weapon Three (Georgia Tech), and even the Fab Five (Michigan).
There were characters that seemed to come from Marvel comics. Magic (Ervin), the Muffin Man (Mark Aguire), Sky Walker (Kenny), The Dream (Hakeem), The Glide (Drexler), The Rocket (Foster), Dr. Dunkenstein (Griffith), and we even had a Kid (Jason) and this Bird (Larry), to name a few.
We had the greatest coaches of all time: Knight, Brown, Tarkanian, Olson, Carnaseca, Thompson, Heathcote, Crum, Valvano, Richardson, McGuire, Boeheim, Miller, Lewis and those other two guys from Carolina and Duke that I will not mention.
This was a game that you could root for a team and your favorite players for 3 to 4 years. Jordan, Worthy and Perkins at UNC; Aguirre & Terry Cummings at De Paul; Hakeem & Drexler at Houston; Ewing, Morning, Mutombo and Iverson at Georgetown; Johnson & Augmon at Unlv. You also had players named Moncrief, Thomas, Sampson, Payton, Alford, Smart, Price, Malone, Stockton, Pippin; Elliot, Shaw, Bird, McHale, Parrish, Mullin, Richmond, T Hardaway, Robinson, and Duncan.
I lived through the greatest time for college basketball and young people will never know what March Madness was really about. For all the old guys, as you watch this watered down beer of an event, take time out to raise your glass to toast what once was the NCAA Tournament.
The "Wise Guy"
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Who Says You Can't Go Home? Welcome Back, "NOMA"
Who's says you can't go home? My wife is getting excited because it's a Bon Jovi song. It might be a Bon Jovi song, but this is a Nomar post! Yesterday, one of Boston's favorite sons returned home, and this morning he retired as a Red Sox. From an all-state soccer player from Whittier, CA, who just happened to be a little better baseball player; to a two-time All American baseball player at Georgia Tech; to the 1st round draft pick of the Sox back in 1994. He made it to the "Show" in August, 1996, and got his first hit (HR) off the A's, and in 2009, his last hit as an Athletic. In between, he won the Rookie of the Year award, two batting titles, the Silver Slugger Award, 6-time All-Star, and Comeback Player of the Year Award as a Dodger. He, most importantly, became a husband and a father to twin girls. A man who will live his retirement life as the second most famous person in his household. The first happens to be his wife, the "Michael Jordan" of Women's World Cup soccer, Mia Hamm.
Nomar, as a Red Sox hater, people often thought my 1st son would be named Bucky (F@#kin) Dent (middle name came from Sox fans, see 1978). I went from that to one of the many in "Red Sox Nation" thanks to you. As a Giant hater, it felt good rooting for you with the Dodgers. Finally, as a big-time A's fan, it was great seeing you in Green & Gold (yellow).
But most of all, thank you! Not just for all the memories we as fans have of watching you play, but for me it was that special bond that you helped build between a father, a son, and the love of baseball. One that some day will be passed down to his son(s).
Let's say it one last time...Nomaaaaa!
See you on Baseball Tonight.
"Wise Guy"
P.S. My wife loves Nomar almost as much as Bon Jovi!!!
Nomar, as a Red Sox hater, people often thought my 1st son would be named Bucky (F@#kin) Dent (middle name came from Sox fans, see 1978). I went from that to one of the many in "Red Sox Nation" thanks to you. As a Giant hater, it felt good rooting for you with the Dodgers. Finally, as a big-time A's fan, it was great seeing you in Green & Gold (yellow).
But most of all, thank you! Not just for all the memories we as fans have of watching you play, but for me it was that special bond that you helped build between a father, a son, and the love of baseball. One that some day will be passed down to his son(s).
Let's say it one last time...Nomaaaaa!
See you on Baseball Tonight.
"Wise Guy"
P.S. My wife loves Nomar almost as much as Bon Jovi!!!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
I Feel Like a Prize Fighter today...
Today has Finally arrived and I feel like I'm in great shape. Just like any prize fighter before me, I laid awake the night before wondering if I did everything I could physically and mentally for such a big event.
Like Ali, Frazier, Holmes and many more who thought they had 1 more fight in them, I have my doubts, too. You see, it has been 2 years since I've been in this type of atmosphere and part of me hopes that I can just go the distance. With my game face on, I am going over my fight plan in mind. I am going to come out dancing at the sound of the bell. A little bobbing & weaving through the first few rounds as I try to establish my jab. In the middle rounds I will try to wear down my opponent using some "rope-a-dope" and some body clenching when I'm in trouble. With Matt as my cut man and Brenda & Mo in my corner, I feel I will win those late rounds, finishing strong! If it goes to the score cards I feel comfortable that I will finish the night on top.
You see for most of you today is Tuesday, March 2nd. In the Beltran home it is Jon Bon Jovi's Birthday. March 2nd, 2010, is the date of his concert at Arco Arena in Sacramento. As I look out my upstairs family room window at the arena less than a mile away, I think maybe this will be my last hurrah or I can be like foreman and back at the arena in 2 years!
Like Ali, Frazier, Holmes and many more who thought they had 1 more fight in them, I have my doubts, too. You see, it has been 2 years since I've been in this type of atmosphere and part of me hopes that I can just go the distance. With my game face on, I am going over my fight plan in mind. I am going to come out dancing at the sound of the bell. A little bobbing & weaving through the first few rounds as I try to establish my jab. In the middle rounds I will try to wear down my opponent using some "rope-a-dope" and some body clenching when I'm in trouble. With Matt as my cut man and Brenda & Mo in my corner, I feel I will win those late rounds, finishing strong! If it goes to the score cards I feel comfortable that I will finish the night on top.
You see for most of you today is Tuesday, March 2nd. In the Beltran home it is Jon Bon Jovi's Birthday. March 2nd, 2010, is the date of his concert at Arco Arena in Sacramento. As I look out my upstairs family room window at the arena less than a mile away, I think maybe this will be my last hurrah or I can be like foreman and back at the arena in 2 years!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hit & Run
Well, it's great to be back. Its been a crazy week and I've been feeling a little sick after eating some crow...Thank you, Bode Miller.
Let's get started with some quick hits from the past week.
Bode: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Welcome back, Bode! After winning the gold you miss the gate at your next three events!
Yevgeny: You lost! The fact that you're a mens figure skater should tell you something. After losing your gold to Lysacek, you came out and said that he is not a figure skater. He is just an ice dancer. Let me clue you in. To the other 6.5 billion people on this planet, those two sports are the same thing. Kettle calling the pot...
The Flying "Animal" or "Tomato": I know it is snowboarding, but was there one athlete that dominated their sport more than Shaun White in Vancouver? There are airplanes that fly over my house that don't get that much air.
Cat Fight: Lindsey & Julia, great job! Just think how much better you two could have been if you actually skied like teammates. I see a new "E" reality show...bikinis maybe?
"Un-Home" field Advantage: Chris Rudge, Head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, was quoted as saying that the reason the Canadian team started out so slow was all the pressure of competing in front of the home fans. Don't tell the Cavaliers this. They will have no chance of beating the Lakers in the finals.
Bronze performance was better than gold: Joannie Rochette's performance after her Mom passed away unexpectedly in Vancouver a few days before her event. That is the spirit of the Olympics we often see, but can't always explain.
Shani Davis: Thanks for not skating the team pursuit. I know you were upset about not being able to skate the 3-man pursuit as 1 person (Team Davis), but you cost us an easy gold!
Can't be explained: Hey Olympic Guys/Gals, why in the world would you show a sport (I use that term loosely) that the whole world makes fun of for what seemed like 24 hrs a day for 17 days on MSNBC? I would have told them to park that sport way out back behind that old shed on top of the compost heap!
Deja Vu: I think I said this before...Great hockey game. This is what playoff hockey should be like, without all the fighting. Canada was golden and I don't think anyone really thought team USA could beat them twice. A silver was great for a team that was not supposed to medal!
He said it: Mike Milbury, the Hockey announcer, described the pep talk that the German Coach, Uwe Krupp likely gave his team while they were getting rolled by the Canadians..."He's asking his guys to just basically be fire hydrants, and are getting peed on right now." He also called the Russian hockey style of play "Eurotrash"! This guy would be great for the NFL.
Golf: Speaking of trash, they just completed the Waste Management Open in Phoenix. Without Tiger, this should be the sponsor for all golf events because...it's garbage!
Genius: Tony LaRussa. Only Tony is smart enough to hire a hitting coach with a lifetime batting average about .260 for a guy, Albert Pujols, hitting .335. Hey coach, just tell the other players to copy "that guy"(Pujols).
Genius your not: Hey Mac, how dumb do you think we are? I just can't believe that you really took "roids" only because you had a cold.
Welcome back! Kobe, after missing what seemed like years, you returned to hit the game winner. One for the Thumb in 2010. Hey Kobe, can you pour a little of that in a glass for Peyton?
It's March not October! Why are my sports pages covered with stories from that Halloween(Orange & Black)team across the Bay? Yes! I know they don't play in October, but give a little more love to the 4-time "World Champion Oakland A's."
Cal Bear Fans (I'm included!): Just beat Stanfurd this coming Saturday and win the conference outright. See Cal football and you know what happens if you tie...no roses. I did not misspell that college in Palo Alto. That is how Bear fans spell it!
Last but not least, only 6 days til Spring (football) practice. Go Bears!!!
Look for the next post..."Top 10 things you didn't know about spring training!" later this week.
"Wise Guy"
Let's get started with some quick hits from the past week.
Bode: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Welcome back, Bode! After winning the gold you miss the gate at your next three events!
Yevgeny: You lost! The fact that you're a mens figure skater should tell you something. After losing your gold to Lysacek, you came out and said that he is not a figure skater. He is just an ice dancer. Let me clue you in. To the other 6.5 billion people on this planet, those two sports are the same thing. Kettle calling the pot...
The Flying "Animal" or "Tomato": I know it is snowboarding, but was there one athlete that dominated their sport more than Shaun White in Vancouver? There are airplanes that fly over my house that don't get that much air.
Cat Fight: Lindsey & Julia, great job! Just think how much better you two could have been if you actually skied like teammates. I see a new "E" reality show...bikinis maybe?
"Un-Home" field Advantage: Chris Rudge, Head of the Canadian Olympic Committee, was quoted as saying that the reason the Canadian team started out so slow was all the pressure of competing in front of the home fans. Don't tell the Cavaliers this. They will have no chance of beating the Lakers in the finals.
Bronze performance was better than gold: Joannie Rochette's performance after her Mom passed away unexpectedly in Vancouver a few days before her event. That is the spirit of the Olympics we often see, but can't always explain.
Shani Davis: Thanks for not skating the team pursuit. I know you were upset about not being able to skate the 3-man pursuit as 1 person (Team Davis), but you cost us an easy gold!
Can't be explained: Hey Olympic Guys/Gals, why in the world would you show a sport (I use that term loosely) that the whole world makes fun of for what seemed like 24 hrs a day for 17 days on MSNBC? I would have told them to park that sport way out back behind that old shed on top of the compost heap!
Deja Vu: I think I said this before...Great hockey game. This is what playoff hockey should be like, without all the fighting. Canada was golden and I don't think anyone really thought team USA could beat them twice. A silver was great for a team that was not supposed to medal!
He said it: Mike Milbury, the Hockey announcer, described the pep talk that the German Coach, Uwe Krupp likely gave his team while they were getting rolled by the Canadians..."He's asking his guys to just basically be fire hydrants, and are getting peed on right now." He also called the Russian hockey style of play "Eurotrash"! This guy would be great for the NFL.
Golf: Speaking of trash, they just completed the Waste Management Open in Phoenix. Without Tiger, this should be the sponsor for all golf events because...it's garbage!
Genius: Tony LaRussa. Only Tony is smart enough to hire a hitting coach with a lifetime batting average about .260 for a guy, Albert Pujols, hitting .335. Hey coach, just tell the other players to copy "that guy"(Pujols).
Genius your not: Hey Mac, how dumb do you think we are? I just can't believe that you really took "roids" only because you had a cold.
Welcome back! Kobe, after missing what seemed like years, you returned to hit the game winner. One for the Thumb in 2010. Hey Kobe, can you pour a little of that in a glass for Peyton?
It's March not October! Why are my sports pages covered with stories from that Halloween(Orange & Black)team across the Bay? Yes! I know they don't play in October, but give a little more love to the 4-time "World Champion Oakland A's."
Cal Bear Fans (I'm included!): Just beat Stanfurd this coming Saturday and win the conference outright. See Cal football and you know what happens if you tie...no roses. I did not misspell that college in Palo Alto. That is how Bear fans spell it!
Last but not least, only 6 days til Spring (football) practice. Go Bears!!!
Look for the next post..."Top 10 things you didn't know about spring training!" later this week.
"Wise Guy"
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Top 10 "Exhibition Sports" for London 2012
By request for those EA (Electronic Arts) guys in Texas...New Top 10!
It seems like the whole world is making fun of those world class athletes know as curlers. I've watch my wife & daughter spend hours trying to get their hair right...um...oh, sorry wrong type of curling. I've done some research and was given a secret list of exhibition sports being considered for the London Summer Olympics 2012 that would rival that of curling. This was given to me in confidence so please keep this in house.
Top 10:
10. Jax
9. Ring Around the Rosey
8. Bumper Pool
7. 4 Square
6. Musical chairs
5. Red Rover...You know: Red Rover, Red Rover send the Jamaican right over!
4. Hop Scotch
3. Paddle Ball...not the beach game! The Ball on a string game
2. Marco polo
And the # 1 sport being considered in London is...
(Drum roll please)
BEER PONG!
Honorable Mentions include Lawn Darts, Tag, Wall Ball, Air Hockey, Frisbee and Mexicali (drinking Game).
Hey! Smear the Queer is no longer politically acceptable and I can't believe some of you guys were thinking that. It is a game also known as "tackle the guy with the football".
Please feel free to add other games to this list and I'll pass it on to the IOC.
P.s. Why is there not a Mexican Curling team. Who else would know how to slide things on a wax floor and know how to sweep. Hey, Hey, Hey...I'm Mexican! I can say that.
"Wise Guy"
It seems like the whole world is making fun of those world class athletes know as curlers. I've watch my wife & daughter spend hours trying to get their hair right...um...oh, sorry wrong type of curling. I've done some research and was given a secret list of exhibition sports being considered for the London Summer Olympics 2012 that would rival that of curling. This was given to me in confidence so please keep this in house.
Top 10:
10. Jax
9. Ring Around the Rosey
8. Bumper Pool
7. 4 Square
6. Musical chairs
5. Red Rover...You know: Red Rover, Red Rover send the Jamaican right over!
4. Hop Scotch
3. Paddle Ball...not the beach game! The Ball on a string game
2. Marco polo
And the # 1 sport being considered in London is...
(Drum roll please)
BEER PONG!
Honorable Mentions include Lawn Darts, Tag, Wall Ball, Air Hockey, Frisbee and Mexicali (drinking Game).
Hey! Smear the Queer is no longer politically acceptable and I can't believe some of you guys were thinking that. It is a game also known as "tackle the guy with the football".
Please feel free to add other games to this list and I'll pass it on to the IOC.
P.s. Why is there not a Mexican Curling team. Who else would know how to slide things on a wax floor and know how to sweep. Hey, Hey, Hey...I'm Mexican! I can say that.
"Wise Guy"
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
I just stepped on the soap box!
After watching a mixed bag of sports events over the 3-day weekend, I have decided to step up on my "Soap Box" and vent a little. Just a little, because the weather was so wonderful here in Sacramento that I seemed to find myself outdoors pretty much all weekend. That is where Tivo came in, and I'm just now catching up on the stuff I taped.
So lets get started!
The Olympics: I have a few bones to pick here
Why is it that the sports media (NBC) sensationalize every single accomplishment that an athlete achieves, warranted or not. Case in point Yoko Ono, oops! Anton Ohno wins a silver medal after what I think were about 8 skaters falling in front of him (I know it was only 2, but I'm sensationalizing here) with about 20 yards left in the race. I heard about 20 times how he now is the most decorated American male Winter Olympian with six medals (2 each -- gold, silver, and bronze). I don't know about you, but I think Eric Heiden is the most decorated athlete with 5 Gold Medals. Yes! He has 1 for the thumb. Hey all you Cowboy haters, he is the Dallas Cowboys of speed skating. Sorry Niner fans, I don't count that last one because Bone Head (Switzer) was our coach.
The same with Bode Miller, the Fran Tarkenton/Jim Kelly of downhill skiing. In Torino, he was favored to win 5 gold medals. He came home with only a hangover from all the partying he did. He just won the bronze to go with his 2 silver medals (2002), and once again he is the most decorated American downhill skier. Phil Mahre and Tommy Moe have a gold and a silver. I think a gold trumps any amount of silver and bronze.
And here's another beef I have. Hey, Bob Costas, how do you win the bronze medal? Is the athlete leading the whole way only to stop before the finish line and let 2 athletes pass him so he can win the bronze? No! You either WIN the gold, or you are LEFT with the silver and bronze. Do you think the Colts would say they won the silver and the Vikes/Jets won the bronze? And do you think the Vikes and the Bills would trade their 4 silver medals for just one gold (Super Bowl Champs)? Nuff said!
I watched the Minnesota vs. Indiana (college) football game...I mean the pairs figure skating. Why, you ask? My sons and I wanted to see the final of the Snowboard Cross so I had to watch the skating. Here's my beef. How is it that a skater can fall twice and stumble another time and score higher than the 3 to 4 skaters before her who did not fall? I could not figure this one out so I went to the one person who knows everything about anything (married guys know), my wife. I was told that even though those skaters fell, they had a more difficult program than those who didn't fall. It made perfect sense! Please don't tell the Minnesota Vikings who seem to dominate the Saints, but had a few falls (turn overs). I don't think the Saint fans could give back all those hangovers.
Speaking about I.U. Did the Norwegian curling team steal Bobby Knights' plaid sports coats and make pants out of them? I thought I saw some of them selling cotton candy before they competed. Another thing I saw was a Zamboni machine prepping the ice for Curling. Why? Isn't that what the Curlers do?
I saw some of the NBA exhibition game and that was pretty entertaining. That matador defense was on display. Sorry everyone...No Kobe, No All-Star game. My beef here is if you have the game at Cowboys stadium, why would you have the athletes do what cowboys do instead of what Dallas Cowboys do? You could have the All-Stars hang out at the white house (not in DC). They could visit all the Michael Irvin strip clubs. Drive in a car with Nate Newton carring 300 pounds of weed trying not to get pulled over, or going to Mexico with Jessica Simpson before the big game on Sunday. Hey, I'm a Cowboys fan so I can say this. If you say it, I will block you. The funniest line I heard all weekend was when Carmelo was asked if trying to rope a calf was difficult. He said, "I'm from DC...I see a rope and I run."
My last beef is Nascar: I'm not a fan nor pretend to be. But I know what lap and how many cars were in the wreck that knocked Danica out of the race Saturday. But I cannot tell you who won the Daytona 500 on Sunday. I think Nascar just opened a can of "Go Daddy."
Today is Ash Wednesday...the end of Mardi Gras/Super Bowl parties. The world's largest hangover begins!
Thanks everyone for allowing me to vent. It was either here on the post, or pay Lucy 5 Cents (Peanuts Cartoon).
"Sports Wiseguy"
So lets get started!
The Olympics: I have a few bones to pick here
Why is it that the sports media (NBC) sensationalize every single accomplishment that an athlete achieves, warranted or not. Case in point Yoko Ono, oops! Anton Ohno wins a silver medal after what I think were about 8 skaters falling in front of him (I know it was only 2, but I'm sensationalizing here) with about 20 yards left in the race. I heard about 20 times how he now is the most decorated American male Winter Olympian with six medals (2 each -- gold, silver, and bronze). I don't know about you, but I think Eric Heiden is the most decorated athlete with 5 Gold Medals. Yes! He has 1 for the thumb. Hey all you Cowboy haters, he is the Dallas Cowboys of speed skating. Sorry Niner fans, I don't count that last one because Bone Head (Switzer) was our coach.
The same with Bode Miller, the Fran Tarkenton/Jim Kelly of downhill skiing. In Torino, he was favored to win 5 gold medals. He came home with only a hangover from all the partying he did. He just won the bronze to go with his 2 silver medals (2002), and once again he is the most decorated American downhill skier. Phil Mahre and Tommy Moe have a gold and a silver. I think a gold trumps any amount of silver and bronze.
And here's another beef I have. Hey, Bob Costas, how do you win the bronze medal? Is the athlete leading the whole way only to stop before the finish line and let 2 athletes pass him so he can win the bronze? No! You either WIN the gold, or you are LEFT with the silver and bronze. Do you think the Colts would say they won the silver and the Vikes/Jets won the bronze? And do you think the Vikes and the Bills would trade their 4 silver medals for just one gold (Super Bowl Champs)? Nuff said!
I watched the Minnesota vs. Indiana (college) football game...I mean the pairs figure skating. Why, you ask? My sons and I wanted to see the final of the Snowboard Cross so I had to watch the skating. Here's my beef. How is it that a skater can fall twice and stumble another time and score higher than the 3 to 4 skaters before her who did not fall? I could not figure this one out so I went to the one person who knows everything about anything (married guys know), my wife. I was told that even though those skaters fell, they had a more difficult program than those who didn't fall. It made perfect sense! Please don't tell the Minnesota Vikings who seem to dominate the Saints, but had a few falls (turn overs). I don't think the Saint fans could give back all those hangovers.
Speaking about I.U. Did the Norwegian curling team steal Bobby Knights' plaid sports coats and make pants out of them? I thought I saw some of them selling cotton candy before they competed. Another thing I saw was a Zamboni machine prepping the ice for Curling. Why? Isn't that what the Curlers do?
I saw some of the NBA exhibition game and that was pretty entertaining. That matador defense was on display. Sorry everyone...No Kobe, No All-Star game. My beef here is if you have the game at Cowboys stadium, why would you have the athletes do what cowboys do instead of what Dallas Cowboys do? You could have the All-Stars hang out at the white house (not in DC). They could visit all the Michael Irvin strip clubs. Drive in a car with Nate Newton carring 300 pounds of weed trying not to get pulled over, or going to Mexico with Jessica Simpson before the big game on Sunday. Hey, I'm a Cowboys fan so I can say this. If you say it, I will block you. The funniest line I heard all weekend was when Carmelo was asked if trying to rope a calf was difficult. He said, "I'm from DC...I see a rope and I run."
My last beef is Nascar: I'm not a fan nor pretend to be. But I know what lap and how many cars were in the wreck that knocked Danica out of the race Saturday. But I cannot tell you who won the Daytona 500 on Sunday. I think Nascar just opened a can of "Go Daddy."
Today is Ash Wednesday...the end of Mardi Gras/Super Bowl parties. The world's largest hangover begins!
Thanks everyone for allowing me to vent. It was either here on the post, or pay Lucy 5 Cents (Peanuts Cartoon).
"Sports Wiseguy"
Friday, February 12, 2010
Prayers for Nodar...
We all use sports as a diversion from our very busy, and at times, chaotic lives. We too often forget about all the sacrifices these athletes make in life, and in this case that sacrifice was life itself. My family's hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Nodar Kumaritashvili (luger) from the Country of Georgia. A 2010 Olympian!
Olympics start tonight and we are ready!!!
In just a few hours, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will take off like an Olympic ski jumper. Opening ceremonies will last about 4 1/2 hours, and I don't think my wonderful wife will make it through the end of the 1st day. She is a short track speed skater. My boys and I are in it for the long haul, and are like cross country skiers. Just like all the great athletes we'll see and the curlers, we have been training really hard. How, you ask? Well, we have been spending extra time on the couch these past few months, and have been channel surfing to help build our thumb dexterity so we can watch the 5 different channels covering the Olympics. We have been sprinting to the fridge and the bathroom during commercials. I have been spending extra time curling (sweeping and dusting). To help us get through those boring events like the biathlon, ice dancing, and men's figure skating, we have been watching the PGA tour without Tiger, the Cleveland Browns, and as many Big 10 football games as possible. We made it. I believe the last person to try this type of training was Rip Van Winkle, and after 20 years he is still sleeping.
Now, being like athletes we understand that sports is 90% mental and 50% physical according to an ancient wise man...Yogi Berra. We have been working on the mental part as well. To take from an old ABC show, the Wide World of Sports, we had the "Thrill of Victory" -- we were all on the New Orleans Saints' band wagon, and "The Agony of Defeat" -- as a Bay Area guy we had the A's and the train wrecks known as the Raiders and Warriors. We see the "Human Drama of Athletic Competition"
-- who looks better in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, Lindsey Vonn or Clair Bidez!
So, if you happen to come over during the next 17 days and see me and my boys sitting in front of the boob tube with a table full of junk food, just remember...we trained for this!!!
I'm going to try to find something short & funny throughout the Olympics so check back often.
Next post: NBA All-Star Game
"Wise Guy"
Now, being like athletes we understand that sports is 90% mental and 50% physical according to an ancient wise man...Yogi Berra. We have been working on the mental part as well. To take from an old ABC show, the Wide World of Sports, we had the "Thrill of Victory" -- we were all on the New Orleans Saints' band wagon, and "The Agony of Defeat" -- as a Bay Area guy we had the A's and the train wrecks known as the Raiders and Warriors. We see the "Human Drama of Athletic Competition"
-- who looks better in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, Lindsey Vonn or Clair Bidez!
So, if you happen to come over during the next 17 days and see me and my boys sitting in front of the boob tube with a table full of junk food, just remember...we trained for this!!!
I'm going to try to find something short & funny throughout the Olympics so check back often.
Next post: NBA All-Star Game
"Wise Guy"
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Big Easy?!?!
No! It wasn't Easy, but it was Big!!!
As the season was about to start back on September 13th, it seemed like the weight of a house fell on the Saints' losing ways. On that perfect Sunday afternoon in New Orleans, the Saints picked up and put on the ruby red (glass)slippers and began the journey down the yellow brick road with stops in 8 different cities that covered a span of 22 weeks. Just like in that other story they needed to show they had the brains, the heart, and the courage to take them to their Emerald City (Miami). They did not face any flying monkeys, but did go up against some Lions, Panthers, Eagles, and Bills (just to name a few animals). That journey took them past some Cowboys and Indians. They faced some Pirates, Vikings, and some clam chowder eating Patriots. There were even some Giants and Jets to overcome.
When they finally arrived in Miami there was just one obstacle that awaited them. You knew those Clydesdale horses must have seemed like Colts to the Saints as they lept over that final hurdle and made it to the top of the football world. The curtain was pulled back. There was no Mr. Wizard only Mr. Goodell, who handed them Mr. Lombardi.
Today, as the parade moves along the streets lined with about a quarter million people celebrating in the Big Easy, I know Drew Brees will be thinking "I'm not in Kansas anymore!"
New Orleans Saints 2010 Super Bowl champs!
Dreams do come true and yes, I am smiling!
"Wise Guy"
As the season was about to start back on September 13th, it seemed like the weight of a house fell on the Saints' losing ways. On that perfect Sunday afternoon in New Orleans, the Saints picked up and put on the ruby red (glass)slippers and began the journey down the yellow brick road with stops in 8 different cities that covered a span of 22 weeks. Just like in that other story they needed to show they had the brains, the heart, and the courage to take them to their Emerald City (Miami). They did not face any flying monkeys, but did go up against some Lions, Panthers, Eagles, and Bills (just to name a few animals). That journey took them past some Cowboys and Indians. They faced some Pirates, Vikings, and some clam chowder eating Patriots. There were even some Giants and Jets to overcome.
When they finally arrived in Miami there was just one obstacle that awaited them. You knew those Clydesdale horses must have seemed like Colts to the Saints as they lept over that final hurdle and made it to the top of the football world. The curtain was pulled back. There was no Mr. Wizard only Mr. Goodell, who handed them Mr. Lombardi.
Today, as the parade moves along the streets lined with about a quarter million people celebrating in the Big Easy, I know Drew Brees will be thinking "I'm not in Kansas anymore!"
New Orleans Saints 2010 Super Bowl champs!
Dreams do come true and yes, I am smiling!
"Wise Guy"
Friday, February 5, 2010
Top 10 pitchmen you won't see during Super Bowl
10. Jose Canseco for GNC stores.
9. Andre Agassi for Hair Club for Men.
8. John Day for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
7. Plaxico Burress for Medical Alert (I shot myself and I can't get up.)
6. Charles Barkley for the Golf Channel.
5. Mike Vick for Animal Planet.
4. Jamarcus Russell for 24 Hour Fitness.
3. Bret Favre for The Waffle House restaurant chain.
2. Barry Bonds for E-Harmony.
1. Tiger Woods for Cialis.
Here's a "Pregame Toast": To a great game, time with family and friends and the hope that everyone makes it home safe...Go Saints/Colts
9. Andre Agassi for Hair Club for Men.
8. John Day for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
7. Plaxico Burress for Medical Alert (I shot myself and I can't get up.)
6. Charles Barkley for the Golf Channel.
5. Mike Vick for Animal Planet.
4. Jamarcus Russell for 24 Hour Fitness.
3. Bret Favre for The Waffle House restaurant chain.
2. Barry Bonds for E-Harmony.
1. Tiger Woods for Cialis.
Here's a "Pregame Toast": To a great game, time with family and friends and the hope that everyone makes it home safe...Go Saints/Colts
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cal's Final Recruiting Rankings
What a day for Cal recruiting.
Final ranking:
Rivals.com #11 (SI.com)
Max Preps #13 (CBS Sports)
Scouts Inc. #15 (ESPN)
Scouts.com #29 (Fox sports)They must of been drinking some strange Cool-Aid
Zach Maynard also signed and will play QB but is not listed in these ranking.
Cal picked up a Wr & LB that are transferring from Oregon state
and have a couple of Gray shirts coming in (players who signed last year but did not meet the entrance requirements). Now enrolled at Cal.
Look for something special in 2012 & I do not mean the end of the Mayan Calender!
Cal makes it to the Rose Bowl & the World Ends...Just my luck!
Final ranking:
Rivals.com #11 (SI.com)
Max Preps #13 (CBS Sports)
Scouts Inc. #15 (ESPN)
Scouts.com #29 (Fox sports)They must of been drinking some strange Cool-Aid
Zach Maynard also signed and will play QB but is not listed in these ranking.
Cal picked up a Wr & LB that are transferring from Oregon state
and have a couple of Gray shirts coming in (players who signed last year but did not meet the entrance requirements). Now enrolled at Cal.
Look for something special in 2012 & I do not mean the end of the Mayan Calender!
Cal makes it to the Rose Bowl & the World Ends...Just my luck!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
It's beginning to look a lot like Cal Christmas
This 1st part I put on FB last night...
As I head to bed with my Cal pj's it feels a lot like Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is Nation letter of Intent day for college football recruits. It will be like Christmas for the "Cal Football Nation" because the gifts (athletes) are under the Cal tree & even if you think you know what your getting there may be a few surprises. What makes it different from Christmas is that other schools can take your presents and put them under their tree. Stay Tuned!
Update this morning...
I woke up this morning and ran downstairs. I looked under the Cal tree and saw a bright shiny red bike, a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200 air rifle with a compass, a new 360/PlayStation 3, an I-pad -- what else could a kid would want?
Cal, as of 11 am, has the 10th ranked class by Rivals.com, the #1 recruiting site in the nation. What is even more impressive is that Cal has the #1 and #5 defensive ends in the nation. They have 3 of the top 10 -- 1 more in the top 20 linebackers -- in the nation. Both ranked #1 in class. Cal signed the #1 safety who was a verbal to Alabama, plus added some pretty good corners. I think, without a doubt, the #1 def class in the nation.
What does all this mean? I don't know. I can shoot myself in the eye while riding my bike, and crash into the 360/Playstation 3. Everything broken, and I'm on the ground crying (see Cal quarterback situation the past 3 years). It could also mean that in the next few years I could be living my dream and heading down to Pasadena.
Now that would be the best Christmas of all!!!
PS: Look for the next post late tomorrow: Top 10 commercial pitchmen you won't see on Super Bowl Sunday.
As I head to bed with my Cal pj's it feels a lot like Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is Nation letter of Intent day for college football recruits. It will be like Christmas for the "Cal Football Nation" because the gifts (athletes) are under the Cal tree & even if you think you know what your getting there may be a few surprises. What makes it different from Christmas is that other schools can take your presents and put them under their tree. Stay Tuned!
Update this morning...
I woke up this morning and ran downstairs. I looked under the Cal tree and saw a bright shiny red bike, a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200 air rifle with a compass, a new 360/PlayStation 3, an I-pad -- what else could a kid would want?
Cal, as of 11 am, has the 10th ranked class by Rivals.com, the #1 recruiting site in the nation. What is even more impressive is that Cal has the #1 and #5 defensive ends in the nation. They have 3 of the top 10 -- 1 more in the top 20 linebackers -- in the nation. Both ranked #1 in class. Cal signed the #1 safety who was a verbal to Alabama, plus added some pretty good corners. I think, without a doubt, the #1 def class in the nation.
What does all this mean? I don't know. I can shoot myself in the eye while riding my bike, and crash into the 360/Playstation 3. Everything broken, and I'm on the ground crying (see Cal quarterback situation the past 3 years). It could also mean that in the next few years I could be living my dream and heading down to Pasadena.
Now that would be the best Christmas of all!!!
PS: Look for the next post late tomorrow: Top 10 commercial pitchmen you won't see on Super Bowl Sunday.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Super Bowl Media Day - 10 quotes you should, but won't, hear this week in Miami
10. "I haven't seen this much talent in Miami since the 80's at the "U.""
9. Baltimore fans to Indy fans: "I didn't know that asses (donkeys) wore horseshoes."
8. Drew Brees to AJ Smith: "I was a Charger?" AJ Smith: "I traded you?"
7. Marvin Harrison to Gilbert Arenas: "I used one of those guns."
6. Norlans Mayor: "I AM smarter than a fifth grader."
5. Norlans fans: "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but how you party for the game!"
4. "Pierre Garcon is a wide receiver and not a waiter down in the French Quarter."
3. "Katrina was a natural disaster and not a burlesque dancer who went to Vegas."
2. "Reggie Bush, you have just been named MVP of the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?" "I'm going to...NOT marry Kim Kardashian."
1. "Peyton Manning, you were just named MVP of the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?" "I'm going to...party with Tiger Woods!!!"
9. Baltimore fans to Indy fans: "I didn't know that asses (donkeys) wore horseshoes."
8. Drew Brees to AJ Smith: "I was a Charger?" AJ Smith: "I traded you?"
7. Marvin Harrison to Gilbert Arenas: "I used one of those guns."
6. Norlans Mayor: "I AM smarter than a fifth grader."
5. Norlans fans: "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but how you party for the game!"
4. "Pierre Garcon is a wide receiver and not a waiter down in the French Quarter."
3. "Katrina was a natural disaster and not a burlesque dancer who went to Vegas."
2. "Reggie Bush, you have just been named MVP of the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?" "I'm going to...NOT marry Kim Kardashian."
1. "Peyton Manning, you were just named MVP of the Super Bowl, what are you going to do next?" "I'm going to...party with Tiger Woods!!!"
Sunday, January 31, 2010
A toast to you, Kurt
It is with great sorrow that I announce the passing of Kurtis Eugene Warner as an NFL player.
From very humble beginnings to a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback, Kurt showed throughout his career the hard work, determination, and most of all the patience to overcome all the obstacles that would keep him from reaching the pinnacle of the NFL.
With stops at northern Iowa, Hy-Vee supermarket (as a stock boy while also working as a graduate assistant), Iowa Barnstormers, NFL Europe, and, finally, the NFL. As if created by PT Barnum himself, Kurt helped create the "greatest show on turf." Kurt became a two-time NFL MVP (1999 & 2001), and in 1999 became MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. He was a three-time Super Bowl participant -- with the Rams in 1999 & 2001, and then with the Cardinals in 2008.
Kurt, I don't know if you had enough QB starts or had the stats for induction into the Hall, but I think to you it does not matter. With your strong values, commitment to family, your faith and your charity work, you will achieve far greater rewards.
So here's a toast to you, Kurt Warner, a guy who took two of the worst franchises in the NFL (with roots in the same city) to the Super Bowl. If the NFL were like the MLB and you had to pick a hat for the Hall of Fame, I would not suggest a Ram or a Cardinal, but a Saint (and not Norlans).
Rest in Peace (in retirement), Kurt
From very humble beginnings to a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback, Kurt showed throughout his career the hard work, determination, and most of all the patience to overcome all the obstacles that would keep him from reaching the pinnacle of the NFL.
With stops at northern Iowa, Hy-Vee supermarket (as a stock boy while also working as a graduate assistant), Iowa Barnstormers, NFL Europe, and, finally, the NFL. As if created by PT Barnum himself, Kurt helped create the "greatest show on turf." Kurt became a two-time NFL MVP (1999 & 2001), and in 1999 became MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. He was a three-time Super Bowl participant -- with the Rams in 1999 & 2001, and then with the Cardinals in 2008.
Kurt, I don't know if you had enough QB starts or had the stats for induction into the Hall, but I think to you it does not matter. With your strong values, commitment to family, your faith and your charity work, you will achieve far greater rewards.
So here's a toast to you, Kurt Warner, a guy who took two of the worst franchises in the NFL (with roots in the same city) to the Super Bowl. If the NFL were like the MLB and you had to pick a hat for the Hall of Fame, I would not suggest a Ram or a Cardinal, but a Saint (and not Norlans).
Rest in Peace (in retirement), Kurt
Thursday, January 28, 2010
A Quick hit today...The funniest thing I will see all week!
A Quick hit today...The funniest thing I will see all week!
As the Beltran Family gets ready for the biggest event in 2 years (No, not the Superbowl, World Series, Nba Championship, Final 4, NHL Cup, Nascar, Indy, Winter Olympics or even World Cup 2010).
Bon Jovi! Yes! Bon Jovi!!!
Bon Jovi is plaing at Arco Arena in Sacramento on Jon's birthdate. My wonderful wife of 23 years will ignore the restraining order and stay up all night baking a cake to give to him. Now here is the funny part. She forwards an email that she receives "Make a memory with Jon Bon Jovi this Valentines Day" hoping to give me hints for V-Day. I scroll down all the different items thinking "I can get her this or that..." As I get to the bottom of the page I see a 3 pack of thongs. On the thong it says "Slippery When Wet". I laughed for 15 minutes. Now that is funny!
Honey, if you read this you need to know it is a "Guy Thing" and it is funny. I can see Jon & Richie laughing at that one. For those who don't know, Slippery When Wet is the name of one of their albums.
Side note: I didn't realize that I had a block for those who wanted to make a comment, requiring registration. It is lifted so please comment or my wife will call me a perv. You may need to see the visual to get the full effect.
Look for the next post late tomorrow or early Saturday...Kurt Warner
I'm still laughing
As the Beltran Family gets ready for the biggest event in 2 years (No, not the Superbowl, World Series, Nba Championship, Final 4, NHL Cup, Nascar, Indy, Winter Olympics or even World Cup 2010).
Bon Jovi! Yes! Bon Jovi!!!
Bon Jovi is plaing at Arco Arena in Sacramento on Jon's birthdate. My wonderful wife of 23 years will ignore the restraining order and stay up all night baking a cake to give to him. Now here is the funny part. She forwards an email that she receives "Make a memory with Jon Bon Jovi this Valentines Day" hoping to give me hints for V-Day. I scroll down all the different items thinking "I can get her this or that..." As I get to the bottom of the page I see a 3 pack of thongs. On the thong it says "Slippery When Wet". I laughed for 15 minutes. Now that is funny!
Honey, if you read this you need to know it is a "Guy Thing" and it is funny. I can see Jon & Richie laughing at that one. For those who don't know, Slippery When Wet is the name of one of their albums.
Side note: I didn't realize that I had a block for those who wanted to make a comment, requiring registration. It is lifted so please comment or my wife will call me a perv. You may need to see the visual to get the full effect.
Look for the next post late tomorrow or early Saturday...Kurt Warner
I'm still laughing
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
From the mouths of babes
I normally will not mention my kids in this blog, but I have to share this one.
After church on Sunday they were taking CYO basketball sign ups. Yes! I’m back to church now because Notre Dame has a new football coach -- it’s a Catholic thing. If my Mom asks, I have never missed a Mass. Back to the story. Anthony (9 years old) asked, “Would it be great to play basketball?” I said, “Yes, it would.” I got a little excited, but in the back of my mind I thought, “Here is a kid playing in 2 baseball leagues this Spring, both competitive. My wife is going to kick my butt! We were driving home, so it was our drive home topic.
I told my sons it would be great -- new “hoop” shoes, practice shorts, and tops -- my boys will be styling! Anthony looked at me and said, “You’re missing something, Dad.” I replied, “I know, a new Under Armour shirt.” Anthony said, “No!!! You know… Dad!!!” He just looked at me. I smiled and said, “Yes! You will get wrist bands, head bands and I’ll even get you kid tattoos for your arms.” At this point Anthony got upset, folded his arms, and stared out the window. Now I started to get upset and asked, “Anthony, what is it that you think you need?” His standard reply: “Forget it, you won’t get it for me anyway.” Frustrated, I asked: “Anthony! What is it?” He smiled and said, “I need a Glock, but only for the locker room just in case I have to flash it.” Thank you Gilbert Arenas…I should have stayed in bed!!!
After church on Sunday they were taking CYO basketball sign ups. Yes! I’m back to church now because Notre Dame has a new football coach -- it’s a Catholic thing. If my Mom asks, I have never missed a Mass. Back to the story. Anthony (9 years old) asked, “Would it be great to play basketball?” I said, “Yes, it would.” I got a little excited, but in the back of my mind I thought, “Here is a kid playing in 2 baseball leagues this Spring, both competitive. My wife is going to kick my butt! We were driving home, so it was our drive home topic.
I told my sons it would be great -- new “hoop” shoes, practice shorts, and tops -- my boys will be styling! Anthony looked at me and said, “You’re missing something, Dad.” I replied, “I know, a new Under Armour shirt.” Anthony said, “No!!! You know… Dad!!!” He just looked at me. I smiled and said, “Yes! You will get wrist bands, head bands and I’ll even get you kid tattoos for your arms.” At this point Anthony got upset, folded his arms, and stared out the window. Now I started to get upset and asked, “Anthony, what is it that you think you need?” His standard reply: “Forget it, you won’t get it for me anyway.” Frustrated, I asked: “Anthony! What is it?” He smiled and said, “I need a Glock, but only for the locker room just in case I have to flash it.” Thank you Gilbert Arenas…I should have stayed in bed!!!
Monday, January 25, 2010
Ban-zai...Here's the 1st...
I have decided to create a blog so that I can express my sarcastic sports feeling on todays headlines...I needed something more than facebook and tweet sounds like something a canary would say...I needed something with "Big boys" pants!!! Please give me your opinion...remember they are like #ssholes...everyone has one.
Let's get started...
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Yes the Cubs...of the NFL. Here's a toast (it's Norlans...a bottle) to all the former Bag wearing, Aint labled, bead collecting, women or men chasing adults (term used lightly) and all the rest of the drunks (fans) that will need the full two weeks to recover from the party that started last night and may well continue for some time well after the Superbowl. You deserve it!!!
The irony in this story is that the Saints favorite son, Archie Manning...Mr Saint himself, had a son who stands in the way of history that only a Red/White Sox fan would understand and the SF Giants hopefully never will. The son, Peyton Manning, is arguably the Greatest QB ever...Yes, even better than Aikman & Stauback and leads a Colts team that has played the best all year.
Let the rest of us kick back and enjoy the ride and no one mention to those rowdy fans in the back that the spread for the colts is -5.5 pts and that the glass slipper looks way to small and that it's getting close to midnight...because right now it doesn't really matter. The saving grace may be that "Mardi Gras" might be the only thing to help sober everyone up from the Party that may erupt on the 7th of Feb...and that is a scary thought.
And then just maybe...maybe my "Bears" will be playing in the Rosebowl and that would be something!!!
Let's get started...
Cubs Win! Cubs Win! Yes the Cubs...of the NFL. Here's a toast (it's Norlans...a bottle) to all the former Bag wearing, Aint labled, bead collecting, women or men chasing adults (term used lightly) and all the rest of the drunks (fans) that will need the full two weeks to recover from the party that started last night and may well continue for some time well after the Superbowl. You deserve it!!!
The irony in this story is that the Saints favorite son, Archie Manning...Mr Saint himself, had a son who stands in the way of history that only a Red/White Sox fan would understand and the SF Giants hopefully never will. The son, Peyton Manning, is arguably the Greatest QB ever...Yes, even better than Aikman & Stauback and leads a Colts team that has played the best all year.
Let the rest of us kick back and enjoy the ride and no one mention to those rowdy fans in the back that the spread for the colts is -5.5 pts and that the glass slipper looks way to small and that it's getting close to midnight...because right now it doesn't really matter. The saving grace may be that "Mardi Gras" might be the only thing to help sober everyone up from the Party that may erupt on the 7th of Feb...and that is a scary thought.
And then just maybe...maybe my "Bears" will be playing in the Rosebowl and that would be something!!!
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