Just got done flying over the EPL standings as of right now. I figure I've got to post this real quick because there are EPL games tomorrow, so here goes.
Almost done with the book Soccernomics. Good stuff but a couple things do bother me. Not so much on his statistics, but on his approach to race that rears its ugly head mid way through. Maybe I'll get to that later.
So what of Blackpool and Liverpool?
Blackpool has a problem. A few actually. They have only played 17 games while the rest of the league is at an average of 19. 5 teams have played 20 and 11 have played 19. Why is this a problem for them? They stink at home, yet there they sit at 8th place with 2 less games. They are really breaking the mold on away games. If they can get back up to the extremely reliable home mean they have a chance at moving up the standings.
Liverpool has the opposite problem... they are atrocious away from Anfield. If league rank were only home record they would be second. That said Aston Villa jumps the table the most at home. 12 spots actually. From being ranked 15th to being ranked 3rd.
That's all I have for now outside the fact that being able to not loose away from home will win you the EPL. How do you win away from home? have the most fans. That's you Manchester United.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Manual Focus
I long time ago I had to pick up a camera for a photography class. Being of little means (as most in my class) I picked up a camera from a second hand store. It had just about every problem you could possibly have with a camera. Most notably, a light leak. I spent literally days trying to make it work. It took about a roll of film to get one usable picture for grade so nights developing film in a dark room were long. After a few “no grade, more effort” I was frustrated. More effort??
The class came and went, yet that camera stayed with me. So did the dark room. I found that at first I was trying to get what I thought was the perfect picture for a perfect grade but as time went by I found myself liking the other pictures. Light leaks, uncontrolled manual focuses and all. No, this is not a crafted sermon titled: “Focusing on one thing means you miss other things”. I have heard more than a few three point ones on that - no alter calls here.
I felt like the photos were like memories themselves instead of a memory that is a photo. Because of that, I am writing probably the most intimate thing I ever have in the same manner that camera took photos. Gray corners, orange streaks down the left side and a focus on something I didn’t expect at all. A wonderful thing. Beautifully unexpectedly. Beautiful.
The class came and went, yet that camera stayed with me. So did the dark room. I found that at first I was trying to get what I thought was the perfect picture for a perfect grade but as time went by I found myself liking the other pictures. Light leaks, uncontrolled manual focuses and all. No, this is not a crafted sermon titled: “Focusing on one thing means you miss other things”. I have heard more than a few three point ones on that - no alter calls here.
I felt like the photos were like memories themselves instead of a memory that is a photo. Because of that, I am writing probably the most intimate thing I ever have in the same manner that camera took photos. Gray corners, orange streaks down the left side and a focus on something I didn’t expect at all. A wonderful thing. Beautifully unexpectedly. Beautiful.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
COD: Black Ops, Numbers (31)
Yes. Numbers are very ironic with this game. The backbone to the story in Call of Duty: Black Ops has our hero, Mason, annoyingly interrogated throughout the game. He slips in and out of consciousness flashing back to different moments a la Assassins Creed (in a way).
I have a few problems with this. One; Immediately I don't feel like I'm in control. There is no tension. I mean... If I'm dying in his flashback or memory did he do the same? Am I changing his memory of what happened? What is this? The movie Inception? It takes me out of the experience. There is no tension at all. Two; watching any interrogation is awful. Usually in games or movies it lasts for a few moments (See: James Bond, Casino Royal or any and every episode of Alias. Yeah, I said Alias!) In this game it happens after ever objective. So, like, every 15 mins or so WHAM!zzzzapWEEEE... back to the dark room getting shocked with a muffled voice asking about the NUMBERS.
The game has the hallmarks of previous COD games I've played going all the way back to the original COD that I played on my iMac. I like the action formula they use. However, that was Infinity Ward putting that together. This one is Treyarch. And I gotta say... it doesn't work. The gameplay formula is there, which is enjoyable. But everything else; music, SFX, even voice acting (save for one Gary Oldman) is sub-par. Ice Cube is worn out and the guy from Avatar (Sam Worthington), who voices the main character can't... get... the numbers out of his head. Not often I care about this, but he struggles with an American accent.
Graphics and Art are muddled. FX graphics are horrible ('splosions and the like). I feel like I'm floating and not walking, I could go on.
I didn't expect this game to be Helltown's Game of the Year but I felt since I had given this prize to one of it's past sister games I at least gave it a shot.
1: Story
3: Objectives
2: In-game Design
3: In-game Artwork
2: Music (at points, awful)
2: Audio
3: Gameplay
2: Emotional Impact
1: Longevity
3: Package Design
2: Package Art
5: Historical Significance
7: xFactor (I'm still playing it)
It gets 31% score from me. It is #72 out of 89 games I have bothered to assign my arbitrary numbers to since I started me blog.
If you add a zero to my 31 score you get 310. Add the word Million to the end of that and that is the amount of money this game made on opening day. It broke every opening day entertainment release in history. That includes the movie Avatar.
It's all about the numbers! Zing!
For a final note on the game; I thought that taking on real covert operations that have been declassified could have worked and been really interesting. It isn't here. It is a lost opportunity. The perfect metaphor for the game was a scene set in Vietnam where you are piloting a swift boad. "Woods" turns on the radio and you hear the Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil". A moment that, man, should have worked because it had the right ingredients. But didn't.
Above: Picture of Tugg Speedman from Tropic Thunder. Below: Woods from COD: Black Ops. Keep it original Treyarch. I literally chucked when this character appeared on screen. Nice effort there.
I have a few problems with this. One; Immediately I don't feel like I'm in control. There is no tension. I mean... If I'm dying in his flashback or memory did he do the same? Am I changing his memory of what happened? What is this? The movie Inception? It takes me out of the experience. There is no tension at all. Two; watching any interrogation is awful. Usually in games or movies it lasts for a few moments (See: James Bond, Casino Royal or any and every episode of Alias. Yeah, I said Alias!) In this game it happens after ever objective. So, like, every 15 mins or so WHAM!zzzzapWEEEE... back to the dark room getting shocked with a muffled voice asking about the NUMBERS.
The game has the hallmarks of previous COD games I've played going all the way back to the original COD that I played on my iMac. I like the action formula they use. However, that was Infinity Ward putting that together. This one is Treyarch. And I gotta say... it doesn't work. The gameplay formula is there, which is enjoyable. But everything else; music, SFX, even voice acting (save for one Gary Oldman) is sub-par. Ice Cube is worn out and the guy from Avatar (Sam Worthington), who voices the main character can't... get... the numbers out of his head. Not often I care about this, but he struggles with an American accent.
Graphics and Art are muddled. FX graphics are horrible ('splosions and the like). I feel like I'm floating and not walking, I could go on.
I didn't expect this game to be Helltown's Game of the Year but I felt since I had given this prize to one of it's past sister games I at least gave it a shot.
1: Story
3: Objectives
2: In-game Design
3: In-game Artwork
2: Music (at points, awful)
2: Audio
3: Gameplay
2: Emotional Impact
1: Longevity
3: Package Design
2: Package Art
5: Historical Significance
7: xFactor (I'm still playing it)
It gets 31% score from me. It is #72 out of 89 games I have bothered to assign my arbitrary numbers to since I started me blog.
If you add a zero to my 31 score you get 310. Add the word Million to the end of that and that is the amount of money this game made on opening day. It broke every opening day entertainment release in history. That includes the movie Avatar.
It's all about the numbers! Zing!
For a final note on the game; I thought that taking on real covert operations that have been declassified could have worked and been really interesting. It isn't here. It is a lost opportunity. The perfect metaphor for the game was a scene set in Vietnam where you are piloting a swift boad. "Woods" turns on the radio and you hear the Rolling Stones "Sympathy for the Devil". A moment that, man, should have worked because it had the right ingredients. But didn't.
Above: Picture of Tugg Speedman from Tropic Thunder. Below: Woods from COD: Black Ops. Keep it original Treyarch. I literally chucked when this character appeared on screen. Nice effort there.
File Under
call of duty black ops,
game rankings
VIII. Only Interesting To Me
1. Happy Boxing Day
2. Soccernomics is a great book
A friend got me this for Christmas, maybe he read my in depth objective mathematical analysis of the World Cup? I doubt it. I wish I picked it up when it came out early this year before the WC so I am a year late on this book, but well worth the read now. It looks at soccer from a broad view, but also digs into the EPL a great deal. I read about half of it last night, couldn't put it down.
2a. Another book I was digging into is Lean Thinking
Until Soccernomics came along. The "bible" for anyone in manufacturing that I had yet to read.
2b. Impulsed bought The Bible last night.
By The Bible, I mean the 1611 King James version with the Apocrypha. I have not had a copy since I moved to Ohio. Looking forward to getting it in the mail. Sorry Amazon employees that had to work today. I had to work as well though. So thar.
3. 2010 is hath neareth an end.
Therefore, verily I say unto you, a game of this year of our Lord needeth to be made. Doest thou beleiveith the dearth of such in this year? Ok.
4. Jim Tressel
There are rumblings of OSU coach Tressel leaving after the bowl game already. Chicagonow.com is reporting that two sources have said as much. More on that in another post.
5. My beenie weenie dip today includes queso blanco dip with roadhouse chili for the Brownies game. We'll see how that goes. My relationship analysis based on history, experience and weenie density is telling me with high probability that it will result in a nap.
2. Soccernomics is a great book
A friend got me this for Christmas, maybe he read my in depth objective mathematical analysis of the World Cup? I doubt it. I wish I picked it up when it came out early this year before the WC so I am a year late on this book, but well worth the read now. It looks at soccer from a broad view, but also digs into the EPL a great deal. I read about half of it last night, couldn't put it down.
2a. Another book I was digging into is Lean Thinking
Until Soccernomics came along. The "bible" for anyone in manufacturing that I had yet to read.
2b. Impulsed bought The Bible last night.
By The Bible, I mean the 1611 King James version with the Apocrypha. I have not had a copy since I moved to Ohio. Looking forward to getting it in the mail. Sorry Amazon employees that had to work today. I had to work as well though. So thar.
3. 2010 is hath neareth an end.
Therefore, verily I say unto you, a game of this year of our Lord needeth to be made. Doest thou beleiveith the dearth of such in this year? Ok.
4. Jim Tressel
There are rumblings of OSU coach Tressel leaving after the bowl game already. Chicagonow.com is reporting that two sources have said as much. More on that in another post.
5. My beenie weenie dip today includes queso blanco dip with roadhouse chili for the Brownies game. We'll see how that goes. My relationship analysis based on history, experience and weenie density is telling me with high probability that it will result in a nap.
File Under
only interesting to me
Friday, December 24, 2010
Center of a Sports Storm
Last night I was having dinner with a friend and his wife and the conversation was about the Bucks. As I was out and about this morning enjoying the day the news of the OSU players getting suspended dominated on the radio and on the voices of people out and about. Christmas? Sadly, no. For this is Buckeye country.
What I noticed is that yesterday, the voices of misdirection were out in full. Today? A different story. Voices of reason seem to be taking over. This spells disaster for OSU because the smokescreen arguments coming from AD Gene Smith did not work at all (help their families, didn't know the rules). In politics you see smokescreen (lies) arguments (example: Every politician) that last more then 24 hours. What folks in power want to achieve with smokescreen arguments are:
1. Kill the story. OSU made the announcement right before Christmas in the attempt to have it forgotten and not on the lips of "major" figures (talking heads and writers) off for the holidays.
2. Get the investigators out of their backyard. Gene Smith and the University went as far as falling on the sword, claiming that it was their fault.
3. Get people to feel sympathetic to the guilty. This is where the "help the families" comes in. If you can get sympathy then anyone arguing against you looks heartless and evil. What? wouldn't you have done this for your mother you sick person?
4. Misdirection. Turn the wolfs against themselves. Smith covered this with the "selling personal property" stuff. Misdirection is the most powerful tool the guilty have. Now you have writers arguing over NCAA bi-laws and paying players.
The sad and disappointing thing here is that if they just stayed quiet they would have been in better shape. See: Cam Newton story. But this is OSU. Arrogance and pride has led them down their path. I know this is eating Jim Tressel, an outwardly Christian person here in Columbus, up inside.
What I am seeing here in Columbus has happened before other places, many times. At this point it is running a course similar to the Southern Methodist University path back in the early 1980s. That ended with the school getting the "death penalty" and loosing it football program for a year. It took the school nearly 25 years after that mess to even make another bowl game.
For a resonable take on the whole OSU situation go HERE.
Below are a few sentences from the article:
"This incident at a Columbus tattoo parlor took place in 2009, after the ’08 season. Players sold everything from Big Ten Championship rings, to Gold Pants charms (awarded for beating Michigan) to jerseys and shoes with their autograph on them. Terrelle Pryor even sold his ’09 Fiesta Bowl sportsmanship award."
"How did they get caught? The US Attorney’s office found the items in question at the parlor and contacted OSU to see if any of these items had been stolen."
Wait... hold on. The US Attorney's office? yeesheesh. This is something that has to have been happening over an extended period of time. Bad bad bad.
I'm still trying to figure out what and when the other shoe will drop on this story. I've never seen Terrelle Pryor out and about around town, but I do hear stories. They ain't good. This story is very far from reaching its end.
What I noticed is that yesterday, the voices of misdirection were out in full. Today? A different story. Voices of reason seem to be taking over. This spells disaster for OSU because the smokescreen arguments coming from AD Gene Smith did not work at all (help their families, didn't know the rules). In politics you see smokescreen (lies) arguments (example: Every politician) that last more then 24 hours. What folks in power want to achieve with smokescreen arguments are:
1. Kill the story. OSU made the announcement right before Christmas in the attempt to have it forgotten and not on the lips of "major" figures (talking heads and writers) off for the holidays.
2. Get the investigators out of their backyard. Gene Smith and the University went as far as falling on the sword, claiming that it was their fault.
3. Get people to feel sympathetic to the guilty. This is where the "help the families" comes in. If you can get sympathy then anyone arguing against you looks heartless and evil. What? wouldn't you have done this for your mother you sick person?
4. Misdirection. Turn the wolfs against themselves. Smith covered this with the "selling personal property" stuff. Misdirection is the most powerful tool the guilty have. Now you have writers arguing over NCAA bi-laws and paying players.
The sad and disappointing thing here is that if they just stayed quiet they would have been in better shape. See: Cam Newton story. But this is OSU. Arrogance and pride has led them down their path. I know this is eating Jim Tressel, an outwardly Christian person here in Columbus, up inside.
What I am seeing here in Columbus has happened before other places, many times. At this point it is running a course similar to the Southern Methodist University path back in the early 1980s. That ended with the school getting the "death penalty" and loosing it football program for a year. It took the school nearly 25 years after that mess to even make another bowl game.
For a resonable take on the whole OSU situation go HERE.
Below are a few sentences from the article:
"This incident at a Columbus tattoo parlor took place in 2009, after the ’08 season. Players sold everything from Big Ten Championship rings, to Gold Pants charms (awarded for beating Michigan) to jerseys and shoes with their autograph on them. Terrelle Pryor even sold his ’09 Fiesta Bowl sportsmanship award."
"How did they get caught? The US Attorney’s office found the items in question at the parlor and contacted OSU to see if any of these items had been stolen."
Wait... hold on. The US Attorney's office? yeesheesh. This is something that has to have been happening over an extended period of time. Bad bad bad.
I'm still trying to figure out what and when the other shoe will drop on this story. I've never seen Terrelle Pryor out and about around town, but I do hear stories. They ain't good. This story is very far from reaching its end.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Oh, Ohio State (My fault?)
Today the first ugly shoe dropped on THE Ohio State University football program. But before I go any further, some perspective.
Ohio (and the rest of the mid-west) is the cradle of football. It was born here and its Valhalla is here (hall of fame). Ohio State University is one of the cornerstones of the sport. Looking at the big picture; OSU (and that "school up north") are bigger then the Big Ten, the division of which the are in. Not only in tradition, but in economy and just shear size. OSU is the largest institution of higher learning on the planet. If that doesn't get your attention, I'm not sure what will.
The reason I mention a bit of perspective first is because of the ridiculous amount of spin going on around the current situation they find themselves in. A situation of the very serious kind. Six total players have been suspended for games starting next year. Five players for five games and another for four. All are significant. Terrell Pryor and Daniel Herron. Starting receiver DeVier Posey, All-Big Ten offensive tackle Mike Adams and backup defensive end Solomon Thomas. Ohio State fans will remember these names for decades to come.
The infractions they committed are selling personal items. Things like 2008 Big Ten Championship rings, jerseys, "gold pants" they get for beating Michigan. Even getting free tats for autographs was mentioned. For old timers this is a crime in the highest order. For the rest of the country it is just another bunch of entitled kids taking advantage of their situation. For the press? Just another story to keep College Football king and a chance to take swipes at the NCAA.
The players in this story, outside of the players (because at the end of the day, the players matter not):
Gene Smith, Athletic Director OSU
Jim Tressel, Coach OSU.
The NCAA. The rule makers.
Now, I live in Columbus. I know that all major programs push the limits of the rules. Hummers, nice apartments and the like. It goes on in most top tier programs. But for the NCAA to take action on a school like OSU? You have to be doing something really - really wrong.
Right now Mr. Smith is throwing the University on the sword stating that it was that they didn't inform the players enough. Coach Tressel, wearing a black suit, stating the "we as coaches, fell short". Never underestimate what a man wears to a extremely stressful situation such as this. Never.
Anyway, the press is out in full. Claiming that players should be paid and blah blah blah. I can't stand it. Fact is, they broke the rules they had to follow. I have to follow the speed limit on the way home. Why does the press feel that players don't have to follow the rules that they sign up for?
Mark my words... Another shoe has yet to fall and it will be ugly. This school's reputation has taken a major hit. I'm not that old, but old enough to know that when this happens... you are done for years. Even decades.
So how is this my fault? I may have just upset the football gods by reaching out to a nice lady up in Ann Arbor yesterday. My bad.
And my bad for saying my bad.
Ohio (and the rest of the mid-west) is the cradle of football. It was born here and its Valhalla is here (hall of fame). Ohio State University is one of the cornerstones of the sport. Looking at the big picture; OSU (and that "school up north") are bigger then the Big Ten, the division of which the are in. Not only in tradition, but in economy and just shear size. OSU is the largest institution of higher learning on the planet. If that doesn't get your attention, I'm not sure what will.
The reason I mention a bit of perspective first is because of the ridiculous amount of spin going on around the current situation they find themselves in. A situation of the very serious kind. Six total players have been suspended for games starting next year. Five players for five games and another for four. All are significant. Terrell Pryor and Daniel Herron. Starting receiver DeVier Posey, All-Big Ten offensive tackle Mike Adams and backup defensive end Solomon Thomas. Ohio State fans will remember these names for decades to come.
The infractions they committed are selling personal items. Things like 2008 Big Ten Championship rings, jerseys, "gold pants" they get for beating Michigan. Even getting free tats for autographs was mentioned. For old timers this is a crime in the highest order. For the rest of the country it is just another bunch of entitled kids taking advantage of their situation. For the press? Just another story to keep College Football king and a chance to take swipes at the NCAA.
The players in this story, outside of the players (because at the end of the day, the players matter not):
Gene Smith, Athletic Director OSU
Jim Tressel, Coach OSU.
The NCAA. The rule makers.
Now, I live in Columbus. I know that all major programs push the limits of the rules. Hummers, nice apartments and the like. It goes on in most top tier programs. But for the NCAA to take action on a school like OSU? You have to be doing something really - really wrong.
Right now Mr. Smith is throwing the University on the sword stating that it was that they didn't inform the players enough. Coach Tressel, wearing a black suit, stating the "we as coaches, fell short". Never underestimate what a man wears to a extremely stressful situation such as this. Never.
Anyway, the press is out in full. Claiming that players should be paid and blah blah blah. I can't stand it. Fact is, they broke the rules they had to follow. I have to follow the speed limit on the way home. Why does the press feel that players don't have to follow the rules that they sign up for?
Mark my words... Another shoe has yet to fall and it will be ugly. This school's reputation has taken a major hit. I'm not that old, but old enough to know that when this happens... you are done for years. Even decades.
So how is this my fault? I may have just upset the football gods by reaching out to a nice lady up in Ann Arbor yesterday. My bad.
And my bad for saying my bad.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
For Wendy
A 1988 Camaro that will not be forgotten. Yeah, a car. She only got driven once by me, but I have a lifetime of memories around it.
Sing it Boss!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Caught In the Wild: Bronco II
The Christmas holiday season is in full gear right now and I'm working a lot. It's amazing to me sometimes what interests me this time of year because my mind is souly focused on getting product out in that the simple things become more important.
Behold; a 1989 Bronco II. You may not see too many of these on the roads anymore. They were replaced by the juggernaut that was the Ford Explorer. But there is a lot to like here. First and foremost a two door, four seater SUV or, if I may, a Ford Ranger with four seats. A nice little find and still kicking after 21 years.
a la "curbside columbus".
Behold; a 1989 Bronco II. You may not see too many of these on the roads anymore. They were replaced by the juggernaut that was the Ford Explorer. But there is a lot to like here. First and foremost a two door, four seater SUV or, if I may, a Ford Ranger with four seats. A nice little find and still kicking after 21 years.
a la "curbside columbus".
File Under
caught in the wild,
Curbside Columbus
Helltown vs. Helltown
Question is: was it the Growlers that beat the Brewmasters? or was it the Brewmasters v. Brewmasters? Growlers v. Growlers? Perhaps an existential battle in my own mind?? You'll never know. Just know that it was a battle!
If anyone is interested, you... yes YOU! can download the Helltown Brewmasters United and Hellown Growlers Football Club.
Just go to HERE. Sign in and go to the creation center. Once there... search teams with key word HELLTOWN. Download it and then go to the Creation Center on your XBox. I... I mean, the teams will be on your XBox.
If anyone is interested, you... yes YOU! can download the Helltown Brewmasters United and Hellown Growlers Football Club.
Just go to HERE. Sign in and go to the creation center. Once there... search teams with key word HELLTOWN. Download it and then go to the Creation Center on your XBox. I... I mean, the teams will be on your XBox.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Those Football Guys in the Clouds
Yeah, they care about Brett Favre's streak ending. But! what do they care more about?
An outdoor game in frozen Minnesota because the Metrodome roof collapsed. I'm all for it. Only problem I have is the artificial turf field.
The AP reports:
"The outdoor game will be a test for Minnesotans no longer accustomed to braving the frigid December air to watch pro football. The last outdoor Vikings game at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, which the Metrodome replaced, was held on Dec. 20, 1981 - 29 years to the day before this Monday's Vikings-Bears matchup. The Vikings lost that game to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 10-6."
29 years to the day. So let it be written... so. let. it. be. done.
Let's take this one step further... well, two steps.
Cold weather teams winning the Super Bowl?
26 wins to 18 warm weather teams. Meh, not much there but more then enough to show advantage (20 points of data is what I need).
How about we look at dome teams:
3 dome teams have won... verse 41 outdoor. I count old Dallas Stadium as outdoor.
Let that be written.
Consider this your Football Gods 101 lesson. 102 would be turf teams verse natural grass... 1st homework assignment? How many Super Bowls has New England won since switching back to turf in 2006?
Answer? Zero.
An outdoor game in frozen Minnesota because the Metrodome roof collapsed. I'm all for it. Only problem I have is the artificial turf field.
The AP reports:
"The outdoor game will be a test for Minnesotans no longer accustomed to braving the frigid December air to watch pro football. The last outdoor Vikings game at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, which the Metrodome replaced, was held on Dec. 20, 1981 - 29 years to the day before this Monday's Vikings-Bears matchup. The Vikings lost that game to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 10-6."
29 years to the day. So let it be written... so. let. it. be. done.
Let's take this one step further... well, two steps.
Cold weather teams winning the Super Bowl?
26 wins to 18 warm weather teams. Meh, not much there but more then enough to show advantage (20 points of data is what I need).
How about we look at dome teams:
3 dome teams have won... verse 41 outdoor. I count old Dallas Stadium as outdoor.
Let that be written.
Consider this your Football Gods 101 lesson. 102 would be turf teams verse natural grass... 1st homework assignment? How many Super Bowls has New England won since switching back to turf in 2006?
Answer? Zero.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
VII. Only Interesting To Me
1. Tron Legacy and Daft Punk
Tron is visual representation of what goes on in my computer. Daft Punk is musicalistical representation of the same. They are made for each other. Derezzed video. Musicalistical is not a word. Olivia Wilde stops the show at the end of the video. To save you search... American blue blood, a hoity toity NY family; married to a real Italian Blue Blood prince.
2. Metrodome roof collapsed**** (deflated) under 2 ft of snow
It is just a inflatable thing made of, like, Teflon. Pull that sucker out and play with out it. An outdoor game in Minnesota is what the football gods command! Oh, and speaking of those football gods; this thing is sort of surreal because a lot of things are converging all at once. Favre's streak, bringing Favre to the Vikings to help get a new stadium built, and the near end of Favre's career.
2a. Best headline so far: "Metrodome Roof Collapsed, Just Like The Dreams Of The Vikings Fans It Shelters"
2b. AND OH MY... There is video. Actually scary.
3. Winter is here in Ohio as well
-5 with wind chill tonight. It's a winter wonderland now, I'll add photos below.
4. A brand new 1984 Buick GNX
This happens to be one of those proverbial dream cars for me. The thing is a beast and a new on still sits for sale. Check the story here.
5. My Brownies not on TV today?? BOOOOOOOOOO
3a.
That's a pick of Helltown Beer HQ.
Almost looks like black and white photos, but they are not.
Tron is visual representation of what goes on in my computer. Daft Punk is musicalistical representation of the same. They are made for each other. Derezzed video. Musicalistical is not a word. Olivia Wilde stops the show at the end of the video. To save you search... American blue blood, a hoity toity NY family; married to a real Italian Blue Blood prince.
2. Metrodome roof collapsed**** (deflated) under 2 ft of snow
It is just a inflatable thing made of, like, Teflon. Pull that sucker out and play with out it. An outdoor game in Minnesota is what the football gods command! Oh, and speaking of those football gods; this thing is sort of surreal because a lot of things are converging all at once. Favre's streak, bringing Favre to the Vikings to help get a new stadium built, and the near end of Favre's career.
2a. Best headline so far: "Metrodome Roof Collapsed, Just Like The Dreams Of The Vikings Fans It Shelters"
2b. AND OH MY... There is video. Actually scary.
3. Winter is here in Ohio as well
-5 with wind chill tonight. It's a winter wonderland now, I'll add photos below.
4. A brand new 1984 Buick GNX
This happens to be one of those proverbial dream cars for me. The thing is a beast and a new on still sits for sale. Check the story here.
5. My Brownies not on TV today?? BOOOOOOOOOO
3a.
That's a pick of Helltown Beer HQ.
Almost looks like black and white photos, but they are not.
File Under
only interesting to me
Friday, December 10, 2010
Rule Britannia!
Good things happened at work today enabling me to get one step closer to my trip to England!
OH BRITANNIA YOU MADE THIS WORLD SO BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL AND WEALTHY! RULE, RULE, RULE ALL THE WAVES OF THE WORLD! THEY WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO WAVE IF YOU DIDN'T TELL THEM.
Sing with me now!
"Rule, Britannia! Britannia rule the waves:
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
OH BRITANNIA YOU MADE THIS WORLD SO BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL AND WEALTHY! RULE, RULE, RULE ALL THE WAVES OF THE WORLD! THEY WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO WAVE IF YOU DIDN'T TELL THEM.
Sing with me now!
"Rule, Britannia! Britannia rule the waves:
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves."
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tebow, Tebow, Tebow
I read that Tim Tebow's coach at Florida stepped down this week. The same week that the coach of Tebow's pro team, the Denver Broncos, was fired. There are too many things pointing to Urban Meyer re-teaming with Tebow. It is an emotional matter for Meyer. When Tebow graduated last year he flirted with stepping down because of, in my opinion, Tebow was gone. They had a very close relationship outside of the fact that they won two National Championships.
Tim Tebow with Urban Meyer in Denver could be a successful combo for more then a decade. Players like Tebow build stadiums (see: Payton Manning and Lucus Oil Stadium in Indianapolis). Some people undervalue relationships in the professional sports world and for good reason. But I think Tebow is a special player and person. I see this happening.
So says the crystal ball I'm looking at. Like a crazy person. I also have fond memories chanting, "Tebow, TEbow, Tebow!" when he was at Florida with special person and hope I can again so let's just say that my mind is saying it will happen along with my heart and call it a day.
Tim Tebow with Urban Meyer in Denver could be a successful combo for more then a decade. Players like Tebow build stadiums (see: Payton Manning and Lucus Oil Stadium in Indianapolis). Some people undervalue relationships in the professional sports world and for good reason. But I think Tebow is a special player and person. I see this happening.
So says the crystal ball I'm looking at. Like a crazy person. I also have fond memories chanting, "Tebow, TEbow, Tebow!" when he was at Florida with special person and hope I can again so let's just say that my mind is saying it will happen along with my heart and call it a day.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Never What You Think
In the year 2000 my 1986 Camaro turned 14 years old and was starting to have a renaissance of interest. I'm guessing enough time had passed that the stereotypes had been forgotten... or at least forgiven. We'll go with forgiven. Either way, an 80's Camaro became something to find. There are other cars like it. Monte Carlo's and Hurst Oldsmobile with t-tops to name a couple. Pretty mundane cars at the time considering what had come 14 years before them in the late 60's.
So where are we now? 2010 the calendar tells me. What are the cool kids looking at now? Why... a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited of course. This sweet little puppy has a V8 260 Horsepower – Corvette LT1 Engine hidden in it and is part of the appeal. Combine that with a low cost and its now alien look and whambam! you have a car you can find ways to love and it may even qualify as, to use a phrase a friend once told me, "a mean MAAchine".
It's never what you think. Go figure. And now I want one.
It's interesting to think of auto history in this way. It takes me back to GM's planned obsolescence that I've mentioned before. They aren't making a dime off the sale of a 14 year old $2000 car, but they sure are desirable to some people and, in this case, hold a few surprises. I'm not saying the new GM slogan "Chevy Runs Deep" takes into consideration a 1996 Buick wagon... but maybe it should. Add a pretty girl and a burnout and that sucker will get ingrained permanently and positively in American's heart and souls.
Right now I feel inclined to call my dad and tell him to hold on to that Caprice Classic he has...
So where are we now? 2010 the calendar tells me. What are the cool kids looking at now? Why... a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited of course. This sweet little puppy has a V8 260 Horsepower – Corvette LT1 Engine hidden in it and is part of the appeal. Combine that with a low cost and its now alien look and whambam! you have a car you can find ways to love and it may even qualify as, to use a phrase a friend once told me, "a mean MAAchine".
It's never what you think. Go figure. And now I want one.
It's interesting to think of auto history in this way. It takes me back to GM's planned obsolescence that I've mentioned before. They aren't making a dime off the sale of a 14 year old $2000 car, but they sure are desirable to some people and, in this case, hold a few surprises. I'm not saying the new GM slogan "Chevy Runs Deep" takes into consideration a 1996 Buick wagon... but maybe it should. Add a pretty girl and a burnout and that sucker will get ingrained permanently and positively in American's heart and souls.
Right now I feel inclined to call my dad and tell him to hold on to that Caprice Classic he has...
File Under
1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon Limited
Sunday, December 5, 2010
HB Investigative Report. Newton Case File
William Sasquatch has been following the Cam Newton case and I (Larry) am here to interview him on his thoughts and get a conclusion from him on the whole thing.
ME: Where should a reporter start on this story.
WS: WITH THE MONEY. CAM NEWTON'S FATHER WANTED MONEY TO GO TO MISSISSIPPI STATE. PAY FOR PLAY, SO TO SPEAK. THIS IS WHERE THE STORY STARTS AND ENDS.
ME: So the investigation is closed? It's over?
WS: YEP. REPORTS ARE SHORTSIGHTED AND NARROWLY FOCUSED. FOLKS NEED TO LOOK AT THE TIMELINE AND THEY ALSO NEED TO BRUSH UP ON SOUTHERN CULTURE. CAM'S FATHER IS A 'BISHOP' OVER A CLUSTER OF CHURCHES IN GEORGIA. ONE OF WHICH WAS CONDEMNED. HE WANTED MONEY TO SAVE THE CHURCH BECAUSE THE MONEY HE WAS GETTING TO SAVE IT WAS COMING FROM CAM'S BROTHER WHO WAS ON THE PRACTICE SQUAD FOR THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS. HE WAS CUT, NO MORE MONEY TO SAVE THE CHURCH. CAM'S FATHER NEEDED MONEY FAST SO HE LOOKED AT CAM AS A WAY TO GET IT. IT DIDN'T WORK. NO MONEY AND THE CHURCH WAS CONDEMNED. IT SITS ABANDONED NOW.
ME: Cam didn't get any money then?
WS: WELL... NOT FOR SIGNING AT ANY SCHOOL. CAM IS A GREAT PLAYER WITH A EDUCATION PROBLEM. THE FLORIDA GATORS TOOK A CHANCE ON HIM. HE ENDED UP PLAYING BACKUP TO TIM TEBOW, THEN GETTING INJURED AFTER THAT CAM PROCEEDED TO STEAL ANOTHER STUDENTS LAPTOP. HE WAS CAUGHT AND FLORIDA DUMPED HIM. HE WOUND UP A BINN COLLEGE JUCO PLAYER.
ME: Isn't this where the Miss. St. money comes in?
WS: THERE ISN'T ANY QUESTION THAT CAM'S FATHER WAS TRYING TO GET MONEY THE WHOLE TIME CAM HAS BEEN IN COLLEGE. IT DIDN'T WORK. WHY DO YOU THINK HIS SON FOUND HIMSELF STEALING A LAPTOP AND PLAYING AT A JUNIOR COLLEGE IN TEXAS.
ME: Makes sense I guess. But he ended up at Auburn.
WS: YEAH. HE WAS CLASSIFIED AS A 5 STAR RECRUIT WHILE AT BINN COLLEGE. LOOK, PLAYERS THAT PLAY AT A DIV. I SCHOOL THEN GO JUCO HAVE ISSUES. AUBURN TOOK A CHANCE ON HIM LAST YEAR. A VERY COMMON THING IN THE SEC. BY THIS POINT THE CHURCH IN NEWNAN, GA WAS SHUTDOWN. NOW CAM IS PROBABLY THE CLEANEST PLAYER IN BIG TIME DIV. I FOOTBALL. HE ISN'T GETTING ANYTHING OUTSIDE WHAT AUBURN GIVES HIM. WHICH IS PROBABLY CONSIDERABLE, BUT NOT OUTSIDE THE RULES. CAM'S FATHER WILL BE SET NEXT YEAR WHEN CAM GOES PRO.
ME: Story over?
WS: YEP. IT'S A MESSY STORY. USUALLY YOU'LL SEE SOMETHING LIKE THE REGGIE BUSH THING WHERE THE MONEY ACTUALLY HAPPENED. IT DIDN'T IN THIS CASE. IF IT DID THEY CHURCH WOULD HAVE STOOD AND CAM WOULDN'T HAVE FOUND HIMSELF AT 3 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.
ME: Conclusion...
WS: THE STORY IS ONE OF FAILURE. THE SEC USUALLY SWOOPS IN AND CODDLES PLAYERS LIKE CAM NEWTON. I DON'T LIKE CAM NEWTON AND WOULD LIKE TO SAY THERE IS SOMETHING HERE OTHER THEN HIS FATHER ASKING FOR MONEY BUT THERE ISN'T OTHER THEN REGULAR SEC CLOAK AND DAGGER CLOSED DOOR STUFF.
ME: Isn't that the story then? The SEC?
WS: THAT'S FUNNY. YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT ON?
ME: Yes. You can because you are imaginary.
WS: THAT'S CORRECT, BUT I HAVE AN IMAGINARY HELLTOWN BREWMASTERS UNITED GAME TO GET TOO AND YOU ARE WASTING MY TIME. BESIDES, THE REAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL STORY RIGHT NOW IS THE CINCINNATI BEARCAT MASCOT GETTING ARRESTED FOR THROWING SNOWBALLS AT PITT PLAYERS YESTERDAY.
ME: Where should a reporter start on this story.
WS: WITH THE MONEY. CAM NEWTON'S FATHER WANTED MONEY TO GO TO MISSISSIPPI STATE. PAY FOR PLAY, SO TO SPEAK. THIS IS WHERE THE STORY STARTS AND ENDS.
ME: So the investigation is closed? It's over?
WS: YEP. REPORTS ARE SHORTSIGHTED AND NARROWLY FOCUSED. FOLKS NEED TO LOOK AT THE TIMELINE AND THEY ALSO NEED TO BRUSH UP ON SOUTHERN CULTURE. CAM'S FATHER IS A 'BISHOP' OVER A CLUSTER OF CHURCHES IN GEORGIA. ONE OF WHICH WAS CONDEMNED. HE WANTED MONEY TO SAVE THE CHURCH BECAUSE THE MONEY HE WAS GETTING TO SAVE IT WAS COMING FROM CAM'S BROTHER WHO WAS ON THE PRACTICE SQUAD FOR THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS. HE WAS CUT, NO MORE MONEY TO SAVE THE CHURCH. CAM'S FATHER NEEDED MONEY FAST SO HE LOOKED AT CAM AS A WAY TO GET IT. IT DIDN'T WORK. NO MONEY AND THE CHURCH WAS CONDEMNED. IT SITS ABANDONED NOW.
ME: Cam didn't get any money then?
WS: WELL... NOT FOR SIGNING AT ANY SCHOOL. CAM IS A GREAT PLAYER WITH A EDUCATION PROBLEM. THE FLORIDA GATORS TOOK A CHANCE ON HIM. HE ENDED UP PLAYING BACKUP TO TIM TEBOW, THEN GETTING INJURED AFTER THAT CAM PROCEEDED TO STEAL ANOTHER STUDENTS LAPTOP. HE WAS CAUGHT AND FLORIDA DUMPED HIM. HE WOUND UP A BINN COLLEGE JUCO PLAYER.
ME: Isn't this where the Miss. St. money comes in?
WS: THERE ISN'T ANY QUESTION THAT CAM'S FATHER WAS TRYING TO GET MONEY THE WHOLE TIME CAM HAS BEEN IN COLLEGE. IT DIDN'T WORK. WHY DO YOU THINK HIS SON FOUND HIMSELF STEALING A LAPTOP AND PLAYING AT A JUNIOR COLLEGE IN TEXAS.
ME: Makes sense I guess. But he ended up at Auburn.
WS: YEAH. HE WAS CLASSIFIED AS A 5 STAR RECRUIT WHILE AT BINN COLLEGE. LOOK, PLAYERS THAT PLAY AT A DIV. I SCHOOL THEN GO JUCO HAVE ISSUES. AUBURN TOOK A CHANCE ON HIM LAST YEAR. A VERY COMMON THING IN THE SEC. BY THIS POINT THE CHURCH IN NEWNAN, GA WAS SHUTDOWN. NOW CAM IS PROBABLY THE CLEANEST PLAYER IN BIG TIME DIV. I FOOTBALL. HE ISN'T GETTING ANYTHING OUTSIDE WHAT AUBURN GIVES HIM. WHICH IS PROBABLY CONSIDERABLE, BUT NOT OUTSIDE THE RULES. CAM'S FATHER WILL BE SET NEXT YEAR WHEN CAM GOES PRO.
ME: Story over?
WS: YEP. IT'S A MESSY STORY. USUALLY YOU'LL SEE SOMETHING LIKE THE REGGIE BUSH THING WHERE THE MONEY ACTUALLY HAPPENED. IT DIDN'T IN THIS CASE. IF IT DID THEY CHURCH WOULD HAVE STOOD AND CAM WOULDN'T HAVE FOUND HIMSELF AT 3 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS.
ME: Conclusion...
WS: THE STORY IS ONE OF FAILURE. THE SEC USUALLY SWOOPS IN AND CODDLES PLAYERS LIKE CAM NEWTON. I DON'T LIKE CAM NEWTON AND WOULD LIKE TO SAY THERE IS SOMETHING HERE OTHER THEN HIS FATHER ASKING FOR MONEY BUT THERE ISN'T OTHER THEN REGULAR SEC CLOAK AND DAGGER CLOSED DOOR STUFF.
ME: Isn't that the story then? The SEC?
WS: THAT'S FUNNY. YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT ON?
ME: Yes. You can because you are imaginary.
WS: THAT'S CORRECT, BUT I HAVE AN IMAGINARY HELLTOWN BREWMASTERS UNITED GAME TO GET TOO AND YOU ARE WASTING MY TIME. BESIDES, THE REAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL STORY RIGHT NOW IS THE CINCINNATI BEARCAT MASCOT GETTING ARRESTED FOR THROWING SNOWBALLS AT PITT PLAYERS YESTERDAY.
File Under
cam newton,
hb investigative report,
story over
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The City of Cleveland vs. LeBron
Right now is the big game for Cleveland so here I am writing about it. I was wondering earlier today if I would watch it. More then a few folks were talking about LeBron's return to Cleveland. Welp, it's on my television right now. I guess it is unavoidable.
I will say, first off, that this is the first time I've watched anything on TNT in about 15 years.
Second off, I've watched a few NBA games this year. Which is more then I've watched in about 15 years as well.
1st Quarter:
- Tip off. Cleveland fans are booing everything.
- Juwan Howard sighting on the bench for Miami.
- LeBron first touch. Booing. Hits the jumper from the corner.
- Audio is funny, wondering if TNT changed something.
- NBA basketball can be hard to watch. Sticking with it.
- Hixon for Cleveland is the best player on the court right now.
- LeBron isn't looking to shoot. Typical for him in big games.
- Cleveland playing well, up by 5.
- This game has an unusual high school feel to it. It looks like they moved the fans closer to the court.
- "Akron hates you" chant. Creative.
- James lost his headband!
- Headband back, hits jumper.
- TNT going through crappy moments in Cleveland sports history. Then shows Bernie Kosar. I'm depressed now.
- Miami is taking over towards the end of the quarter now. Cavs look bad.
- 16-0 run.
Quarter over. Mercifully. Heat is up. Didn't bother looking at the score.
- 2nd. Heat by 7.
- Wade for the Heat stepping up with Bron on the bench.
- Commercials coming in hard and heavy now. A-Team movie tie in with the NBA. Reason #1 to not ever watch that movie now.
- Byron Scott, coach of the Cavs "They are getting points down there, time for us to get points up here."
- Bron has 13 with 4 mins left in half.
Aaaand, halftime.
- My resolve is weakening to continue to watch.
- Charles Barkley said some interesting things about how LeBron was over chatting it up with the Cavs bench. I'm with Chuck. Compete. This game is really flat.
3rd quarter:
- Still here. Heat is up by 23. Cavs are playing very un-inspired.
- A-hole chant going...
- "Scottie Pippen" chant now... I like that one. Only problem is, LeBron is heating up.
- Heat up 28 now. Wow. LeBron has 25.
- 4 mins left in the 3rd. Heat up 38 now.
I've had enough. My conclusion is that it's sort of sad to see the Cavs going down like this. They look like they just want it over. No fight. No nothing.
Still in the 3rd quarter... LeBum closing in on 40 and has a mean look on his face. He may finish with 50+.
I will say, first off, that this is the first time I've watched anything on TNT in about 15 years.
Second off, I've watched a few NBA games this year. Which is more then I've watched in about 15 years as well.
1st Quarter:
- Tip off. Cleveland fans are booing everything.
- Juwan Howard sighting on the bench for Miami.
- LeBron first touch. Booing. Hits the jumper from the corner.
- Audio is funny, wondering if TNT changed something.
- NBA basketball can be hard to watch. Sticking with it.
- Hixon for Cleveland is the best player on the court right now.
- LeBron isn't looking to shoot. Typical for him in big games.
- Cleveland playing well, up by 5.
- This game has an unusual high school feel to it. It looks like they moved the fans closer to the court.
- "Akron hates you" chant. Creative.
- James lost his headband!
- Headband back, hits jumper.
- TNT going through crappy moments in Cleveland sports history. Then shows Bernie Kosar. I'm depressed now.
- Miami is taking over towards the end of the quarter now. Cavs look bad.
- 16-0 run.
Quarter over. Mercifully. Heat is up. Didn't bother looking at the score.
- 2nd. Heat by 7.
- Wade for the Heat stepping up with Bron on the bench.
- Commercials coming in hard and heavy now. A-Team movie tie in with the NBA. Reason #1 to not ever watch that movie now.
- Byron Scott, coach of the Cavs "They are getting points down there, time for us to get points up here."
- Bron has 13 with 4 mins left in half.
Aaaand, halftime.
- My resolve is weakening to continue to watch.
- Charles Barkley said some interesting things about how LeBron was over chatting it up with the Cavs bench. I'm with Chuck. Compete. This game is really flat.
3rd quarter:
- Still here. Heat is up by 23. Cavs are playing very un-inspired.
- A-hole chant going...
- "Scottie Pippen" chant now... I like that one. Only problem is, LeBron is heating up.
- Heat up 28 now. Wow. LeBron has 25.
- 4 mins left in the 3rd. Heat up 38 now.
I've had enough. My conclusion is that it's sort of sad to see the Cavs going down like this. They look like they just want it over. No fight. No nothing.
Still in the 3rd quarter... LeBum closing in on 40 and has a mean look on his face. He may finish with 50+.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
First Snow
This video is for Jim. It is for Dave and it is for Californians who have nothing to think about other then themselves. BRING IT ON OHIO WINTER. I'M READY FOR YOU.
“Adversity draws men together and produces beauty and harmony in life's relationships, just as the cold of winter produces ice-flowers on the window-panes, which vanish with the warmth.”
- Soren Kierkegaard
That's for McCracken
I'm also going to sneak this in. In honor of a Team Crest being created for Helltown Brewmasters United. It deserves better, and I'll do better. Just excited.
It shows the Brewmasters (not Growlers) highlights that I've saved. I've been working on a top 5 with the outstanding replay save feature. Trying to find a suitable PC equivalent to Final Cut. Darn you Pinnacle compression settings! but I digress. Smitty has a couple long blasts, GLU has a nice header in the corner, from a header by Wood. McCracken with a legendary blast in the upper left corner. Also a header by Crack right before a two legged to the face knock out from the keeper, suitable for framing... I show the top 5 a couple times, so what? HBU in action! As always... Headphones required before watching. Magnificent crest Matt. Thank you!
“Adversity draws men together and produces beauty and harmony in life's relationships, just as the cold of winter produces ice-flowers on the window-panes, which vanish with the warmth.”
- Soren Kierkegaard
That's for McCracken
I'm also going to sneak this in. In honor of a Team Crest being created for Helltown Brewmasters United. It deserves better, and I'll do better. Just excited.
It shows the Brewmasters (not Growlers) highlights that I've saved. I've been working on a top 5 with the outstanding replay save feature. Trying to find a suitable PC equivalent to Final Cut. Darn you Pinnacle compression settings! but I digress. Smitty has a couple long blasts, GLU has a nice header in the corner, from a header by Wood. McCracken with a legendary blast in the upper left corner. Also a header by Crack right before a two legged to the face knock out from the keeper, suitable for framing... I show the top 5 a couple times, so what? HBU in action! As always... Headphones required before watching. Magnificent crest Matt. Thank you!
File Under
Basil Poledouris,
CONAN
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