Needless to say, it is probably a bad idea to use the words "Magic Johnson" and "infectious" in the same sentence.
As my comedian friend Brad pointed out, this would be akin to saying that an Asian politician's views on a subject were slanted.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Magic Johnson infectious?
Watching the Barack Obama inauguration coverage this morning on ABC, after a reporter had an interview with former Lakers superstar Magic Johnson, the reporter tossed it back to ABC's studio crew. And that's when anchor Charlie Gibson made perhaps the most awkward comment we will hear today (excluding anything outgoing President George W. Bush might say).
As my comedian friend Brad pointed out, this would be akin to saying that an Asian politician's views on a subject were slanted.
As my comedian friend Brad pointed out, this would be akin to saying that an Asian politician's views on a subject were slanted.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Todd Haley troubles
So Arizona Cardinal Anquan Boldin got into a dispute with his offensive coordinator Todd Haley during the NFC Championship game. Boldin was clearly going back and forth with Haley on the sideline while the game was still in progress and very much in doubt.
Did I mention Boldin a wide receiver?
I know that the whole "Cardinals in the Super Bowl" thing is hard to believe, so at least we have a very realistic "unhappy wide receiver" story to follow over the next two weeks. Boldin was (and I'm betting still is) upset over his (lack of) playing time down the stretch of the NFC Championship game. Nevermind the fact that his team made it to the freaking Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. That's irrelevant. Why wasn't Boldin on the field?!
I'd expect this sort of "put me in coach" attitude from the local kindergarden soccer team or even from a certain receiver in Texas, but even said receiver wouldn't throw this sort of hissy fit after earning a trip to the Super Bowl, right?
Then again, there is always the possibility - seriously, don't rule it out - that this is all Todd Haley's fault. Let's not forget, he was the wide receivers coach in Dallas when an afforementioned receiver had a dispute with Haley. I know, I know, no one gets along with T.O., but Haley did break his promise of confidentiality in Dallas.
This should die down over the next few days despite the increasing media blitz created by the bright lights of the Super Bowl. But in the mean time, perhaps Boldin and Haley should sit down and use their words like big boys instead of sideline name calling. If the Cardinals are going to beat Pittsburgh in two weeks,let's face it, Larry Fitzgerald will be the WR making the big plays Boldin will have to find a way to contribute and not disrupt the Cardinals offense. And Todd Haley might want to try keeping his cool too.
Did I mention Boldin a wide receiver?
I know that the whole "Cardinals in the Super Bowl" thing is hard to believe, so at least we have a very realistic "unhappy wide receiver" story to follow over the next two weeks. Boldin was (and I'm betting still is) upset over his (lack of) playing time down the stretch of the NFC Championship game. Nevermind the fact that his team made it to the freaking Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. That's irrelevant. Why wasn't Boldin on the field?!
I'd expect this sort of "put me in coach" attitude from the local kindergarden soccer team or even from a certain receiver in Texas, but even said receiver wouldn't throw this sort of hissy fit after earning a trip to the Super Bowl, right?
Then again, there is always the possibility - seriously, don't rule it out - that this is all Todd Haley's fault. Let's not forget, he was the wide receivers coach in Dallas when an afforementioned receiver had a dispute with Haley. I know, I know, no one gets along with T.O., but Haley did break his promise of confidentiality in Dallas.
This should die down over the next few days despite the increasing media blitz created by the bright lights of the Super Bowl. But in the mean time, perhaps Boldin and Haley should sit down and use their words like big boys instead of sideline name calling. If the Cardinals are going to beat Pittsburgh in two weeks,
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Cardinals?
THE CARDINALS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL!
THE CARDINALS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL!
THE CARDINALS...
THE CARDINALS ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL?
What?
Yes, it has happened. The franchise that demonstrated three cities of futility has now earned tickets to Tampa Bay in two weeks.
My friends and I decided to play a Kurt Warner drinking game for the Eagles/Cardinals NFC Championship game. Needles to say, I'm buzzed right now.
Kurt Warner drinking game rules:
Take a drink anytime anyone mentions:
+ Kurt Warner being a bagboy at a supermarket
+ playing in the AFL
+ his wife,
+ or when Kurt thanks Jesus
Two amazing moments from the NFC Championship game:
1. This sign held up by a Cardinals fan.
2. Kurt Warner knowing that every fan knew he would thank Jesus if the Cardinals won the game. Sure enough...
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Another Texas Triumph
In a few days, the Oklahoma Sooners will take the field in an attempt to win a second BCS National Championship under coach Bob Stoops. Stoops has had no trouble getting his team into the championship game, but he's struggled to close the deal in recent years (see 55-19 vs USC and 21-14 vs LSU). But while OU continues to struggle through their BCS bowl games, its rival six hours south along I-35 is celebrating yet another big BCS win, a win that could easily give the Longhorns a shot at a split national championship this season.
Yesterday's Fiesta Bowl was simply the third installment of Longhorn's deja vu. We've seen this game before. Twice before, actually.
Texas put together a thrilling last-minute drive to overtake Ohio State, 24-21, in the Fiesta Bowl. The Longhorns are now 3-0 in BCS games. Texas has put together three come-from-behind thrilling wins to earn each BCS Bowl victory.
Side note: Perhaps the Ohio State University should be banned from BCS Bowl games until they can win a lower level game like the Capital One Bowl. At least this time they weren't the sacrificial lambs to an SEC championship slaughter.
In 2004, the Longhorns earned a berth in the Rose Bowl against Michigan on New Years Day 2005. The Vinsanity began as Vince Young ran wild and Dusty Mangum kicked Texas past Michigan as the clock expired. No one will ever forget VY's return to the Granddaddy of Them All one year later against USC for the BCS title. Another last-minute drive. Another thrilling victory.
The least surprising aspect of the win: Mack Brown politicking for a share of a national championship after the game. Yes, Texas beat OU. And yes, I believe that Texas should probably have been in the BCS title game over OU based on their head-to-head win in the Red RiverRivalry Shootout. But frankly, there's not much the Longhorns can do about it.
Look at USC. The Trojans plastered the Big Ten champion Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl, 38-24, in a game that only looks like it was "respectable" because the Trojans dominant defense let off the gas down the stretch allowing two meaningless Penn State touchdowns. After the game, Trojans coach Pete Carroll said that he thought USC was the best team in the country.
Oh, wait. What about Utah, the nation's only undefeated team and champions of the Sugar Bowl?
The fact of the matter is the system is flawed, but there isn't a clear-cut simple solution. I know, I know, put in a playoff. And don't get me wrong, I've argued for a playoff in the past. I've even tried to design a playoff model. But I have yet to see one that is actually doable. Do you shorten the regular season? Do you keep the kids out of an extra few weeks of classes to play? What about the fans who'd travel to the game? And can you really turn different bowl games into "semifinals" without cheapening the meaning of winning the bowl game itself?
I'm not saying there will never be a playoff, but what is the simple solution? The answer is that there isn't one. So for now, it's Florida and Oklahoma for the national championship. Texas got screwed this year. But it's no worse than Auburn going undefeated but not having a seat at the table while USC and OU battled for the championship in the Orange Bowl a few years back. The only reason Texas has a case is because they did actually play a head to head game against OU, unlike any other case in recent memory.
And yet, Texas can only sit back and hope voters make them national champions. There's nothing more the Longhorns can do. And because of that, let's stop all the campaigning.
Yesterday's Fiesta Bowl was simply the third installment of Longhorn's deja vu. We've seen this game before. Twice before, actually.
Texas put together a thrilling last-minute drive to overtake Ohio State, 24-21, in the Fiesta Bowl. The Longhorns are now 3-0 in BCS games. Texas has put together three come-from-behind thrilling wins to earn each BCS Bowl victory.
Side note: Perhaps the Ohio State University should be banned from BCS Bowl games until they can win a lower level game like the Capital One Bowl. At least this time they weren't the sacrificial lambs to an SEC championship slaughter.
In 2004, the Longhorns earned a berth in the Rose Bowl against Michigan on New Years Day 2005. The Vinsanity began as Vince Young ran wild and Dusty Mangum kicked Texas past Michigan as the clock expired. No one will ever forget VY's return to the Granddaddy of Them All one year later against USC for the BCS title. Another last-minute drive. Another thrilling victory.
The least surprising aspect of the win: Mack Brown politicking for a share of a national championship after the game. Yes, Texas beat OU. And yes, I believe that Texas should probably have been in the BCS title game over OU based on their head-to-head win in the Red River
Look at USC. The Trojans plastered the Big Ten champion Penn State Nittany Lions in the Rose Bowl, 38-24, in a game that only looks like it was "respectable" because the Trojans dominant defense let off the gas down the stretch allowing two meaningless Penn State touchdowns. After the game, Trojans coach Pete Carroll said that he thought USC was the best team in the country.
Oh, wait. What about Utah, the nation's only undefeated team and champions of the Sugar Bowl?
The fact of the matter is the system is flawed, but there isn't a clear-cut simple solution. I know, I know, put in a playoff. And don't get me wrong, I've argued for a playoff in the past. I've even tried to design a playoff model. But I have yet to see one that is actually doable. Do you shorten the regular season? Do you keep the kids out of an extra few weeks of classes to play? What about the fans who'd travel to the game? And can you really turn different bowl games into "semifinals" without cheapening the meaning of winning the bowl game itself?
I'm not saying there will never be a playoff, but what is the simple solution? The answer is that there isn't one. So for now, it's Florida and Oklahoma for the national championship. Texas got screwed this year. But it's no worse than Auburn going undefeated but not having a seat at the table while USC and OU battled for the championship in the Orange Bowl a few years back. The only reason Texas has a case is because they did actually play a head to head game against OU, unlike any other case in recent memory.
And yet, Texas can only sit back and hope voters make them national champions. There's nothing more the Longhorns can do. And because of that, let's stop all the campaigning.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Ticket stub photo album
Something I've wanted to do for a long time: put together an album of all my old ticket stubs for the sporting events I've been to. I've done my best to save every ticket stub I've ever used, however I had a massive stack of stubs accidentally thrown out a few years back. While it was discouraging to have all those tickets, those memories, no longer with me, I'm working hard to preserve my legacy of attending all sorts of games. It is with that in mind that I present to you my album of ticket stubs....
Ticket Stubs from:
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
2004
May 23, 2004: NY Yankees @ Texas Rangers
May 26, 2004: Arkansas Travelers @ Frisco Roughriders
2006
Nov 21, 2006: Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 22, 2006: Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars
Nov 23, 2006: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Dec 14, 2006: NY Rangers @ Dallas Stars
Dec 22, 2006: LA Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks
Dec 31, 2006: Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
2007
Jan 2, 2007: Seattle Super Sonics @ Dallas Mavericks
Sept 9, 2007: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Sept 15, 2007: Miami Northwestern vs. Southlake Carroll
Sept 30, 2007: St. Louis Rams @ Dallas Cowboys
Oct 9, 2007: San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks [preseason]
Oct 14, 2007: New England Patriots @ Dallas Cowboys
Oct 21, 2007: Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys
Nov 3, 2007: Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 15, 2007: San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 17, 2007: Memphis Grizzlies @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 26, 2007: Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
saw former USC standout and classmate Nick Young (now a Wizard) and said hey to him after the game
Nov 29, 2007: Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys
Nov 30, 2007: Portland Trailblazers @ Dallas Mavericks
Dec 31, 2007: Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars
2008
Jan 2, 2008: Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks
Jan 4, 2008: Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks
Jan 13, 2008: NY Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
NFC Divisional Round Playoff
Feb 25, 2008: Chicago Bulls @ Dallas Mavericks
March 10, 2008: New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks
March 14, 2008: Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks
March 17, 2008: Colorado Crush @ Dallas Desperados
March 18, 2008: LA Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
March 20, 2008: Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks
April 8, 2008: Seattle Super Sonics @ Dallas Mavericks
April 11, 2008: Toronto Blue Jays @ Texas Rangers
April 14, 2008: Arkansas Travelers @ Frisco Roughriders
April 15, 2008: Anaheim Ducks @ Dallas Stars
1st round playoff series - Game 3
April 16, 2008: New Orleans Hornets @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Mavs wrap up regular season)
April 20, 2008: AVP Dallas Open
April 21, 2008: San Antonio Missions @ Frisco Roughriders
April 25, 2008: New Orleans Hornets @ Dallas Mavericks
April 26, 2008: Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers
(Blog: The errors of their ways)
April 27, 2008: Lone Star Park - horseracing
April 29, 2008: San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars
2nd round playoff series - Game 3
(Blog: Starting to BELIEVE)
April 30, 2008: San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars
(Game 4)
(Blog: Game Fourgetable)
May 3, 2008: New York Mets @ Arizona Diamondbacks
May 16, 2008: Tampa Bay Rays @ St. Louis Cardinals
Summer 2008: Orange County Flyers (GBL) games
July 27, 2008: Washington Nationals @ Los Angeles Dodgers
Sept 15, 2008: Cowboys 41, Eagles 37 (recap)
Sept 27, 2008: Texas Rangers @ LA Angels of Anaheim
(Blog: Another season squandered)
Oct 1, 2008: Red Sox 4, Angels 1 (recap)
Oct 4, 2008: USC 44, Oregon 10 (recap)
(Blog: Sanchez shouldn't have been pulled)
Oct 5, 2008: Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys
did not attend this game, but here's a parking pass from it
Oct 11, 2008: Arizona State @ USC (football)
(Blog: Ugly Sanchez)
Oct 11, 2008: Washington @ USC (women's volleyball)
Oct 12, 2008: NLCS Game 5: Dodgers 7, Phillies 2 (recap)
(BLOG: Dodging Abuse)
Oct 15, 2008: NLCS Game 5: Phillies 5, Dodgers 1 (recap)
Oct 19, 2008: Cowboys 14, Rams 34
(Blog: Ramming Speed)
Oct 21, 2008: Suns @ Clippers [preseason]
Oct 25, 2008: Washington Capitals @ Dallas Stars
(Blog: Dimming Stars?)
Oct 26, 2008: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
(Blog: The Bucs stopped here)
Nov 2, 2008: Cowboys 14, Giants 35 (Blog: Giant problems)
Nov 7, 2008: Dallas Stars @ Anaheim Ducks
(Blog: Parrish debuts with hat trick)
Nov 9, 2008: Mavericks @ Clippers
(Blog: Maddening Mavericks, Life behind the bench)
ticket autographed by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban
Nov 11, 2008: Dallas Stars @ LA Kings (Blog: King me!)
Nov 23, 2008: San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys
(BLOG: Enjoying popcorn)
Nov 25, 2008: Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Feels so Wright)
Nov 27, 2008: Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
(Blog: Thanksgiving Feast)
Dec 30, 2008: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Massive Mavericks comeback)
2009
Jan 2, 2009: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Ole Miss Running Rebels
New Ticket Stubs
2004
2006
2007
2008
2009
2004
May 23, 2004: NY Yankees @ Texas Rangers
May 26, 2004: Arkansas Travelers @ Frisco Roughriders
2006
Nov 21, 2006: Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 22, 2006: Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars
Nov 23, 2006: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
Dec 14, 2006: NY Rangers @ Dallas Stars
Dec 22, 2006: LA Clippers @ Dallas Mavericks
Dec 31, 2006: Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys
2007
Jan 2, 2007: Seattle Super Sonics @ Dallas Mavericks
Sept 9, 2007: New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Sept 15, 2007: Miami Northwestern vs. Southlake Carroll
Sept 30, 2007: St. Louis Rams @ Dallas Cowboys
Oct 9, 2007: San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks [preseason]
Oct 14, 2007: New England Patriots @ Dallas Cowboys
Oct 21, 2007: Minnesota Vikings @ Dallas Cowboys
Nov 3, 2007: Sacramento Kings @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 15, 2007: San Antonio Spurs @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 17, 2007: Memphis Grizzlies @ Dallas Mavericks
Nov 26, 2007: Washington Wizards @ Dallas Mavericks
saw former USC standout and classmate Nick Young (now a Wizard) and said hey to him after the game
Nov 29, 2007: Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys
Nov 30, 2007: Portland Trailblazers @ Dallas Mavericks
Dec 31, 2007: Nashville Predators @ Dallas Stars
2008
Jan 2, 2008: Golden State Warriors @ Dallas Mavericks
Jan 4, 2008: Miami Heat @ Dallas Mavericks
Jan 13, 2008: NY Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
NFC Divisional Round Playoff
Feb 25, 2008: Chicago Bulls @ Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd's first game back with Dallas
March 10, 2008: New York Knicks @ Dallas Mavericks
March 14, 2008: Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks
March 17, 2008: Colorado Crush @ Dallas Desperados
March 18, 2008: LA Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks
March 20, 2008: Boston Celtics @ Dallas Mavericks
eventual World Champions visit the AAC
April 8, 2008: Seattle Super Sonics @ Dallas Mavericks
April 11, 2008: Toronto Blue Jays @ Texas Rangers
April 14, 2008: Arkansas Travelers @ Frisco Roughriders
April 15, 2008: Anaheim Ducks @ Dallas Stars
1st round playoff series - Game 3
April 16, 2008: New Orleans Hornets @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Mavs wrap up regular season)
April 20, 2008: AVP Dallas Open
April 21, 2008: San Antonio Missions @ Frisco Roughriders
April 25, 2008: New Orleans Hornets @ Dallas Mavericks
Opening Round Series - Game 3
Mavs 97, Hornets 87
(Blog: Great night for North Texas sports)
April 26, 2008: Minnesota Twins @ Texas Rangers
(Blog: The errors of their ways)
April 27, 2008: Lone Star Park - horseracing
April 29, 2008: San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars
2nd round playoff series - Game 3
(Blog: Starting to BELIEVE)
April 30, 2008: San Jose Sharks @ Dallas Stars
(Game 4)
(Blog: Game Fourgetable)
May 3, 2008: New York Mets @ Arizona Diamondbacks
stopped off at Chase Field to catch a game while driving from Dallas to LA
May 16, 2008: Tampa Bay Rays @ St. Louis Cardinals
Summer 2008: Orange County Flyers (GBL) games
July 27, 2008: Washington Nationals @ Los Angeles Dodgers
went to the game with my family, visiting from Dallas. Couldn't find my ticket stub, but here's the parking pass I used
Sept 15, 2008: Cowboys 41, Eagles 37 (recap)
Sept 27, 2008: Texas Rangers @ LA Angels of Anaheim
(Blog: Another season squandered)
Oct 1, 2008: Red Sox 4, Angels 1 (recap)
Oct 4, 2008: USC 44, Oregon 10 (recap)
(Blog: Sanchez shouldn't have been pulled)
Oct 5, 2008: Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys
did not attend this game, but here's a parking pass from it
Oct 11, 2008: Arizona State @ USC (football)
(Blog: Ugly Sanchez)
Oct 11, 2008: Washington @ USC (women's volleyball)
Oct 12, 2008: NLCS Game 5: Dodgers 7, Phillies 2 (recap)
(BLOG: Dodging Abuse)
Oct 15, 2008: NLCS Game 5: Phillies 5, Dodgers 1 (recap)
Oct 19, 2008: Cowboys 14, Rams 34
(Blog: Ramming Speed)
Oct 21, 2008: Suns @ Clippers [preseason]
Oct 25, 2008: Washington Capitals @ Dallas Stars
(Blog: Dimming Stars?)
Oct 26, 2008: Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys
(Blog: The Bucs stopped here)
Oh, and here's what the actual tickets looked like:
Nov 2, 2008: Cowboys 14, Giants 35 (Blog: Giant problems)
Nov 7, 2008: Dallas Stars @ Anaheim Ducks
(Blog: Parrish debuts with hat trick)
Nov 9, 2008: Mavericks @ Clippers
(Blog: Maddening Mavericks, Life behind the bench)
ticket autographed by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban
Nov 11, 2008: Dallas Stars @ LA Kings (Blog: King me!)
Nov 23, 2008: San Francisco 49ers @ Dallas Cowboys
(BLOG: Enjoying popcorn)
Nov 25, 2008: Indiana Pacers @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Feels so Wright)
Nov 27, 2008: Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
(Blog: Thanksgiving Feast)
Dec 30, 2008: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks
(Blog: Massive Mavericks comeback)
2009
Jan 2, 2009: AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Ole Miss Running Rebels
New Ticket Stubs
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