tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6895240547863267752024-03-14T03:26:07.041-07:00The Sports-o-NistaOne Girl's Guide to the Sports WorldMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-80812580034974518652013-09-03T09:07:00.000-07:002013-09-09T05:48:38.123-07:00Football Fashion Police Pt. 4Yay! Football is back. How many of us were très bored these past few months? I know I was, because summer is kinda yawn city in sports, ammiright?<br />
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Anyway, this weekend college football came back in full swing. More exciting than the debut of FSU quarterback Jameis Winston (ridiculous....that kid is ridiculous), more exciting than the now-traditional FCS upsets, and more exciting than drinking beer before noon sans judgement is the debut of new uniforms for the season. Some are awesome. Some are awesomely horrific. So let's dive in for this third edition of a football fashion police, shall we????</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>DO</u></span> just update a classic color scheme and make it modern with muted tones like the <b>Cal Bears</b>. Plus, the bear watermark is like totes symbolic of playing with a bear mentality or some shit like that.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>DON'T</u></span> have your uniforms be so garish that a person trying to enjoy their shrimp and grits on a Sunday afternoon keeps looking at the TV in horror. Yes <b>Florida A&M Rattlers</b>, I'm talking to you. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">DO</span></u> go shiny with the season's new helmet of choice: chrome. The <b>Baylor Bears </b>are rocking some fantastical new helmets in their dark uni scheme, and I heart it. </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T</span></u> go with helmets that look like a kindergartner just scribbled on them during coloring time ala <b>Miami of Ohio Redhawks</b>. Saturdays aren't "Take your favorite five year old to work" day, mmmkay?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>DO</u></span> take a bold color and go classic. Sadly, I won't be in attendance in two weeks to see the <b>Georgia State Panthers</b> take on my Mountaineers, because I'd love to see these beauties in person.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T</span></u> take bold color and go head to toe if it's going to burn people's eyes out. <b>Oregon State</b>, what were you thinking? That's a LOT of orange.</div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">DO</span></u> make up for having a hideous head-to-toe uni in bright orange by having a gorg uniform in white and black with an orange accent. Well done, OSU, well done.</div>
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and finally, <span style="font-size: large;"><u>DON'T</u></span>, and I mean for the love of God <b>DON'T</b>, let Flo Rida come anywhere near your uniform designs. Otherwise, you'll end up with a Native American sprawled across your crotch like these poor poor boys from <b>Carol City High School</b>. </div>
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What uniforms have impressed you so far that I left off the list? TCU? North Carolina? Oregon? Which ones have you screaming for the hills? Let me know! And if you want more delicious uniform monstrosities, check out the Football Fashion Police parts <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2011/06/football-fashion-police.html">1</a> and <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-fashion-policepart-2.html">2</a> here!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Images provided by <a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com/2013/7/9/4506308/cal-football-new-uniforms-nike">californiagoldenblogs</a>, <a href="http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130901/FAMU02/309010036/-great-feeling-Holmes-Rattlers">tallahassee</a>, <a href="http://www.ourdailybears.com/baylor-football-uniforms/2013/5/31/4383352/more-baylor-uniform-pics-combos">ourdailybears</a>, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/22887784/photos-miami-ohio-has-some-interesting-new-uniforms">cbssports</a>, <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1732902-ranking-college-footballs-15-best-new-uniforms/page/16">bleacherreport</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/3/4/4063318/new-oregon-state-logo-uniforms">sbnation</a>, and <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/flo-rida-donates-contender-worst-football-uniform-time-220149616.html">yahoo.com.</a></i></span></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-11246999550309011692013-08-02T10:13:00.002-07:002013-08-02T10:13:15.062-07:00Welcome to the Pirate ShipI recently emailed a good friend of mine the following question:<br />
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"Do you like how everyone is jumping on the Pirates bandwagon these days?"<br />
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His response:<br />
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"Don't mind one bit. Welcome aboard."<br />
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And really, that pretty much sums up the city of Pittsburgh and how they feel about their white-hot Pirates: the more fans, the merrier. Because, let's face it, it's been a long, long time.<br />
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While both the Steelers and the Penguins are constantly in the championship hunt, the Buccos haven't been in the playoffs in 20 years. Only the Kansas City Royals have a worse drought going. From a team that has five World Series titles and have seen greats like Bill Mazeroski, Willie Stargell, and Roberto Clemente, that drought seems even harder to swallow.<br />
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But this season? This season has been special from the get-go. Even through the fretting and rationalizing by die-hards that it's only a matter of time before their beloved Pirates crash and burn just as they did in 2012, the Bucs have held strong.<br />
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Last night's devastating 13-0 loss to division foes St. Louis Cardinals nonwithstanding, Pittsburgh currently boasts both the best division record and National League record.<br />
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Not only that, but 3B Pedro Alvarez leads the National League in Home Runs with 27. The pitching staff, led by Francisco Liriano, Jeff Locke, and A.J. Burnett, have pitched 14 shutouts, have the lowest combined ERA, and the lowest batting average against.<br />
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LF Starling Marte is his own stats machine: Marte has 30 stolen bases, 21 doubles, 9 triples, and 10 homeruns. If he gets another triple, he'll be the first Pirate to have 10 doubles, triples, and home runs in the same season since 2004.<br />
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And then there's manager Clint Hurdle. If there's a stereotypical blue collar manager to go along with a blue collar city, Hurdle would be it. The affable Hurdle laughs off advice of other general managers while <a href="http://www.bucsdugout.com/2013/8/1/4580132/pregame-the-very-quotable-clint-hurdle-edition">embracing conversations with well-meaning fans</a>. And crazy or not, the Pirates have flourished under his guidance.<br />
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No wonder folks are so eager to jump on the pirate ship that stands sentinel over the banks of the Allegheny River. Welcome aboard, grab your peanuts and cracker jacks, and fasten your life vests.<br />
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It's going to be a fun and exciting ride to the playoffs.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image provided by <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1686899-this-is-finally-the-year-the-pittsburgh-pirates-end-20-year-mlb-playoff-drought">bleacherreport.</a></i></span>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-80083430926515576742013-05-01T06:42:00.000-07:002013-05-01T06:42:44.131-07:00Picking the FieldThis is my third Kentucky Derby preview post, and in that time span I've learned a very valuable lesson: previewing a horse racing field is about as relevant as the points on "Who's Line is it Anyway?". Horses do what horses are going to do....that is to say, usually not what you think they'll do. Plus, there's the weather to consider, the unpredictability of the break from the starting gate, and yes, <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2011/05/he-couldve-been-contender.html">the late scratches</a>. <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2012/06/out-of-sync.html">Damn you late scratches!</a><br />
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Regardless, my whole universe would unalign if I failed to talk about my picks to win the Roses, so let's just pretend everything will go according to planned and get on with it, shall we?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Verrazano_zps32b9c822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Verrazano_zps32b9c822.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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If odds meant anything in horse racing (besides betting, obvs), then trainer Todd Pletcher would have this race in the bag. Pletcher is saddling 25% of the field, including the favorite (and undefeated) colt <b>Verrazano</b>, and two other strong contenders in <b>Revolutionary</b> and <b>Overanalyze</b>. Despite this, Pletcher has a 1-31 record in the Derby. Most times, in fact, his horses under perform to the point of finishing at the bottom.<br />
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But this is a new year, right? Even the Red Sox broke that streak eventually. While Verrazano has been trouncing the field with ease, my money would be on stablemate and Louisiana Derby winner Revolutionary. The colt has rallied as of late from a disappointing start, and he has a secret weapon that Verrazano doesn't: three time Derby winner Calvin Borel as a jockey.<br />
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Then there's <b>Orb</b>, who has won four straight for trainer "Shug" McGaughey, including an impressive win in the Florida Derby. The colt has been trained specifically for this distance, which is always a plus, and he dazzled the crowds at Churchill Downs on Monday during his workout.<br />
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Don't forget about Doug O'Neill's horse <b>Goldencents</b>. O'Neill found success twice last season in Derby and Preakness winner <b>I'll Have Another</b>. Winner of the Santa Anita Derby, Goldencents could be the one to watch with a good post draw and clean break.<br />
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I'd also watch out for<b> Normandy Invasion</b>, who finished second to Verrazano in the Wood Memorial. "Invasion" is the first horse to race in the Derby for owner Rick Porter since his filly Eight Belles finished second to Big Brown in 2008. After <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/horse/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3380100">the tragedy with Eight Belles</a>, Porter stated that he didn't want to race another horse in the Derby unless he was sure he had a contender.<br />
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Finally, trainer Tom Amoss's horse <b>Mylute</b> could be the dark...err..horse. Though only 2-9 in his career, the colt will be ridden by fan favorite jockey Rosie Napravnik. If he can find that killer instinct, he might have a shot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mylute and Rosie Napravnik</span></td></tr>
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Who will you be rooting for on Saturday? And more importantly, do you have your hat ready? Let me know!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/verrazano/2010">bloodhorse</a>, <a href="http://static.drf.com/horse/photos-13/revolutionary.jpg">drf</a>, <a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/The-Worlds-Top-Horses-Race-for-a-Shot-at-the-Elusive-Triple-Crown-201260431.html">nbcbayarea</a>, <a href="http://www.drf.com/news/kentucky-derby-castellano-will-ride-normandy-invasion">drf</a>, <a href="http://www.kentuckyderby.com/news/2013/04/16/napravnik-ride-mylute-kentucky-derby">kentuckyderby</a>, and <a href="http://www.drf.com/horse/mylute-horse-profile">drf.</a></span></i><br />
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<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-28076758041923587702013-04-26T11:30:00.000-07:002013-04-26T11:30:53.426-07:00I Feel a Cold DraftThe NFL Draft....the event where a "nobody" from Central Michigan can be picked first, and a superstar QB can have his misery at not being taken documented for all the world to witness. Or as I like to call it,<i> </i>good times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At least this guy is happy.</span></td></tr>
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Last night's first round of the 2013 draft certainly had its shocking moments. Like, the fact that the first seven picks were all linemen, led off by OT Eric Fisher of Central Michigan. That set the pace for the night, with production players getting the sideline bench. Most notable was that only ONE QB was taken (EJ Manuel at #16 to the Buffalo Bills) and NO running backs were selected.<br />
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<i>Last time that happened? 1963.</i><br />
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Of course, one lineman who didn't enjoy the share of the first round love was Manti Te'o- ND defensive linebacker once considered a Heisman hopeful (you know, until that whole National Championship and imaginary dead girlfriend debacle). Whether it was still a negative public perception or just a realization that maybe Te'o was slightly overrated, the former Fighting Irish is still on the board headed into Friday's second round.<br />
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Another big name still on the list? WVU QB and one-time top five (hell, top one even) projected draft pick Geno Smith. Smith had to endure a Brady Quinn-esque draft night yesterday, watching player after player take his "spot" on the podium. All the while being filmed looking dejected by camera crews and being mocked by draft specialists. Today's headlines questioned Geno's toughness and capability after it was rumored that he was leaving NYC . Turns out, <a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000164032/article/geno-smith-staying-for-second-day-of-2013-nfl-draft">not the case</a>.<br />
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If Geno's night was tough, then perhaps Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib's was even tougher. Although not the top of the QB list, Nassib had an advantage that no one else did- his former coach is now the head honcho at the Buffalo Bills. Yet, Doug Marrone chose to break his Survivor alliance and go with Florida State Seminole EJ Manuel. Sorry, Nassib...the tribe has spoken.<br />
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Consequently, big names are still floating around on the board going into today's second round. Along with Te'o, Smith and Nassib, USC QB Matt Barkley is still available for the taking. As are Alabama RB Eddie Lacey, Florida State DE Cornelius Carradine, and Stanford TE Zach Ertz.<br />
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What was your feeling on the draft? What surprise snub or pick jumps out at you? Let me know! Meanwhile, I give you my favorite selection yesterday....Center Travis Frederick from Wisconsin taken by the Dallas Cowboys at #31. Or, as I will now refer to him, Paul Bunyan.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're welcome.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Latest-News-Wires/2013/0426/2013-NFL-draft-Bring-on-the-beef">csmonitor</a> and <a href="http://oaklandraidersdraftwatch.blogspot.com/2013/01/prospect-profile-c-travis-frederick.html">oaklandraidersdraftwatch.</a></span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-17568754322717058282013-03-12T08:50:00.001-07:002013-03-12T08:50:02.459-07:00Welcome to the DanceConfession time: I haven't followed one iota of D1 college basketball this season. Whether it's a continuation of my fall sports slump, or the fact that my alma mater...err...sucked, I just haven't tuned in. My blase attititude got so bad that I was ready to just call this season a wash and forget the tournament all together. Which is pretty sad, considering <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2012/03/you-call-it-madness-but-i-call-it.html">I adore March Madness</a>. Then something happened last night that caught my attention and dragged me kicking and screaming from my doldrum. No, not the Big 12 tournament or even the impending end of an era in the Big East tournament. It had nothing to do with a top 25 team or a future NBA draft pick. This was something that took place farther south, the Richmond Coliseum to be exact, at the lowly CAA Conference final.<br />
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It's been almost 20 years, but the James Madison Dukes are going back to the big dance.<br />
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The Dukes, who last saw their name on a bracket in 1994, battled through an intense semi-final match-up against the Delaware Blue Hens to win their way into the championship game on a pair of free throws by Devon Moore.<br />
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Who says free throws aren't important, people?<br />
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Thankfully for the Dukes, last night's game wasn't nearly as nail-biting. Even though the Northeastern Huskies erased a 20 point deficit to cut JMU's lead to 8, their comeback would stall out. Guard A.J. Davis's 26 points ensured that the 2013 CAA champ would be represented by the Purple and Gold.<br />
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Let's be honest, Head Coach Matt Brady's squad has some big shoes to fill in the tournament. Both CAA champs George Mason and recently-departed member VCU have become tremendous Cinderella success stories. The Patriots made an illustrious run to the Final Four in 2006, while Shaka Smart's Rams went to the Final Four in 2011 and to the Sweet Sixteen last year.<br />
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I don't know if this team has that streak of magic in them, but that's what's so great about March. You just never know.<br />
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One thing's for sure, though. Come tournament time...this girl will be ready to chant J.M.U.....DUUUUUKKKKEEEESSSS.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image courtesy of Kathy Kushner, JMU athletics photography.</span></i><br />
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<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-21331860268929642282013-02-06T06:22:00.000-08:002013-02-06T06:22:17.475-08:00XLVII<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Super Bowl 47. What a roller coaster ride and a train wreck all at the same time.<br />
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We thought that much would be made about the brothers Harbaugh coaching against each other. We thought that Ray Lewis would cry more times than he would tackle. We also thought he'd mention God at least twice as many times as he'd cry.</div>
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We thought that Colin Kaepernick would outshine Joe Flacco. We thought that the Ravens defense wasn't quite as good as the 49ers' offense. </div>
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We thought that after the inauguration debacle, Beyonce wouldn't dare lip sync. We thought that Jay Z would come out and perform. And hell, we even hoped that JT would show up (although, I'm not sure he's allowed within two states of a Super Bowl halftime show). </div>
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What we DIDN'T think was that the Ravens would look like they had one foot in the Magic Kingdom before the second half kicked off. We didn't think that Joe Flacco would drop an F Bomb on live television after being named MVP. But then again, we probably didn't think Joe Flacco would tie Joe Montana's record for most postseason touchdown passes thrown (11) with no interceptions.</div>
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We didn't think that the lights would go out in the Super Dome mere minutes after halftime ended. At least, I don't think we did. </div>
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We didn't think that after the lights came back on, the Niners would score consecutive touchdowns to cut a 22 point deficit to five with 3:10 left in the 3rd quarter. We didn't think that it would come down to a two point conversion in the 4th to prevent a tie game. And we didn't think that a late safety, after a potentially controversial no-pass interference call on a San Fran 4th down, would make the final score 34-31.</div>
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Yet, what we thought and didn't think would happen was just mere speculation...and most of it was wrong. It's why a game is played, and why fans love to watch. The unpredictability of sports is entertainment at its finest.<br />
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Colin Kaepernick settled into the second half to play lights out, shining once more like the bright star he's been all post-season. But despite that, Joe Flacco shined brighter. Case in point, the beautiful bomb thrown to Jacoby Jones. That in itself warrants incurring the FCC's wrath.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DSdjxk6d2lM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Our girl Beyonce...she got around that pesky lip syncing bizness by...you know...not really singing. Still, her dancing was off the hook. Though Jigga and his new partner in crime JT didn't make an appearance, the ladies of Destiny's Child did. And let's be honest, you can never go wrong with a Destiny's Child reunion.</div>
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Although having a power outage that resulted in a 34 minute delay wasn't probably what the NFL envisioned for its championship game, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. San Francisco had their switch flipped back on with the rest of the stadium lights, and a new game was born.</div>
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But most surprising is that Ray Lewis only mentioned God once in his post-game speech. I mean, seriously, did any of us see that one coming?</div>
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All in all, Super Bowl 47 had enough drama to last us until August, when NFL returns to pre-season action. Until then, we're all undefeated.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Image provided by <a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2013-01-30-SuperBowl47logo.jpg">huffingtonpost.</a></i></span></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-60591534625444925612013-02-04T07:56:00.000-08:002013-02-04T07:56:06.130-08:00A Little Birdie Told Me: Super Bowl edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I promise I'll give you my thoughts on that spectacle which was Super Bowl 47 sometime later in the week. For now, though, I wanted to pay homage to all twitter had to offer on the subject. From Ray Lewis to Beyonce to the blackout, the twitterverse was in rare form. And I salute you.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">RAY LEWIS</span></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb12_zps773f1dac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb12_zps773f1dac.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh, I see what you did there. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb1_zps041203ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="46" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb1_zps041203ec.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">He's a feelings kind of guy. GET OVER IT.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb13_zps55b6f6ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb13_zps55b6f6ca.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I mean, seriously. We can all relate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>HALFTIME</b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Agree completely.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/SB11_zps53939e79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="71" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/SB11_zps53939e79.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Truer words, my friend. Truer words....</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE BLACK OUT</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb3_zpsc8aed104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="62" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb3_zpsc8aed104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Destiny's Child tried to warn us.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb4_zps8f6e0305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb4_zps8f6e0305.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Really, no caption needed.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb5_zps7c72c64f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb5_zps7c72c64f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Power Outage just wanted more halftime. Is that too much to ask?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb6_zps6324cb02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="78" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/sb6_zps6324cb02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Again, no caption needed.<br /><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Especially if you don't want your life thrown to Steve Tasker after a commercial break.<br /><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Thanks for calling me out Mark Titus.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> RIGHT?????</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And finally...this....</span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> that movie gets me every time. EVERY. DAMN. TIME.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-66614576236600338582013-02-01T05:49:00.000-08:002013-02-01T05:49:06.075-08:00A little bit of this, a little bit of thatGuys, so much has happened since we last spoke. Probably because I've taken to blogging once every blue moon, but that's beside the point.<br />
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January was so jam-packed with sport-related <strike>crazy </strike> goodness that I almost don't know where to begin. Oh wait, yes I do.<br />
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CATFISH.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Teo_zps477c9474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Teo_zps477c9474.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes the Irish don't get lucky.</span></td></tr>
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By now, you're all aware of the ridiculousness that was the Manti Te'o catfish conundrum. After Deadspin broke <a href="http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-is-a-hoax">this story</a> on January 16 (was it really only just 15 days ago?!?!) that Te'o's dead girlfriend Lennay Kekua didn't actually...you know...exist, all hell seemed to break loose. After all, it was Kekua's untimely loss of her battle with leukemia just hours after Te'o's grandmother had also passed that propelled the Notre Dame linebacker into the national spotlight...and smack into the Heisman race.<br />
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Each passing day brought us more and more versions to support how much the player may or may not have been involved in the whole debacle. It seems now that Manti was just a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/01/31/man-admits-masterminding-manti-teo-hoax-says-was-in-love-with-football-player/">victim of </a><span style="line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/01/31/man-admits-masterminding-manti-teo-hoax-says-was-in-love-with-football-player/">Ronaiah Tuiasosopo</a>, who created the fake profile. Then Dr. Phil got involved, and pretty much everyone lost interest.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 27px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Which leads me to Oprah (natch!) and her interview with Lance Armstrong, who kinda sorta admitted that he was indeed doping for all those years that he said he wasn't. No one was probably more happy than Lance that the whole Manti Te'o story broke when it did, deflecting some of the media's attention. Unfortunately for Lance, he's now <a href="http://blogs.lawyers.com/2013/01/lance-armstrong-sued-for-lying/">being sued by two former fans</a> over his autobiography "It's Not About the Bike". They claim that they purchased the tome under false advertising, as the story is more fiction than fact. Poor Lance. Doesn't anyone care anymore that the man survived cancer and only has one testicle? That's got to count for something, right????</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 27px;">The NHL returned to center ice on Saturday, January 19th. Although fans had threatened a lockout of their own, it seems like it took nothing more than $1 hot dogs to woo them back. Games have seen record crowds, and television numbers have been up. Unfortunately for my Washington Capitals, things looked better during the off-season than they do right now. The Caps are a dismal 1-5-1 after two weeks of play. </span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 27px;">And finally, this Sunday is the BIG GAME between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Also known as the Har-Bowl. Also known as Ray Lewis's last hurrah. Also known as...no, that's pretty much it. While many of you will be tuning in strictly for the commercials and the half time show, there are more than a few intriguing story lines that will play out for Super Bowl XLVII. For instance, which Harbaugh brother will be able to claim victory at family events over the next...forever? Does Randy Moss's ego have more room to grow after proclaiming himself the "greatest receiver to ever play the game" during media day? Will Deion Sanders just stand beside Alex Smith on the Niners' sideline and continue to ask him if his lack of podium still bothers him? And for God's sake, will Beyonce lip sync????</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 27px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 27px;">I'll tell you this much, regardless of who wins, you can guarantee <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/01/28/ray-lewis-cry-saturday-night-live/1872843/">Ray Lewis will cry at least five times.</a> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 27px;"> ***************************************************</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 27px;">Well kids, that's all I've got. Enjoy your weekend. Stay dry, stay warm, and stay humble.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 27px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 27px;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image provided by <a href="http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-the-most-heartbreaking-and-inspirational-story-of-the-college-football-season-is-a-hoax">deadspin</a>.</span></i></span>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-17501054355989851002013-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:002013-01-11T05:00:11.439-08:00W.A.G.<br />
Monday night's championship game between Notre Dame and Alabama perfectly encapsulated sport's hot new trend: the WAG obsession.<br />
<br />
<i>What's a WAG, you say? </i>Good question. I had no idea myself until coming across this tweet last Friday by a minor league baseball reporter:<br />
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I immediately Googled it, because hey...Google knows everything. It turns out WAG stands for "Wives and Girlfriends"...most notably, hot ones of professional athletes.<br />
<br />
Then on Saturday, my stepdad excitedly told me of this <a href="http://www.athleteswives.com/">awesome new website</a> he'd found. It was this magical place where you could look up wives and girlfriends of athletes and rate their attractiveness.<br />
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"Oh yeah," I replied nonchalantly. "It's called WAG, right?"<br />
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"What's a WAG"? was the response. "All I know is that kid from Alabama...his girlfriend is an eleven. Out of ten. There is no way he's dating her."<br />
<br />
<i>Sigh.</i><br />
<br />
Thus became my second foray into the WAG world in 24 hours. And the first time Katherine Webb's name would enter into my every day conversation.<br />
<br />
No more than 48 hours later, the WAG craze would strike again. As mentioned in <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2013/01/sportsonista-grumpy-cat-edition.html">my grumpy cat post</a>, Monday's NC became more about a certain female in the stands than what was going on in the field of play. So much so, that announcer Brent Musburger had to issue a "mea culpa" for remarks that "Quarterbacks get all the good looking women" and that "youngsters should start getting the ball out and throwing it around the backyard." During the course of the game, Webb gained over 100,000 twitter followers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katherine Webb...Hottie McHottie or Kate Middleton in drag?</td></tr>
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<br />
While Katherine Webb isn't my pick for WAG of the year, it's a no-brainer that athletes and hot women go together like peas and carrots. <i>He's physically fit and a money train. She's arm candy.</i> It's like a match made in football Ken and Malibu Barbie heaven.<br />
<br />
Derek Jeter? The poster boy for WAG hunting. He's dated almost every hot chick in Hollywood. Minnesota Twins Catcher Joe Mauer? Dated a beauty queen himself in Chelsea Cooley. Chicago Bulls Guard Marko Jaric? Married Supermodel Adriana Lima. Tom Brady? Gisele Bundchen. The list goes on and on.<br />
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So, tell me...what do you think of this obsession with the wives and girlfriends of athletes? Who should top the all-time hottest list? Do you think I'm crazy to be hating on Katherine Webb? Let me know!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://barstoolu.barstoolsports.com/files/2012/12/zap-zap-misc-pictures-617.jpeg">barstoolsports</a>, <a href="http://www.athleteswives.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Joe-Mauer-Chelsea-Cooley-e1318299235561.jpg">athleteswives</a>, <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--HPlS_RxhiU/T1Cpka5evaI/AAAAAAAAnjU/fRhyiF0Bz9k/s1600/Adriana+Lima+VS+March+2012-3.jpg">4.bp.blogspot</a>, and <a href="http://img2.timeinc.net/people/i/2007/database/giselebundchen/giselebundchen300.jpg">people</a>. </span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-41537738863823561092013-01-08T08:05:00.000-08:002013-01-08T08:05:53.474-08:00Sportsonista: The Grumpy Cat editionNo, I haven't given up blogging. I've just been in a sports slump all fall. College football was a disaster, college basketball's not looking much better, NHL has been out of commission, and the NBA sucks.<br />
<br />
With that being said, let's ease on back to this, shall we?<br />
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Last night was the National Championship between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Alabama. With his team down by 4 touchdowns headed into the half, Coach Brian Kelly delivered what may be the best interview ever:<br />
<br />
<i>"What do we need to do to get back in the game? Hope that Alabama doesn't come out of the locker room in the second half."</i><br />
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Well played, sir. Well played.<br />
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Because the game was...shall we say...a bit boring, the cameramen had to find other things to focus on. Mainly 'Bama QB AJ McCarron's girlfriend, and Miss Alabama USA, Katherine Webb. Apparently I'm the only one who doesn't think she's, as my stepdad put it, an "eleven out of ten". Regardless, if they had panned to her and found Johnny "Heisman" "Football" Manziel sitting next to her, I might have peed myself.<br />
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<br />
On Sunday, it was announced that the NHL Hockey lockout had ended. Celebrations were held across the country. Most notable were the fans in Columbus, who took to the streets to rejoice the return of their beloved Blue Jackets.<br />
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<i>Courtesy of NHL_Problems for the photo and the joke.</i><br />
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<br />
And honestly, folks, that's all I've got. Opening Day is 83 days. Praise Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/024/363/Picture16_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75">bleacherreport</a>, <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/rf/image_r/Boston/2011-2020/2012/12/04/BostonGlobe.com/Sports/Images/manziel.r.jpg">bostonglobe</a>, and <a href="http://larrybrownsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/aj-mccarron-katherine-webb-530x454.jpg">larrybrownsports.</a></span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-60347799547662203712012-10-23T03:00:00.000-07:002012-10-23T03:00:03.212-07:00It's the The Great Implosion, Charlie Brown<br />
This week is one of my favorites. It's the stretch before Halloween, which means I'm busy finishing up my costume, carving pumpkins, jumping in leaf piles, and watching any and all scary-related programming on TV.<br />
<br />
And on this past Saturday night, I got a front-row, first hand seat to one of the scariest things I've seen in a while: the implosion of the WVU football team.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">That's not a happy face</span></td></tr>
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<br />
Just two short weeks ago, after a brilliant victory in Austin over the Texas Longhorns, Mountaineer fans were riding an extreme high. Our team was ranked #5 in the country, and our quarterback was seemingly a shoo-in for the Heisman trophy. Although our defense was...shall we say, shaky?!?....our offense was lighting up the sky with an air raid that was as exciting to watch as it was automatic to count on.<br />
<br />
Then Texas Tech happened. In horror, we watched as the Red Raiders manhandled our squad like a bunch of Pop Warner league school children. To make matters worse, rumors of the Mountaineers' arrogance and attitude swirled faster than Coach Dana Holgorsen's hair in the blistering Texas wind.<br />
<br />
<i>"An anomaly,"</i> I thought. <i>"They have those games every year. I bet they'll come back next week at home with a vengeance."</i> So I didn't worry too much. Sure, that loss was unfortunate, but it wasn't devastating by any means. A win over #4 Kansas State would put us right back in the driver's seat.<br />
<br />
********************************************************************<br />
<br />
When all was said and done this past Saturday evening, the carnage was like something out of a George Romero movie. I'll spare everyone the awful details, only to say that the final box score read: K-State- 52, WVU- 14.<br />
<br />
And after that travesty, it was time to face facts: WVU is in full implosion mode.<br />
<br />
Why? What the hell has happened in the past two weeks to make things go downhill so, so terribly fast?<br />
<br />
Well, for starters, the defense is clearly well past shaky. They suck, pure and simple. According to the coaches, it's not the schemes being run...it's the players. Alright, I'll buy the fact that we don't seem to have personnel that can cover any pass deeper than two yards. However, if the coaches know that to be the case, isn't there something they can do to "dumb" down the coverage? Or maybe tell their guys to at least be in front a receiver, not behind him, when a ball is being thrown down the sidelines?<br />
<br />
But we all knew the defense wasn't going to win any awards, and having the best two defensive players out in Will Clarke and Broderick Jenkins isn't helping. The TRULY frightening thing is what's happened to the offense, and more specifically, Geno Smith. The Heisman leader has looked anything but the last two games, leading this sportsonista to believe something is going on with him mentally or emotionally.<br />
<br />
When asked what the issues were with the offense following Saturday's slaughter, Holgorsen snidely commented, "We've put up hundreds of yards of offense. I didn't suddenly forget how to coach."<br />
<br />
So, then Holgs...what, exactly, is the problem? Is not having Shawne Alston as an extra back finally taking its toll? Is it Stedman Bailey's sparse play the last two games? Did Geno buy too much into his Heisman hype?<br />
<br />
All I can say is, I'm glad the team has a week off to work out their issues. Because if something isn't turned around, and fast, it's going to be a longggggggggggg rest of the season. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image provided by <a href="http://espn./">espn.</a> </span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-13184533467005699492012-10-04T03:00:00.000-07:002012-10-04T03:00:02.939-07:00Take Me to the Promised (Grant)land<br />
Bill Simmons is my idol.<br />
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The way young girls worship Justin Beiber? The way ultra-Republicans pant over Rush Limbaugh? That's how I feel about Bill Simmons.<br />
<br />
Mr. "Sports Guy" himself is the reason I wanted to start a sports blog. He's like if a sports encyclopedia mated with Conan O'Brien (or someone equally as funny). His pithy, witty sports columns are all that I strive (and, probably mostly, fail) to be.<br />
<br />
Our relationship started out fairly breezy, as my friend Leah would say. I would occasionally take a gander over to ESPN.com to catch a Sports Guy column...mostly mail bags, but also a feature piece or two.<br />
<br />
Then came his "Bill Simmons Goes to Vegas" piece (read <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090903">part 1</a> and <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090904">part 2</a> here). I read it until I cried. I made my parents read it. I told the world about it. I was that annoying person who would refer to Simmons as if we brunched every weekend and then, when people would give me dumb looks, would incredulously say, "You don't know who Bill Simmons IS?"<br />
<br />
It was probably at that moment that I went past "breezy" to full-fledged obsessed.<br />
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<br />
Last year, Simmons branched out from his ESPN gig to create a safe environment for other hilarious sports-minded writers like himself.<br />
<br />
<i>I'm still waiting for my invite to join the staff, BTW.</i><br />
<br />
Thus, <u>Grantland </u>was born. And it was glorious.<br />
<br />
But, I didn't visit as often as I should. Not even when Mark Titus of "Club Trillion" (a Bill Simmons prodigy and former walk-on for the Ohio State Buckeye basketball team) joined the ranks.<br />
<br />
<i>If you've never heard of Mark Titus, please read his <a href="http://clubtrillion.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-in-elevator.html">"Love in an Elevator"</a> blog post. You're welcome.</i><br />
<br />
Anyhoo, I think it was the narcissist in me. Or the lazy in me. Either way, I didn't want to be influenced by the awesomeness that I would find on the site. I needed to keep a sense of self in my own blog, even if that sense was totally inferior.<br />
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About now, you may be asking yourself...why the hell is she telling me this? Is the sports-o-nista that hard up for topics that she's rambling about other sports blogs?<br />
<br />
Well, yes, partly. But mostly because as of late, <u>Grantland</u> has been focusing on one particular topic near and dear to my heart: WVU.<br />
<br />
It started last Friday with a <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8428949/hunk-week-geno-smith-wvu-last-chances-wisconsin-nebraska-rest-week-college-football">blurb</a> about current Heisman front-runner Geno Smith. I promptly shared on my facebook page, then spent the entire weekend asking people if they had seen it. When they responded "No", I would make them listen as I read it aloud.<br />
<br />
And then Tuesday, <a href="http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8450199/the-magical-realism-west-virginia-bearing-witness-dana-holgorsen-maniacal-mountaineer-offense">this post</a> appeared. Anything that likened Head Coach Dana Holgorsen's hair to being ravaged by a family of vengeful squirrels was alright in my book. I mean seriously, can you imagine?<br />
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I guess what I'm trying to say is this....Bill Simmons already had my heart. But now that <u>Grantland</u> has made my Mountaineers their go-to topic of choice? My obsession has been reinforced, reinvigorated, and revitalized.<br />
<br />
So, thank you Bill Simmons. Thank you <u>Grantland</u>. I was never good at "breezy" anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://www.sportsjournalists.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Grantland-logo.jpg">sportsjournalists</a>, <a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/373659_299581706739411_118161707_n.jpg">profile</a>, and <a href="http://kwc.org/blog/archives/resources/2006/jedi.squirrels.jpg">kwc.</a></span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-21367288912793417972012-09-26T03:00:00.000-07:002012-09-26T03:00:02.186-07:00The Replacements<span style="font-family: inherit;">As Edward O'Neil, played by the talented Jack Warden, so eloquently stated in the very hilarious football movie <i>The Replacements</i>, we've all</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">seen monkey-shit fights at the zoo that are more organized than this."</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">"This", of course, refers to the disaster that is currently the NFL replacement refs. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Seems Legit</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The regular men in stripes, who before the season were locked out by the league over union disputes involving pay and pensions, have always been the focus of fan hatred.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">"WHAT THE F*&*&* was that ref? Get off your knees, you're blowing the game!" is the battle cry that has echoed throughout stadiums since the dawn of organized sport.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">But now? Now those beloved officials and their "expertise" have probably never been as sorely missed.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><i>Exhibit A: Monday night's game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers.</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">With the 'Hawks down 12-7 and facing a 4th and 10, QB Russell Wilson heaved up a Hail Mary pass that was intercepted by Packer Safety M.D. Jennings. Once Jennings fell to the ground, Seattle Receiver Golden Tate grabbed onto the ball. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The result was one ref signaling an interception and one signaling a touchdown. Simultaneously. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">After a ten minute debate in which both teams cleared the field, the "ruling" on the field was indeed a touchdown. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Except, you know, it wasn't. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">But let's be fair..."real" refs have blown calls too. Remember in 1990 when Colorado came from behind to beat Missouri 33-31, all thanks to a "fifth down"? Remember in 1999 when the Thanksgiving game between the Steelers and Lions went into OT, Jerome Bettis called "tails" but ref Phil Luckett heard "heads", and the Lions "won" the coin toss and ultimately the game? Or how about when the phantom offensive pass interference call against Darrell Jackson took points off the board for Seattle in Super Bowl XL, thus giving the Lombardi trophy to the Pittsburgh Steelers?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">So, refs blowing calls? Not anything new. It's just that these replacements are going beyond an occasional miss to out and out ridiculousness. Ignorance of rules, confusion over downs, not sure where the ball should actually be placed...all things that have become the norm these past few weeks. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Perhaps my favorite outlook on this was a story done by Deadspin, who tongue-in-cheekly suggested that these scabs were intentionally sabotaging games. You know...just cause they can.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">It's like the Three Stooges meets the NFL. While it's sometimes so mindblowingly terrible that it's funny, eventually the players safety and the integrity of the games is going to be sorely affected. And that moment might have already arrived.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Weigh in on the referee sitch. Should the NFL and Roger Goodell suck it up? Should the players go back on strike? Let me know!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Image provided by <a href="http://www.whatdoumeme.com/">www.whatdoumeme.com</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-56423391664736140832012-09-19T03:00:00.000-07:002012-09-19T03:00:02.102-07:00You Say (Flying) To-MAY-to, I Say Jail BirdI debated whether or not to post on the Shaun White arrest because I like to keep things classy and professional on this blog.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Shaunwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Shaunwhite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Oh honey, that's not a good look for you.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<i>LOL just kidding...this is tres good shit, non?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Yes, Mr. Shaun White...everyone's favorite snowboarder and most-liked carrot top since Lucille Ball....has done a 840 and landed solidly in a crap load of trouble. The boarder got arrested in Nashville early Sunday morning for vandalism and public intoxication.<br />
<br />
Oops.<br />
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Apparently White went a little overboard on a family and friends celebration and decided to pull a fire alarm at the Vanderbilt Hotel...clearly a celebratory party foul. Further proving that the kid had a<i> littttle</i> too much to drink, White chose not to sign misdeamnor citations, which would have kept him out of the slammer.<br />
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AND, Shaun is no stranger to unruly behavior as it applies to fire safety. He was also cited in 2007 for destroying a fire extinguisher in a Breckenridge, CO hotel. For his part, White issued a "mea culpa", blaming his poor decisions on the fact that he merely got "carried away".<br />
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<i>Carried away by the Po Po, ammiright? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
At least White has company. Last night, right after their win over the Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner was also arrested for drunk and reckless driving.<br />
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<br />
Look, I don't know exactly what's going on in the south these days...maybe they're staging a late protest over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida%E2%80%93Georgia_football_rivalry">World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party</a> going dry, or maybe it's just the heat, but seriously....let's lighten up on the boozing shall we? It will save everyone a lot of trouble and really embarrassing mug shots.<br />
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<br />Want to weigh in on the latest pro athletes to cross paths with the law? Hit me up and let me know!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image provided by <a href="http://cdn1.gossipcenter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_header/photos/shaun-white-legal-arrest.jpg">gossipcenter</a>. </span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-86943482854977130562012-09-13T05:56:00.001-07:002012-09-13T05:56:53.651-07:00A Brit in King Arthur's Court<i>Cue up Celine Dion, 'cause Andy Murray is on top of the world. </i><br />
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It was just merely a month ago that the young Brit defeated Roger Federer to win the Olympic Gold Medal at his home court of Wimbledon. Now, Murray can add one more title to his resume: US Open Champ.</div>
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On Monday, after being delayed by rain deluges, Murray flew high once again....this time taking down Novak Djokovic at the legendary Arthur Ashe stadium in New York. His win also broke a 76 year old streak of Great Britain being sans a Grand Slam title winner.<br />
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Pretty impressive for a guy who seemed to be always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Straight set losses in 2008 to Roger Federer at the US Open, the 2010 Australian Open, and at 2012 Wimbledon, combined with the loss to Djokovic in 2011 at the Australian Open, had left Murray feeling a little like an outsider looking in at the grand world of a Grand Slam title.<br />
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Then came London in August of 2012.<br />
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Maybe Princess Catherine sent her fairy godmother to help a brother out. Maybe Murray's gorg girlfriend Kim Sears has been cooking him better food. All I know is, the Brit is on a roll.<br />
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Plus? I like listening to him talk. Like all freaking day.<br />
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So kudos Andy Murray. In a country that has a long history of royalty, you are more than apt to become the next king of tennis.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Image provided by <a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/files/2012/09/murray_798430c-1.jpg">telegraph.co.uk</a>.</span></i></div>
Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-62754099027693817542012-09-04T06:57:00.000-07:002012-09-04T06:57:06.943-07:00Football Fashion Police...Pt. 3<i>It's here guys...the 2012-13 edition of the Football Fashion Police. I'd like to say that uniform design is getting better, but let's be honest...it's getting more outrageously hideous with each passing year. And I LUV it. So without further ado, let's check out the madness shall we?</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">DON'T</span></b> make your uniform look like something out of the periodic table. If I wanted to be in chemistry class, I wouldn't be at a football game.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nebraska and Wisconsin...H..2...hell no.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DO</b> </span>make military crispness a fashion statement, like our friends from the Air Force. These clean and neat unis are spectacular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/airforce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/airforce.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Love these. Love the stripe, love the lightning bolt, love it all.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">DON'T </span>try to make "Flomo" happen, Gretchen Wieners! It's not fetch, ok???? Flomo, for those of you who are unaware, is this fall's trend of mixing cammo and floral, as it seems our brethren from Wyoming are trying to do. Just...ew.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/wyoming-camo-uniforms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/wyoming-camo-uniforms.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cows aren't going to fall for that disguise, and neither are we.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DO</b> </span>make a uniform that people like moi will lust after. Seriously, I'm LUSTING. Well done, Utah State, well done.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">DON'T </span>forget that horizontal stripes aren't necessarily a flattering fashion choice. I saw these beauties when Northwestern played against Syracuse this weekend, and they are as hideous in play as they are in theory. It's a little better in the darker shades, but not by much.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I feel your pain #12. I'd be asking "Why God, Why?" too.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>DO</b> </span>realize that after a disastrous attempt at cool uniforms in 2011, you can really only go up. Kudos Maryland for not being nearly as hideous as last year. I have a feeling that may be the only bright spot in your season, judging by your game against William and Mary.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/MarylandOfficialUnderArmour2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/MarylandOfficialUnderArmour2012.jpg" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anything beats that seizure producing helmet and turtle shell pattern.</td></tr>
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And in a category I like to call "I honestly have no idea"....<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Virginia Tech 2012-13 Helmets</span></b><br />
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I personally think the turkey tracks are cool, but the cammo helmet is ridiculously stupid. So....yeah.<br />
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Let me know what you think about this year's dos and don'ts. Anyone I missed? What about Penn State having their names on their jerseys for the first time? Hit me up!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Images provided by <a href="http://tucsoncitizen.com/usa-today-sports/2012/07/27/nebraska-will-new-look-uniforms-vs-wisconsin/">tucsoncitizen</a>, <a href="http://www.sportsgrid.com/ncaa-football/new-ncaa-football-uniforms/#10">sportsgrid</a>, <a href="http://gazetteafasports.freedomblogging.com/files/2012/08/uniform11.jpg">gazetteafasports</a>, <a href="http://www.lostlettermen.com/wp-content/uploads/wyoming-camo-uniforms.jpg">lostlettermen</a>, <a href="http://helmetgame.com/utah-state-get-new-logo-and-uniforms-4032/549253_10151582178515721_57460905720_24055832_1611920939_n-3/">helmetgame</a>, <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/images/collegefootball/MarylandOfficialUnderArmour2012.jpeg">cbssports</a> and <a href="http://gamedayr.com/gamedayr/hokies-nike-camo-and-hokie-track-helmets/">gamedayr</a>.</i></span>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-48290159710951109432012-08-30T06:18:00.002-07:002012-08-30T06:18:21.356-07:00I'm BAA-AAA-CCKKKOh HAY guys! It's been a hot second since we were last together, but can I be honest with you? The Olympics burned me out. It got to the point where I was feeling immense guilt if I didn't tune in each night, and that's just cray cray, ammiright?<br />
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Anyway, I'm feeling slightly refreshed after my few weeks hiatus, which is good because FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE. Actually, more importantly, COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE.<br />
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Now, I hope everyone has had ample time to check out your favorite sports news media outlet and see what conference your team is now playing for, because chances are it's changed since last January.<br />
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For instance, about a week and a half ago, I went on ESPN to catch up on bloggy news about WVU, and it took me a few seconds to remember to go to the Big XII site. I don't even really remember WVU being an independent, as I was 10 when the Big East was formed, so that was trippy and weird and a little uncomfortable.<br />
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But my alma mater is certainly not the only one that has switched lanes and gears and everything else when it comes to conferences. The Big XII is also welcoming in the Horned Frogs of TCU while bidding farewell to Mizzou and Texas A&M, who are headed to the SEC. Meanwhile, the Big East (who is not yet losing Syracuse and Pitt to the ACC) is welcoming back Temple- the same team they kicked out just 8 years ago. I guess when your conference members are dropping like flies, a 14-80 record in conference play doesn't look quite as bad as it used to.<br />
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And when 2013 and 2014 roll around? Hands up as to who's going to need some sort of <i>Conferences for Dummies</i> guide book.<br />
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There are also plenty of new coaches: Mike Leach at Washington State (welcome back!), Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss (welcome to the SEC!), and Bill O'Brien at Penn St (welcome to what is probably going to be your worst nightmare).<br />
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Then there is Urban Meyer. The illustrious former Florida Gator head coach is returning to his alma mater Ohio State to take over a probation-laden program. The good news? Ohio State is apparently talent-heavy and ranked in the top ten pre-season. The bad news? It doesn't really matter, because playing for pride isn't nearly as fun as say...playing for a national championship.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well, this sucks.</td></tr>
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When all is said and done with the pre-season back stories and predictions, however, it all comes down to what will happen on the gridiron. And that, my friends, begins tonight.<br />
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Who better to kick off the 2012-13 season than the Ol' Ball Coach himself Steve Spurrier? His #9 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks travel to Vanderbilt to take on the Commodores. The fun continues tomorrow night with a match-up between a pair of ranked foes in #24 Boise St. and #13 Michigan St.<br />
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But the REAL excitement will come on Saturday evening, when #8 Michigan takes on #2 Alabama at neutral Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Remember when Michigan lost that opener a few years ago against lowly App. State at home? Remember that 'Bama is the reigning National Champ after beating conference rival LSU in a controversial rematch? Yeah, this one should shake out to be pretty entertaining.<br />
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In short, I am glad that college football, like <i>moi</i>, is indeed back. Aren't you?<br />
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Hit me up and let me know what you're most looking forward to this season. See ya on the flip side!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://www.wvusports.com/galleryPhotos/DSC_2031.jpg">wvusports</a>, <a href="http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2012/0712/dm_120712_enterprise_urban_meyer_presser.jpg">espn</a>, and <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZaphGKaIlXk/UDxDuRS04FI/AAAAAAAAAh0/PRev1lebBl4/Alabama%25252520Michigan%25252520Dallas%25252520logo%2525255B6%2525255D.jpg">lh6.</a></span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-26420246423063804752012-08-08T04:00:00.000-07:002012-08-08T07:16:36.631-07:00Pedal Through the Medals<br />
Wow, what an exciting week and half it's been for the Olympics already! We've had tears of joy, tears of sadness, and tears of disgust from women all over the world<a href="http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2012/08/ryan-lochte-admits-urinating-pool-olympics-notes-theres-something-about-chlorine-wat"> finding out Ryan Lochte pees in the pool.</a><br />
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We've had history made: the USA winning both the women's team gold and All-Around gold in gymnastics, a para-Olympian making it to the semi-finals of the 400 meters in track, an American man failing to make the 400 meter finals for the first time EVER, and a swimmer who has become the most decorated Olympian in history (Michael Phelps with 22 medals, just in case you've been living under a rock).<br />
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We've seen Mckayla Maroney, American gymnast and vaulter extraordinaire, fail to earn a gold medal in her event. You know, the gold medal that, next to the US basketball squad, was about as assured as a gold medal can get? We've seen Gabby Douglas fail to earn a single invidual event medal after taking the All-Around title...a first in the sport.<br />
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And speaking of gymnastics, we've seen some of the most ridiculous parents EVER this past week. Special gold medal awarded to the people sitting behind Aly Raisman's folks just for tolerating the crazy.<br />
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We've seen beach volleyball superstars Kerri Walsh-Jennings and Misty May-Treanor lost their first Olympic set in...oh, ever. But we've also seen them rally back to their superb form, setting up a gold-medal battle against fellow Americans April Ross and Jennifer Kessy. On the flip side, we've seen defending Olympic champs Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser fail to make it to the medal rounds. <br />
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<a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Misty-May-Treanor-Kerri-Walsh-Jennings-Beach-Volleyball-Women-London-2012-Olympics-600x428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Misty-May-Treanor-Kerri-Walsh-Jennings-Beach-Volleyball-Women-London-2012-Olympics-600x428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We've seen the Chinese continue to dominate in diving and the Jamaicans continue to be really, really fast.<br />
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We've seen countless bouts of judo, handball, and table tennis. LOL, <em>just kidding</em>...<em>no one watches that crap.</em><br />
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We've seen the Phelps/Lochte showdown get overshadowed by young swimming phenoms like Missy Franklin, Elizabeth Beisel and Katie Ledecky.<br />
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And yes, above it all, we've seen a man overcome a lackluster start to earn not his 19th, not his 20th, not his 21st, but his 22nd Olympic medal. And in a week filled with so many memorable moments, that's about as history changing as you can get.<br />
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So guys, what's been your most memorable Olympic moment so far? Or have you abandoned all hope for cable tv? Let me know!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>Images provided by </em></span><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2012/8/4/1344074180696/Oscar-Pistorius-002.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>guim.co.uk</em></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://media.salon.com/2012/08/maroney_rect-460x307.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>salon</em></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>, </em></span><a href="http://wallpapersup.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Misty-May-Treanor-Kerri-Walsh-Jennings-Beach-Volleyball-Women-London-2012-Olympics-600x428.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>wallpapersup,</em></span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em> and </em></span><a href="http://www.dailyguideghana.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/michael_phelps.jpg"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>dailyguideghana.</em></span></a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-6471250681654464342012-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:002012-08-01T05:00:07.201-07:00International (Fashion) AffairsTwo weeks ago I kicked off my Olympic 2012 coverage by examining the controversy that was the <a href="http://thesports-o-nista.blogspot.com/2012/07/let-controversy-begin.html">American Opening Ceremony outfits</a>. But that was just the tip of the iceberg my friends. We're not even through a whole week yet in London, and there have already been some very definite fashion DOS and DON'Ts. Judges?<br />
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<b>DO</b> be insanely cool like Usain Bolt and rock a military-inspired jacket while flashing that famous smile. Le sigh!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Jamaica-Getty_2292825a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Jamaica-Getty_2292825a.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: 9</span></td></tr>
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<br /><b>DON'T</b> wear a rhinestone grill to your medal ceremony. I don't care how patriotic you think you're being...that's just not necessary, nor is it particularly attractive. <div>
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<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/RYAN-GRILL-EPA_2293151a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/RYAN-GRILL-EPA_2293151a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: 3</span></td></tr>
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<b>DO</b> be cute as a button in classic cardigans and full skirts ala the Denmark squad. And we all thank you for not looking like airline stewardesses.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Demarkreuters_2292783a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Demarkreuters_2292783a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: 8.5</span></td></tr>
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<b>DON'T</b>, and I mean for the love of God, don't wear scrunchies. For all the innovations we've had in the sport of gymnastics lately, can't we find something else to hold our hair back? A pretty ribbon perhaps?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/scrunchies-collage_2293302a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/scrunchies-collage_2293302a.jpg" width="323" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: 2</span></td></tr>
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<b>DO</b> live in a country small enough to be clad entirely by Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo. Sure, the women of San Marino look a little silly carrying handbags, but who cares? It's a freaking Ferragamo for crying out loud!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/OPENING-DESIGNERS_2292866a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/OPENING-DESIGNERS_2292866a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: 9.5...a deduction was taken off because I'm jealous</span></td></tr>
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and finally...<br />
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<b>DON'T</b> look like you were styled by Ugly Betty, mmmkay? Mexico deserves better. We all do.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Mexico.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Mexico.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Judges Score: DQ for burning my eyes out with this nonsense</span></td></tr>
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So friends...what have been your highlights or dislikes of the Olympic fashion scene so far? Hit me up and let me know!<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></i><br />
<i style="font-size: x-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://stilettosandstuff.blogspot.com/">stilettosandstuff</a>, <a href="http://nojustno.co.uk/imperfectly-poncho/">nojustno.co.uk</a>, and <a href="http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/article/TMG9430156/London-2012-Olympics-fashion-latest.html">fashion.telegraph.co.uk.</a></i></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-79060056077400121762012-07-31T04:00:00.000-07:002012-07-31T04:00:11.235-07:00XXX<br />It's finally here. The London Games! The 30th Olympiad! The sporting event that pre-empts every other TV show!<br />
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It's been a while since we've last met, but the Olympics are a special occasion. Ergo, I thought I'd bring you a special live blog of the Opening Ceremonies...5 days later. <em>You know, just like NBC</em>. Now, this may not make any sense if you didn't watch the ceremony Friday night, but that's not my problem, mmkay?<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<em>Initial thought....are they just going to do everything on grass? 'Cause that's both lazy and weird. Pastoral, but weird.</em><br />
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<em>Oh no wait...there goes the grass. Whew.</em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 2012 games are brought to you by Danny Boyle's 5th Grade diorama.</span><br />
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<em>Ahh, look. There's Kenneth Branagh. How much do I love him? (answer...a lot). I'm now explaining who exactly he is to my stepdad, though. Sure, he's no Mr. Bean, but he played a mean Hamlet.</em><br />
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<em>Moving on to the industrial revolution....they're now forging a ring with lots of fire and smoke. There's surely a Tolkien joke in here somewhere, but I'm not in the mood to think of it.</em><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/0727-London-opening-ceremonyjpg_full_380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/0727-London-opening-ceremonyjpg_full_380.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In a land called Mordor...far, far away...</span><br />
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<em>Hold up now...is this Daniel Craig aka James Bond? Why, yes it is! Someone British I adore even MORE than Kenneth Branagh. No explanation required on this one. And wait for it...he's with THE QUEEN!!!! HRH!!!! They are so their own Dream Team. As I'm watching them load into this helicopter and "jump" out of it to make their grand entrance, I'm struck by the thought that I had no idea the Queen was such a great sport. I guess everyone wants to be a Bond girl.</em><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/DanielCraigasJamesBondwithTheQueeninOlympicsfilm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/DanielCraigasJamesBondwithTheQueeninOlympicsfilm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Words cannot even express...</span></td></tr>
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<em>We're about an hour or so into this, and I'm beginning to wonder when Harry Potter will make an entrance. Someone on Twitter remarked that Harry would be lighting the Olympic cauldron with his wand. Now THAT would be amazing. </em><br />
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<em>We've moved on to a tribute somehow incorporating British children's lit and the health care system. Okkkk then. Looks to me like just a bunch of kids sharing a gurney. Do you really have to share beds as part of Great Britain's health care? Cuz they might want to re-think that.</em><br />
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<em>As the kids fall asleep into some sort of nightmarish world (because you know you're not having good dreams with little Tommy kicking you from the foot of the bed), blow-up villians from famous books appear. Among them, a blow-up Voldemort (Yay Harry Potter!). Now all we need is a Roald Dahl giant peach rolling kids over Indiana Jones-style and we're all set. PS...the ginormous baby at the end of this sequence was BY FAR the scariest thing. *Shudder*</em><br />
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<em>*Insert Mr. Bean/Rowan Atkinson/Chariots of Fire skit here*</em><br />
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<em>Some sort of MTV on crack portion is happening now. I have no idea what's going on, other than Meredith Viera is singing like she's in her shower and not broadcasting an event watched by billions. I'd say this would be the most awkward thing of the entire evening, but it's not.</em><br />
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<em>I immensely enjoy the Bowie homage, but am thoroughly confused by the London rapper. They have those? I thought Great Britain just shipped in Kanye when they wanted rap. Also? Who else thought that Prince Harry should have been in the middle of that house party, doing some sort of keg stand. No? Just me?</em><br />
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<em>Oh hayyyyy the Parade of Nations is finally starting. Let the inappropriate and insensitve comments commence! </em><br />
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<em>First up, Bob Costas makes a pretty funny badminton joke (not funny enough for me to recount here, but funny). Apparently Denmark is the most competitive non-Asian country in badminton. Huh, how bout that.</em><br />
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<em>Five hours later, I'm trying to get over my appalled horror at the Ugly Betty inspired Mexican outfits when I hear Costas refer to the genocide in Rwanda as "the trouble they had in the 90s". Yes Bob, that would be one way of putting it. Thank goodness they've gotten past that though, right? Genocide really brings down a party.</em><br />
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<em>And.....I'm drifting off....zzzzzz....OH THE USA! I mean, can't we just go by America? That would make this thing so much easier to watch. I love that LeBron is surrounded by some white dudes who are not-so-subtly trying to get him their camera shots. Everyone loves a winner. </em><br />
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<em>Great Britain has entered, which means we're just one cauldron lighting away from being done this ten hour broadcast. Now usually this is some top-secret "Winston Churchill is rising from the dead to light it with a cigar" kind of thing, but nope. The British showcase a bunch of nobody teenagers who may or may not succeed in sports one day. The multi-petaled fire thingy is super cool though.</em><br />
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<em>YAY! The torch is lit, the Queen has declared the Games open, and Sir Paul McCartney is leading everyone in Hey, Jude. This party is officially started.</em><br />
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<em>Welcome to London, ya'll!</em><br />
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<a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Live-recap-Best-from-opening-ceremony-L61UR55I-x-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Live-recap-Best-from-opening-ceremony-L61UR55I-x-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by </span></em><a href="http://i.usatoday.net/sports/_photos/2012/07/27/Live-recap-Best-from-opening-ceremony-L61UR55I-x-large.jpg"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">usatoday</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Olympics/2012/0727/Opening-Ceremony-London-2012-wit-and-charm-on-a-midsummer-s-night"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">csmonitor</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, </span></em><a href="http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/2012/07/james-bond-star-daniel-craigs-mission-to-parachute-the-queen-into-olympics-video.html"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">coventrytelegraph</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">, and </span></em><a href="http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/07/27/olympics-opening-ceremony-london-live-blog/"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">popwatch.ew.</span></em></a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-47063633666513779002012-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:002012-07-18T03:00:03.977-07:00Let the Controversy Begin!<br />
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Guys, the Olympics are just around the corner and already the drama is in high gear. No, a Russian judge hasn't gone rogue and started handing out threes for artistic merit, and a South Korean coach/official hasn't complained yet.<br />
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I'm talking about something much more serious....fashion ya'll.<br />
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Last week the USA Olympic team opening ceremony outfits were unveiled to the national public. American Designer and icon Ralph Lauren was pegged to create the ensembles, which are supposedly a throwback to the 1940s (30s? 20s? I don't know which one, but it's a low decade definitely).<br />
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Before I get into the real outcry, can we discuss the actual outfit for a sec? I love the blazers, the pleated skirts, the jaunty ascot-like scarf, and even the beret. But Ralph, seriously....what the heck is going on with the women's footwear???? Are they wearing orthopedic shoes? Saddle shoes and anklets? I mean, I kinda adore the high-heeled booties in the drawing, but the real life depiction....(shudder).<br />
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Anyhoo, it's possible these outfits won't even make it to the main stage in London due to the fact that they're not American-made. Yes, these lovely uniforms were harvested from China, causing uproars of epic proportions.<br />
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Ok, look...I get it. But honestly, chill out. Here's why having Chinese-crafted uniforms are actually perfect:<br />
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A) The Olympics are all about bringing nationalities together. Multicultural awareness and all that. What better way to do so then to outsource our products?<br />
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B) Is there really anything more American these days than something made in China? It's like tradition. It's free trade and cheaper labor and angels smiles all rolled into one.<br />
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So please, people. Save your hurt feelings for when it really counts, like when Lance Armstrong ultimately gets drug-tested for the 10 millionth time or the USA Men's basketball team does something stupid, like lose to Hungary.<br />
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And if you, like me, could care less about where the uniforms were made, <a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=12517663">you can get your own official gear</a>. Or you can let me know what you think about the Chinese-made clothes or just the outfit itself.<br />
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Otherwise, I'll see you in London in 9 days!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Image provided by </span><a href="http://news.instyle.com/2012/07/11/ralph-lauren-olympic-uniforms/" style="background-color: white;">instyle.</a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-55335373546383973702012-07-11T06:22:00.000-07:002012-07-11T06:22:01.241-07:00Beating the HeatMy friend Leah and I attended the Pirates/Giants baseball game this past Saturday in Pittsburgh. With temperatures well in the 100s, we were both dreading sitting out in the blazing sun for the afternoon. Thus was born <i><b>Operation: Don't Die of Heat Stroke</b></i>. Part of that was sitting in an air-conditioned restaurant for the first few innings. The other part was a carefully planned outfit to maximize comfort for even the hottest of summer sporting events:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/whitetee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/whitetee.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=77817&vid=1&pid=898494&scid=898494102">Plain White T-Shirt</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=1332_3241_739&catId=cat380159">Lightweight Bright Denim Cutoffs</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/neutralsliponsandals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/neutralsliponsandals.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.endless.com/Anne-Klein-Womens-Annabella-T-Strap/dp/B007U1FA0M/188-1493272-1045310?ie=UTF8&ascsubtag=aid10475705-pid2687457-sid4e582c88da8740159ebab8583968089d&suppressRedirect=1&tag=endlesscj-20">Neutral Strappy Sandals</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/mossimo-supply-co-natural-fedora-with-black-band/-/A-13993561#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">Straw Fedora</a></span></td></tr>
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<br /><br />and of course, the ultimate accessory:<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/mistingfan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Fashion%20pics/mistingfan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/mistymate-misty-blue-black-green-2-5-oz/-/A-10989220#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">Misting Fan</a></span></td></tr>
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These misting fans saved our lives. Sure, your fellow fans might be a little jealous, but hey...it's called Darwinism people. Only the strong survive.<br /><br /></div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-79403098073928718792012-07-10T06:35:00.000-07:002012-07-10T06:35:21.063-07:00The Choice: The Prince or the Rose<br />
Last night I was faced with what can only be described as my own personal <i>Sophie's Choice</i>. Should I watch the fantasy date episode on <i>The Bachelorette</i>, or should I tune into the 2012 Home Run Derby? The evil TV gods had scheduled both for the same time slot, and I was torn.<br />
<br />
So I did what any self-respecting sportsonista would do: I switched back and forth between both. And while I won't bore you with details of The Bachelorette, I will share some thoughts on the Derby.<br />
<br />
Confession time... I didn't catch most of the first round, but of course, the HR Derby wouldn't be anything without some drama. The initial round was chock full of it. Andrew McCutchen getting overshadowed by the Josh Hamilton interview, captains Matt Kemp and Robbie Cano combining for ONE blast, and last years champ Cano getting lustily booed by the KC fans. And by lustily, I mean booed past the point of good-natured rivalry into the territory of awkward panda. Of course, Cano took to twitter to retaliate:<br />
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<a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Canotweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="55" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/Canotweet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It's the second round, however, where shiz got real. How fantastic was the George Brett interview and his subsequent delivery of ribs to John Kruk? Umm pretty damn fantastic. But I guess that's what being an "ambassador" of the All-Star Game does...has greasy, messy food delivered to the broadcast crew. Well played, sir.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/KRUK-EATING-RIBS.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/KRUK-EATING-RIBS.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<i>Side note...did you know both Brett and Kruk are from WV? Me either. </i><br />
<br />
Anyway, to recap the second: the kid Mark Trumbo was crushing them out of the park, threatening to put holes in the outfield wall. Trumbo was a questionable pick, but he provided some Josh Hamilton excitement to the contest. Meanwhile, Prince Fielder got über friendly with the outfield fountains, securing a spot for the championship after barely eking into the second round. First round leader Jose Bautista only needed three homers to make it into the finals, but with one out left and only two blasts recorded, the drama (as Chris Berman surmised) was on. Bautista sent it into a swing off with Trumbo, but knocked two out to advance against Fielder. Oh the drama!<br />
<br />
To the finals we go....<br />
<br />
Fielder went first, and by his sixth home run, I was almost convinced Bautista was going to just call it a day. But he didn't, and the Prince hit for an impressive 12-run third round, tying Cano's record set last year. For his part, Bautista put up a good fight and recorded 7 dingers, but in the end it just wasn't enough.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/princefielder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/princefielder.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prince was King in last night's Derby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;">Prince Fielder became just the second player to win two Home Run Derbies (Ken Griffey Jr. is the other), and the FIRST to win it as a National and American League player. He also won both of his titles in the state of Missouri (taking the title in St. Louis in 2009), proving that he takes the Show Me State motto to heart. </span><br />
<br />
And so, with that another Home Run Derby contest concluded. It wasn't the most epic battle we've ever seen, but it had ups, downs, and yes Chris Berman, it had drama.<br />
<br />
<i>Just like the Bachelorette. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Images provided by <a href="http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php/123288-We-are-lucky-Jones-isn-t-heading-to-the-DL">orioleshangout</a> and <a href="http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/001/785/129/148097505_crop_exact.jpg?w=650&h=440&q=75">bleacherreport.</a></span></i>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-50524379024994224622012-07-04T03:00:00.000-07:002012-07-04T03:00:07.415-07:00Fashionable Fourth<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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Happy 4th of July everyone! This is perhaps one of my favorite holidays to rock<br />
some cute fashion. The hot weather dictates that comfort is key: boat shoes, mini skirts, lightweight material, and of course, vibrant shades of red, white and blue.<br />
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</div>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-689524054786326775.post-33863993272184181122012-06-29T03:00:00.000-07:002012-06-29T03:00:04.789-07:00Different System, Same Problems<br />
<br />
After my post Wednesday on the US Swim Trials, a few friends of mine issued their surprise on Facebook over the fact that my topic of choice was not the new College Football Playoffs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/BCS1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j41/meppoptart/BCS1.png" width="320" /></a><i>Honestly? I hadn't even thought about it, which just goes to show its level of importance on my radar.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>To be fair, it IS a somewhat important development in college sports. After all, the fall out from the conference re-alignments has settled somewhat, leaving a relative calm atmosphere before the 2012 season kicks off in August. I guess we needed something to fill the void.<br />
<br />The thing is....I've never been a proponent of a playoff system. I know the fans have been clamoring for it since...forever, it seems. <i>"The BCS isn't fair!"</i> has been the outcry across the country.<br />
<br />
Well, now you've got what you wanted football fans. Let me point out a few factors that are going to make this just another pain in the ass system:<br />
<br />
1. Mid-Major teams like Boise St. who had a hard enough time just getting into the hunt with the old BCS? Well, you'll still be watching the big boys play on from your tv. The new system favors those teams who will finish first or second atop the big power conferences.<br />
<br />
2. Schools like Notre Dame and Big 10 affiliates, who "sometimes" get into bowl games based on name recognition rather than performance? Yeah, a playoff system kinda eliminates that. <em>Oh wait, this one I don't mind so much.</em><br />
<br />
3.Now your favorite team will be playing in a big bowl game around New Years, then possibly playing in another game in another venue a week or so later. Ummm, I don't know about anyone else, but I only scrape up enough funds to go to ONE bowl-like game a year. I can't imagine two. Plus, I imagine back-end details like ticketing will be a nightmare. We're talking a week or two to effectively sell to the hundreds of thousands of fans wanting to go to the game. Sure, playoffs aren't a new concept in D-I AA (I don't care what the new name is, it will always be D-I AA to me) or even pro football. The difference is teams aren't playing in a new location each time. There is always a home field advantage, making it slightly easier to manage. <br />
<br />
Maybe I'm being too skeptical. When WVU hired Bob Huggins to take over as head basketball coach, I wasn't thrilled. In fact, that was perhaps my first sports blog post ever (RIP Myspace), where I enumerated Huggins's faults as I understood them. I fully admit I was wrong. <br />
<br />
So hopefully I'll be wrong about this, but I kinda doubt it. And in a few years, when the masses are crying foul again and demanding a new system, I'll be interested to see the next foolish idea someone comes up with.<br />
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I know ya'll have opinions on this. Sound off to me...am I crazy? Or do you agree that this new "playoff" system is just a piece of crap in sheep's clothing. Let me know!<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image provided by </span></em><a href="http://rantsports.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/clubhouse/files/2012/06/BCS1.png"><em><span style="font-size: xx-small;">rantsports.</span></em></a><br />Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435625860971924576noreply@blogger.com1