Heavy Soul

The Hold Steady: FREE Friday night @ The Slowdown.

2011-08-24T23:40:00.001-05:00

Heavy Soul is Dead

2009-11-18T13:36:00.001-06:00

Greinke's Case

2009-09-18T10:37:00.002-05:00

I real good feeling that the Cy Young is not going to go to Greinke. I also know that it is a little late in the season for a Royals fan to be caring about baseball. I did find this article and it just speaks to how bad the Royals Bullpen and Offence has been this Year.

By the way Greinke being overlooked for a Cy Young this year is much worse the when that D-Bag Eric Chavez in Oakland beat Randa out of the Gold Glove in 2004.

http://www.royalsreview.com/2009/9/18/1036207/dumb-arguments-against-zack

1. He doesn't have enough wins.

Obviously, the Royals have the worst record in the American League, and Greinke personally possesses the worst individual run support in the AL as calculated by total runs scored in all starts. The bullpen has blown four games in which he's left the game in line for the win. The Yankees bullpen has not blown ANY of CC Sabathia's wins. Absolutely no one in the AL, pitcher or hitter, gives his team a better objective chance to win as monitored by WPA.

WPA (win percentage added):

Greinke 5.30, Verlander 4.25, Hernandez 3.53, Sabathia 2.52, Halladay 1.73

WPA's a little nebulous to me, so here's a breakdown by start of how well each starter kept his team in the game by starts (5+ runs = bad, 0-2 runs = good).

Starts allowing 5+ runs:

Greinke 3, Halladay 6, Verlander 7. Hernandez 7, Sabathia 8

Starts allowing 0-2 runs:

Greinke 21, Hernandez 19, Verlander 15, Sabathia 15, Halladay 14

Wins lost due to blown saves:

Greinke 4, Hernandez 3, Verlander 2, Halladay 1, Sabathia 0

Run support/9 IP:

Greinke 4.71, Hernandez 5.73, Halladay 6.14, Verlander 6.21, Sabathia: 7.80

Being more than a full run behind the next guy in run support with more wins lost to blown saves than anyone is like having to run two extra miles in the marathon more than everyone else in the competition.

2. His W/L % isn't very good.

In addition to receiving the worst run support in the AL, Greinke is also extremely unlucky. He has left eight games trailing, and the Royals were not able to take him off the hook in any of them. In contrast, Felix Hernandez, despite pitching for the team that has scored the least runs in the league, has left twelve games trailing and been taken off the hook on seven occasions, including two in which he got the win. Zack's also the only pitcher in the majors who has more than one outing where he gave up one run in seven or more innings and lost. On top of all that in his 30th start, he received a lead in the first inning for the first time all year.

Leads in the first inning:

Greinke 1, Hernandez 4, Sabathia 5, Verlander 5, Halladay 6

Baseball Prospectus's LUCK index measures the difference between expected W-L (calculated from pitcher performance) to actual W-L record:

Zack Greinke LUCK: -4.08, Team W-L: 59-87

Roy Halladay LUCK: 0.43, Team W-L: 66-80

Felix Hernandez LUCK: 2.99, Team W-L: 76-71

Justin Verlander LUCK: 3.25, Team W-L: 78-68

CC Sabathia LUCK: 6.07, Team W-L: 94-53

Hey, isn't it funny that luck correlates directly to team performance?

No decision breakdowns by games left ahead (A), tied (T), or behind (B):

Greinke: 3 A, 5 T, 0 B, ERA: 1.95

Hernandez: 2 A, 3 T, 5 B, ERA: 2.15

Verlander: 2 A, 2 T, 3 B, ERA: 4.63

Halladay: 1 A, 3T, 1 B, ERA: 2.73

Sabathia: 0 A, 4 T, 3 B, ERA: 3.71

All those other guys have bailed out by their teams when they've left the game behind, and they all have fewer games blown by the bullpen. Greinke has no such luxuries

Woodhead Waived By Jets; Picked Up By Mystery Team?

2009-09-08T00:54:00.004-05:00

Long time, no posty. Hi friends.

So Danny Woohead had quite the past few days. Rushes for the most yards in an NFL preseason game since the 90's, plus adds a couple of touchdowns. Makes final Jets roster. Less than 24 hours later, is waived by the Jets.

Bummer.

Or is it?

According to Pro Football Talk:

The Jets became one of the last teams to announce their practice squad, and the list is notable for a name not on it: preseason cinderella running back Danny Woodhead, who made the team Saturday, only to get waived Sunday.

This is likely good news for Woodhead and bad news for Jets fans that took a shining to the kid, because Woodhead has probably been claimed on waivers elsewhere.

The question is, of course, who is this mystery team? My only hope is that it is a team that plays the Jets, only in that Bill Callahan can be reminded YET AGAIN that he screwed up passing on this kid at Nebraska.

(Er, that's not my only hope. My *main* only hope is that he is picked up by the Bears. After that, though, the above paragraph remains true.)

Good luck with your new team, Danny. And regardless how it turns out, you've always made us Platters proud.

(P.S.: The "quote box" function on Blogger sucks my butt.)

My Geekiness is Getting in the Way of my Nerdiness

2009-08-25T21:28:00.006-05:00

District 9 is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The style (half historical documentary/ half normal film) really draws you into the movie. It's also one of those rare movies where you actually find yourself rooting for what you initially thought was an unlikable character. Definitely worth seeing in the theatre. Just thought I would try to up the posting to a twice monthly thing.

Gee it has only been a month...

2009-08-14T16:56:00.002-05:00

since the last time someone posted on here! I don't really have anything except the Rick Pitino scandal is awesome.

1. Paying for an abortion after a one night stand. Classy.

2. Louisville sticking by his side. Classier

3. Possibility that her now husband might have been paid off to marry her. Classiest

God bless America

Congratulations, GA!

2009-07-14T08:59:00.002-05:00

GA Hill and his better half welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world last night while most of us were watching SportsCenter.

Congratulations from the Heavy Soul Crew.

Big XII Preview, a la Heavy Soul

2009-07-11T10:17:00.004-05:00

Like Michael Jackson deprived of Diprivan, ol' Heavy Soul is hurtin' for posts. Fear not, King of Blogs fans, MIB is here with your fix.

Big XII North

1. Nebraska Cornhuskers. With a more physically talented, albeit less experienced, quarterback at the helm in addition to the most legitimate rushing attack the school has seen since a Heisman winner named Crouch donned the Scarlet and Cream, NU looks to be the favorite in the North Division. NU looks to have an improved defense in the second year of the new scheme.

2. Kansas Jayhawks. KU returns the Division's best QB in diminutive Todd Reesing as well as their top 5 rushers and top 4 receivers. One of those receivers is Dezmon Briscoe who with a similar season to 2008 will land himself multiple post-season accolades. However, offense was never the problem under Mark Man-i'll-eat-anything-including-your-child-if-you-don't-mind-gino, it was a defense that gave up about 450 ypg. And they lose their LB crew from that mediocre defense. To boot, the Jayhawks face Oklahoma, Texas, and Tech from the South Division. A bit rough.

3. Missouri Tigers. MU loses everyone that mattered to their recent success including key members of their coaching staff. They have the conferences fewest returning starters and fewest returning letterman. And Gary Pinkel couldn't coach Creighton's football team. Their best recruit, DT Sheldon Richardson failed to qualify academically. Missouri probably shouldn't even field a team this year. They'll probably fold after the Nebraska, @Okie St., Texas stretch.

4. Colorado Buffaloes. Dan Hawkins is predicting 10 wins from a schedule that includes games at West Virginia, Texas, and Oklahoma St. They also draw Kansas and Nebraska at home. That's 5 pretty conservative choices for losses. And these days, unless you play in the NFC North and not the Big XII North, it's difficult to rack up both 10 wins and 5 losses. And they can't stop receivers from transferring.

5. Iowa State Cyclones. Call me crazy, but this Iowa State bunch might surprise a few foes. Sure, they've had 3 head coaches in 4 years. And I'll spot you the fact that Iowa State is in fact still located in Ames, Iowa and not Dallas, Texas. And yes, I realize they do not have a bye week during the regular season. They do return a veteran QB that threw for nearly 2800 yards while completing 62% of his passes. They do return both of their leading rushers and add former Florida RB Bo Williams to the mix. They do return 4 of their top 5 tacklers. They get Iowa, Baylor, Oklahoma State and Colorado at home. They WILL improve on a 2-10 record.

6. Kansas State Wildcats. So Bill Snyder has returned to Manhattan to resurrect the program he built up from nothing. They're gonna suck this year. He's 70. JoePa called him an old fart. Their defense won't be awful. Everything else will be.

South Division

1. Texas Longhorns. I think that Oklahoma is a more dangerous team, but am giving Texas the edge due to their schedule. By no means is their schedule filled with creampuffs, in fact I don't think Texas will be the beneficiary of any huge blowouts. They only lose one of their top 7 rushers and return their top 5 tacklers. Getting WR Jordan Shipley back for a seemingly 16th year of eligibility will help tremendously. Colt McCoy is the key and is my favorite to win the Heisman.

2. Oklahoma Sooners. I'm not so sure that we might not have a repeat to last year's South Division race. It could come down to a tiebreaker. They have a salty defense returning and serious star power coming back on offense. Games versus BYU and @Miami have the ability to be dicey early season tests. Probably not.

3. Oklahoma State Cowboys. A great QB, RB, WR, and LT have the Cowpokes primed to jump on any mistake the Longhorns or Sooners make. The opener against Georgia could make me look like an idiot.

4. Baylor Bears. Wha? For reals? Yep. They have the most returning starters in the Big XII. However, none of them are offensive tackles. Luckily, they have the most mobile QB in the nation. LB Joe Pawalek and S Jordan Lake are All Conference and Penn State transfer DT Phil Taylor is expected to be difficult to run around. They'll go bowling for the first time since joining the Conference.

5. Texas Tech Red Raiders. I think it's letdown time in Lubbock. Mike Leach just got a big deal and while coaches aren't exactly like free agents, it's one less thing to motivate the quirky coach. They lose their two best players on offense and just lost potential All Big XII DE McKinner Dixon to the NFL supplemental draft. They are on the bad side of the momentum battle right now. Last year, #2 TTU got their Red Asses handed to them by #5 OU. The next week they barely beat Baylor at home. After a month to get their shit together, they ran into the buzzsaw that was Ole Miss last January. They'll still go to a bowl, but I can honestly see up to 5 conference losses.

6. Texas A&M Aggies. Well, they shouldn't get worse. They do return 10 starters on offense, albeit a shitty one. They lose former fixtures in Mike Goodson, Jorvorskie Lane and Stephen McGee. Despite his name, true freshman Christine Michael is a MAN. Should win Conference Freshman of the Year.

What in the World is Going On?

2009-07-04T18:59:00.004-05:00

Just heard that Steve McNair was found shot to death in downtown Nashville earlier today. So adding that to Carradine, McMahon, Fawcett, Jackson, and Mays; that's six celebrities that have died in the last three weeks. My heart goes out to all of the families of the recently deceased. At the same time, this is almost too much in too short of a time. The news stations probably won't stop talking about celebrity deaths for the next 6 months.

While McMahon and Fawcett both fought valiantly against cancer and eventually succumbed, the rest of the list all died untimely deaths. Carradine died from something that I'll probably make fun of in future blog posts, but I'll leave it alone for now. We don't really know what happened to Michael Jackson, but pills seem likely to have a hand in his death. Billy Mays died from coronary artery disease at the age 50. And now McNair is found dead at the age of 36. The really crazy thing is that all of them are people I genuinely liked for one reason or another. Hopefully this is the last celebrity death for a while.

Jersey Boys

2009-07-01T18:21:00.003-05:00

I discovered this little nugget over at the AVCLUB.

To all of our Jersey readers, I would suggest starting a band so this could happen to you someday!

Free Darko, You Have Company.

2009-06-29T23:54:00.005-05:00

Holy crap, this is the coolest baseball site ever. It's called Flip Flop Fly Ball, and essentially, it is composed of totally nerdy baseball/humor graphs. Flipping awesome (get it?).

And just as a reminder, here is some of the artwork from Free Darko's unbelievable book The Macrophenomenal Pro Basketball Almanac:

New Wilco tomorrow!

2009-06-29T18:26:00.003-05:00

I can't think of a better way to celebrate our nation's independence than with the sweet, sweet, all-american rockin' tunes of Wilco.

Be sure to visit your local independent record store as soon as you can to pick this one up.

US Open

2009-06-19T18:04:00.001-05:00

I honestly believe that Chris Berman is ruining the US Open

NebraskaLand Days

2009-06-18T13:54:00.002-05:00

Taking the family to The Official Celebration of Nebraska, highlighted by the state's largest parade.

I plan on showing them the sights. Leave a suggestion of your favorite NP site to see.

Reasons for optimism

2009-06-07T13:19:00.003-05:00

It's been a good week of digesting preseason football magazines. And from what the pundits think, Nebraska will do just fine.

Dr. Phil Steele, the wizard behind the curtain, uncovered a statistic that has me thinking positively. His creation of ypp, or yards per point, is a measure of offensive and defensive efficiency. Basically, an offense wants to have a very low ypp and a defense wants to have a higher ypp. Last year Nebraska's D had a ypp of 12.26. Not great. According to the nubmers that Steele has crunched over the past 19 years, Nebraska has between a 72.6-72.9% chance of equalling or bettering their record from last year's mark of 9-4.

A second statistic that gets me excited is Nebraska's turnover margin. Last year, the Cornhuskers were a pitiful -11. According to Dr. Steele, since 1996, 80% of teams with a negative double-digit turnover ratio had the same or better record the following year. Using the power of deductive reasoning, one might infer Nebraska might improve on this mark.

Here are some other reasons to get excited about the 2009 version of the Blackshirts:

--Nebraska returns seven starters on defense, including the top four tacklers from last year's squad.

--Nebraska is 6-0 against current Sun Belt Conference teams with an average score of 47-9. Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, and UL-Lafayette are all current Sun Belt Conference teams.

--Nebraska is 33-2 in its last 35 conference openers and is 31-1 in its last 32 conference home openers.

--Last year's 62 points given up to Oklahoma is the most that Nebraska has ever given up to the Sooners. So at least that's out of the way. And the last visit to Lawrence saw Nebraska give up 76 points. That won't happen again.

Given that there is a strong to quite strong possibility that Nebraska will equal or improve its record from last year, let's take a look at this year's slate of games.

September 5 vs. Florida Atlantic. Win. NU hasn't lost a home opener in 24 years.
September 12 vs. Arkansas St. Win.
September 19 at Virginia Tech. Loss. There are some definite factors working against NU here. Blacksburg is a very tough place to play. VaTech is widely considered to be a Top 5-10 team this year with 9 returning starters on offense. VT has beaten the last 10 visiting non-conference BCS teams by an average of 20 points per game. The only redeeming factor is that the gametime has been recently announced as a 2:30 start time. Much better than playing there at night.
September 26 vs. UL-Lafayette. Win. NU has won the final non-conference game of the regular season 20 out of the last 22 years.
October 8 at Missouri. Win. Missouri loses four of the best players its program has ever seen. Nebraska wants blood and a lot of it. Nebraska will have an extra week and a half to prepare. Pelini wants to put up 52 on Mizzou. Nebraska fans still have a bad taste in their mouth from the Blaine Gabbert and Dan Hoch defections from the 2007 recruiting class. Nebraska wants to play well on a national stage after failing to do so in a long time. A win here will have pundits heralding the return of Nebraska to prominence on a national level.
October 17 vs. Texas Tech. Win. Nebraska will be hungry for this rematch, but not for redemption as in the Missouri case. A win last year versus Texas Tech would have done wonders for the confidence of the team. Nebraska is 0-17 against Top 19 teams since November of 2001. That could have changed, especially against the best Tech team in their program's history. Tech loses a ton of offensive personnel (lose 7 starters), but as we all know, it's their system that is the true danger. In a close game, Nebraska takes the momentum and extra time to rest up from the Missouri week to gain an edge.
October 24 vs. Iowa State. Win. NU is 37-3 in its last 40 Homecoming games.
October 31 at Baylor. Win. Although the last two meetings have been close and a victory over Nebraska would be a feather in the hat of the Baylor program, Baylor is still probably a year or two away from having the overall talent to beat a team like Nebraska. Baylor will also be limping in from a probable beating against Okie State.
November 7 vs. Oklahoma. Loss. NU would love some revenge against OU, but much like the case of Baylor/NU, Nebraska is a few recruiting classes away from really competing against the likes of Oklahoma.
November 14 at Kansas. Win.
November 21 vs. Kansas St. Win. Bill Snyder, meet Bo Pelini. Oh, you two know eachother?
November 27 at Colorado. Win. Colorado is not there yet.

So, 10-2 is in fact an improvement from 9-4. I think we go on to lose the Big XII championship and the bowl game is a toss-up at this point. So 10-4 or 11-3 is definitely an improvement.

Dropping Dimes

2009-05-30T14:54:00.002-05:00

Some tidbits for you:

-It's past Memorial Day, which means your local QT is celebrating Cheap Drink Summer by offering 49-cent fountain drinks from now until September. Great times!

-Federer beats Nadal in the French Open this year, finally. Gambling on tennis? I say yes. Discuss.

-The $20 trick really does work in Vegas. I had a room at Caesar's Palce that was so big it had a doorbell and two climate-control systems. And did I mention the view?

-Joe Mauer must have found some HGH or something but it's a hell of a ride.

-Would you get even money on Zack Greinke's ERA being over 2 at the end of the year?

-Thanks Mayfield!

-Kenny Fucking Powers' twitter site is good for one or two laughs a week.

-I've been talking the last few days about how segregated Omaha is, but I've got a new issue to complain about: Let's rid the world of Mr. Pibb. Seriously. It serves no purpose other than rewarding tight asses for not stocking Dr. Pepper. They don't make a diet, it tastes exactly the same except shittier and its marketing and packaging are godawful. It doesn't need to exist, and goddamn it, I'm going to do something about it.

-I would also listen to the 5/23 podcast of our radio show to learn the vague plans behind my splendid idea to make Nebraska's license plates viral and take them underground. I'm not getting off this soapbox either. License plates and Mr. Pibb: Fuck you.

-Also, there is a new sunflower seed brand you need to become aware of, if you are not already. Giant. It's basically what the sunflower seed world has needed since I've been alive. Family-owned for a hell of a long time and headquartered in Wahpeton, ND, they offer a delicious original flavor and a shitton of well-executed, creative flavors like Salt and Pepper, Dakota Ranch, KC BBQ, Spicy Garlic, and Dill. These seeds are fucking perfect. And they are the official seed of the Minnesota Twins. But don't take my word for it!

Weekend Boners

2009-05-30T14:50:00.003-05:00

Just got my copies of the Athlon and Phil Steele National preview magazines. Just in time to have them memorized for the July 10th release of NCAA 10.

And I'm eating a BLT from produce I got at the local Farmer's Market WHILE my steaks marinate. Mantastic!

Baseball!

2009-05-30T14:35:00.003-05:00

The blog seems to enjoy these, and since I still am the only person I know who reads Joe Posnanski's blog, here's some good baseball stuff to kill a half hour or so at work on Monday.

And by the way, if anyone tries is still trying to defend pitchers' wins and losses are important, you're wrong.

Also, I'm using the Bucky's Gas Stations label because I endorse what they do and I have no idea why this label exists but it made my day.

License to Kill--The State of Nebraska

2009-05-22T14:13:00.005-05:00

In a completely amazing turn in what is becoming our favorite in-state saga since trial of Chief Standing Bear, today Commander Heineman acknowledged that the results of the license plate voting were rigged and threw out the plain, mostly crappy grey plate in favor of one thousand times worse bird and flower plate. Below is our analysis:

Pete:

What a riveting twist! This is absolutely the one thing that could have made the situation even more of a PR disaster. To recap the events so far, here is what has happened:

plates were put up for a vote->choices were all slightly poor but not offensive->snarky college website decides to rig election to get worst plate voted in->plate gets voted in->state denies results were rigged->state admits results were rigged->state disregards vote and commandeers for new, uglier plate

The governor could rescue a baby otter from a burning building while planting a Husker flag on Mizzou's 50 yard line while raising corn prices $20 a bushel and not be looked upon favorably after this. Rightly or (mostly) wrongly, the State of Nebraska does not like getting fucked up license plates. Recognize, or this will be an issue during reelection. I'm getting giddy shivers in anticipation of some ridiculous statewide political controversy.

GA:

Not much to add, other than my neighbors think the bird plates look "pretty faggy."

Fin.

Dear College Basketball:

2009-05-19T14:44:00.003-05:00

Hope this blog post finds you well.

Just wanted to pass along a note letting you know that things are going to get a bit rough for you now that John Calapari is at Kentucky. Sure, there are plenty of great basketball players out there for all of you teams to fight over.

But as far as those Top 25-type players go, you might just want to wait for Coach Cal to decide who he wants, THEN you can start recruiting the leftovers.

But I suppose you already knew that after you saw today that PG John Wall committed to Kentucky. Wall is Rivals.com's #1 player in America for 2009, and many NBA scouts have said that if he was able to enter the draft, he would be the consensus #2 pick in the draft (behind Griffin).

What's crazy about Wall signing, however, is that Kentucky got him despite the fact that they signed PG Eric Bledsoe just two weeks ago. Bledsoe is only Rivals' #3 PG in the country, and himself a 5-Star recruit.

THEN you have to consider the teams UK was recruiting Wall against. Duke, Florida (who also recruited Bledsoe), and Miami. Duke and Florida desperately need a point guard, and Miami...well, they could use an upgrade at every spot, let alone point guard.

So throw in the #1 and #3 point guards in the land along with the #2 player in the country in DeMarcus Cousins, 5-Star center Daniel Orton, 4-Star wing Jon Hood, and 4-Star G/F JUCO Darnell Dodson and you have--on paper--a recruiting class as good as the Fab 5.

Did I mention that Calapari has been at Kentucky for 6 weeks?

Lastly, when you take into consideration Patrick Patterson withdrew his name from the draft and Jodie Meeks will likely follow suit, then you have to start thinking for next year...well, I will let Andy Katz take it away:

Like Katz says: I didn't think Coach Cal would have Kentucky competing for a National Championship in his first year. But John Wall--especially when combined with Patterson, Darius Miller, and this recruiting class--is such a game-changer that they should be a Top 5 team all season and absolutely be a Final Four-caliber team.

So, college basketball: hope you enjoyed the landscape while Kentucky was down. Have fun with the leftovers.

Warmest Regards,

GA Hill

P.S.: In case you were wondering, for 6 recruits, that is a 4.66-Star average per player.

The Planet is still revolving

2009-05-17T09:31:00.001-05:00

Nobody shot his dog.

I Know the New Mayor Sucks... But at Least You Don't Live Here

2009-05-14T22:04:00.006-05:00

So here are four articles related to a continuous series of fights that have broken out in Iowa City.

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990511002

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090512/NEWS01/90512001

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090514/NEWS01/905140323/1079/Police+battle+neighborhood+feud

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990514002

And here's where I live in comparison to these problems.

View Larger Map

"A" is where the original fight occurred, "B" and "C" are other locations that play a part in this story. "D" is where Mrs. Deuce and I live.

Congrats, Omaha

2009-05-12T22:49:00.004-05:00

You just elected this guy as your mayor. The same man that literally--LITERALLY!--did not produce one plan of action for one single issue.

What a f-bombing embarrassment.

I am completely and totally stunned. And disappointed. 37,000 people voted for this clown.

WHY??????

What in the hell did he say or do during this campaign to make ANYONE want to vote for him?

This is the same guy who said his idea of economic development was to build a random-ass bridge in a nowhere part of town that goes into Iowa.

He had no economic development plans. His plan for fighting crime was to "increase graduation rates." His plan to grow Omaha was to "create 1,000 new jobs."

These were his PLANS. As in, "hey, how does he plan on doing these things? Oh. You mean those empty, ridiculous sentences ARE his plans?"

Yes. Yes they were.

I try to be an open-minded person. And I try my best to at least respect the other side of opinion.

That said: how anyone could in good conscience vote for Jim Suttle--other than the fact he is a Democrat--should not be allowed to vote in a general election again.

This man had no business being allowed to run for Mayor, let alone win the damn thing.

Listen up, Nebraskans!

2009-05-04T12:06:00.006-05:00

Do the state a favor on behalf of its 144th birthday in 2011 and vote for the new license plate design here.

Overall, none of the choices are absolutely vomit-inducing (like the abhorrent orange and yellow number of the early 2000s), so that's a plus.

I like the 2nd and the 3rd choices the best, leaning towards the 3rd overall. If they all featured "The Good Life" like the 4th one, this would be a lot easier. The MIB likes #2.

Make your presence known, and god bless!

My Former Employer

2009-04-28T14:04:00.000-05:00

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/time_traveler_everyone_in_the

Hal Daub on The Weekly Grind...

2009-04-24T13:50:00.002-05:00

Here's a heads up: Omaha mayoral candidate Hal Daub will be on The Weekly Grind tomorrow morning from 10-11am on KOIL AM 1180.

Tune in, and call in and ask the man some questions. (402) 342-1180.

Nerdy Baseball Posts, cont'd

2009-04-22T11:21:00.002-05:00

This was taken from my main man Joe Posnanski's blog, which is not read at least weekly by most baseball fans I know and that is a goddamned travesty, especially among my Royals friends. Essentially he looked at every "action play" in baseball this decade (there have been almost 1.7 million), which would be any pitch that results in something happening, whether it be a strikeout, hit, foulout, hit by pitch, etc.

Then he analyzed the results based on pitch count to get an avg/obp/slugging comparision based on individual results. I will just cut and paste them, but it's very intersting stuff...

Here we go:

First pitch.
Action pitch: 12.5% of the time — one out of every eight at-bats.
Batters hit: .338/.344/.547.

There is probably more grumbling at the park about batters swinging at the first pitch of an at-bat than any other time. The Kansas City Royals once had a prospective owner meet with manager Tony Muser and suggest to him that his batters needed to stop swinging at the first pitch. This, of course, is ludicrous. About one of out every five home runs hit in the game are hit on the first pitch of an at-bat.

Then again, about one out of every five double play grounders you will see are also hit on the first pitch. And that’s why there are so many complaints.

To get this out of the way: The offensive numbers listed above — all the numbers here — can be misleading because they only count balls that were HIT IN PLAY. Foul balls do not count. Swings and misses do not count (except when there are two strikes). Pitches that are called balls do not count (except when there are three balls). And so on. So the batting averages are naturally going to be much less with two strikes. And on-base percentages are going to be much higher with three balls.

Still, there are some cool things to see. There are real advantages, for instance, for batters who put the ball in play early in the count. Once they get two strikes on them, the averages go way down.

Here’s a statistic you can ponder if you like:

OPS for batters putting the first pitch in play: .891
OPS for batters who do not put first pitch in play: .739

So, for someone to decide to never swing at the first pitch … no, that’s probably not the best strategy.

0-1 Count.
Action pitch: 9% of the time — one out of every 11 at-bats.
Batters hit: .317/.326/.485

Well, this was a bit of a surprise to be: Batters would hit quite well when behind one strike. And this gets into what I was saying about hitting early in the count: As you can see, there is not a drastic difference if the batter is hitting behind 0-1 or ahead 1-0.

1-0 Count
Action pitch: 7.6% of the time — one out of every 13 at-bats.
Batters hit .339/.340/.563.

See? Batters do hit with a bit more power when ahead 1-0 — they are also a little bit less aggressive — but the point here is that the game does not shift dramatically to the pitcher until he gets two strikes on a batter. You always hear people say how important it is to get that first pitch strike … and it is hugely important. But getting that second strike is what turns an at-bat around.

0-2 Count
Action pitch: 7.7% of the time — one out of every 13 at-bats.
Batters hit: .162/.173/.236

Now, you can see the pitcher taking control. There are different philosophies about what to do with an 0-2 pitch. There are some pitching coaches and pitchers who think that this is absolutely the time to go for the strikeout pitch … the nasty slider tailing away, the split-fingered fastball in the dirt, the fastball up around the eyes. But there are others — and I tend to agree with this — who think that batters are so defensive at 0-2, that this is perfect time to go get them with a pitch over the plate (especially with pitch counts being SO important in today’s game).

This might be the most amazing statistic in this whole bit: Batters on an 0-2 count hit home runs once every 79 at-bats.*

* My favorite pitcher, Greg Maddux, gave up 11 home runs in his entire career 0-2 — that’s in more than 1,600 at-bats. No, he did not like wasting pitches. Here’s another good Maddux statistic: He only walked 45 batters in his entire career after getting ahead 0-2. Maddux had a 32-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio after he got ahead 0-2.

2-0 Count
Action pitch: 2.7% of the time — one out of every 37 at-bats.
Batters hit: 351/.351/.625

Well, this is a interesting situation … batters very, very rarely put the ball in play on a 2-0 count. In fact, batters don’t put the ball in play much more on a 2-0 count than they do on a 3-0 count. When they connect, though, they do connect hard … batters bang home runs once out of every 16 at-bats.

And you know, if I was a batting coach, I would want my batters to be a bit more aggressive on 2-0. Because here’s something else … pitchers only very, very rarely hit a batter with the count 2-0 (one out of every 179 or so at-bats). That tells me they are simply looking to get a pitch over the plate to get back into the count. It sure seems to me that 2-0 is an underutilized opportunity for hitters.

1-1 Count
Action pitch: 8.8% of the time — one out of every 11 at-bats.
Batters hit: .325/.330/.512

This is more or less a repeat of the first pitch. I have heard scouts and players say that, generally speaking, the most important pitch of the at-bat is the third pitch. And there does seem some truth to that. Most of the time (roughly 54% of the time), batters face a 1-1 count going into the third pitch. And the next pitch will, pretty often, determine the fate of the pitcher and the batter. Look what happens if a pitcher gets a strike:

1-2 Count
Action pitch: 13.6% of the time — one out of every 7 at-bats.
Batters hit: .177/.185/.263

Yes, pitchers are dominant in the 1-2 count. And this is actually the most common situation in baseball … a 1-2 count action pitch. And the batter is all but helpless. But when the third pitch is a ball …

2-1 Count
Action pitch: 5.6% of the time — one out of every 18 at-bats.
Batters hit:.337/.338/.554

Yeah, that’s a sizable difference. Batters hit 160 points better and slug twice as much when that third pitch is a ball rather than a strike. Batters may not know these numbers, but they instinctively know how much their chances go up when the count goes to 2-1.

Here’s a fun experiment: Next time you’re at a game, watch the batter’s reaction when the count goes from 1-1 to 1-2. They will, often, hit their bats with their hands or kick at the dirt or gripe at the umpire. I’ve never counted but I would bet that batters visibly reaction more than half the time.

3-0 Count
Action pitch 2.4% of the time — one of out every 42 at-bats
Batters hit: .390/.958/.780

A few facts about the 3-0 pitch.

1. Batters put the ball in play on 3-0 only about 7% of the time. In fact, over the course of a season, you will only see batters put the ball in play about 300 times on 3-0 … that’s about 10 times per team, per season. it does seem like in today’s game, lots of batters get the green light on 3-0, but the numbers say that you really don’t see them hit the ball on 3-0 very much.

2. When you DO see them hit it, there’s a good chance you will see them hit it a long way. Batters hit 3-0 homers roughly one out of every 10 at-bats.

3. Jim Thome, in his long career, has only put the ball in play 58 times on 3-0. He has hit SIXTEEN home runs. For the record, that’s one homer per every 3.6 at-bats.

4. Or how about Mike Piazza. In his whole career, he only put the ball in play FOUR TIMES on 3-0. That’s all. Four times. Apparently nobody was throwing Piazza a good pitch 3-0. And that was a good idea: Two of them were home runs.

5. Batters almost never get hit on the 3-0 pitch — one out of every 640 plate appearances.

6. Very, very few base runners try to steal on the 3-0 pitch, for obvious reasons, but those that do are ultra-successful — 89%. What’s interesting is that the 3-1 pitch — which has conventionally been called the perfect pitch to steal on — is anything but: Only 61% of base stealers are successful on 3-1.

2-2 Count
Action pitch: 12.9% of the time — one out of every 8 at-bats.
Batters hit: .194/.199/.299

You will often hear announcer say “He evened the count at 2-2.” But there is nothing really even about a 2-2 count. The pitcher is still firmly in control. If a pitcher consistently can make it so the action pitch is always 0-2, 1-2 or 2-2, he will do very nicely for himself and make quite a lot of money.

3-1 Count
Action pitch: 4.9% of the time — one out of every 20 at-bats
Batters hit: .355/.691/.638

Well, here is the ultimate hitter’s pitch … I’ve called a few home runs over the years, wowing friends and impressing strangers, but it’s really not that hard. When you see a good hitter at the plate (or a lousy pitcher on the mound) and a 3-1 count, go ahead, make the call. If you want to play the 3-1 homer game yourself … here are a few good players to consider:

Josh Hamilton: .611/.833/1.167
Chase Utley: .444/.713/.852
Adam Dunn: .392/.777/.908
Alfonso Soriano: .435/.694/.848
Jermaine Dye: .406/.656/.767

Full Count
Action pitch: 12.3% of the time — one out of every 8 at-bats
Batters hit: .229/.468/.381

A couple things interest me here. One, I find it interesting that one out of every eight or so at-bats goes to a full-count. That seems like a lot to me … that means you should see, seven to 10 full counts every single night. I wonder if that number has gone up through the years. I have no idea how to find out.

Also, it really is telling — again and again — that hitters really do swing defensively with two strikes. In total, with two strikes, batters hit .190/.257/.293.

I think that’s one of the takeaway as a baseball fan. Pitchers do not (and should not) give up many two strike hits. And they certainly should not give up two-strike extra base hits.

Another takeaway is that until the pitcher gets two strikes, the advantage* is with the hitter. Batters hit .334 and slug almost .600 when not facing two strikes.

Yeah, That Could Totally Be It. That, Or He Isn't On Steriods Anymore...

2009-04-20T14:48:00.003-05:00

From Jayson Stark's article "Reality or Illusion?":

--Ugly. David Ortiz (.170 AVG., 1 extra-base hit, 14 K, 8 hits) -- REALITY: Every scout we've talked to who has seen Ortiz is downright alarmed by his vanishing bat speed. "He's starting to go quick," one scout said. "His body is breaking down on him. He isn't even catching up to average fastballs, and he's not even driving the ball the other way. If he can't hit the fastball, they're going to eat him alive. I don't think he's going to be a .170 hitter. But he's not a guy who can carry a club -- not anymore."

Boy oh boy Jimmy, this is a gosh-darned muckety muck. I mean, gee willikers, I just don't understand! It's not like he was a 20-HR guy before he went to Boston and then blew u...wait, he was? He did, in fact, go from having a career-high of 20 home runs, then the very next year hit 31? Then 41 after that one? Then 47 after that one? Then 54 after that one? Then all the way down to 35 again*?

*Side note: I was suprised to see his OPS+ actually increased the year he started to come back to earth with his HR totals. Interesting. Whatever. He's clearly a steriod guy.

Some other notes form Stark's column:

The Bad: Roy Oswalt (0-2, 4.26, only 10 K in 19 IP) -- REALITY: After two messy starts, Oswalt threw six shutout innings against the Reds on Friday. But the baseball community no longer talks about him with anywhere near the reverence it used to. "He's definitely now more heart that stuff," one NL executive said. "I love him, but I think the arrow is pointing down. He used to have an overpowering fastball. Now it's not there. His curve is still a good pitch. But it's not a power strikeout pitch. He still has good enough stuff, but he lacks that put-away stuff he used to have."

Huh. Weird. Oh well, at least all those preseason mags were stupid and the Astros are surprising peop....wait, what's that? The Astros are 4-8? Good enough for dead last? Really?!? Because Mayfield was telling me they were going to be awesome. Can't believe he would be wrong when trying to speak about his favorite team's chances this year without an ounce of objectivity.

OK, to be fair....

The Bad: Derrek Lee (.217 AVG., 283 OBP, .348 slugging percentage) -- REALITY: We had a couple of "illusion" votes on Lee, but they didn't carry anywhere near the conviction of the people who think this man is fading. "This is a tough one, but Derrek Lee might really be slowing down," one front-office man said. "He's only 33 years old, but his power completely dropped off in the second half last year, as did his other numbers." Another variation of the same theme: "He really hasn't been the same guy since getting hurt [a broken wrist in 2006]."

It didn't look good the first week or two, but Lee may be coming on here. His last 7 days splits have seen his SLG go from .381 to .556, and subsequently has seen his OPS go from .687 to .871.

I know most people want to write off D-Lee, and I'm pretty close myself. But I'm not ready to yet. He may just be warming up.

Ryan Oswalt, though? Yeah, he's totally through.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday, nerds!

Robert Smigel humor stands the test

2009-04-18T01:47:00.005-05:00

Nobody's posted in a while, so I thought I would put a link to my favorite, Disney-bashing TV Funhouse on here.

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/disney-vault-vt/27139/

The United Countries of Baseball

2009-04-11T09:02:00.005-05:00

http://bleacherfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/ucob-1280x960-1.jpg

The Royals' territory should have dotted lines for the areas where everyone stops caring in May.

TONIGHT

2009-04-08T08:36:00.003-05:00

EDIT: Tonight's show is SOLD OUT!

God it's going to be fun.

2 Seconds of Fame

2009-04-06T18:07:00.005-05:00

You can see the wife and I at the GLBT rally after the announcement of the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling. We're on for a couple of seconds at the very end, I've got a green polo on and my Twins hat. Just thought I would share.

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/42457882.html?video=YHI&t=a

Why I don't care about PECOTA

2009-04-06T11:03:00.005-05:00

PECOTA is a tool used to predict individual player stats. They then take those stats, put them together to try and predict a teams wins. This is where PECOTA becomes worthless. Last year PECOTA predicted half of the eventual division winners. They got the Angels, Cubs, and Dodgers correctly but the Angels and Cubs were pretty easy picks and the Dodgers only got there because of the mid-season pickup of Manny. Look at PECOTA projections of the AL central last year:

Tigers Projected wins=91 Actual wins=74
White Sox Projected wins=77 Actual wins=89
Twins Projected wins=71 Actual wins=88
Indians Projected wins=93 Actual wins=81

It wasn't even close, except for the Royals, which they did a good job of predicting them to finish last. Again, it nailed the obvious. Did PECOTA predict the Devil Rays to win the East? Nope, they thought the playoffless Yankees would win it along with 97 games.

PECOTA is great at predicting individual stats and is probably the best tool around for fantasy baseball, but it is just as bad as anyone at predicting wins.

Opening Day!

2009-04-06T09:19:00.003-05:00

It's like Christmas in April, boys. Major League Baseball's Opening Day! Where hope springs eternal, and the beer flows like wine.

As usual, the Heavy Soul crew will be enjoying the best day of the year at Barrett's. I think people are planning on heading down around 1:30.

See you today, and GO CUBBIES!

2009 Baseball Preview

2009-04-03T14:41:00.004-05:00

As the Knicks' spent all of April channeling their innermost Billy Joel and crashing their season away, my attention turned not to spring football, which I don't really care about, but to the prospects of another summer of baseball. But thanks to the continued intellect of Bud Selig and the gigantic fucking wankfest that was the World Baseball Classic, it seems as though it's harder than ever to get jacked about the season. Well, I'm jacked.

And for those of you scoring at home we will once again be at Barrett's Barleycorn for opening day games, and you all should come out. Support the Royals, Cubs, Astros, Twins, etc.

A few predictions to whet your appetite for 162 games of great times.

NL

NL West-Dodgers over DBacks
NL Central-Cubs over Cardinals
NL East-Mets over Phillies
Wild Card: Phillies

NL Champ: Mets over Phillies
MVP: David Wright
Cy Young: Carlos Zambrano (or Johan Santana)

AL

AL East-DRays over Yankees
AL Central-Twins over Indians (then Royals, Tigers, White Sox)
Al West-Angels over A's
Wild Card-Yankees
NL Champ: Angels over DRays
MVP-Evan Longoria
Cy Young: CC Sabathia

World Series: Mets over DRays

Random Predictions:

1. Mark DeRosa, one of my five favorite players in the league, will really piss me off now that he's with the Indians.

2. Carlos Zambrano will be suspended for an incident this year but win the Cy Young anyway.

3. Mike "Little Babe Ruth" Fontenot will not mash like last year but will still OPS .900.

4. The Cubs fans will not like the Milton Bradley signing in August.

5. A. Peterson will spring for a Farnsworth jersey despite his hatred.

6. The Royals will be within 10 games of first place by August 1.

7. The Twins will win the division despite Joe Mauer never being fully healthy.

8. The Twins will have the best defensive outfield in baseball...despite having Delmon Young there.

9. Kevin Slowey, Scott Baker, and Franchise Liriano will combine to win 45 games.

10. The Astros will fucking blow, despite Mayfield telling me in earnest last week they were going to win the division.

11. The Fukudome signing will set Japanese-American relations back farther than Pokemon and Hello Kitty combined.

12. The White Sox will battle it out with the Tigers for last place.

13. The Tigers will literally have less than 5,000 fans at a game this year.

14. Brian Duensing will not stay with the Twins all season.

15. The Nebraska baseball team is and will continue to have its "7 and 7" year followed by Mike Anderson starting next year fighting for his job.

16. I will purchase the baseball package and enjoy the holy hell out of it while saving money from not going to the bar every third day in the process.

Enjoy it, everyone.

MIB, You May Have To Sue

2009-04-03T10:53:00.001-05:00

It's not exactly a Breathalyzer for your phone, but close...

"Bad Decision Blocker Prevents You From Drunk Dialing Your Exes"

Bruno

2009-04-03T09:51:00.002-05:00

Here is (supposedly) the first trailer for the new movie, Bruno.

Maybe it's just me, but I sat here with my jaw on my desk watching this. It is shocking. And it looks hilarious.

You can see it here.

(By the way, there is nudity in this, so I would wait to watch it at home. Wasn't expecting that. NSFW.)

Beautiful

2009-03-31T14:14:00.014-05:00

There are two reasons for the post. The first is to move that damn UK picture down so that I do not have to look at it every time I open the page. The second is to talk about the alcohol fuel week coming up.

I am sure most of you have heard that I will not be attending the Master’s this year. To show my displeasure of the decision made, I have decided to take the week off. . .and my what a week it is going to be.

Friday – 4:00 Tee Time at local bar asleep by 9:45. I do not know if it is the weather, but the barmaid has become even more liberal with charging for drinks. Last week I walked out fully cocked. . .bar tab $17.00. There is nothing better than a barmaid so unhappy with their job that they are willing to give away the farm.

Saturday – Something about the Final Four and a Party at Barrett’s you are invited.

Sunday – Football Game at 1:00, Nap at 3:00, and Philly’s Braves game that night.

Monday – Opening Day of Baseball presumably at Barrett’s (McFly’s may get a visit as well)

Tuesday – Recovery and thinking about making a run to Central Iowa to see the MIB and his new package.

Wednesday – Golf (weather pending) and black out drinking at a concert (The Hold Steady)

Thursday – Recovery, Day one of the Masters, and class

Friday and Saturday – Bloomfield America with my bride to be

Sunday – Ride back to Omaha listening to the silky smooth voice of Denny Mathews calling the Royals vs Yankee game.

Ahhhh...

2009-03-23T22:05:00.005-05:00

After a scare with the weather, Mrs. Hill and I found our way to our seats at Qwest Center Omaha to watch exactly what I predicted happen, although in even more cruel fashion than I thought: P'Allen loses Meeks with 10 seconds to go, and Jodie goes for a layup...PLUS 1!

Kentucky wins, despite--and I'll give it to them--one of the loudest crowds I have heard in a while, Creighton's best effort, and Kentucky playing like crap on offense. 65-63.

A couple of quick highlights:

--To the bald idiot sitting in front of me was a trip (think George Costanza at about age 57). I cheer after a Jodie Meeks three. Creighton scores the next possession, and he turns around and gets in my face and is yelling and clapping. I ask him if he's going to do that all night, and he responds "are you???"

Yes, dumbshit, I am going to cheer for my team. And probably will do so during the entire game, because I am at a live basketball game where one is to cheer for their respective team.

Then after the final buzzer went off, I clapped and yelled "great finish, Cats!" And he turns around and says "show a little class!" My God, it was hilarious.

I've watched this fool at several CU games before, so I dedicate Kentucky's win to you.

--I literally saw three people crying. Summed up best, a text response to this from my friend Grant: "I've heard that the tears of a trust fund elitist bring good luck. Try to capture some."

--This obviously didn't happen at the game, but I got about 7 texts right after the game, all saying something along the lines of "Suck it, Creighton!" Gotta love the passion, fellas.

All in all, a great time. It was hotter than hell in there, and we stood the ENTIRE second half. Again, I hate to give any credit, but it's due--the crowd was totally into it. Granted, they booed any time Kentucky tried to play defense (Creighton fan: if a Creighton player puts up a weak shot against a guy 7 inches taller than him, and that shot is blocked emphatically, that does not mean it was a foul), but they sure gave it the ol' college try.

But again, it didn't matter. Kentucky flat out-athleted them, as predicted. Kentucky's defense carried the Cats past a terrible offensive performance.

To wrap up, I will let zwierzycki from The Bluejay Cafe sum up with his awesome prediction:

The Bluejay Shock and Awe special comes out tonight. UK comes to "tiny" omaha and isn't ready for 17,000 screaming fans.

Jays 74 UK 63

Hey, zwierzycki: the "Shock and Awe" worked well for you guys...you only lost by 2. Oh, and Kentucky plays in an arena that has 24,000 in it, every single home game. Not impressed.

You gave it your best, and lost.

Suck it, Creighton.

P.S.: I am fully aware how pathetic it is that UK is in the NIT, and that I am this excited about a win in said tournament. Just let me enjoy the fact that it was in Omaha and against Creighton.

The Breakdown No One Who Reads This Blog Cares About: Kentucky vs. Creighton

2009-03-23T10:23:00.004-05:00

Well, tonight is the night. I get to witness 16,000 Creighton fans have their little Bluejay hearts broken IN PERSON! The University of Kentucky Basketball Wildcats are in town ready to do battle with the Creighton Bluejays.

It actually could be a interesting game. I know the opening line had Creighton actually favored by 3.

Let's start with a breakdown of the starters and bench...

PG: Josh Doltzer (3.1 PPG) vs. Michael Porter (4.0 PPG). Ugg. This matchup SUCKS. Porter, whether fairly or unfairly, has been on the receiving end of a whole lot of blame as to why Kentucky is playing in the NIT as opposed to the NCAA's. The problem is that the guy is not a point guard. He is the type of player that...well, that shouldn't be playing at UK, frankly. In fact, I would say he is the type of recruit that embodies why UK fans were fed up with Tubby Smith. He can hit an open three from time to time, and he absolutely plays his ass off. He was also recruited by Pete Carroll to play cornerback, and played at the same high school as UK favorite and Houston Rocket Chuck Hayes. In other words, this is about all I can say about the guy...not good.

As for Doltzer, you can say a lot of the same things. The difference being that he runs an offense alot better than Porter.

Advantage: Creighton

SG: Booker Woodfox (15.7 PPG) vs. Jodie Meeks (24.0 PPG). Booker is the nation's second-leading 3-point shooter this season. He really explodes into his jump shot, and it is a thing of beauty to watch when he is on. Booker is usually Creighton's advantage any game they go into.

That said, Booker usually doesn't line up against 2nd Team All-Americans. Jodie Meeks is an explosive player that is constantly active on offense (think Rip Hamilton). He is equally effective slashing to the hoop as he is hitting his outside jump shot. Not to mention he is a relentless defender and has a solid 3 inches on Woodfox. Oh, and he owns Kentucky's single-game scoring record. I think he scored under 20 points in only 3 games this season.

Advantage: Kentucky

Wing: P'Allen Stinnett (12.4 PPG, 2.9 RPG) vs. Razor Ramon Harris (5.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG). Normally, I love P. As Pete always says, "P is a wild horse that cannot be broken." And on paper, this matchup probably favors Creighton.

With that said, I'll pull the Corso and say "not so fast, my friends!" There are two reasons why I believe this could be--COULD--an advantage for UK. Razor is a very good defender who busts his ass every play on both sides of the court. P'Allen is, needless to say, the opposite of this. The other thing to consider is that P sometimes plays with his eyes bigger than his stomach...and this is the biggest matchup Creighton has had since at least the early 1980's. So it very well could be a situation where P tries to do too much and gets not only himself out of rhythm, but the whole team.

Advantage: Push, leaning towards Creighton.

Wing: Justin Carter (8.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG) vs. Perry Stevenson (7.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG). This is a tough one to call. UK's Stevenson has 5 inches on Carter. But, Carter will play quck and move around a lot, whereas Stevenson sometimes has a tendency to disappear from games. However, when he's involved, he plays good defense (and can block the hell out of some shots). Not to mention he can hit the 15-footer, plus usually has a ferocious dunk or two every game.

In other words, this is a post player vs. a wing player. If I'm Dana Altman, I'm doing everything I can to exploit this matchup. That said, same with Billy Gillispie.

Advantage: Kentucky, barely.

Center: Kenny Lawson (8.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG) vs. Patrick Patterson (18.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG). According to Creighton's media notes, Lawson is the MVC shot block leader, while Patterson was "HS teammate of OJ Mayo."

Here's what Creighton's media department left out for Patterson: 5 Star recruit, McDonald's All-American 1st Team All-SEC (2nd Team as a frosh), Co-SEC Freshman of the Year, All-American candidate, and currently on the NBA Lottery bubble according to many outlets. Oh, and he averaged 22.3 PPG after coming back from a early/mid-season ankle injury.

Kenny Lawson...well, Kenny has 10 pounds on Patterson, and gets winded 3 minutes into games. Patterson averages 34 minutes a game.

Advantage: Uh, I'm pretty sure that's Kentucky.

Bench: There's no question that Kentucky's bench is more athletic than Creighton's. UK has a freshman 6th Man named Darius Miller who is going to be a very good player, and has really come into his own over the past month. He can hit the outside shot, plus is very good at breaking down a zone defense with his pull-up 15-footer. He will spell Ramon Harris.

Creighton, on the other hand, has been using mass substitutions for a while now, with Altman replacing his starting 5 sometime around the 15 minute mark of the first half. That group is highlighted by Antoine Young. In fact, Young could be the key to this game. He is precisely the type of player that has killed UK this season, meaning a slashing point guard who can also hit an outside shot. If Dana is smart, he will play Young early and often.

That said, there's really no one else off Creighton's bench that overwhelms me.

Advantage: Creighton, if only because they play more people. Gillispie is known for a 7- or 8-man rotation.

Coaching: Dana Altman vs. Billy Gillispie. Hmm. Well, Dana Altman is the king of the MVC hill. He's a great coach. However, we've seen what he can do in a major conference (hello, Kansas State!). Billy Gillispie is widely considered a great coach, has 4 different "Coach of the Year" awards. However, we find him in a spot where he is probably not going to be the head coach of Kentucky next season. However, that has more to do with off-the-court issues. And to be quite honest, some of his coaching decisions this year have left me hurling profanities at the television screen.

Advantage: Meh. I don't know that it will matter that much in this game.

Overall: Athletically, Kentucky should be able to shut down Creighton. While doing a position-by-position comparison makes it appear to be a close matchup, Jodie Meeks and Patrick Patterson are such overwhelming advantages that it skews the entire deal.

That said, Kentucky has struggled with teams who can get hot from the outside. Creighton fits into this category, although their past two games would not give me much confidence if I'm a Creighton fan. If Kentucky takes care of the ball--which is by far the biggest problem they have had this season--they should win pretty easily.

Of course, there's the whole "the biggest name to ever play in the Qwest Center" deal, and the home crowd should be pretty solid. Creighton is going to be sky-high for this game and they're going to give them all they've got. Not to mention Kentucky has lost to some poor teams this season, for several different reasons.

Thankfully, every away game is like this for Kentucky. This environment should be absolutely nothing new for them. I think Meeks has a nice game, and Patterson just goes off.

Kentucky 78, Creighton 67.

GO BIG BLUE!!!!!!!!!!

Creighton vs. KENTUCKY

2009-03-19T11:02:00.003-05:00

Well gentlemen, my dream scenario has come true. My University of Kentucky Wildcats will be playing at the Qwest Center Omaha Monday night!

And not only that, they get to play Creighton.

Creighton fans, it is going to be one hell of a long night.

A proper preview of the game will be up sometime soon.

For now, I'm going to say this one--and only one--time: Creighton, GREAT WIN LAST NIGHT!!!!

If you guys hear any rumbling here in Omaha, it's the shockwaves that are following Patrick Patterson to the rack against Creighton. He just might dick around and have a career day against these fools.

The Deuce = Rookie Drinker

2009-03-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

Due to the lack of a Deuce post yesterday, can we safely assume that he lost the Day Drinking Exercise?

Creighton, DO YOUR JOB AND WIN A HOME GAME TOMORROW NIGHT!

2009-03-17T22:42:00.003-05:00

Kentucky beats UNLV in the opening round of the NIT, on tap to come to Omaha if those stupid Bluejays can win one lousy game against Bowling Green!

Dear God, you're supposed to like the Jesuits...please illustrate this tomorrow night at the Qwest Center in Omaha, NE.

Add that to the Huskers mounting a second-half comeback, and it might just shake out to be a good night!

Lazy Ass Excuse for a Post

2009-03-16T22:55:00.005-05:00

So I didn't do anything today and still couldn't come up with anything useful to post about, so I'll just keep the random thoughts going.

1) Thank God Creighton didn't make it to the tourney. I understand that they are probably more deserving than Arizona, but they definitely shouldn't have gotten in at the expense of St. Mary's. They got blasted in their last game of the year in a mediocre conference, enough said.

2) I watched the show Kings last night on NBC and was absolutely enthralled. Granted, I'm absolutely sure this show isn't for everyone. My lovely wife continued to tell me how stupid the show was for the entire two hours it ran. But what does she know? She thinks Rock of Love with Bret Michaels and Judge Joe Brown are quality TV shows. The plot boils down to an alternate reality where monarchies prevailed over democracy. Consider taking a look at it next week.

3) Despite my normal scorn for tomorrow's Catholic holiday, I am going to partake in the All-American sport: day drinking. I generally hate St. Pat's as its one of two days of the year (the other being New Years) when the rookie drinkers step up to the plate and feel as if they can hang with the veterans. They clog up bars and make it virtually impossible to enjoy a quiet drink without getting green dyed beer spilled all over you. However, I haven't had a good day-drinking session since my bachelor party, so I have decided to get Wonderboy out of the shed and swing at a couple of pitches. Hopefully my post tomorrow will come at the tail end of a power-hitting clinic.

Today's post

2009-03-15T12:01:00.006-05:00

So we haven't been posting as much recently, which I completely understand. GA and Pete need to save material for the air. MIB doesn't have time to sleep, let alone post to the blog. Hales is sleeping among goats and chickens, clutching a field rifle to his chest. I realize that I need to step it up. I'm still a student and I'm on spring break (how depressing is that?). Therefore, I'm going to try to post something to the blog everyday this week in between writing papers. I don't have much for today, but I thought I would share some random thoughts.

1.) Slumdog Millionaire is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It takes a lot for me to say that I would put a new movie in my top 10, but I'm pretty sure Slumdog has found a place. The movie has everything a nerd like me could want, a 20 million rupee trivia question to which I knew the answer, Indian geography, and plenty of violence. If you haven't seen it yet, as I hadn't until last night, go see it as soon as possible.

2.) My heart was crushed last night when Kelly Clarkson came out on stage during SNL and appeared to be pushing two bills. Mrs. Deuce kept asking me how I felt about the fact that one of my five now had an ass better suited to serving students lunch than shaking around on stage. I kept expecting her to go back stage and take off the fat suit, but it never came. She kept gyrating on stage while her thighs looked like two huge trash bags filled with pudding. I'm pretty sure Kristen Wiig just knocked you out of the top five Kelly.

3.) Not to be too Seinfeldish, but what's the deal with old people and casinos? The wife and I went down to a local casino/hotel to have a nice night away from the cats and the place was packed wall-t0-wall. And not with young hip people, it was the oxygen mask and walker crowd for that place. The worst part was that there was a line surrounding every single blackjack, roulette, and craps table in the joint. We couldn't even sit in the bar because it was so full. We ended up having dinner (we had to wait an hour to be seated) and a couple of drinks then going back to the room. I went back down right before SNL and the place was still packed to the gills. Which is why I watched SNL and Slumdog Millionaire in a casino hotel room, instead of playing blackjack or craps. How sad is that?

The Weekly Grind - Episode 8

2009-03-09T23:55:00.002-05:00

Click here to download last week's show.

And for next week...our much-anticipated interview with Tad Kubler, lead guitarist (and Knicks fanatic) of The Hold Steady!

Thanks to everyone calling in, texting, and e-mailing new breakfast suggestions...

A Sure Sign of the Apocalypse

2009-03-02T13:01:00.006-06:00

North Platte has a sushi restaurant.

And it's not on the Interstate, in fact, it is right next to Brothers. And it meant to end up in Kearney. But North Platte's proximity (used loosely) to the fish distributors in Denver meant pure luck for all of NPs residents.

Really, this is just a fantastic article for all 7 of you interested in the goings on of exit 177. There is a reference to Buffalo Bill stumbling over there from the Alamo Bar, a thinly veiled reference to a lounge and keno parlor next door, and all kinds of awesome none-too-subtle digs at old Flatrock.

It's good to know that cowboys and railroaders won't go there, though. That would really have the world off its axis.

Questions for Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady!

2009-02-26T10:02:00.003-06:00

Very last minute: Pete and I are interviewing Tad Kubler--lead guitarist of The Hold Steady (and fan of Tucker Max Death Mix)--today for a pre-taped interview for The Weekly Grind.

We'll be asking him listener questions, so if you have a question you've just been dying to ask the greatest rock and roll band in America, fire away in the comments or e-mail:

theweeklygrind@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued patronage.

"YEEESSSSSSS GARBLE [inaudible] YESSSSSS!"

2009-02-24T10:11:00.003-06:00

(The above quote in the title of this post is a direct quote from Ron Santo.)

Chicago Cubs baseball is oonnnnn the air!

Tomorrow!

1180 KOIL--home of The Weekly Grind!--is going to be broadcasting Ron and Pat and the Chicago Cubs taking on the stupid L.A. Dodgers tomorrow at 1:30pm.

Sweet God above, am I glad baseball is back.

Patrick Witt Transferring

2009-02-23T09:16:00.004-06:00

In a surprising move, it was announced that Patrick Witt--last season's #2 QB on the depth chart for the Huskers--is going to transfer.

Reading through the message boards, there are a lot of interesting theories out there. My favorite one involves Witt teaching new recruit QB Cody Green the wrong signals during their "voluntary" 7-on-7 drills.

Unfortunately for people that like to make crap up on a message board, this--nor any other theory--is true. And when you read Witt's father's quotes on that OWH story, it would lead you to believe something shady happened.

Here's the truth: Witt was not going to be as good in this new system as the people behind him on the depth chart. It really was an issue of him seeing the proverbial "writing on the wall" and realizing he was probably going to get jumped on the depth chart.

Nothing scandalous. Nothing shady. Just old-fashioned competition.

So don't go repeating silly rumors. You just need to stop by the ol' Heavy Soul to find out the real story.

P.S. Speaking of former Huskers, the podcast for last week's episode of The Weekly Grind is up. We had the funniest Johnny's Business yet, as well as a live call in from one Sgt. Hales in Afghanistan. It was great to speak with him for about 15 minutes. You can download it here.

The Grind Episode 5, Clean Ups, etc.

2009-02-15T22:31:00.003-06:00

Alright, you can download The Weekly Grind from Saturday (February 14th). Hop on over to our blog and get your listen on. We talked with LaReesa Jones of the Young Professionals Council of Omaha, and then we had on Drew Smith--a up and coming musician out of Austin, TX who is opening for Ben Kweller at the Slowdown Monday night. And, of course, we had former Husker Jon Bowling on. He had some words for Creighton fans, which is always entertaining.

Secondly, I did a little cleaning up on the links portion of the blog. Deuce, I went ahead and deleted those two Red Sox links you put up a few years ago...let me know if you've switched teams again.

I also deleted the Cubs official site and replaced it with my favorite Cubs blog, Goat Riders of the Apocalypse. Then I was thinking about it, and I thought I had posted this but apparently did not: I did a "Readers Feature" for the Goat Riders back during the season that got featured on their site. Not that you guys probably care, but I was kind of excited about being on there--and it explains my screen name (because I know hundreds of people were clamoring to know why I picked "GA Hill.").

Anywho, hope everyone had a great weekend.

A new addition to the blog family

2009-02-14T22:31:00.002-06:00

Hey all,

Just wanted to give all the loyal Heavy Soul readers a hearty thank you for the well wishes on the birth of The Daughter in Black.

The Lady in Black and myself have set up a blog to chronicle her rise to pageant fame (she already walks in heels very well). You can view the blatant bias here.

Love your bodies, Larries.

MIB

What On Earth???!!!??

2009-02-11T23:53:00.003-06:00

Ryan Adams--as in, Ryan Gold, Love is Hell, Rock N Roll, Heartbreaker, Easy Tiger Adams--is engaged to MANDY MOORE????

You know how I was speechless after reading Stew Bradley was interning at Elle Magazine? Well, take that speechlessness times 1,000.

Seriously, my whole world view is completely turned on its side.

On a completely different note, a huge--HUGE!--heartfelt congrats to the MIB. He became a proud papa this afternoon.

You're going to be one hell of a dad, my man.

The Tunnel Walk: 2009 Recruiting Round-Up...and onward to 2010.

2009-02-10T08:02:00.006-06:00

Less than a week ago, the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers tackle football team, led by a man called Bo Pelini accepted signed facsimiles of letters of intent from 20 young men. To TW, that's old news. Tunnel Walk is moving on because there are less than 360 days to signing day 2010. Join us as we take a look into the future.

Colleges can officially offer written scholarships beginning on September 1st of a prospect's junior year of high school. Being the first to offer a recruit can be very beneficial (see Steinkuhler, Baker). It can also backfire if the recruit accepts and does not pan out (see Bodtmann, Shawn). It all boils down to the evaluation of talent, which can be extremely difficult with grainy tape of 16 and 17 year old kids. But the evaluations continue regardlessly and according to Rivals and Scout, here are some of the top prospects of the 2010 recruiting class that Nebraska is competing for.

Quarterback

Blake Bell, 6-6/215, Wichita, KS (Bishop Carroll Catholic HS). Bell is listed on Rivals' 250 To Watch for 2010 and Scout has already awarded him 4 stars. He is being mentored/advised by a man named Brian Butler. This is the same man who mentored Albert and Bryce Brown, both top 5 national recruits in the past two years. This will give him a leg up in handling the recruiting pressure, but may also lead to a high profile recruitment--the kind with multiple press clippings and possible decommitments. Who knows. Just speculation. What is not speculation at this point is his infatuation with Nebraska. Following this weekend's NU Junior Day, Bell was quoted as saying that Nebraska was definitely at the top of his list. Landing a big time recruit like Bell from a neighboring Big XII state would do wonders for the 2010 recruiting class.

Robert Bolden, 6-4/196, Orchard Lake, MI (St. Mary's Prepatory School). Dual-threat quarterback that Rivals has on their 250 of 2010 list and Scout has given 1 star (obviously none of these prospects have been fully evaluated, but at this juncture, 1 star is better than a NR and puts a recruit firmly on the national map). With a grip of Big 10 offers in hand, it is not likely that Nebraska has a shot.

Terrance Broadway, 6-1/200, Baton Rouge, LA (Capitol HS). Another highly rated dual-threat quarterback. Bo Pelini's legacy in Baton Rouge is still fresh, so the Cornhuskers may just have a fighting chance at landing Broadway. In January, Broadway listed Nebraska in his Top 5. He also has an offer from Alabama.

A.J. Derby, 6-4/215, Iowa City, IA. Like the best athlete at your high school, A.J. Derby plays quarterback. Despite his strong arm (Rivals raved about him during the Army All-American combine), he could end up at tight end like his brother (who currently plays for Iowa) or linebacker or even safety on the other side of the ball. Derby attended the NU Junior Day, at which he received an offer. His dad also played for Iowa and the hometown team has to be considered the favorite.

Devin Gardner, 6-4/195, Inkster, MI. Another dual-threat from Michigan with a ton of Big 10 offers. Says that he is open to all offers, but grew up a Buckeye fan. Nebraska's offer is surely just a courtesy because there is no chance of getting this guy.

Austin Hinder, 6-5/180, Steamboat Springs, CO. Hinder, despite having the misfortune of sharing a surname with a shitty cockrock band, has a bright future. NU offered early, but is battling against offers from Cal, Stanford (don't laugh), Colorado and K-State (go ahead and laugh). His grandpa played at Cal and Boulder isn't far from his home.

Connor Wood, 6-4/210, Houston, TX (Second Baptist HS). Landing this recruit would be like the French marching on Berlin in 1942. NU is up against Mizzou, OU, Texas, TCU, Stanford, and Arizona. If this kid wants to stay close to home, he basically has his pick. However, NU has some good news on its side. Texas just got a commit from Colt McCoy's younger brother and NU is sending Shawn Watson back on the recruiting trail this year with an emphasis on the Houston area.

Running Back

James McConico, 6-0/188, Compton, CA. Through six games last year, the dude averaged 32.2 yards per carry. He had 15 touchdowns on 26 carries. Pretty much the definition of home run threat. McConico has a plethora of Pac-10 offers, so distance from home may become a factor in luring him out of California.

Lache Seastrunk, 5-10/184, Temple, TX. Arguably the top junior in the world. Has offers from everyone, including Mid-Plains. A complete and utter wish.

Wide Receiver

Markeith Ambles, 6-1/185, McDonough, GA (Henry County). Ambles holds offers from nearly every SEC school plus USC. Georgia is far from a Nebraska pipeline. Stealing this top WR would be a task, but with the Big XII's offensive prowess through the air lately, it's not completely ridiculous.

Ross Apo, 6-3/190, Arlington, TX (The Oakridge School). Nebraska was extremely fortunate to have Apo attend their Junior Day, establishing a foundation with the coaching staff that could pay dividends later on. Apo has been receiving attention from all of the usual Big XII suspects, but Tunnel Walk has a good feeling about NU's chances.

Offensive Line

Luke Joeckel, 6-6/280, Arlington, TX. Luke has a twin brother, Matt, who is regarded as a decent prospect as a QB. While Luke has a dozen offers, Matt has yet to get an offer, but don't be surprised if some school offers both in hopes of a combo package.

Chad Lindsay, 6-3/320, The Woodlands, TX. A guard prospect, Lindsay has offers from a ton of schools including most of the SEC and Big XII. Nebraska did a good job of recruiting the Houston area and that should only increase as the connections in the area solidify.

Andrew Rodriguez, 6-6/298, Aurora, NE. Originally from the slums of Shaolin, Rodriguez moved to Nebraska a couple of years back to live with his brother. After making a name for himself at last summer's Nebraska Football camp and this fall's high school playoffs, Rodriguez earned an offer from Nebraska and became the first commit of the 2010 class. He's been recognized by Rivals as one of their 250 recruits to watch for 2010.

Defensive Ends

Jordan Allen, 6-6/248, West Monroe, LA. Nebraska may benefit from Pelini's time in Louisiana with this prospect. LSU is the early leader and a strong favorite to land Allen.

J.R. "Ego" Ferguson, 6-4, 260, Frederick, MD (St. John's Catholic Prep). Normally landing a huge recruit from the East Coast has not been the easiest thing for NU. The signing of 4 star DE Jason Ankrah (also from Maryland) may change that. Ferguson is being recruited by John Papuchis, who is from the East Coast himself. If NU can score an official visit with Ferguson and pair him up with Ankrah (assuming he qualifies academically), there is a decent chance of gaining some recruiting momentum in this region.

Jackson Jeffcoat, 6-5/230, Plano, TX (West). Forget about it. 0.3% chance of getting him. Jeffcoat is the son of ex-NFLer Jim Jeffcoat and is a legitimate man already. If you're not a Top 25 program, you need not apply. Hopefully, Jeffcoat feels that NU is in that category. This guy is a gamechanger and will make some defensive coordinator very happy next February when he signs his LOI.

Linebacker

Justin McKay, 6-3/197, Shawnee, KS (Bishop Miege HS). The fact that Rivals has him listed as an OLB and Scout has him listed as a 5 star WR, hints at the athletic ability McKay has. Like many of the recruits NU is after at this point, McKay has offers from every top program. McKay's high school coach is Notre Dame alum and former K.C. Chief Tim Grunhard. That should give ND the early lead. However, Carl Pelini was also a high school coach in the KC area who still has some current connections.

That's it for now. If Nebraska can land 2-3 more of these recruits, a spot in the mythical Top 25 team recruiting ranking would be assured.

The Weekly Grind - Episode 4

2009-02-09T23:23:00.004-06:00

Here's last week's episode for your downloading pleasure...we had on Jim Frouge of the Center for Health Transformation in Washington, D.C. We also talked about "sexting," prostitution, Council Bluffs (yes, in that order), and the economies of baby giraffes.

All in all, good times. Enjoy.

I Hope The Huskers Are Ready

2009-02-09T15:39:00.003-06:00

Kind of exciting news in the most boring time of the sports year: it was just announced that the Huskers will be playing at Missouri on ESPN for a Thursday night telecast!

The game got moved to Thursday, October 8th. It is the Big XII opener for both teams, and I think it might be the first nationally-televised Big XII game of the 2009 season.

How great would it be to send a serious message to the Big XII--not to mention get some serious revenge for last season--being the only show on TV to a national audience and kicking the crap out of Mizzou at their house?

How long until college football starts again?

The Weekly Grind - Episode 3

2009-02-04T15:23:00.002-06:00

Here is your Week 3 podcast of The Weekly Grind. We talked Super Bowl picks (we had it at 27-22...pretty dang close), Super Bowl commercials, health care, liberty, and Flomax.

Executive Vice President of Bailey Lauerman Associates Lance Koenig joined us for a great interview, as well.

Click the link and download it up.

Stewart Bradley: I'm Confused

2009-02-04T11:49:00.003-06:00

I know I have spoken with people who are surprised as I am that Stewart Bradley is--already--a starting middle linebacker in the NFL (let alone on a team that almost made the Super Bowl).

This is far more surprising:

Eagles linebacker Stewart Bradley starts an internship at Elle magazine
today. He's one of a handful of NFL players who have pursued internships at
fashion magazines. Is it for the chicks?

The internship will last several months, and we're told that he wanted
to learn more about the fashion industry and will be working under the
leadership of Elle creative director Joe Zee. You may see him involved with New
York Fashion Week later this month.

What the what? I...I've got nothing.

The Weekly Grind - Today!

2009-01-31T09:43:00.003-06:00

We've got TWO phone lines!!!! Call in while our guest is on. He's a VP of a local PR Firm talking about Super Bowl commercials. And, as always, we'll have Jon Bowling on as well.

Call (402) 342-1180. E-mail theweeklygrind@gmail.com.

Stream it on KOIL's website.

Participate!

At the movies with MIB

2009-01-29T23:10:00.002-06:00

Is anyone excited to see Taken with Liam Neeson as a badass? Well this guy is. But I'm worried that if it's a shit flick, it will ruin my image of him forever and that will just be sad. But if it's good, it could cement Neeson as one of the better actors of our time.

It's not like solid actors haven't failed miserably when dipping their toes into the action genre. Check out Jodie Foster's last 8 movies if you don't believe me.

On the flipside, if I were the casting director for the Bourne series, Matt Damon sure as shit wouldn't have been my first choice. That said, he does a pretty damn good job in my opinion.

So if anyone goes to see Taken, leave a recommendation in the comments.

Thanks.

Stimulus Bill: Who Wants To Waste It Up?

2009-01-28T10:07:00.004-06:00

You want a good way to waste a lot of time by way of self-tourture? Read all 647 pages of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," brought to you by YOUR 111th Congress!

A lot of stuff is floating around in the media about the ridiculousness that is floating around in this $1 TRILLION bill (for example, $335,000,000 for STD prevention given to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention--call me crazy, but the Center of Disease Control doesn't stimulate much of anything at all, let alone the economy), but just this little item on page 11 completely floored me:

SEC. 1108. APPROPRIATION FOR GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.
20 There is hereby appropriated as an additional amount
21 for ‘‘Government Accountability Office—Salaries and Ex22
penses’’ $25,000,000, for oversight activities relating to
23 this Act.

Yes, you read that right. $25 MILLION just to make sure the money in this bill is being spent right. $25,000,000. Twenty....five.....MILLION.

You don't think there's a consulting firm out there that could do this work for 1/8th of this amount? Not to mention that a consulting firm will not be made up of partisan appointments to the leadership and staff?

Sweet Christ, Heavy Soul would be happy to make sure the money that is earmarked is going to where it's supposed to go in a timely matter for, like, a couple of grand!

And think about it from this aspect: our government is so fundamentally flawed that even when they are spending $1 trillion (that we don't have, by the way), they know it's going to be screwed up so they go ahead and throw in an extra $25 mill just to set up yet another government office to make sure the money gets spent.

OUR GOVERNMENT DOESN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO SPEND MONEY!

Do you realize how much money is being spent here? It basically comes out to be around $10,000 per household in the United States.

There are so many flipping earmarks in this bill that a ton of this money is going towards programs and causes--that is insane.

Why don't they send this money out so it actually STIMULATES THE ECONOMY? Why can't they do something like send $500B to the states for infastructure projects, and then take the other $500B and send out tax rebates? Take $250B and send out tax rebates to the people, and take the other $250B and waive corporate taxes or something for a few months.

That's a shaky plan, sure, but I just came up with it. And that's the problem with the ARRA: so did they. And the Obama Administration is using the same damned tactics the Bush Administration used to push through their agendas--by using terrifying language that scares the shit out of everybody, which leads to "plans" like this getting shoved through without debate or concern as to what is actually hidden in this bill. Yeah, that's right, I compared Obama's administration to Bush's administration. Turns out that Obama was impressed with how Dubya got things done around Washington. "Scare 'em 'till they vote yes! And if you don't like it, you probably don't like people who have lost jobs!"

That's ultimately the point: there's certainly things in this bill that actually will do things to stimulate the economy. But more than anything, this is a vehicle--scratch that, a tank--to hammer through Obama's and the Democrat's agenda as quickly as possible with little to no debate.

I'm 11 pages into this bill, and I already want to lead a revolution. I cannot even begin to imagine what lies ahead in the remaining 636 pages.

"It will be of little avail to the people, that the laws are made by men of their own choice, if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood." - James Madison

If this is the "change" that I and so many others voted for, I'm really depressed.

The Curious Case of Lazy Headline Writers

2009-01-27T12:07:00.004-06:00

Please, I am begging all journalists, headline writers, bloggers--everyone--stop using "The Curious Case of...." as a headline. It is completely insane. It's not creative. And it usually doesn't even make sense.

Dictionary.com defines curious as follows:

–adjective
1. eager to learn or know; inquisitive.
2. prying; meddlesome.
3. arousing or exciting speculation, interest, or attention through being inexplicable or highly unusual; odd; strange: a curious sort of person; a curious scene.
4. Archaic.
a. made or prepared skillfully.
b. done with painstaking accuracy or attention to detail: a curious inquiry.
c. careful; fastidious.
d. marked by intricacy or subtlety

For example, here is a story titled "The Curious Case of Vince Young and the Tennessee Titans." It's about how Jeff Fischer supposedly has already promised the starting spot at QB next year to Kerry Collins. How is this curious? Is this story inquisitive? A curious inquiry? Highly unusual? Uh, no. No it's not. You know why? Because Vince Young sucks at being a quarterback in the NFL, and Kerry Collins led the Titans to the best record in the AFC.

Here's another, from Time: "The Curious Case of Gran Torino." It's about "the curious case" of a movie starring a 72-year-old man that features stark realism could do $150M at the box office, and dramatically out-selling all the movies that got picked for Oscars over it. Again, I ask: is this an inexplicable event? Is the story about an event that is highly unusual? NO! IT'S CLINT EASTWOOD! What the hell do you expect? The guy is old so people have stopped almost universally loving the guy? Nope, that's not the case. That's not the case at all. And he's in a movie that doesn't suck? Shocking.

Last one: "The Curious Case of Terrance Williams." This might be the worst one of them all. I'll let the writer take it away:

No player in college basketball is more of an enigma than Terrence Williams.

Williams loves to shoot three pointers but rarely makes them, but he's
six-seven, loves to rebound, and bang around with players six inches taller.

A player who thrills the crowds at Freedom Hall with Jordanesque dunks, yet is
just as likely to miss a wide open layup.

Wow. You're not trying to tell me that a kid who is a really good athlete doesn't have the best skills at basketball, are you? Because if that is what you're telling me, than I am flabbergasted. How could I not be? This kind of player has never existed before, especially not in college basketball! I mean, it's not like the Chicago Bulls have ever wasted two Lottery picks on players that would exactly fit this description? Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah? Those guys are absolutely not like that at all. Nope, nothing to see here with those two. There's no way that a guy like Terrance Williams has ever existed, so there's certainly no way there could be two players that fit that exact description and play for the same professional team. That's not to mention that Rick Pitino would never recruit a player like that. He has never had a tall player try to play like a guard, who could leap, but not have the best basketball skills. Not Walter McCarty. Not Antoine Walker. Nope. This is indeed a "curious case," because this situation has never been seen in the sport, let alone on a Rick Pitino-coached team.

And it's not just these three I happened to notice; if you do a Google News search of "The Curious Case of," it comes back with pages and pages of stories that use that in it's headline.

Please, copy editors: don't let your writer do this to you. It is old, it is overused, it is annoying, and it is usually not even accurate.

The Weekly Grind: Week 2

2009-01-26T23:16:00.004-06:00

Hey there. Hope you had a great Monday.

The Weekly Grind saw another Saturday come and go--did you get to tune in? No? Well, good news for you, buddy! We've got the podcast of the show RIGHT HERE!

Are you a fan of football? Yeah? OK, what about Nebraska Cornhusker football? Yep? Great, well how about this: what if I told you that you could hear former All-American and current NFL tackling leader Barrett Ruud on a podcast? Would you take a listen? Well then, click RIGHT HERE!

How about being a fan of the arts? If I told you that you could listen to an interview with some people helping develop the "creative class" here in Omaha...would that be something you would be interested in? Great! Then click RIGHT HERE!

For all of you that got to listen, we appreciate it. And for those of you who tried to listen via the stream--and apparently that didn't work too well--download it up and enjoy.

As for this week: we've got all kinds of interesting topics to discuss. The lineup is not set as of this moment, but we'll have updates soon.

Thanks for your continued patronage.

Who is the pitchers in this game

2009-01-24T08:24:00.002-06:00

Great Third baseman or Greatest Third Baseball.

George Brett breaks down a trip to Vegas. . .and now I am speachless and now more than ever I would love to spend a weekend with Mr Brett.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6403VV2oyu0

The Weekly Grind: Update

2009-01-23T12:38:00.003-06:00

A quick note on tomorrow's show: When we will not be having Barrett Ruud in-studio as previously hoped. Which means that we will not be able to have callers on while Ruud is on the air, unfortunately. Our studio is still in the process of being renovated, and as of right now, there is only one phone line in our studio that can be put live on the air.

So: e-mail any questions you guys might have. Or text Pete, B, or myself. We will certainly entertain questions. Once again, our e-mail is:

theweeklygrind (at) gmail.com

The phone lines will be open the rest of the show, just not when B-Ruud is in. If you get a busy signal, keep on hitting redail. We'll get to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued patronage of free radio.

The Weekly Grind: Last Week's Podcast, This Week's Guests

2009-01-19T23:34:00.005-06:00

Thanks for everyone for tuning in to our inaugural episode of The Weekly Grind! We had great response, despite the ridiculous beginning to the show, and despite all the–um, you know, like, ah-ing of your loveable hosts. We promise to try to get better.

This week, we’re going guest-crazy: former Nebraska Cornhusker and current Tampa Bay Bucs star BARRETT RUUD will be joining us to get everyone ready for the Super Bowl, plus talk about the business side of the NFL that most people do not get to hear about.

We will also be joined by folks from Hot Shops Art Center, the art gallery and development area in NoDo (by Slowdown/Film Streams).

All in all, it is looking like a fantastic show. Be ready to call in with questions. You can hit us up in the studio at (402) 342-1180, or e-mail us at theweeklygrind (at) gmail.com. Hopefully Barrett will be able to stick around to answer some of your phone calls / e-mails.

In the meantime, if you missed last week’s show, you can download the podcast of it here. Last week we had guests Neil deMause--author of the book Field of Schemes--to talk about the dual stadium building here in Omaha, and former Husker (and regular weekly guest) Jon Bowling.

If you're not in Omaha this Saturday, or if for some reason you cannot get it on your old dial radio, you can stream the show live here.

Thanks again for all the calls and support!!

Huskers in the NFL?

2009-01-19T12:39:00.005-06:00

According to my colleague and blog friend Mike'l Severe, here is his take from the Rivals website (subscription required for the article), here are some snippets followed by my comments on the players Mike'l thinks will be drafted:

Marlon Lucky

Mike'l's Evaluation: Marlon catches the ball out of the backfield better than almost all of the eligible backs. Coming out of a pro offense Marlon is top shelf in pass pro. His short area quickness will be a question and I wonder out loud how he will run his short shuttle - most NU grads excel at the short shuttle. His film will both benefit Lucky's draft status and hurt him. His vision has always been a question and that will show up on tape. If you put in the 2007 Texas tape you see a back that runs hard and finishes his runs. On the other hand some of the games versus top rated teams have you shaking your head. His 40 time probably won't impress many. Depending on the underclassman in this draft, the running back spot could be much better than expected.

FINAL TAKE: (Seventh round to FA) With a good pro day, he can maybe get into the sixth round. There is not a back in this draft with better hands.

Pete's Evaluation: I don't see it. It's all about his 40 time. It's not going to matter how good his hands are if he can't run somewhere within .03 seconds of 4.5. I agree with Mike'l that his film will most likely be his worst enemy as NFL teams will see an uninspired runner with poor vision. He gets a draft pick if and only if his 40 exceeds expectations. His performance in the Shrine Bowl helps though, so I guess I predict that he gets drafted late 7th until I see that 40, then all bets are off.

Zach Potter

Mike'l's Evaluation: It's one of the top truths in sports: you can't teach size. Zach Potter has that in spades. We speculated for a couple of weeks that he would be invited to the combine, and we found out Thursday that he did get that invite, and will play in the Texas vs. the Nation game. Zach started at Nebraska with a lot of critics, saying he didn't have a passion for the game of football. Potter says learning under Adam Carriker and then Carriker leaving, inspired him. As a tall defensive end, Zach has to worry about keeping his base low on the drive. And then play tall once he has reached his limit to the quarterback. His hand play has gotten so much better since '07. He credits his footwork to playing basketball in high school.

FINAL TAKE: (Fifth-Sixth Round) 6-foot-7, 290-pound players just don't fall off the tree. He will test good enough to get a couple of teams interested and that is all it takes. Potter says he will surprise people when running his 40. If he runs in the 4.8's and does as well as I think he will in the drills, Potter could get into the 4th round. I honestly think Zach can play in both the 3-4 and 4-3. I like him keeping his weight at 280. It is an average year for defensive ends.

Pete's Evaluation: I like Potter in the NFL. I think he goes in the fourth or fifth round. All NFL teams can use a big DE to stuff the run at the goal line, block kicks, maybe move inside in passing situations. I feel that Potter will be suitable at all of those tasks. He's not making a starting lineup in my opinion, but he will be in the league for at least five years. Solid in the fourth, a steal in the 5th.

Nate Swift

Mike'l's Evaluation: Nate has had an amazing season. If Swift can run in the low 4.5's he could enhance his draft status by a couple of rounds. His hands have improved this season and he blocks in the open field. That is something you won't see on the tape of many college receivers. Swift is a good route runner but would have to play in the slot at the next level because of his struggles getting off press coverage. If Swift runs an expected 4.57- 4.60, the late rounds or undrafted free agency should be expected.

FINAL TAKE: (Seventh Round): I think Swift will run well at his pro-day. If he runs low 4.5's he could go as high as the 6th round. The punt return ability will help Swift. Beside a tenth or so off his 40 and an inch in height, I don't think there is that much difference between Swift and Jordy Nelson.

Pete's Evaluation: There is a pretty big difference between him and Jordy Nelson. Jordy Nelson weighs 220 lbs and can beat press coverage, Swift cannot. This may sound like I don't think Swift will get drafted. I actually do. I think he will be faster than 4.57 and teams will like film of his punt returns. I agree that he is not going to be much of a threat but with teams carrying five or six receivers he will get a look. I think he goes in the 7th but makes a team, unlike Lucky.

That's Enough Of Ray Lewis

2009-01-18T22:25:00.003-06:00

I can't be the only person that is beyond tired with close-ups of Ray Lewis praying and being emotional, can I? I truly don't understand how these announcers still--still!--gush and go on about how much Ray Lewis cares, and how hard he's praying, whatever.

The guy was part of a fight where two guys DIED. By stab wounds. In other words, they were MURDERED.

Prosecutors had testimony lined up indicting Lewis, but it all changed at the trial, mob-style. And then Lewis paid off the families of the two people who died.

Yet just 9 years later, we're told that he's a "spiritual leader." We see him leading team prayers. We see him praying on the field when his teammate is down. Not to mention we see him on every flipping NFL promo ever.

And the NBA is supposedly full of thugs...at least the NBA doesn't trot out someone who may have MURDERED two people out for all their promo material.

Anyway, good day of football. The Arizona flipping Cardinals against the Petesburg Steelers.

Who you got? I think that Arizona's offense is legit, but the Steelers' defense is so unbelievably tough. I've got the Steelers by 6.

The Weekly Grind: Today at 10am on 1180 KOIL!

2009-01-17T00:15:00.004-06:00

Just a reminder: "The Weekly Grind" presented by Beer & Loathing in Dundee goes live this morning at 10am (central). As the promos said all week, tune in to hear "the most informative train wreck on radio."

Again, for you out-of-towners, you can (hopefully*) hear the show via the stream here.

And for everyone kind enough to take an hour out of their day: please call in and have a take. We are not remotely interested in the three of us blabering (sp?) on for an hour. We hope this show is as interactive as possible. And if you call in, make sure to say whether you are listening here in town on the radio, or if you are out-of-town, be sure to say you are listening on the web and what city/state you are calling from.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors: Beer & Loathing in Dundee, AmeriPride Services, and Barrett's. We quite literally would not be on the air without their support.

Lastly, there is this: we cannot possibly begin to thank everyone for the well-wishes and "good lucks" we have received this week. We decided to do this show because it is something we always wanted to take a shot at. The support we have receieved since the announcement has been through the roof. That said: "Rome wasn't built in a day." In other words, "our show might not be the smoothest thing in the world tomorrow."

In summary: thank you, PLEASE call in during the show, and we'll do our best to make it an interesting hour.

In the words of Dennis Miller, "we'll talk at you down the road." With "down the road" meaning "in a few hours."

*I only say hopefully because at this moment, the stream sounds like Hell opened up and Satan himself is speaking through the stream. I'm guessing it is just my computer--she's a bit testy from time to time--but if it is acting up, just keep trying. It should work eventually. It worked just fine for me a couple of nights ago. Thanks again, friends.

Scott Van Pelt Posts On UK Rivals Message Board

2009-01-14T00:12:00.003-06:00

OK, last one: first of all, I've always felt that Scott Van Pelt--along with Kenny Mayne--is the best ESPN has to offer, for many reasons. He is self-depreciating and humble, and has shown so with messages to Deadspin, on the radio, etc.

Well, after giving Kentucky's Rivals site a shout on SportsCenter tonight, he posted the following on Kentucky's free board:

var postUser123372548=795288;
DrawHeaderNew (93, 'Ellicott1', 795288,'','',4885,'',1,123372548,1383,'You fine people are bananas',123372548,888,'#ffffff','','','');
Ellicott1 Post #4885 MyFanPage Add Buddy
You fine people are bananas
Reply
....I had to mention you on the show because I saw there were 5,000 + of you on here. Love the passion.I recall how bitter you were when we lead the show with VMI. As I think I explained that night, you all will ALWAYS be news because of who you are.We weren't "anti-Kentucky" that night or "on the bandwagon" tonight.You are KENTUCKY which, as I said on the show, puts you on the short list with UCLA, Kansas, IU, Duke and Carolina for all time programs. When something like VMI happens, we are going to lead with it. When a player establishes a new scoring record at a school with all your history, we are going to lead with it. Pretty simple.As a hoop fan, I enjoyed it because I think Meeks is fantastic and I love how he carries himself.SEC is wide open ..good luck the rest of the way.I'll drop in from time to time to say hey - I know ESPN sucks, or so I read, but I have developed a think skin. I know it's all rooted in a passion for sports that I share.Y'all be easy. SVP

That's about as cool as it gets.

54!!!!

2009-01-13T22:53:00.003-06:00

OK, I really wanted to leave "The Weekly Grind" at the top of the blog. And I have also tried hard to spare everyone of Kentucky Basketball propaganda.

That said, I just watched the greatest individual performance in college basketball I have ever seen, and I cannot help it.

Jodie Meeks--a junior who missed 20 games last season due to injury, and never had hardly anything you could say was a "good game" in the 2007-08 season--just scored 54 points AT Tennessee. The Vols and Bruce Pearl's ridiculous orange sports coat got their asses handed to them, 90-72. The Vols were 6 point favorites, and had won 16-straight SEC home games! (The last home SEC loss: I'll let you guess who that was, but I'll give you a hint: Tubby Smith coached them.)

54!!!!

In the words of Jim Rome: Jodie...FREAKING...Meeks. Do you guys understand what 54 points is in a college game? That's like 70-80 in an NBA game. He broke Dan Issel's--a basketball Hall of Famer, and considered the greatest player in the history of the greatest college program of all-time--39-year-old single-game record of 53.

Not to mention he broke his and Tony Delk's--perhaps the greatest 3-point shooter in NCAA history--single-game 3-point record, hitting 10 (!) 3's.

That was a stunning display of shooting. I mean, that was Michael Jordan-hot. Brad Nissler said that in 19 years of calling college basketball for ESPN, that was the best performance he had ever seen.

54!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And did I mention that it was at Tennessee?

God bless Jodie Meeks.

The Weekly Grind, Saturdays on 1180 KOIL!

2009-01-12T22:16:00.004-06:00

Well kids, we have a major announcement to make.

Before making said announcement, let me just say this: of all the random blog posts in the history of Heavy Soul, this has to be the most random. That said, we're pretty excited about it.

Starting this Saturday--January 17th--Pete, B from Exit 177, and myself will be hosting a talk radio show on Omaha's 1180 KOIL--sister station to 1620 The Zone and 1290 KKAR. 1180 KOIL recently switched formats to talk radio, and includes a daily lineup including Dennis Miller, Bill Bennett, Neal Boortz, and others. They will also be carrying broadcasts of the Omaha Royals and Creighton Baseball.

It is called "The Weekly Grind presented by Beer & Loathing in Dundee," and will be a show about Omaha news, politics, and sports--from the "young professionals" perspective.

I'm not kidding.

In fact, B and I were at the station recording promos for the show this afternoon. They will be airing all week on 1180 KOIL and 1290 KKAR.

It is pretty crazy how this all came about, and that story is probably for another post and another time. Let's just say it involved an impromptu Scotch tasting, a random meeting of a local radio host, and crazy kids with crazier ideas.

All that said, we're pretty excited about the format and the possibilities. This week, we will be discussing various topics in the news, focusing on the new College World Series stadium and the apparent other new stadium in Sarpy County. Our guest will be Neil deMause, author of the book Field of Schemes: How the Great Stadium Swindle Turns Public Money into Private Profit. The book--totally coincidentally--was published by the University of Nebraska Press. Mr. deMause has written for the Village Voice, New York Newsday, Baseball Prospectus, and The Guardian. Here is his blog. Here is some praise for the book:

“A thoughtful and comprehensive examination of the curious issue of love and money in sport.”—Frank Deford, Senior Contributing Writer at Sports Illustrated and author of The Entitled

“Field of Schemes is a superb work of investigative reporting and righteous indignation. The fan pays twice: once for the stadium and again for the ticket to get into the stadium. If enough fans read it, we could break this cycle.”—Allen Barra, sports columnist for the Wall Street Journal and author of The Last Coach: A Life of Paul “Bear” Bryant

So there you have it. We've got a radio show. We impossibly booked a really good guest.

The show will be on every Saturday from 10am - 11am (Central), and for you out-of-towners, you can stream it live on the interwebs here.

Here you'll find our new The Weekly Grind blog.

Tune in, and hear a real, live trainwreck on the radio!

One More Year!

2009-01-12T12:34:00.003-06:00

Get down on it, Mr. Suh, for the following reasons:

1. You're staying with The Big Red for your senior season.
2. You have a remarkable ability to destroy offensive tackle football players.
3. Your name means "House of Spears." My name means "Pete".
4. You just made our Skers the preseason Big 12 North favorite (or possibly Kansas).
5. You could potentially decapitate Blaine Gabbert.

I'm just going to beat someone else to this one...

2009-01-09T15:01:00.003-06:00

...and hopefully be the first person to make fun of myself.

Mangini looking to add Callahan to Browns staff

My Libertarian Heart Gently Weeps...

2009-01-08T09:45:00.004-06:00

...or howls uncontrollably, which would probably be more accurate.

From the Drudge Report today:

"Sarkozy, Merkel, Blair call for new capitalism"

"Merkel said the International Monetary Fund has not managed to regulate global capitalism, and she called for the creation of an economy body at the United Nations, similar to the Security Council, to judge government policy.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, leading the two-day conference with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, blamed financial speculators for encouraging a system fueled on debt. He called financial capitalism based on speculation "an immoral system" that has "perverted the logic of capitalism."

"It's a system where wealth goes to the wealthy, where work is devalued, where production is devalued, where entrepreneurial spirit is devalued," he said.

But no more: "In capitalism of the 21st century, there is room for the state," he said."

Jesus. Because the United Nations does such a spectacular job in everything. And because it would be smart to have the United Nations "judge" economic policy.

All of this, not to mention the scariest thing: these people are pushing strongly for a "New World Order." I don't care if that sounds conspiracy theory-y or not, it is frightening how casually these Euros are just throwing ideas like this around. This cannot happen.

I think even my more liberal friends will find this a terrible idea...right?

The Illinois Senate Controversy Sounds Vaugely Familiar...

2009-01-06T21:37:00.008-06:00

This was forwarded along to me by Toffer by way of Chris Onken in Chicago...it is unbelievable how closely the Blagojevich/Burris controversy sounds exactly like an episode of Seinfeld. Here's the e-mail I received in full:

I'm guessing not everyone (or anyone) is getting as much press coverage on the Obama Senate seat, but since there are quite a few Seinfeld fans, I thought you guys might appreciate this. I'm not sure how much Roland Burris watches Seinfeld, but it seems to me he's pulling a George by showing up today amid the controversy. Thanks to Jim's script link, I've changed the names and only a couple other references:

Rod Blagojevich: That's funny . You're very quick. I feel like I, like I don't have to explain every little thing to you. You understand everything immediately.
Roland Burris: I enjoy understanding.
Blagojevich: I want you to have this job. Of course...
Secretary: The FBI is on line 2.
Blagojevich: Thanks. I've got to take this call. Listen, I'm really glad that you came in.

At Monk's

Burris: I want you to have this job. Of course...
Jesse Jackson: Yeah?
Burris: That's it.
Jesse: What do you mean that's it?
Burris: He never finished the sentence. He got a call, that was the end of the interview.

A Few Days Later

Burris: So I still haven't heard about that job.
Jesse: Yeah that's a tough one. What are you going to do about that?
Burris: I have an idea.
Jesse: Yeah?
Burris: I show up.
Jesse: What do you mean you show up?
Burris: I show up. I pretend I have the job. The guy's going to jail. If I have the job, it's fine. If I don't have the job, by the time he is aquitted of any wrongdoing, I'm ensconced.
Jesse: Hmm. Not bad.
Burris: What's the worst thing that could happen?
Jesse: Well, you'd be embarrassed and humiliated in front of a large group of people and have to walk out in shame with your tail between your legs.
Burris: Yeah, so?

Just give him the Pensky file . . .

**UPDATE: Thanks to The Politico for the link!

Nico Is Dead

2009-01-05T14:56:00.005-06:00

In Omaha news: Club Nico closes February 16th. Pour out some liquor for the lamest place in Omaha. Unless you like Goth Parties:

Yikes. What will Omaha do without their "Wicked Goth Balls?"

(By the way, the answer to that would be "become a better city.")

Apparently their MySpace page says they aren't closing, but that's not what their vendors are saying.

Pete, where are you going to take Steve Francis next time he's in town?

Tunnel Walk: Gator Bowl Special

2008-12-31T23:49:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday, Earth! You've made it very convenient for Tunnel Walk by having your birthday on New Year's Day. It's been a while since we've been able to rockwitchu while watching our Huskers on your big day.

As Tunnel Walk sits at home watching the Best Damn Hooters Swimsuit Pageant, we can't help but feel a nervous feeling arising. And it's not what you think. You see, Tunnel Walk is a bit nervous about the pesky Clemson Tigers. Everything seems a little too perfect for the Cornhuskers. Winning five of six and restoring optimism in the future of the program is nice and all, but...

...a death in the family of not one but two coaches has to cause some distraction no matter how tough those coaches are.
...Clemson still has James Davis and C.J. Spiller on their roster.
...and Aaron Kelly and Cullen Harper. Sure, they've all been a bit disappointed statistically this year, but the talent to hurt the Blackshirts is definitely there.
...Tunnel Walk's New Year's resolution is to stop worrying so much.

The Recruit Files

Since the last time we've talked, the Big Red have picked up some big time recruits. Here's the scoop on a few:

Dijon Washington, S. 6-0, 173. Lawndale (CA) Leuzinger. Washington could stand to bulk up a bit. Nothing that a year at the training table can't fix. Rated with four stars as the number 14 safety by Rivals, Washington will help to bolster the future of the NU secondary. At one of the most recent Big Red Breakfasts, Bo Pelini revealed how surprised he was with how bare the cupboard was in the NU secondary. Mr. Grey Poupon should hopefully help, but don't be surprised if Oregon or another Pac-10 school makes a late run at Dijon.

Brandon Kinnie, WR. 6-3, 215. Fort Scott (KS) Community College. Kinnie will add another big target to a receiving corps that loses Nate Swift and Todd Peterson. Paired with the likes of Menelik Holt, Niles Paul, and Will Henry, Kinnie will make the Husker receivers some of the tallest and most physical in the Big XII. Kinnie will also re-establish a connection to the talent-rich Kansas juco ranks.

Rex Burkhead, RB, 5-10, 190. Plano (TX) Plano. While it's still over a month away from signing day, Burkhead is arguably the key to this recruiting class. NU stole Rex away from most of the Big XII South. Burkhead is a heavily recruited do-everything back with 4.46 speed. From film, Burkhead looks more physical than Marlon Lucky and shiftier than Quentin Castille. In addition to an awesome spy name, Burkhead possesses a good head on his shoulders. He delayed most of his recruitment until after his team's season was complete. Definitely a team player.

Jason Ankrah, DE. 6-4, 248. Gaithersburg (MD) Quince Orchard. Probably the most highly touted DE recruit for NU since Benard Thomas. Let's hope Ankrah becomes more productive than Benard. Ankrah was recruited by John Papuchis and could plant a seed in the fertile recruiting grounds of Northern Virginia/Maryland/D.C. On film, he looks big and strong and fast and mean. I can't wait.

Two Quick Onion Links

2008-12-30T08:46:00.003-06:00

These are two of the best Onion headlines I have seen in a long time. One is from this month, but the other one is from last year. That said, I don't care, because it is hilarious.

The first one is for Napa:

Staten Island Historians Piece Together Genealogy Of Wu-Tang Clan

[Staten Island historian Charles] Tinsley was quick to note, however, that
the total number of Wu-Tang descendants was impossible to calculate, and could
very well reach into the tens of thousands.

"While the Clan is generally associated with tales of conquest,
slaughter, and 'bringing da motherfuckin' ruckus,' it must also be noted that
its members were prolific lovers who expanded the empire by sowing their seed
all across the country," Tinsley said. "Who knows, perhaps my very own children
are direct descendants of Ghostface Killah."

The other one I find just hilarious, simply because I have had the same thought approximately 10,000 times:

Even CEO Can't Figure Out How RadioShack Still In Business

Despite having been on the job for nine months, RadioShack CEO Julian Day
said Monday that he still has "no idea" how the home electronics store manages
to stay open.

"There must be some sort of business model that enables this company to
make money, but I'll be damned if I know what it is," Day said. "You wouldn't
think that people still buy enough strobe lights and extension cords to support
an entire nationwide chain, but I guess they must, or I wouldn't have this desk
to sit behind all day."

Totally Extreme Trains, Dude!

2008-12-30T08:20:00.004-06:00

I thought this was important as we are all quickly approaching 30, and apparently have all made the History Channel part of our heavy channel-changing rotation...

Tonight at 9pm (CST), the show "Extreme Trains" is about Union Pacific. According to the news man on the radio today, the show focuses on Omaha and North Platte.

Enjoy.

2008...you looked like a winner.

2008-12-29T17:15:00.000-06:00

For the last couple of years, I've thrown together a list of my favorite albums of the year. This year will be no different, except for the fact that I recruited a few other Heavy Soul contributors to submit some of their favorites to give a couple of different tastes. In all actuality, there's not much difference in tastes.

10. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Dig!!! Lazurus Dig!!! Nick Cave had always been one of those figures in my head that I always knew I should know more about than I actually did. Like T-Rex or Todd Rundgren. I think the only things I'd ever heard from him before this album was his frightening cover of "Let it Be" from the I Am Sam soundtrack and his hilarious single, "No Pussy Blues" as his alter-ego Grinderman. So you can imagine how excited I was to discover the title track of the Goth Prince of Rock 'n' Roll to be a very listenable and accessible ditty. If you aren't fully versed, Cave's speak-sing vocal style will be familiar to fans of The Hold Steady. Also, Nick Cave may have the creepiest/awesomest mustache this side of the bad guy who ties the damsel to the train tracks.

9. Blitzen Trapper, Furr. When I first reviewed this album in October, my tone was that of reluctant surprise. I was surprised that a band I imagined to be more folksy and hippie could rock so soundly. The opening track, "Sleepytime in the Western World" is an upbeat tune that definitely borrows from the classic rock era, but in such an unabashed way that's tough not to like. "Not Your Lover" is a heartbreakingly lovely ballad that could be an undiscovered Neil Young gem. This album is the definition of a grower, the type that works well on the way to the lake or on the way down the slopes. A very natural sound without the patchouli.

8. Los Campesinos!, Hold On Now, Youngster. Apparently, this isn't the only great LC!album to come out in 2008, but it is the only one that could physically be found in the musical hotbed of central Iowa. LC! is equal parts pop, punk, and indie-rock collaboration woven into an upbeat album that can put you in a good mood pretty quickly. Lyrically, LC!! won't be drawing Dylan comparisons anytime soon, but don't let the party sounds fool you. Listen carefully and you'll get a picture of indie-rock culture in the United Kingdom. Key tracks are: "Death to Los Campesinos!" "You! Me! Dancing!" and "Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks". Another fun fact is that the whole band legally changed their last names to Campesinos. I like that gag.

7. Titus Andronicus, The Airing of Grievances. If you don't like Conor Oberst or Bright Eyes because of all the lamenting and whining, Titus Andronicus might be for you. When Pete told me that these guys sounded like Conor Oberst screaming and fronting a band consisting of members of Rancid and Arcade Fire, I was in. The entirety of the album sounds like a cut and paste effort of a live show giving it a very DIY sound. And as good as it sounds recorded, the album gives you the feeling that Titus Andronicus' best stuff comes out in person. I got a chance to see them live at the Pitchfork Festival and I was not disappointed. The band came out with five guitarists in the beginning of a rainstorm. It seemed fitting. It's probably not the way you draw it up, but it made for a perfect set. Messy and distorted and humid and hairy. Fitting for a bunch of kids from New Jersey.

6. MGMT, Oracular Spectacular. I've grown to hate the idea of this band. Artsy and psychedelic. Cover shoots with animal skins on their heads and feathers in their hair. I wish I could quit you, MGMT. But I can't because you're too damn catchy. You've heard "Time to Pretend" played in a movie if you've seen one in the last year or so. And "Weekend Wars" is one of the better songs I've listened to this year. So despite my growing discontent for the band, the album continues to satisfy.

5. My Morning Jacket, Evil Urges. I like this album because it's good and comes from the most creative band out there. It's not all radio ready. It's not all even extremely listenable. But it's ballsy. And that goes for something in my book. Jim James has one of the most pleasant voices I've ever heard and the band's sound is one that in a relatively short time has influenced a number of good bands (I'm looking in your direction Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, etc.). Oh, and to all of those buttlicking critics who say the song "Highly Suspicious" sucks, bite me. Bite my big, fat, hairy, pasty ass. That song has a corner office in the City Hall of Awesometown, which is the county seat of Awesome County.

4. Conor Oberst, Conor Oberst. It wouldn't be an MIB end-of-year music review if it didn't include some Conor Oberst project, right? Well, who am I to break precedent? Oberst's self-titled release is not extremely noteworthy, as it continues his development along the country/folk genre that began on Lifted, and blossomed on I'm Wide Awake. The album does mark Oberst's first recording without Mike Mogis in over a dozen years, hence the lack of the Bright Eyes moniker. Oberst shows a continual maturation lyrically and seems a bit happier and more at peace with life, love, and liberty. Hopefully, next year I'll be reviewing the Monsters of Folk (Oberts, Jim James, and M. Ward) album.

3. Hayes Carll, Trouble in Mind. Not sure who or how I got turned onto this album, but I'm thankful I did. Carll tells his stories like Hank Jr. Lots of booze and broads, sure, but also with a code of honor from days gone by. Most of the songs could be classified as singalongs, but be cautious--you'll sing yourself to a dark place you may not have known you were going to.

1 (tie). The Hold Steady, Stay Positive. If any given album has a finite number of plays, then Stay Positive may be coming to the end of its run on my iPeezy. From the time "Sequestered in Memphis" first leaked its way to my computer in May to the drive home from work this evening, this album hasn't gone a week without being played in its entirety. Stay Positive definitely doesn't stray from the tried and true formula that Craig and the boys have developed, but I don't hear anyone asking them to. I like to think of The Hold Steady's catalog as a menu at a steakhouse. There are several different steaks on the menu each with their own distinct characteristics. But when you break it down, they're all hunks of bloody, delicious beef. Keep the butcher shop open, THS. Keep the butcher shop open.

1 (tie). TV on The Radio, Dear Science. It seems like just a couple of years ago that TVOTR and The Hold Steady topped my favorite album list. Hopefully that means that 2010 is going to be another awesome year. This band does a considerable amount of ass kicking. The album is kind of dark and kind of unsafe, like driving at night by yourself for the first time in Detroit. But there are parts of the album that feel familiar and comforting ("Love Dog", "Golden Age"). And then there's that one part ("DLZ") where you're the only car on the road for miles and you decide to see how much muscle your car really has.

Pete's Best of 2008-Music Edition

2008-12-29T17:00:00.002-06:00

If you thought that I was putting together a list of my favorite sports-related moments, let's just say that none of them involved the Cleveland Browns. Actually I will talk about my favorite sports moments in another post, but for now let's tackle the music of 2008.

My favorite Albums of 2008,in no particular order, unless noted:

Hayes Carll-"Trouble in Mind". Roadhouse country from a youngster with a propensity for whiskey and Tom Waits covers. Lost Highway does it again, and does it well. Catch him on Austin City Limits soon, and hopefully for a long time. This is the best album of the year to listen to on the road, or drink alone to.

Jake One-"White Van Music". The best Seattle rap since "My Posse's on Broadway" by Sir Mix-a-lot. Jake produces some topshelf rappers and make hip-hop that is catchy and creative without being overly commercial. Take some notes, Common. Your new album SUCKS.

TV on the Radio-"Dear Science". Solid follow-up for the boys. They make quirky rock that is daring but also listenable. Maybe not the most catchy album in the world, but has absorptive qualities that would make The Bounty paper towel guys jealous.

The Hold Steady-"Stay Positive". While it is not the stone-cold classic that Boys and Girls in America is, it only further cements their legacy as the best bar band in America and the official band of Heavy Soul. Some of their best work is on here, even if it's not as consistently excellent as Boys and Girls.

Fleet Foxes-"Fleet Foxes". I was a bit of a slow convert, but this album puts me in a great mood. It's kind of hippy-ish in places and can run together, but the harmonies and experimentation are spot on and undeniable. A pop masterpiece. Pitchfork rated it as their album of the year, and I can't blame them for it.

Mudcrutch-"Mudcrutch". Tom Petty's reunion with his first band is all good. It's no reinvention of the wheel, but it has all the hooks you crave from Petty with a bit of a country tinge. A must have for Petty fans, which means basically everyone.

She and Him-"Volume One". M Ward and Zooey Deschanel combine to take over the sultry world with some really good jams. Some good originals, plus Smokey Robinson and Beatles covers. Approved.

Titus Andronicus-"The Airing of Grievances". Another Pitchfork-approved album that totally rules. These guys are badass New Jersey guys that get after it, shredding guitars and vocal cords and owning fuckers all day and night. The MIB and I are onboard for their impending world domination. Kind of like the evolutionary Rancid only with some E Street Band rhythm.

The Walkmen-"You and Me". I've been a fan every since The OC told me it was cool, with lots of payoffs. A Hundred Miles Off was great, and this one is at least as good if not better. I can't wait to see what you guys do next. Ol Pete is in.

The Gaslight Anthem-"The 59 Sound". If you like The Hold Steady, buy this record immediately. I did, and am forever grateful to the AV club.

Songs of the year for mixtape purposes:
"White Winter Hymnal"-Fleet Foxes
"Constructive Summer"-The Hold Steady
"The 59 Sound"-The Gaslight Anthem
"In Color"-Jamey Johnson
"It's a Shame"-Hayes Carll
"Gunpowder and Lead"-Miranda Lambert
"What Up Man"-The Cool Kids
"Oxford Comma"-Vampire Weekend (still don't get the backlash)
"The Man I Shot"-Drive By Truckers
"Paris, Tokyo"-Lupe Fiasco
"Scare Easy"-Mudcrutch
"I Don't Want to Grow Up"-Hayes Carll
"You Really Got A Hold on Me" She and Him
"Carpetbagger"-Jenny Lewis and Elvis Costello
"The Truth"-Jake One
"Titus Andronicus"-Titus Andronicus

Random Husker Notes

2008-12-29T10:23:00.011-06:00

Bowl Week, bitches! It feels good knowing we get to watch the Huskers play on New Year's Day. In fact, I was thinking about the fact that everyone is going to have to get immediately back in the saddle after celebrating on New Year's Eve and realized that the Huskers have played on New Year's Day just twice in the last 10 years. So seasoned pros we are not in this area of taking one for the team the day after New Year's Eve, but I'm guessing we'll soldier on regardless.

(Speaking of New Year's: we're doing the same drill as we did last year. Anyone interested in joining us, e-mail me at gahill87(at)gmail.com.)

Anyway, a few notes:

--Saw this on the "Life in the Red" blog over on the Journal Star's website, coming from badass man-child Ndamukong Suh:

The Pelinis were around the team this morning when players practiced in
Lincoln before leaving for Jacksonville. The coaches are expected to miss
Saturday morning's practice in Florida, but should arrive late tomorrow
afternoon or night.

"It's tough for them to have to deal with that loss," Suh said. "We're
controlling what we can control. We want to go out there and bring some joy to
them -- not that it can take away their loss -- but we want to bring some
joy."

That's pretty powerful stuff right there. There are several other comments like that from other players, as well. Isn't it refreshing to have a team that's motivated by those around them and by the head coach rather than their NFL draft position?

The culture change that has occurred in just one year is truly remarkable. Here are some more quotes from senior d-lineman Shukree Barfield, who was rewarded with a Blackshirt this week:

"That's probably one of the reasons I got one (a Blackshirt) -- when I do
get in, I make plays," Barfield said. "I couldn't be a starter this year, but
I'm just happy to be winning, man. I'm just going to do whatever it takes to
help my team win."

Nebraska's success -- the Huskers take an 8-4 record into the Gator Bowl --
has kept Barfield's motor running even when he wasn't playing a lot.

"Any time you win, all of that other stuff, you just block out," he
said. "I feel like as a team, we got closer to each other. My teammates, they've
been motivating and supporting me, just keeping my head up."
And yet more from Larry Asante:

"We love our coaches," Husker junior safety Larry Asante said. "This would
be a great win for them knowing that they just lost their father. We’re doing it
for the seniors, too. We want them to go out with a victory because they're the
guys who got the program changed around."

Asante said he's noticed most guys on the team aren't interested in playing
around outside of the field on this trip.

"Me, personally, I didn’t come out here to have fun. It’s a game. I haven’t
been out the past two nights. Me and Armando Murillo, we stayed in," he said.
"Basically everybody in the secondary except for a couple of scout guys stayed
in and watched film last night. It’s a business trip. We didn’t come out here to
have fun."

Unreal...especially if you choose to believe the rumors of last year's team, who apparently lived by the classic Eddie Murphy/Rick James collaboration "Party All The Time".

I'm feeling pretty good about taking out the Clemson Tigers come Thursday...what say you? Leave your predictions in the comments...

--On the other end of the spectrum, Eric Mangini was fired today by the J-E-T-S. With that news, I assume, that Bill Callahan will be gone as well.

I'm not big on piling on fired coaches too much. Obviously, reading this blog probably wouldn't lead you to believe that. I opined several times about how much Callahan sucked. However, after reading last year's story in the World-Herald by--I think--Mitch Sherman about Callahan's private life and all the things he did for Nebraska charities, I started to feel slightly bad about killing the guy so often. By many accounts, he seems like a stand-up guy.

All that aside: good. The guy gets a huge payout for doing everything in his power to destroy the legacy of Nebraska Football, then lands a great NFL job just a couple of weeks later. Karma came late this year, but it did come.

--In academic news--because I know that you have been anxiously awaiting SAT statistics--it seems that the Husker Football student-athletes are in very good shape. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution did an investigative report on SAT scores for football players across the country. The Huskers boast a team average of 962, which would rank them either the 11th or 12th best average in the country (right behind #10 Iowa's 964). Their team GPA of 3.11 is good enough for 7th-best in the country. Not too shabby. The only Big XII team rated higher than that is--and I found this surprising--Colorado, at #9 with a 966 average. (Kansas, K-State, and Baylor's info was not listed)

On the other end of the spectrum--and yes, I realize I used this phrase twice in one post--, the Big XII represented. Of the Bottom 10 schools in all of college football, you'll find Texas A&M (#7) and Texas Tech (#5). But the kings of the dummies are...drum roll please...*gasp* It's a tie! The dummest college football teams--with an AVERAGE SAT of 878--are Oklahoma State and Louisville! This is the most not-surprising news I think I have ever read.

--Lastly, this has nothing to do with Nebraska Football, but our man Pete got his wish: Romeo Crennel was fired today, and Cleveland Browns GM Phil Savage was canned yesterday. May a new, not-so-shitty era of Browns football be upon us? Time will tell. (Too bad Bill Cower has already said "no.")

**Photo taken above from the Lincoln Journal-Star, taken by Gwyenth Roberts. Because I knew you thought that someone from Heavy Soul took it.

Merry Christmas. Love, Heavy Soul

2008-12-24T20:01:00.001-06:00

I would have took the money line

2008-12-19T07:54:00.000-06:00

I think Napa said it best with ‘I think hell froze over a little bit’ anyways I am engaged and getting drinks tonight at the bar around 4.

The Hold Steady @ The Slowdown: April 8th!!!

2008-12-19T00:21:00.002-06:00

Tickets on sale today (Friday)!!!!

God bless it, Hold Steady: why can't you play on a weekend night?

To say that we're excited is an understatement.

(Tickets are only $15.)

Roy, For Three...YES!

2008-12-19T00:16:00.002-06:00

Here I am, eyes barely able to stay open. But one man, half a continent away, is keeping me awake.

Brandon Roy--someone who manages to constantly be somewhere between on the radar and off it--just scored his 50th point!!!! What a performance.

Blazers up 122-119 on the Suns, 29.3 seconds to go.

Let's go Blazers! *clap, clap, clap clap clap*

The Blue Who? Wha?

2008-12-17T23:26:00.003-06:00

Three posts in one night? Yep! That's right, you lucky so-and-so!

Anyway, this may make me a bad sports fan. Probably not, but may. Here's my question/concern:

What in the hell is a Blue Jacket? And when in the hell did they become an NHL team?

Well, the answer is (apparently) 2000. There's been an NHL team in Columbus called the Blue Jackets for 8 years??

I'm honestly at a loss here. Even after I purchased NHL season preview magazines last year after Pete and I decided that we were going to follow the Oilers last year--a decision that we recanted on after, oh, 3 days--I never knew of any squad that went by the Blue Jackets.

Whatever. I'm probably (or absolutely) am an idiot, but I swear to God I had never heard of this team until I watched SportsCenter tonight. Incredible. I put much of the issue on myself here, but I think it says a lot to where the NHL is these days: I listen to a ton of sports talk radio, and check SI.com and ESPN.com several times a day, and literally have got nothing when it comes to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nothing! I swear to God, I thought this was a 2008 expansion team.

Other than Pete, am I the only guy that falls in this category?

I Have This Can Of Worms Here...

2008-12-17T22:52:00.004-06:00

...I may as well open it.

I came across this article on CNN.com: "Obama's inagural choice sparks outrage."

It is talking about how Obama has chosen mega-pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration next month.

Liberal groups are outraged because Warren is socially conservative; specifically, he is against gay marriage and abortion. On the other hand, he is a very strong advocate and lobbyist of fighting global poverty, fighting human rights violations, and is a very strong proponent of the fight against AIDS across the globe.

Obama's camp defends the choice, saying:

"The president-elect certainly disagrees with him on [lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender] issues," [Linda] Douglass said. "But it has always been
his goal to find common ground with people with whom you may disagree on some
issues."

Douglass also noted that Obama and Warren agree on several issues,
including advocating on behalf of the poor, the disadvantaged and people who
suffer from HIV/AIDS.

However, these two quotes came from Obama's more liberal supporters:

"[It's] shrewd politics, but if anyone is under any illusion that Obama is
interested in advancing gay equality, they should probably sober up now," Andrew
Sullivan wrote on the Atlantic Web site Wednesday.

People for the American Way President Kathryn Kolbert told CNN she is
"deeply disappointed" with the choice of Warren and said the powerful platform
at the inauguration should instead have been given to someone who
has "consistent mainstream American values."

I am not familiar with the People for the American Way. However, to say
that someone like Rick Warren is *not* "consistent" with "mainstream American
values" to me is, in a word, ridiculous. Personally, I would not agree
with Warren's stance on gay marriage. And as much as I hate the thought of
abortion, I do regretfully believe that first-term and incest/rape abortion
should be legal.

And I believe Sullivan is way off base here, as well. Any presidential candidate that hands out rainbow campaign stickers at a gay pride parade obviously is not taking a stance comparable to a passing comment in some gay community at a small campaign stop. Not to mention--didn't Obama put a gay person at a pretty high staff position already?

But that is not really the point here. I believe that Obama has chosen a name that resonates with most people in America who does many great things in the name of people all over the world. To me, this People for the American Way seem to have the "American Way" completely confused.

I guess my question is this: does Rick Warren really not represent *most* Americans? Again, this isn't about yours or mine personally-held beliefs. I just think that someone saying that this guy is not consistent with the majority of American's beliefs and values is stepping out to an incredibly flimsy ledge that has no support in fact.

Thoughts?

*Note: Sorry for the jacked-up formatting, I don't know why it's doing that. Quotes from the article are in italics.

Creighton Fan: "I'd Probably Rather Have Doc"

2008-12-17T22:45:00.003-06:00

Whoa, Nellie!

That was an actual quote I got from a Creighton fan tonight. And not just any Creighton fan: a graduate, multi-season ticket holding Creighton fan.

The conversation came about after I told him that someone who he offered two tickets to last Saturday's Creighton game replied something along the lines of "I can't go, but tell him that Doc says 'hi.'"

After laughing about that for a minute, he said that at this point, he probably would rather have Doc Sadler as a coach, because he "gets more out of less, especially compared to Dana." Upon hearing this, I asked him what Doc would do with Creighton's current roster. His reply:

"Oh, man..."

So there you have it. A die-hard (and I do not use that term lightly with this person) Creighton fan admitting that he would take Doc Sadler over Dana Altman.

I sincerely hope that Bluejay Cafe gets a hold of this post, then whines about it and claims that we made this story up.

Doc's your daddy, Jays!

Good Answer

2008-12-17T15:05:00.003-06:00

This is from a SportsNation chat today on ESPN.com that featured Coach Billy Clyde Gillespie. Gotta love Kentucky fans...

kenny newport KY: hey coach... Can i get a preferred walk on LOL i can't jump or shoot BUT i will hustle like no other PROMISE YOU THANK

Billy Gillispie: No.

I just find that hilarious that he offered no joke, no silly answer, just a solid "no." That's hilarious. And along with not being able to jump or shoot, "kenny newport KY" also can't bother himself with proper grammar or punctuation--I cannot tell if this guy is on some hillbilly Yoda shit or what.

That's all. Back to your work day.

Charles Barkley on Turner Gill

2008-12-15T13:39:00.002-06:00

Charles Barkley apparently lobbied for Turner Gill to get the Auburn head coaching job. Hard.

After they hired Gene Chizik from Iowa State, Chuck had this to say about the situation:

"I think race was the No. 1 factor," said Barkley, who played basketball
for three seasons at Auburn during the early 1980s. "You can say it's not about
race, but you can't compare the two resumes and say [Chizik] deserved the job.
Out of all the coaches they interviewed, Chizik probably had the worst resume."

Yowza.

But is he wrong? Chizik clearly sucks as a head coach. And I don't want to hear that "he was only there for two years, what do you expect, miracles?" argument. Turner Gill wasn't ask to do anything other than make Buffalo competitive, and went ahead and performed miracles anyway. Anyone who is worth a poop as a coach can win *a* conference game.

There are some other interesting notes from this article:

Barkley, who works as an NBA analyst for Turner Network Television, said he
spoke with Gill before Gill interviewed with Auburn officials last week.

"We talked about the whole race thing in Alabama," Barkley said. "I told him it's
there and it's going to be anywhere you go. I told him you can't not take the
job because of racism. He was worried about being nothing more than a token
interview. He was concerned about having a white wife. It's just very
disappointing to me."

Those comments are very sad. Very sad. How the hell is Turner still getting "token" interviews? He won the flipping MAC Championship at Buffalo against an undeafeated, ranked team! People were talking about if he could win 4 or 5 games a year, it would be a success--and he's winning conference championships at year 3. Unreal.

This was the best point, I thought:

"My biggest problem with the black coaches is they're not getting jobs and
they're getting [expletive] jobs when they are hired," Barkley said. "They're
not getting good jobs. They're not getting jobs where they can be successful.
That's why I wanted Turner to get the Auburn job. He could win consistently at
Auburn. You can't win consistently at New Mexico. You can't win consistently at
Kansas State. He could have won at Auburn."

I think this is basically true. It is strange; it is almost as though Tyrone Willingham was the only guy that is going to get a shot--and since he screwed it up, people are tepid. This, of course, is ridiculous.

Ultimately--Turner Gill or not--how Gene Chizik got the Auburn job is just beyond me. How you are on the edge of being fired at Iowa State leads to getting a SEC job is insane.

Oh, and one more thing: LOL at Chuck's comment about Kansas State. You suck, K-State. Even the Chuckster knows it.

The Pain Train Is Back!

2008-12-12T14:30:00.004-06:00

From the files of "One of the few things ESPN doesn't suck at:"

Kenny Mayne's "Mayne Street."

This web series is hilarious, and today's episode brings a very-welcome comeback from one of the great commercial characters ever. Click the link and enjoy.

The Roots news not from someone named GA Hill

2008-12-09T16:15:00.002-06:00

Unfortunately it comes from Jimmy Fallon.

Illinois Governor Blagojevich, And The Total Mind-Blow

2008-12-09T10:02:00.004-06:00

This article is completely staggering. Staggeringly stunning.

Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said “the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering.”

(I totally copied Fitzgerald with my adjectives. Sorry, Pat.)

Here are some highlights:

--He was unapologetically asking for money up front from potential candidates to take Barack Obama's now-vacant Senate seat.
--Was considering taking the seat himself, to--somehow--simultaneously set himself up for a Presidential run in 2016, while avoiding impeachment (!) from the Illinois Congress.
--Was threatening the Chicago Tribune editorial board to change their tone of criticism towards him and his office, or else he would not approve the sale of Wrigley Field to the State of Illinois.
--On top of asking for significant campaign donations, was trying to also package a plush lobbying job for his wife in exchange for a Senate appointment.
--Trying to exchange significant increases to already enormous state government contracts for campaign contributions.
--Intimidation tactics to get donations through before legislation passed, in order for it not to appear that there was a conflict of interest.
--Trying to get an executive position with a Union board in exchange for a nomination of someone in the Union's pocket for the open Senate seat.

That's just the summary.

And you people wonder why I'm a libertarian. Power doesn't just corrupt Republicans, it turns out.

This story sends chills up my spine, and I don't even live in Illinois. It should you, too, because I PROMISE you that this happens everywhere.

Somewhere along the lines, the "power of the people" got shot in some dark alley and left for dead. It is incredibly depressing.

Perfect Sandwich seeking mate full of barley...

2008-12-08T18:10:00.000-06:00

Today, beer fans, I created for the first time (at least in my kitchen) a sandwich that brought a tear to my eye and a food boner to my bathing suit area. Before I unveil it's loveliness, I beseech you B&B readers to match this carnivorous snack with a suitable beer. I present to you the Sneaky Pete:
On two slices of potato bread (which unbeknownst to this author beforehand is 99% fat free), dress the left slice with your favorite mayonaisse and the right slice with a nice spicy brown mustard (I like French's).
On the mustard slice, cover with hard salami (Target's Archer Farms brand makes a nice salami, but you can also get resourceful and use the stuff you'll get in your stocking on the 25th.)On top of the mayo slice, make an obnoxious pile of thinly sliced roast beef. Thin is key here, fellas. It makes you more manly to stack more slices.
On top of the salami, apply a blanket of sharp cheddar. Any sharp cheddar will suffice and most pre-sliced packages are thick enough to provide a suitable cheese kick through the meat hug.
On top of the roast beef, apply two slices from a medium tomato. Give a good salting to the slices, you'll thank me. Carefully place the two piles of awesomeness together and get ready. Accompany with a handful of the world's finest snack pickles, Gedney's Mini-Munchers.

I made this sandwich at lunch today and literally was impelled to masturbate immediately afterwards. I paired the sandwich with a bottle of Boulevard Pale Ale. It tasted great when poured into a pint glass because it was my last bottle of beer and it was at lunch. Don't tell my boss. Now here's your homework, beerniks: Based on the aforementioned ingredients, what is the best beer for The Sneaky Pete?

Ron Santo - Hall of Famer?

2008-12-08T09:47:00.003-06:00

There are a lot of things that can be said about Ron Santo--fighter, ambassador of the game, hilarious announcer, unabashed homer, the king of unintentional comedy--but one thing that cannot be said is "hall of famer." I have always thought this was kind of a shame, but not the worst thing ever. His numbers are certainly worthy of the Hall, but they certainly toe the line.

Well, that is, until possibly now: this report is saying that Ronnie got in through the Veteran's Committee today along with Joe Torre and Dick Allen. Who knows how legit this report can be, but that would be pretty cool.

In addition: I would give up my salary for a month to be in the same room as Santo when he gets the call. The comedy of that moment would be through the roof, although I legitimately worry that the shock might just kill the guy.

So let's hope the report is true, and congrats to Ron Santo, one of the genuinely nicest people I have ever had the chance to meet.

SNL Digital Short

2008-12-07T18:14:00.003-06:00

Andy Samberg strikes gold again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8HB252MeAI

Yes! Follow-up to The Hold Steady

2008-12-05T15:15:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my man Ruckus, the Hold Steady poster from the Sokol show has been found!

Even better news: the artist, Christopher Halbkat--who appears to be incredibly talented--has agreed to print some up for us! Here's the specs:

Glad you like the poster! Yeah, The Hold Steady was a heavy show & I'd be
happy to print some more posters for you and the crew.
About Each Print: $25.00 / Signed & Numbered
Printed digital offset with archival-pigmented ink on acid-free Etching
paper, which has the subtle texture of an etching paper and a soft white tone.
Print Size is 12"x 18" including the 0.25" border for framing.
It is much more cost effective to print more than one at a time so If your
interested in more than one I can sell you four prints @ $75.
Let me know and I will email you a Paypal Invoice, Thanks much!

So there you go: if 4 people will purchase one, they are only $18.75. Pete and I are already down for orders, and I was going to purchase another one for when Sgt. Hales returns.

If there are any takers, leave it in the comments or get a hold of me. I want to order these ASAP, so please decide soon.