If you're between the ages of 14 and 50 then you should probably check out VH-1 over the next few days and kick it old school with the Hip Hop Honors ceremony for 25 years of Def Jam. This special will bring you back or educate you on the past of a great era of hip hop artists gone by. I mean who knew DMX was not only still alive, but not in jail? This special reminded me that artists used to actually rhyme, create beats, and have meaningful lyrics. There is a reason that Yo! MTV Raps was created and Midwestern white suburbia used to dress in ridiculous clothes and get their sneakers stolen on the wrong part of town.
While no one wants to remember the days when you couldn't wear North Carolina colors or sport a new pair of Nikes, the rappers of the 80s and early 90s had a message that still rings true today. Maybe the current crop have it too good or didn't have the same level of life experience that these guys had, or maybe they need to get back to travelling in groups. Think about that for a minute. We used to have the Wu Tang Clan, Ruff Ryders, N.W.A., Bone Thugs & Harmony, Cash Money Millionaires, Murder Inc, D-12, and the list goes on. These all-star rap teams brought the best rhymes to a generation of listeners, but now what is left. Somebody please start another east-west rap feud. I must say that I fell on the west side of that one. I remember thinking to myself when I bought a Notorious BIG album that I was cavorting with the enemy. I also used to wonder what would happen if Dr. Dre and Chuck D ever actually got into a real fight. Clearly the world would have exploded.
Those were simpler times. When a young lad could turn on MTV and think that Terminator X was not a DJ, but an actual terminator sent to do the business that Arnold could not finish. Like he was sent here to take over the world in the name of large clock necklaces. Damn shame Flavor Flav had to go crazy and waste a good rap group. You have to give credit to these guys though. Rappers are like pro athletes. They entertain millions for like 10-15 years, then they disappear and spend money. You know things went horribly wrong for this genre when you see Ja Rule and Onyx perform and think about how good things used to be. Son, if you can't bring a rap stronger than Ja Rule, then you need to rethink what you're doing for a living. So it is time to put on your Pump sneakers, grab your shaggy Kangol hat, break out the gold chain with your high school number at the end of it, mount up your fellow regulators, and fight the power.
Digital Ditty
I was well known thoughout the southwest suburbs of Chicago in the late 90s and early part of this decade for completing the best rap mixes known to white people. I think the final album was my seventh compilation. There was a broad spectrum of talent and rhymes, but I'll try to limit you to a few powerful tracks. You definitely need Don't Believe the Hype by Public Enemy and my favorite rap track of all-time is still Dre Day by the Doctor himself. Those two should peak your interest to explore the glory days of the street chorus.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Bizarro World
Welcome to NFL Bizarro World where Miles Austin is the new Cowboy record holder for single game receiving and you can win an NFL game when your quarterback goes 2 for 17 for 23 yards and a pick. That pretty much sums up your NFL Sunday sports fans. If Steven Jackson wasn't so angry all the time, the Rams might just be fun bad. I do think that the Bucs have entered fun bad though as every week they do one particular thing well and everything else terrible. Hey Bucs congrats for shutting down Phily's running game, too bad you lost 33-14 after DMac threw for 350+ and 3 touchdowns.
Does it get any more bizarre than the Denver Broncos? I thought this team would be 3-13 with the Marshall escapades and Josh McDaniels being a douche rocket. Turns out Orton can play a little and apparently Larry Coyer knows a little bit about defense. While we're on the topic, I wouldn't be a fake Chicago journalist without tackling the Orton-Cutler debate. There really is no debate though. Both teams got what they wanted. Denver has a good young line that can protect a pocket passer. McDaniels needed a guy to stick to the gameplan, believe in his calls, and distribute the ball. Chicago needed a QB savior to run around, make plans, and make the offense look like an NFL squad. Jay Cutler on the Bears is like having the senior high school starting QB pick a bunch of kids off the frosh squad to play the JV team. Usually he can make enough plays on his own to make the guys look good, but if they aren't in the right spots they'll make him look real bad. The Broncos wouldn't be 5-0 with Cutler, and the Bears wouldn't be 3-1 with Orton. They are different players that do different things. Look at what Orton has done and respect the fact that he is an NFL QB, he has an NFL arm and IQ, and he needs time to process and distribute the ball to playmakers. Guess what Chicago radio analysts, Jay Cutler didn't make those receivers out there. They are just good. He certainly has made the rag tag group in Lake Forest look like NFL guys though.
Now on to less biting topics, do I hear a Who Dey off in the background? I didn't watch the Sunday night game for fear that Collinsworth was going to show up in his old jersey and start telling Ken Anderson stories. How about all the talent they have on offense? Carson Palmer has a rocket, and Caldwell and Henry will be playmakers before this year is out. If you want to figure out how to rebuild a defense, watch Rivers and Maualuga then draft a few USC linebackers. Don't fret Bear fans, this isn't the same Ced Ben that you cut last year. He finally decided to be an NFL player. He's hitting the holes hard because he trusts his linemen and he's not looking over his shoulder. Oh yeah, he isn't getting paid bank either.
I love one of the announcers this weekend that said Jared Allen is making a claim for NFL defensive player of the year. Really? Does that mean Peyton Manning is making a claim for NFL offensive player of the year too? How about MVP asshole? Go ask an opposing tackle or quarterback who would get their MVP vote. That said, Manning is flat out outstanding. Hey Wally Pipp, I mean Anthony Gonzalez, the team has moved on my friend. Go tell some stories about Big Ten championships with Art Schlister. Colts/Buckeye reference anyone?
On a parting note for this week's sports column, I would like someone to tell me how firing Dick Jauron or Jim Zorn would make either of those teams better tomorrow. Will that magically drop an NFL QB into one of their laps? It certainly won't tank the season hard enough to beat the Bucs, Rams, and Chiefs out for the first three picks in the draft. If you fire Jim Zorn will Clinton Portis' legs grow back? If you fire Dick Jauron will Trent Edwards learn to read a defense or Lee Evans learn how to run routes? Something tells me it will just further alienate your fan base and cause a few local blackouts.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Well we saw signs of life from a few high picks like Roddy White, Eddie Royal, Michael Turner, and Donovan McNabb this weekend. If the Eagles give any job outside of janitor to Kevin Curtis when he becomes healthy, Andy Reid should be forced to observe Ramadan. Yes, that is a fasting joke. I wouldn't run out to sign Mike Crabtree even though he did just that finally. Jeremy Maclin certainly looks like a boom or bust play that could make a lot of teams better at this point. I still have no reason to believe that the Cardinals will ever figure out how to run the football. Just start giving Steve Slaton the ball on the goalline already. Congrats to 49ers defense owners after last weekend, how'd that work against Hotlanta? I think you might get another play or two out of Jamal Lewis during the bye week stretch. Speaking of teams that can't run, go get yourself a Seahawks receiver pronto. MohMass gave you exactly what you deserved if you thought a Brown receiver was going to help your team. Good luck and God bless if Romo is your QB the rest of the way. It took him 3.5 quarters to be relevant on Sunday against the Chiefs/Texans...AFL style. Bad news for some team owners, the blocking for Brady isn't going to get any better. Sell now while you still can. Another parting shot...after five weeks you should know if your team has enough talent to compete. If you're not sure yet, then you don't have enough talent to compete.
Does it get any more bizarre than the Denver Broncos? I thought this team would be 3-13 with the Marshall escapades and Josh McDaniels being a douche rocket. Turns out Orton can play a little and apparently Larry Coyer knows a little bit about defense. While we're on the topic, I wouldn't be a fake Chicago journalist without tackling the Orton-Cutler debate. There really is no debate though. Both teams got what they wanted. Denver has a good young line that can protect a pocket passer. McDaniels needed a guy to stick to the gameplan, believe in his calls, and distribute the ball. Chicago needed a QB savior to run around, make plans, and make the offense look like an NFL squad. Jay Cutler on the Bears is like having the senior high school starting QB pick a bunch of kids off the frosh squad to play the JV team. Usually he can make enough plays on his own to make the guys look good, but if they aren't in the right spots they'll make him look real bad. The Broncos wouldn't be 5-0 with Cutler, and the Bears wouldn't be 3-1 with Orton. They are different players that do different things. Look at what Orton has done and respect the fact that he is an NFL QB, he has an NFL arm and IQ, and he needs time to process and distribute the ball to playmakers. Guess what Chicago radio analysts, Jay Cutler didn't make those receivers out there. They are just good. He certainly has made the rag tag group in Lake Forest look like NFL guys though.
Now on to less biting topics, do I hear a Who Dey off in the background? I didn't watch the Sunday night game for fear that Collinsworth was going to show up in his old jersey and start telling Ken Anderson stories. How about all the talent they have on offense? Carson Palmer has a rocket, and Caldwell and Henry will be playmakers before this year is out. If you want to figure out how to rebuild a defense, watch Rivers and Maualuga then draft a few USC linebackers. Don't fret Bear fans, this isn't the same Ced Ben that you cut last year. He finally decided to be an NFL player. He's hitting the holes hard because he trusts his linemen and he's not looking over his shoulder. Oh yeah, he isn't getting paid bank either.
I love one of the announcers this weekend that said Jared Allen is making a claim for NFL defensive player of the year. Really? Does that mean Peyton Manning is making a claim for NFL offensive player of the year too? How about MVP asshole? Go ask an opposing tackle or quarterback who would get their MVP vote. That said, Manning is flat out outstanding. Hey Wally Pipp, I mean Anthony Gonzalez, the team has moved on my friend. Go tell some stories about Big Ten championships with Art Schlister. Colts/Buckeye reference anyone?
On a parting note for this week's sports column, I would like someone to tell me how firing Dick Jauron or Jim Zorn would make either of those teams better tomorrow. Will that magically drop an NFL QB into one of their laps? It certainly won't tank the season hard enough to beat the Bucs, Rams, and Chiefs out for the first three picks in the draft. If you fire Jim Zorn will Clinton Portis' legs grow back? If you fire Dick Jauron will Trent Edwards learn to read a defense or Lee Evans learn how to run routes? Something tells me it will just further alienate your fan base and cause a few local blackouts.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
Well we saw signs of life from a few high picks like Roddy White, Eddie Royal, Michael Turner, and Donovan McNabb this weekend. If the Eagles give any job outside of janitor to Kevin Curtis when he becomes healthy, Andy Reid should be forced to observe Ramadan. Yes, that is a fasting joke. I wouldn't run out to sign Mike Crabtree even though he did just that finally. Jeremy Maclin certainly looks like a boom or bust play that could make a lot of teams better at this point. I still have no reason to believe that the Cardinals will ever figure out how to run the football. Just start giving Steve Slaton the ball on the goalline already. Congrats to 49ers defense owners after last weekend, how'd that work against Hotlanta? I think you might get another play or two out of Jamal Lewis during the bye week stretch. Speaking of teams that can't run, go get yourself a Seahawks receiver pronto. MohMass gave you exactly what you deserved if you thought a Brown receiver was going to help your team. Good luck and God bless if Romo is your QB the rest of the way. It took him 3.5 quarters to be relevant on Sunday against the Chiefs/Texans...AFL style. Bad news for some team owners, the blocking for Brady isn't going to get any better. Sell now while you still can. Another parting shot...after five weeks you should know if your team has enough talent to compete. If you're not sure yet, then you don't have enough talent to compete.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Better Things to Do
It's time for us to rise up and take back Fridays. Who actually gets anything worthwhile accomplished on a Friday anyway? Two more hours per day for the first four days of the week and we're talking about permanent three day weekends. Something tells me that internet usage is vastly higher on Fridays as well. Sure every once in awhile we'll have to play catch up for screwing off earlier in the week, but even at that point doesn't most of it just get pushed into Monday.
Really this won't lead to much more free time, it basically frees up Friday for odd jobs and house chores that are also work. The beauty in this is that every weekend will actually have two free days for whatever you need to do. I know that this won't work for everyone since they'll just push an inordinate amount of kid's sporting events into this time frame, but it might save you an early Saturday morning.
There has to be more to gain economically from the added consumer interest from the extra weekend day than time lost. Face it, I'm typing this at work now and it won't affect my bottom line at month end or year end. We all just reach our breaking points by this time on Friday afternoons.
Weekend Wonderment
So you're coming to me for advice on what to do this weekend? Did you not just catch that I have such little going on inside my head at this point that I just blabbered about free Fridays for three paragraphs? OK, two and half paragraphs. Given the impending weather in the midwest and the time of year, I suggest that you take in a movie like Couples Retreat or the Invention of Lying. Not because I've seen them, but because I would like to. Outside of that, you're on your own this time around. Catch up on sleep for the week ahead.
Really this won't lead to much more free time, it basically frees up Friday for odd jobs and house chores that are also work. The beauty in this is that every weekend will actually have two free days for whatever you need to do. I know that this won't work for everyone since they'll just push an inordinate amount of kid's sporting events into this time frame, but it might save you an early Saturday morning.
There has to be more to gain economically from the added consumer interest from the extra weekend day than time lost. Face it, I'm typing this at work now and it won't affect my bottom line at month end or year end. We all just reach our breaking points by this time on Friday afternoons.
Weekend Wonderment
So you're coming to me for advice on what to do this weekend? Did you not just catch that I have such little going on inside my head at this point that I just blabbered about free Fridays for three paragraphs? OK, two and half paragraphs. Given the impending weather in the midwest and the time of year, I suggest that you take in a movie like Couples Retreat or the Invention of Lying. Not because I've seen them, but because I would like to. Outside of that, you're on your own this time around. Catch up on sleep for the week ahead.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The Dinner Party
I'm going to stick with the combo days again this week since it is pretty busy in the office. Today I'll combine the food and advice columns for the dinner party concept. With many people feeling the effects of the economic downturn, what better way to enjoy a night out and a good meal with friends and family than hosting a dinner party. You can make any combination of foods to satisfy multiple pallettes and you can go fancy or comfortable with the attire. The two biggest keys to hosting a dinner party is food prep and entertainment. I always try to go overboard with both. It is better to have too many things that you can save for another time, instead of leaving people bored or hungry. You should start your food preparation a few days before by starting with shopping, then prep vegetables and marinate meats, and finally go things the day of. I know there are plenty of dishes that can be made ahead of time, but I fully endorse serving fresh made food for all parties.
What kind of food serves a crowd? Well we've certainly developed some mainstays, most of which I learned from my mother over the years. Mostaciolli is a huge crowd pleaser, and if you're lucky I'll pass along my aunt's recipe at some point. With that in mind, some sort of italian dish should be on the table because the pastas and breads associated with them help fill people's stomachs. You could also make a big batch of meatballs and italian sausage for sandwiches. Pulled pork is a personal favorite if you feel up to the challenge of the smoker. If not, there are plenty of solid recipes to be made in the oven. Chili is a great crowd pleaser depending on your guest list. I've had a past party where I went with a red steak chili and a mexican green pork chili. Baked goods are a big hit for the meal and in the dessert portion of the program. Homemade desserts are the only way to go. They're cheaper and taste worlds better. Even if you're just pulling out a box mix, that will do. Don't forget to have plenty of snacks like pistachios, chips and salsa, puppy chow, pretzels, and other personal favorites.
The other great part about parties at homes is that cooking for a crowd is much cheaper than cooking for just a few. You can utilize larger cuts of meat, buy bulk items, and all the costs are spread over a larger audience. So if you're starting to get bored as the weather grows colder, get a crew together and do some eating. What else do we do well in the Midwest? While you're at it, you might as well have some fun. Pull out some board games, play some poker, watch bad wedding videos, or sing karaoke, but do whatever you like to do and have a good time with it.
Restaurant Recap
I must give a recommendation here for a certain grocery store. It doesn't fall in line with the restaurant reviews, but they do have great food to take home and eat. The Fresh Market (not Caputo's Fresh Market, Springbrook Fresh Market, or all the other crapola) also known as TFM is an absolutely great place to shop. They only have the best quality ingredients, and they have everything you need for any recipe from San Marzano canned tomatoes to spices to artisan cheeses or random produce. Be careful in the produce section because while the price per lb. may look good, they have the largest fruits that I know of. The fish section is great with fresh shrimp, parmesan crusted tilapia, and pistachio grouper being some personal favorites. The meat section has anything you want. I will endorse the bacon, swiss burgers, veal shank, lamb tenderloins, chicken en croute, and all fresh sausages. They have numerous italian meats and antipasti as well as a full deli and bakery. They have a sandwich shop and plenty of wraps made fresh for lunch daily. Their homemade pizza is also very good. I have to say that I am partial to their rotisserie. It houses the best wings that I've had, great White Wine/Herb turkey breast, pulled pork, bbq pork tenderloin, petitie spiral ham, and a few other great meal options. I'm a frequent shopper at the Geneva store, but there are a few others in the area so make a special trip to complete the shopping list for that recipe you have never had the guts to try.
What kind of food serves a crowd? Well we've certainly developed some mainstays, most of which I learned from my mother over the years. Mostaciolli is a huge crowd pleaser, and if you're lucky I'll pass along my aunt's recipe at some point. With that in mind, some sort of italian dish should be on the table because the pastas and breads associated with them help fill people's stomachs. You could also make a big batch of meatballs and italian sausage for sandwiches. Pulled pork is a personal favorite if you feel up to the challenge of the smoker. If not, there are plenty of solid recipes to be made in the oven. Chili is a great crowd pleaser depending on your guest list. I've had a past party where I went with a red steak chili and a mexican green pork chili. Baked goods are a big hit for the meal and in the dessert portion of the program. Homemade desserts are the only way to go. They're cheaper and taste worlds better. Even if you're just pulling out a box mix, that will do. Don't forget to have plenty of snacks like pistachios, chips and salsa, puppy chow, pretzels, and other personal favorites.
The other great part about parties at homes is that cooking for a crowd is much cheaper than cooking for just a few. You can utilize larger cuts of meat, buy bulk items, and all the costs are spread over a larger audience. So if you're starting to get bored as the weather grows colder, get a crew together and do some eating. What else do we do well in the Midwest? While you're at it, you might as well have some fun. Pull out some board games, play some poker, watch bad wedding videos, or sing karaoke, but do whatever you like to do and have a good time with it.
Restaurant Recap
I must give a recommendation here for a certain grocery store. It doesn't fall in line with the restaurant reviews, but they do have great food to take home and eat. The Fresh Market (not Caputo's Fresh Market, Springbrook Fresh Market, or all the other crapola) also known as TFM is an absolutely great place to shop. They only have the best quality ingredients, and they have everything you need for any recipe from San Marzano canned tomatoes to spices to artisan cheeses or random produce. Be careful in the produce section because while the price per lb. may look good, they have the largest fruits that I know of. The fish section is great with fresh shrimp, parmesan crusted tilapia, and pistachio grouper being some personal favorites. The meat section has anything you want. I will endorse the bacon, swiss burgers, veal shank, lamb tenderloins, chicken en croute, and all fresh sausages. They have numerous italian meats and antipasti as well as a full deli and bakery. They have a sandwich shop and plenty of wraps made fresh for lunch daily. Their homemade pizza is also very good. I have to say that I am partial to their rotisserie. It houses the best wings that I've had, great White Wine/Herb turkey breast, pulled pork, bbq pork tenderloin, petitie spiral ham, and a few other great meal options. I'm a frequent shopper at the Geneva store, but there are a few others in the area so make a special trip to complete the shopping list for that recipe you have never had the guts to try.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Rock Band
I must say that as a new convert I would recommend the video game system Rock Band to anyone who is a music fan. Whether you want the full blown Beatles game or just want a nice mix of rock music, you will definitely have a good time with this. Almost everyone loves some form of music, and even if they can't figure out how to play an instrument, they can just go karaoke-style on the microphone. I would bet that anybody who plays five to ten rounds of any instrument on easy can get the hang of it. The easy level takes the guitar down to just three buttons at a pretty slow pace. The drums take a little more getting used to, but I would say they're the most fun once you get going. If you're really a beginner, choose the bass.
Each song is rated 1-5 on a scale of difficulty at each instrument as well, so you can really adapt the game to fit your needs. The key about the new Rock Band versions is the ability to download new songs that fit your tastes. They aren't cheap at $2 apiece, but you can basically make the game your own. If you're a classic rock maven, go ahead and scoop up The Who tracks or some classic Queen. Grunge fans are served by plenty of Pearl Jame and new Alice in Chains. There are lots of newer songs and plenty of alternative and metal tracks as well. There is even a country track pack to deliver something for everyone. I would have to say that one of the newer systems like PS3, XBox 360, or Wii is the way to go so you can utilize an internet connection. If you're searching for something to get you through the colder months or you just want an easy way to figure out what the real lyrics are to your favorite songs, then give this system a try.
Digital Ditty
I picked up another CD recently and it happens to be the double disc Incubus, Monuments and Melodies. I haven't made it to the second disc of deep cuts yet, but the first disc is basically a greatest hits album. It is an eclectic mix of rockers and ballads that make you appreciate at least one rock band from the past decade. I would have to give a vote to the new song Black Heart Inertia as a download specimen. If you're looking for another hit to add to your collection, I'd go with Dig. I haven't heard it quite as much as the tunes off Make Yourself and Morning View.
Each song is rated 1-5 on a scale of difficulty at each instrument as well, so you can really adapt the game to fit your needs. The key about the new Rock Band versions is the ability to download new songs that fit your tastes. They aren't cheap at $2 apiece, but you can basically make the game your own. If you're a classic rock maven, go ahead and scoop up The Who tracks or some classic Queen. Grunge fans are served by plenty of Pearl Jame and new Alice in Chains. There are lots of newer songs and plenty of alternative and metal tracks as well. There is even a country track pack to deliver something for everyone. I would have to say that one of the newer systems like PS3, XBox 360, or Wii is the way to go so you can utilize an internet connection. If you're searching for something to get you through the colder months or you just want an easy way to figure out what the real lyrics are to your favorite songs, then give this system a try.
Digital Ditty
I picked up another CD recently and it happens to be the double disc Incubus, Monuments and Melodies. I haven't made it to the second disc of deep cuts yet, but the first disc is basically a greatest hits album. It is an eclectic mix of rockers and ballads that make you appreciate at least one rock band from the past decade. I would have to give a vote to the new song Black Heart Inertia as a download specimen. If you're looking for another hit to add to your collection, I'd go with Dig. I haven't heard it quite as much as the tunes off Make Yourself and Morning View.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hockey Night in America
Anybody else remember when hockey was relevant? When you could catch a Wednesday night broadcast on ESPN with Bill Clement and Gary Thorne sending it down to Panger in the midst of the action? Those Hockey Night in America telecasts really showcased the game. Since then, the league has had multiple work stoppages, continued to expand, moved franchises out of relevant cities, and lost most major marketing deals. Congrats to Gary Bettman as the worst manager of anything...ever. You know who loves hockey...Canadians. I've got a great plan for a pro hockey league. Take two or three teams from Canada and northern US and move them into areas where the sport will never be relevant. This guy stood by to watch Winnipeg, Hartford, and Quebec lose hockey teams, while Phoenix, Carolina, Florida, and flippin' Columbus OHIO added teams. You move a team out of Minnesota and put one into Atlanta? How does this guy not have a real men of genius commercial yet?
The worst idea though has to be starting the season on a Friday in the heart of football season. While many adults are out at high school football games or just a nice dinner, these guys are dropping the puck days before the NFL has started bye weeks and the NCAA has started conference play. To make matters worse, one of the original six teams who have a renaissance going on in their home city starts the year in Finland! This league just can't get out of its own way. Some of the rule changes over the past couple years have indeed helped the pace of the game. I do wish that half of the league knew how to throw a decent check though.
Either way, the 1/2 of the 3 and a half major sports in America is underway. I must say that local success has finally got me interested in the league to a smaller degree. Televising home games will do that for you. Next step, making team sweaters more affordable. Hockey sweaters are sweet, especially throwbacks, but not at nearly $100 each. Keep it. I expect the 'Hawks to take a slight step back or remain at the same level this season. The team was way ahead of schedule last year and most of the key members are still really young. They need experience, but mostly they need bulk. The team though needs a real goaltender. I don't see Huet beating the Red Wings come March or April or whenever the hell this marathon ends. Either way, you can't deny the excitement of playoff hockey. Shootouts are great during the regular season (except for Chicago fans), but there is something special about 4 overtime sessions.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
You should now be starting to figure out if your team can contend in its present form or not. I'm doubting that any impact players are left on your free agent lists, so it is time to play let's make a deal. I'm going to briefly touch on things/players that I would look to acquire and ones that I would steer clear of. I'm buying Drew Brees, 49ers D, 49ers running backs, anything on the Giants, Dallas Clark, Colts receivers, people named Manning, Jay Cutler, Steelers passing attack, Flacco, Ray Rice, Chargers passing game, Panthers runners, and running backs named Brown. I'm going nowhere near LT2, Broncos passing game, teams that still haven't won a game, old running backs, Matt Forte, Julius Jones, Steelers runners, Vikings wideouts, anything out of New England, and the entire Cowboys passing game. Now these lists certainly don't cover every team and every player, but it should give you a general idea of things that I've seen through the first quarter of the season. General rule: only offer trades that make some sort of sense to the other owner. Otherwise, either your deal will get shotdown with no counteroffer or the league will veto the proposition. Also, don't structure a trade based on bye weeks. There are no byes in the playoffs, and those are the only weeks that matter.
The worst idea though has to be starting the season on a Friday in the heart of football season. While many adults are out at high school football games or just a nice dinner, these guys are dropping the puck days before the NFL has started bye weeks and the NCAA has started conference play. To make matters worse, one of the original six teams who have a renaissance going on in their home city starts the year in Finland! This league just can't get out of its own way. Some of the rule changes over the past couple years have indeed helped the pace of the game. I do wish that half of the league knew how to throw a decent check though.
Either way, the 1/2 of the 3 and a half major sports in America is underway. I must say that local success has finally got me interested in the league to a smaller degree. Televising home games will do that for you. Next step, making team sweaters more affordable. Hockey sweaters are sweet, especially throwbacks, but not at nearly $100 each. Keep it. I expect the 'Hawks to take a slight step back or remain at the same level this season. The team was way ahead of schedule last year and most of the key members are still really young. They need experience, but mostly they need bulk. The team though needs a real goaltender. I don't see Huet beating the Red Wings come March or April or whenever the hell this marathon ends. Either way, you can't deny the excitement of playoff hockey. Shootouts are great during the regular season (except for Chicago fans), but there is something special about 4 overtime sessions.
Dear Mr. Fantasy
You should now be starting to figure out if your team can contend in its present form or not. I'm doubting that any impact players are left on your free agent lists, so it is time to play let's make a deal. I'm going to briefly touch on things/players that I would look to acquire and ones that I would steer clear of. I'm buying Drew Brees, 49ers D, 49ers running backs, anything on the Giants, Dallas Clark, Colts receivers, people named Manning, Jay Cutler, Steelers passing attack, Flacco, Ray Rice, Chargers passing game, Panthers runners, and running backs named Brown. I'm going nowhere near LT2, Broncos passing game, teams that still haven't won a game, old running backs, Matt Forte, Julius Jones, Steelers runners, Vikings wideouts, anything out of New England, and the entire Cowboys passing game. Now these lists certainly don't cover every team and every player, but it should give you a general idea of things that I've seen through the first quarter of the season. General rule: only offer trades that make some sort of sense to the other owner. Otherwise, either your deal will get shotdown with no counteroffer or the league will veto the proposition. Also, don't structure a trade based on bye weeks. There are no byes in the playoffs, and those are the only weeks that matter.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Oprah, Obamas, Olympics...Oh No!
Well fair citizens of greater Chicagoland and throughout the U.S., the IOC just gave us all a quick slap across the face. Not only are you not getting the Olympic games, but shame on you to think that we were really considering you. Most of us were considered fencesitters when it comes to the games. I don't know any hardcore Olympic fans, and most people I know either don't live within the city limits or won't live there seven years from now. Either way, civic pride starts to take over on a morning like this one as we all enjoy big celebrations. Today's event must be what it feels like to have John Calipari as your head coach. Hey congrats on the great season, but we're taking back all your victories due to multiple violations.
Now in the aftermath of the Olympic bid, we're all wondering what went wrong and what happened. I would imagine there are multiple reasons behind all of this. I bet that a large contingent of the Americas vote did likely side with Rio since there has been no Olympic event in that country. To a larger extent, I hope this vote serves as a giant wake up call to those in charge of the bid and the city of Chicago and maybe even the U.S. to a larger extent. The city infrastructure is abysmal, and I'm sure the IOC thought there would be a high percentage chance that many of the facilities would not be completed on time. If a city doesn't have enough money to pay the employees that are already on staff, I don't see where they come up with the dough to build major athletic venues.
Chicago already hosts teams in every major sport and most minor ones down to professional lacrosse and softball. What could we possibly do with more venues? Lord knows we could use a new ampitheater to replace that pile of garbage known as World Music Theatre in Tinley or whatever the hell it is known as these days. The true shame in losing the bid is that still to this day the largest sporting event (and I use that term loosely) that this city has hosted is Wrestlemania. That's brutal. No major professional events, no major collegiate events, and not event the state championships at the high school level. Sorry fitness friends but having the Solheim Cup in Sugar Grove doesn't count in my world.
My hope is that this shot across the bow to those in charge will help fortify the city itself. Use that money to serve multiple purposes. We still need to find a way to get skilled laborers back to work without crippling the city. More importantly, don't stop plowing the friggin streets. Maybe fix the potholes in the roads. There are plenty of things for this Olympic committee to work on now that their bid failed miserably. I will have to give a quick bit of kudos to them as two years ago I spent an hour in a full presentation, and they really did put on a hell of a show. It would have been magnificent to see them pull it off, but miserably all at the same time. Looks like Daley will have to actually come up with something in house to help this city and secure his legacy.
Weekend Wonderment
This weekend is not shaping up to be a great one in the Chicagoland area weatherwise. It may be lame, but doing a nice fall cleaning might be your best bet. Maybe rent some movies that you missed over the summer and put on some food in the crockpot or dutch oven. If the weather does break, it would be a good time to hit the links once again or take an extended bike ride. The good part about all this is that it comes with a pretty cheap price tag. Enjoy the weekend however you choose to utilize it.
Now in the aftermath of the Olympic bid, we're all wondering what went wrong and what happened. I would imagine there are multiple reasons behind all of this. I bet that a large contingent of the Americas vote did likely side with Rio since there has been no Olympic event in that country. To a larger extent, I hope this vote serves as a giant wake up call to those in charge of the bid and the city of Chicago and maybe even the U.S. to a larger extent. The city infrastructure is abysmal, and I'm sure the IOC thought there would be a high percentage chance that many of the facilities would not be completed on time. If a city doesn't have enough money to pay the employees that are already on staff, I don't see where they come up with the dough to build major athletic venues.
Chicago already hosts teams in every major sport and most minor ones down to professional lacrosse and softball. What could we possibly do with more venues? Lord knows we could use a new ampitheater to replace that pile of garbage known as World Music Theatre in Tinley or whatever the hell it is known as these days. The true shame in losing the bid is that still to this day the largest sporting event (and I use that term loosely) that this city has hosted is Wrestlemania. That's brutal. No major professional events, no major collegiate events, and not event the state championships at the high school level. Sorry fitness friends but having the Solheim Cup in Sugar Grove doesn't count in my world.
My hope is that this shot across the bow to those in charge will help fortify the city itself. Use that money to serve multiple purposes. We still need to find a way to get skilled laborers back to work without crippling the city. More importantly, don't stop plowing the friggin streets. Maybe fix the potholes in the roads. There are plenty of things for this Olympic committee to work on now that their bid failed miserably. I will have to give a quick bit of kudos to them as two years ago I spent an hour in a full presentation, and they really did put on a hell of a show. It would have been magnificent to see them pull it off, but miserably all at the same time. Looks like Daley will have to actually come up with something in house to help this city and secure his legacy.
Weekend Wonderment
This weekend is not shaping up to be a great one in the Chicagoland area weatherwise. It may be lame, but doing a nice fall cleaning might be your best bet. Maybe rent some movies that you missed over the summer and put on some food in the crockpot or dutch oven. If the weather does break, it would be a good time to hit the links once again or take an extended bike ride. The good part about all this is that it comes with a pretty cheap price tag. Enjoy the weekend however you choose to utilize it.
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