Show and prove time, OLASB nation. Click on the link below, enter in the password, and join in the race for fame, fortune, and fabulous prizes. Ok, so no prizes for now, but definite bragging rights. Well, if we get enough people, I might scrounge up some prizes, but you have to play to win!
Here's the link!
Password : roarlionroar
Click the link, fill out a bracket, lose to me. I'm playing chess, while everyone else is playing checkers.
Mar 16, 2009
Mar 11, 2009
Been Too Long
As I have been gently reminded by 'concerned' parties (Andrew "I love the fans" Folkner), the blog has been bereft of activity as of late. But have no fear, I've spent the last month watching NBA and NCAA basketball, preparing myself to dole out nuggets of knowledge to best prepare you for the undercard (March Madness) and the main event (NBA Playoffs) coming up. But, before we get into that, let's spend some time on some things that have grinded my gears over the last month:
Reporters Jumping the Gun: I get why it happens. In this 24 hour news cycle that has evolved, everyone wants to be the first to break a story. I get that. The ESPN news ticker even ascribes information based on who gets the story emailed in first. There are three specific examples that have caught my eye over the past month, a best case, bad case, and worst case.
Best case: The Cleveland Plains Dealer broke word that Joe Smith would be signing with the Cavaliers before negotiations were finished. While anyone who follows the Association could see that coming, the newspaper broke this report while the final paper work was being ironed out, and Smith's people were seriously considering a competing offer from the Lakers (which might tell you what they think about Bynum's chances to return this year, but that's a whole nother thing). Sure, the Cavs ended up signing Joe Smith, and the paper didn't have egg on it's face, but there are other ways for this to play.
Bad case: The Atlanta Journal Constitution (beacon of news that it is) reported earlier this year that Ken Griffey Jr. would be joining the Braves, and attempt to be an everyday outfielder for the squad. Less than 24 hours later, word came from Seattle people that Griffey was coming home. Did the paper cause Griffey to back out? Was this an overzealous writer (and editor(s)) trying to 'scoop' a big signing? What really gets me is that there was no accountability, no call for any one to explain this mess up, and I know what you're thinking: it's just one time with a player signing, what's the big deal?
Worst case: During the coverage of the tragedy off the Florida coast, where three men lost their lives, hundreds of news outlets were covering the search and rescue efforts. After nearly 40 hours, a man was found clinging to an overturned craft. Minutes later, a soon-to-be debunked report had the workers also finding another man nearby. Is this the same as being wrong on a signing? Hell no. But, it is symptomatic of the same problem, and the result was the same: no one being held to a journalistic standard. Bullshit.
The David Beckham Situation: Actually, the less said here, the better.
The NBA's Burgeoning Financial Woes: It's already been said by someone with a larger audience than me (Bill Simmons). Though, I was out to lunch with someone like 4 days before this column ran , and I made the same points. Thus proving that I am some sort of sports genius. Or that I have my eyes open. Whatever.
Spring Training/The World Baseball Classic: Wow, the Dutch beat the Dominican Republic in an event where I couldn't name the prize if you paid me. Is it bad that during the Venezuela (I think)/USA game Saturday night, I was sitting with my friends Dallas and Justin, and we had a 25 minute debate as to where these games were actually taking place? Our final verdict was a tie between The Twilight Zone, the 'Lost' island, and The Land of the Lost. Is it also bad that our subsequent hour long debate as to which is the best television series of the three was infinitely more entertaining than the game itself?
Tiger Woods' Comeback, ARod's Karma, Jay Cutler vs. The Broncos, T.O. Trapped in Buffalo: Oh, no wait. I love all of these. Seriously, if any one of those four were a reality show, nothing could stop me from watching. Nothing.
Ok, there it is. I'm done bitching. For now. Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog that will be posted in a more timely manner for all to see and enjoy.
Reporters Jumping the Gun: I get why it happens. In this 24 hour news cycle that has evolved, everyone wants to be the first to break a story. I get that. The ESPN news ticker even ascribes information based on who gets the story emailed in first. There are three specific examples that have caught my eye over the past month, a best case, bad case, and worst case.
Best case: The Cleveland Plains Dealer broke word that Joe Smith would be signing with the Cavaliers before negotiations were finished. While anyone who follows the Association could see that coming, the newspaper broke this report while the final paper work was being ironed out, and Smith's people were seriously considering a competing offer from the Lakers (which might tell you what they think about Bynum's chances to return this year, but that's a whole nother thing). Sure, the Cavs ended up signing Joe Smith, and the paper didn't have egg on it's face, but there are other ways for this to play.
Bad case: The Atlanta Journal Constitution (beacon of news that it is) reported earlier this year that Ken Griffey Jr. would be joining the Braves, and attempt to be an everyday outfielder for the squad. Less than 24 hours later, word came from Seattle people that Griffey was coming home. Did the paper cause Griffey to back out? Was this an overzealous writer (and editor(s)) trying to 'scoop' a big signing? What really gets me is that there was no accountability, no call for any one to explain this mess up, and I know what you're thinking: it's just one time with a player signing, what's the big deal?
Worst case: During the coverage of the tragedy off the Florida coast, where three men lost their lives, hundreds of news outlets were covering the search and rescue efforts. After nearly 40 hours, a man was found clinging to an overturned craft. Minutes later, a soon-to-be debunked report had the workers also finding another man nearby. Is this the same as being wrong on a signing? Hell no. But, it is symptomatic of the same problem, and the result was the same: no one being held to a journalistic standard. Bullshit.
The David Beckham Situation: Actually, the less said here, the better.
The NBA's Burgeoning Financial Woes: It's already been said by someone with a larger audience than me (Bill Simmons). Though, I was out to lunch with someone like 4 days before this column ran , and I made the same points. Thus proving that I am some sort of sports genius. Or that I have my eyes open. Whatever.
Spring Training/The World Baseball Classic: Wow, the Dutch beat the Dominican Republic in an event where I couldn't name the prize if you paid me. Is it bad that during the Venezuela (I think)/USA game Saturday night, I was sitting with my friends Dallas and Justin, and we had a 25 minute debate as to where these games were actually taking place? Our final verdict was a tie between The Twilight Zone, the 'Lost' island, and The Land of the Lost. Is it also bad that our subsequent hour long debate as to which is the best television series of the three was infinitely more entertaining than the game itself?
Tiger Woods' Comeback, ARod's Karma, Jay Cutler vs. The Broncos, T.O. Trapped in Buffalo: Oh, no wait. I love all of these. Seriously, if any one of those four were a reality show, nothing could stop me from watching. Nothing.
Ok, there it is. I'm done bitching. For now. Now, back to your regularly scheduled blog that will be posted in a more timely manner for all to see and enjoy.
But First...
A Word From Our Sponsors...
(OLASB would like to point out that none of the below videos actually sponsor this blog. I just like these NBA-related commercials and wanted to share. That is all.)
(OLASB would like to point out that none of the below videos actually sponsor this blog. I just like these NBA-related commercials and wanted to share. That is all.)
Feb 12, 2009
Feb 11, 2009
Mid-Range Jumpers
Reports of my demise (Nez) have been greatly exaggerated. Sure, I haven't been posting as much, but I usually go into something of a funk after the Super Bowl, since there's no football anywhere near me except for the Pro Bowl, ESPN Classic, and beating Bowser's head in on Madden. It's just not the same. But, I can use this opportunity to bring back American's longest-running, rarely updated, OLASB post format...
Hope eveyone had a great Super Bowl. I had one because my best bet won...I mean, I was too scared of my own bad karma to actually listen to my self, but it's always nice to be right, ya know. Before we dive in, I'm going to touch on the two biggest sports stories as of late, with as little breath as possible:
Michael Phelps: Thank God he's white.
A-Rod: How is anyone surpised?
Ahem. Now, the search continues for the lost art of the Mid-Range Jumper!
Hope eveyone had a great Super Bowl. I had one because my best bet won...I mean, I was too scared of my own bad karma to actually listen to my self, but it's always nice to be right, ya know. Before we dive in, I'm going to touch on the two biggest sports stories as of late, with as little breath as possible:
Michael Phelps: Thank God he's white.
A-Rod: How is anyone surpised?
Ahem. Now, the search continues for the lost art of the Mid-Range Jumper!
- So, are we finally going to figure out how bad the Shaq trade was for Phoenix? It got rid of D'Antoni, it killed Nash's mojo, it moved Shaq into the number 1 scoring option, and NOW they have to move Amare because of the last week of rumors.
- Bye, bye Favre. Again.
- How has no one picked up Manny yet? All he does is get on base (like, literally 3/4 times at bat in the playoffs), hit bombs, and help you win games. So what? You've hit on a girl with more obvioys issues...though, I guess that wouldn't cost 25 million a year. It was a bad analogy.
- At least they finally are bringing H-O-R-S-E to the All-Star game. And renaming it G-E-I-C-O because of monetary considerations. Ugh.
- I hate it when my friends are right, but Uzo wrote a great piece on Bud Selig and steriods. Read it.
- Top 5 plays of a GREAT Super Bowl (after 3 re-watchings): 5. Larry Fitzgerald slant and run for TD2 4. Larry Fitzgerald catch (that was a drop) for TD1 3. Hines Ward early catch, and immediate dissapearance 2. San Antonio (how does everyone still get his name wrong!) Holmes game winner 1. 100 yard-INT return.
- Looks like we're getting 2 Bulldogs in round 1 of the NFL Draft...and GMs, if you take Beanie Wells over Knowshon, you're NUTS (glares at A.J. Smith)
- Actual text recieved while watching Cavs-Lakers Sunday: "Random NBA question probably only you can answer; on a tip in or putback, is the player rewarded a rebound as well as the points?" Yes, he is awarded both Jake. Thanks for recognizing my sports knowledge.
- Brook Lopez is freaking great. If Derrick Rose wasn't as trascendent as he is, he would have the ROY on lock. Oh, and these Rookies are going to blow out the Sophmores this weekend.
- National signing day bugs the life out of me and I don't know why...it is almost as annoying as knowing when pitchers and catchers start up.
- Did you know that these UNC seniors have NEVER lost at Duke? They can get the 4-year sweep tonight! Go Heels!
- I'll take the LeBron "They stole my triple double" performance in the Garden over Kobe's 61 every day of the week. Mostly because Kobe wiped Bernard King from the record books (yuck) and his teammates were about as effective as lawn furniture.
- Lil' Wayne was on Around the Horn yesterday. Hm.
- Breaking news: Michael Phelps redeems image. Yes he does.
- Big Poppa Stern has been Commish for 25 years now. Continue basking in his greatness.
- Underreported story of the year so far: Dwayne Wade's divorce, and the subsequent stories that have come out surrounding it.
I think I'm about done for now. Check back here tomorrow for...something, and I'll see ya'll Saturday for my annual NBA All-Star Saturay Night blog. Peace.
Feb 9, 2009
Feb 1, 2009
Super Bowl Blog
Better late than never?
Short and sweet, I think the experience edge of the Steelers takes them to victory...plus, you should never take the underdog unless you're SURE they can win outright.
The Pick: Steelers (-7) over Cards
BLACK HEAD COACHES SON!!!
But, the bet of the day is a bit more complicated than that; since 7point favorites are 2-5-1 in Super Bowls, I'd be alot more comfortable if this line was smaller, wouldn't you? So, the best bet is to tease the line down to -1, the over to 53.5, and take the Steelers and the under. You're welcome.
Best Bet: Tease Steelers (-1), and the under (53.5)
If you're in Atlanta, call my cell and meet up for the best Super Bowl party in the city. If you don't have my number...then I must not want you to call that bad.
Short and sweet, I think the experience edge of the Steelers takes them to victory...plus, you should never take the underdog unless you're SURE they can win outright.
The Pick: Steelers (-7) over Cards
BLACK HEAD COACHES SON!!!
But, the bet of the day is a bit more complicated than that; since 7point favorites are 2-5-1 in Super Bowls, I'd be alot more comfortable if this line was smaller, wouldn't you? So, the best bet is to tease the line down to -1, the over to 53.5, and take the Steelers and the under. You're welcome.
Best Bet: Tease Steelers (-1), and the under (53.5)
If you're in Atlanta, call my cell and meet up for the best Super Bowl party in the city. If you don't have my number...then I must not want you to call that bad.
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