Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Turkeys, a Thank You, and 'Ball

Happy Turkey Day to one and all!

Turkey awards: Michael Richards, better known as Seinfeld’s Kramer. Apparently someone heckled him during his stand-up routine at The Laugh Factory and Richards went into a verbal tirade against the man. Good for him for going after the heckler, but then he started dropping the N-word on the guy. Come on. You CANNOT use words like. Period. Drop all the F-bombs you want (depending on where and when), but not the N-word. No way, no how. Whether you’re a racist or not, using that word will stick to you like The Scarlet Letter. After reading the supposed transcript, and there’s a video clip on the internet too, it doesn’t matter how much you apologize. As Shakespeare wrote in MacBeth, “What’s done is done, it cannot be undone.”
Absolutely loved him in Seinfeld, probably the best show ever. Always wanted to see more happen with the rest of the cast. None of their other shows really worked out. Personally I think the writers should have spun Kramer off into his own show. Same character, different scene. Kind of like the show Joey came from the show Friends. Okay maybe a bad example, but same concept.

2nd Turkey award: Rutgers. Everyone was in love with the undefeated underdog. Heck, I even saw a preview for Rocky Balboa during your game against Cinncinnati. But then you went and lost the game. Haven’t heard a word about you since. “Keep choppin’” though, you’ve had a helluva season.

A big thank you to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, or as “Primetime with the Packman” calls them, “Switzerland,” since no one ever cheers against them during football season. Thanks to them shutting out the ‘Noles 30 – 0 in Tallahassee, we’re going to get a new offensive coordinator. I think there are a lot more problems than just the offensive play calling (see lack of offensive line blocking), but perhaps someone new can bring new life, new energy, and a more modern offensive arsenal – face it, as several collegiate experts stated, the ‘Noles offense was outdated and predictable – to the once unstoppable juggernaut.

USC v. Notre Dame – Hey, you know how I feel about the holier-than-thou Golden Domers. Can’t stand ‘em. Hope USC bulldozes them from one end of the Coliseum to the other.

OSU v. Michigan rematch – I have no problem with it because I do believe they’re the two of the best teams right now. But there’s also two more weeks of football plus conference championship games. Having been on the side of the ‘Noles when FSU beat UF at the end of the regular season in ’96 and then had to play them again for the National title and lost, I can say, there’s nothing to look forward to in the game. If you beat them again, it’s well, see, you were supposed to, and if you lose, it’s well, you couldn’t win it when it mattered. If there is a rematch the Michigan fans will love it, the OSU fans will bemoan the fact that our college football bowl system is horrid. But wait, we’ve all known that for a long time. And a playoff system couldn’t work, because the players would miss too much school. It must be especially difficult for the NCAA basketball teams, since they travel for weekend games during March Madness and must keep traveling for each consecutive round they make it too. Hmmmmmm.

Personally I think Arkansas looks incredible right now. Can’t wait to see them tangle with Florida in the SEC title game.

If I were in charge of a bowl game, I’d try as hard as I “da’ gum” could to match Florida State against South Carolina. Bowden versus Spurrier for another game. You don’t think people would travel to that game? The ratings would be great too. People would call me a genius for making that game. Oh if I could make an extra format for next year’s NCAA Football 2008, I’d put in an optional playoff system, as well as a “fan petition” system to pair up teams with close records if playing with the bowls. Nice hunh?

Now back to the turkey, cranberry, stuffing…

Friday, November 10, 2006

ACC, Fall, Beverages

Been a long time, but too busy to explain. So pour a cold one and let's ramble.

My beloved 'Noles - Whoa is me! A record of 5 - 4? The only true bright spot is the number of underclassmen we are playing. Our starting defense is almost entirely second stringers. Seventeen freshmen have given up their red-shirt status because the Noles needed them to suit up and play. Don't get me wrong, these are not excuses, I'm simply pointing out a ray of hope for the future. A reason to be excited. Still think Weatherford’s a great QB, but I love what Xavier Lee brings to the table. Reminiscent of a former QB by the number of 17. Who’s that you say? Charlie Ward. I know, I know, let’s not anoint anyone with anything just yet. But if these guys all stay in Tallahassee and stay healthy, we should be "pretty dag 'gum good" next year. Of course that's a big IF. And IF that’s the case, look out ACC.

Wake Forest – One word. Incredible. Absolutely love their disciplined, intelligent style of play. They’ll practically change the entire playbook depending on who they’re playing. So many different looks for Jim Grobe and company. I’ve been singing his praises for a few years now. Look at what he does. Look at how he recruits. He has a vision for the Deacs and it’s coming to fruition. The fear for WFU – some school is going to throw the bank at Grobe. Hopefully he’ll stay in Winston Salem, but within a year, just watch, the offers from some big schools (see Michigan State) will come.

UNC-Chapel HillButch Davis is a fantastic hire, I mean a FANTASTIC hire. Look at how he rebuilt Miami. It was loaded with his recruits when Larry Coker took control. The Tarheels sent a message with this hire that, like Florida (ugh, both schools I personally loathe), they are committed to winning both in basketball and football. And if you’re a Carolina fan, you’ll have to smirk in the sense this hire puts even more pressure on Amato at NC State.

Fall – Love the weather right now here in the Carolinas. 50s at dawn/dusk and mid 60s to low 70s at midday. It’s one of the few times of the year you can practically wear anything you want and be comfortable. Can open up all the windows in your house too. Next weekend plan on taking the kids to an apple farm just east of Asheboro. Have a picnic, pick some apples, buy some apple butter. Not too shabby.

Sam Adams Winter Pack Sampler – Six different ales, lagers, and porters for your imbuing pleasure. I’ve tried half of them so far and they’re pretty good. Always a little hesitant when it comes to these sampler packs, but it’s a great way to try some different stuff in you’re in the mood. Just be sure to pick up a six or twelve pack of a “staple” beer. That’s called covering your ass in case the samplers turn out to be lemons.

Starbucks – Already serving their Christmas Blend coffee. Just feels too early doesn’t it?