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The NHL playoffs have been quite a thrill ride so far. The Capitals, Bruins, Flyers, and Penguins all have commanding 3-1 leads in their series, while the West series are still open to anyone. But as exciting as the NHL playoffs have been, it is time to switch modes to the NFL Draft tonight. Since I am a Redskin fan, this is the team I will talk about.
Well draft day is finally here. We are only a few hours away from the marathon that is the NFL draft. All of us Redskins fans are excited to see what the Redskins will do in the draft with the league-low of 4 draft picks. All I know is with so few picks, they better make them count. We cannot go back and retrieve our draft picks that we traded away. We are stuck with 4 so we have to look to the future and do the best with what we have. There has been all kinds of speculation about who the Skins may draft, from quarterbacks to offensive lineman to defensive lineman. My personal preference is an offensive lineman. Russell Okung and Trent Williams are both solid options. Until we build stability on our offensive line, we will never again have a potent offense like we did with the Hogs in the Joe Gibbs era.
There has been a lot of talk about maybe taking either Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen in the draft. Drafting a quarterback would be a mistake with this team. McNabb will not be around forever, but we already have more than enough quarterbacks. It is time to solidify another position. Let's get some young talent on this team and build our way to a Super Bowl. I think that next year a quarterback could be a good idea because he can learn from McNabb. This year, no way. We need to keep McNabb upright and, more importantly, healthy. If we draft another quarterback, we will just have another year with a bad offensive line and a beat up quarterback, ultimately leading to another weak offense. I wonder if George Allen and Mike Shanahan agree with me and a large portion of the Redskins nation.
Mike Wise believes they will draft an offensive lineman:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/21/AR2010042104786.html?hpid=artslot&sid=ST2010042106112
Is he right?
Well our suspense with the #4 pick finally ends tonight. I just hope it is the right pick.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Reasons Why It's Ok to Grow a Playoff Beard
A good friend of mine sent me this article a couple days ago. It "debunks" every reason to not grow a beard for the NHL playoffs. After watching the Capitals pitiful effort vs the Canadiens last night, perhaps there is no better time than now to grow the playoff beard for good luck. And maybe this could bring Alex Ovechkin back from the dead! Where the heck was he for Game 1? Not even a shot on goal? That has only happened one other time this year. He led the league in shots even after missing 10 games. Seriously, Ovechkin and the Capitals need to pick it up if they want to win this series. I guess there are two good things I can take from this game:
1. As horrible as the Capitals played for the 2nd, 3rd, and OT periods, it still took the Canadiens an overtime period to beat them. This shows that the Capitals are that much better than the Canadiens when they play at a high level. If that Capitals can pick it up and play their game, they should be able to bounce back and win this series.
2. The Capitals once again have been reminded they are not invincible and have to play hard if they want to have a shot at the Cup.
San Jose and New Jersey may be able to benefit from some lucky beards as well. Well without further adieu, here's arguments against each reason to NOT grow a playoff beard:
http://www.rockthered.net/2010-articles/april/debunking-every-reason-to-not-grow-a-playoff-beard.html
1. As horrible as the Capitals played for the 2nd, 3rd, and OT periods, it still took the Canadiens an overtime period to beat them. This shows that the Capitals are that much better than the Canadiens when they play at a high level. If that Capitals can pick it up and play their game, they should be able to bounce back and win this series.
2. The Capitals once again have been reminded they are not invincible and have to play hard if they want to have a shot at the Cup.
San Jose and New Jersey may be able to benefit from some lucky beards as well. Well without further adieu, here's arguments against each reason to NOT grow a playoff beard:
http://www.rockthered.net/2010-articles/april/debunking-every-reason-to-not-grow-a-playoff-beard.html
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
NHL Playoffs Finally Ready to Begin - A Look at the East
We are now only hours away from the beginning of the NHL playoffs, which are set to kick off Wednesday at 7:00pm Eastern time. The first game is the defending champion, 4th-ranked Pittsburgh Penguins vs the 5th-ranked Ottawa Senators. Following the opening game are the series between New Jersey/Philly, Detroit/Phoenix, and San Jose/Colorado. The Stanley Cup playoffs are sure to be exciting, physical, and fast as they are every year. What is done in the regular season means nothing now. It is all about the Cup.
This begins with the league's top team, the Washington Capitals. They locked up the President's Trophy with more than a week left and clinched the playoffs and the Southeast Division amazingly early in the year. The Capitals have a high-powered offense led by Alex Ovechkin. The only question is if the Caps can play tight enough defense to lead them to the Cup. As a Caps fan, I worry about the sometimes shaky defense and goaltending. Luckily, Theodore is hotter than ever and I hope he can carry the momentum to the playoffs.
Staying with the Eastern Conference, you always have to worry about the Penguins. As much as I hate them, and Sidney Crosby, they are a dangerous force each year. Star player Evgeni Malkin also helped lead the Penguins to the Cup. Some say he was a bigger part in the win than Crosby. Their playoff point totals, as well as the fact that Malkin won the MVP, support this theory. In the finals, Malkin had 8 points to Crosby's 3. This is the Penguins' 3rd year in a row at the #4 seed and what did they do the last 2 years? Only reach the finals, and then win it all last year. I cannot see how the Senators can get past the Penguins.
The Capitals obviously should be able to give them a run for their money, as they did in the 2009 playoffs when they fell short in Game 7. But let's also not forget about the New Jersey Devils, who with the addition of star Ilya Kovalchuk are certainly a force to keep in mind. Kovalchuk will be hungry to win after spending losing seasons with the Thrashers. Martin Brodeur is always solid in net and the Devils also have Zach Parise, another one of the best players in the NHL. If Buffalo's Ryan Miller can play like he did in the Olympics, Buffalo also has a good shot at reaching the finals. They will first have to get past the only hotter goalie in the NHL than Miller, Finnish rookie goaltender Tuukka Rask from the Boston Bruins. This should be a solid series, but I think in the end Buffalo will pull it off.
According to ESPN.com's SportsNation voting as of 04/13/10, the following is the list of the best playoff teams in order:
How accurate are these votes? Only time will tell. Get ready hockey fans; it is going to be a great show.
This begins with the league's top team, the Washington Capitals. They locked up the President's Trophy with more than a week left and clinched the playoffs and the Southeast Division amazingly early in the year. The Capitals have a high-powered offense led by Alex Ovechkin. The only question is if the Caps can play tight enough defense to lead them to the Cup. As a Caps fan, I worry about the sometimes shaky defense and goaltending. Luckily, Theodore is hotter than ever and I hope he can carry the momentum to the playoffs.
Staying with the Eastern Conference, you always have to worry about the Penguins. As much as I hate them, and Sidney Crosby, they are a dangerous force each year. Star player Evgeni Malkin also helped lead the Penguins to the Cup. Some say he was a bigger part in the win than Crosby. Their playoff point totals, as well as the fact that Malkin won the MVP, support this theory. In the finals, Malkin had 8 points to Crosby's 3. This is the Penguins' 3rd year in a row at the #4 seed and what did they do the last 2 years? Only reach the finals, and then win it all last year. I cannot see how the Senators can get past the Penguins.
The Capitals obviously should be able to give them a run for their money, as they did in the 2009 playoffs when they fell short in Game 7. But let's also not forget about the New Jersey Devils, who with the addition of star Ilya Kovalchuk are certainly a force to keep in mind. Kovalchuk will be hungry to win after spending losing seasons with the Thrashers. Martin Brodeur is always solid in net and the Devils also have Zach Parise, another one of the best players in the NHL. If Buffalo's Ryan Miller can play like he did in the Olympics, Buffalo also has a good shot at reaching the finals. They will first have to get past the only hotter goalie in the NHL than Miller, Finnish rookie goaltender Tuukka Rask from the Boston Bruins. This should be a solid series, but I think in the end Buffalo will pull it off.
According to ESPN.com's SportsNation voting as of 04/13/10, the following is the list of the best playoff teams in order:
| (#1 Votes) Points # 1 Capitals (15,499) 448,696 # 2 Blackhawks (3,052) 396,359 # 3 Sharks (2,014) 375,430 # 4 Red Wings (4,568) 346,329 # 5 Penguins (2,589) 339,417 # 6 Devils (772) 306,094 # 7 Canucks (454) 277,586 # 8 Sabres (569) 250,707 # 9 Coyotes (143) 219,423 # 10 Kings (198) 166,529 # 11 Senators (59) 159,296 # 12 Predators (94) 135,606 # 13 Bruins (260) 133,326 # 14 Flyers (488) 117,899 # 15 Avalanche (214) 103,735 # 16 Canadiens (73) 90,222 |  |
How accurate are these votes? Only time will tell. Get ready hockey fans; it is going to be a great show.
Monday, April 12, 2010
5 Ways Faceboook Has Changed Dating (For the Worse)
I do not think this article needs any introduction. We all know that Facebook makes our dating lives more difficult. So check out the 5 ways Facebook has complicated the dating scene as we know it. I also enjoyed the Big Bang Theory clip (great show).
5 Ways Facebook Has Changed Dating For the Worse
5 Ways Facebook Has Changed Dating For the Worse
Thursday, April 8, 2010
30 Things Every Man Should Quit by 30
Last weekend, I posted a link to a web site that listed the 30 things every man should have by the time he is 30. Well today I post the 30 things every man should quit by the time he is 30...
http://crushable.com/relationships/30-things-every-man-should-quit-doing-by-age-30/
http://crushable.com/relationships/30-things-every-man-should-quit-doing-by-age-30/
Monday, April 5, 2010
McNabb, the Face of the Eagles, Now Wears Burgundy and Gold
I never thought I would see the day when Donovan McNabb wore Burgundy and Gold. The franchise Eagles quarterback, the main face of the Eagles team, is now a Washington Redskin. I am still trying to get used to this idea. It is difficult for me to picture McNabb in the Redskins uniform. I am so used to seeing him in green and playing against us. I can already hear the boos coming from Philadelphia fans when we play the Eagles this year.
I guess I should never be surprised by anything with Dan Snyder as the owner. If there is a high-profile, veteran free agent player on the market, you know Dan Snyder will check him out and be willing to “show him the money.” Well Snyder, Mike Shanahan, and company bring in another old high-profile player to the Redskins. Let us hope that McNabb will play better for us than the likes of Mark Brunell, Shane Matthews, Dana Stubblefield, Bruce Smith, etc.
I have many scattered and mixed feelings on McNabb joining our team. So I figure the easiest way to explain without going off on random tangents would be to list out the pros and cons on my mind:
PROS
- First off, the Redskins now have a proven NFL quarterback. While questions about Jason Campbell came up every year, and many QB options were considered, these same questions will not come up with McNabb. He knows how to play the game and will be a good quarterback.
- The quarterback controversies are over now. I am hoping this includes the idea that the Redskins may draft a quarterback. Now they can focus this year’s draft on the team’s biggest problem, its offensive line. This starts with Russell Okung, the offensive tackle from Oklahoma State.
- This is a nice addition to the Redskins/Eagles rivalry. Won’t it be fun to watch McNabb return to play against, and hopefully beat, the team he built his career with? And as I mentioned before, it will be great to give the Eagles fans something else to boo about.
- Doesn’t it get us Redskins fans a little excited knowing we have a quarterback who knows how to win? Think about all the games we have watched McNabb light up some poor team.
CONS
- I am still trying to determine if McNabb is worth the price we paid. Giving up a second rounder this year, and a third or fourth in 2011, could be a costly loss for the Redskins. We need the picks to build up our offensive line and whatever other positions we will need to address in the upcoming seasons.
- McNabb is getting old. I do not think he has more than 3 seasons left in him. After all, how many Brett Favres are out there? The two draft picks could hurt when we need to rebuild the team again in a couple years.
- McNabb can play, but he will need some type of offensive line to do so. And we have no offensive line! Stacking a bunch of old players (McNabb, backup Rex Grossman, Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker) behind a poor offensive line will get us nowhere. None of those players have the ability to run like they used to. They will need a solid offensive line and I am not convinced the Redskins will have one in 2010.
- McNabb is prone to injuries lately. With the weak offensive line, I do not think he will be able to stay healthy all year.
On another note, I wish Jason Campbell only the best. I hope he can play well for another team in this league. He has had a raw deal in Washington from the beginning. First, they played Mark Brunell instead of him. Since then, there have been so many rumors about different quarterbacks who may take his place including Mark Sanchez, Jay Cutler, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow. Campbell did not even find out about this trade from the team, but from a reporter. Well Jason, I hope you can move on to greener pastures where if you do not start, you are at least treated fairly. What we do now know is that the Redskins have finally settled on McNabb as a replacement. As a diehard Skins fan, I just hope it was the right choice.
I guess I should never be surprised by anything with Dan Snyder as the owner. If there is a high-profile, veteran free agent player on the market, you know Dan Snyder will check him out and be willing to “show him the money.” Well Snyder, Mike Shanahan, and company bring in another old high-profile player to the Redskins. Let us hope that McNabb will play better for us than the likes of Mark Brunell, Shane Matthews, Dana Stubblefield, Bruce Smith, etc.
I have many scattered and mixed feelings on McNabb joining our team. So I figure the easiest way to explain without going off on random tangents would be to list out the pros and cons on my mind:
PROS
- First off, the Redskins now have a proven NFL quarterback. While questions about Jason Campbell came up every year, and many QB options were considered, these same questions will not come up with McNabb. He knows how to play the game and will be a good quarterback.
- The quarterback controversies are over now. I am hoping this includes the idea that the Redskins may draft a quarterback. Now they can focus this year’s draft on the team’s biggest problem, its offensive line. This starts with Russell Okung, the offensive tackle from Oklahoma State.
- This is a nice addition to the Redskins/Eagles rivalry. Won’t it be fun to watch McNabb return to play against, and hopefully beat, the team he built his career with? And as I mentioned before, it will be great to give the Eagles fans something else to boo about.
- Doesn’t it get us Redskins fans a little excited knowing we have a quarterback who knows how to win? Think about all the games we have watched McNabb light up some poor team.
CONS
- I am still trying to determine if McNabb is worth the price we paid. Giving up a second rounder this year, and a third or fourth in 2011, could be a costly loss for the Redskins. We need the picks to build up our offensive line and whatever other positions we will need to address in the upcoming seasons.
- McNabb is getting old. I do not think he has more than 3 seasons left in him. After all, how many Brett Favres are out there? The two draft picks could hurt when we need to rebuild the team again in a couple years.
- McNabb can play, but he will need some type of offensive line to do so. And we have no offensive line! Stacking a bunch of old players (McNabb, backup Rex Grossman, Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Willie Parker) behind a poor offensive line will get us nowhere. None of those players have the ability to run like they used to. They will need a solid offensive line and I am not convinced the Redskins will have one in 2010.
- McNabb is prone to injuries lately. With the weak offensive line, I do not think he will be able to stay healthy all year.
On another note, I wish Jason Campbell only the best. I hope he can play well for another team in this league. He has had a raw deal in Washington from the beginning. First, they played Mark Brunell instead of him. Since then, there have been so many rumors about different quarterbacks who may take his place including Mark Sanchez, Jay Cutler, Sam Bradford, and Tim Tebow. Campbell did not even find out about this trade from the team, but from a reporter. Well Jason, I hope you can move on to greener pastures where if you do not start, you are at least treated fairly. What we do now know is that the Redskins have finally settled on McNabb as a replacement. As a diehard Skins fan, I just hope it was the right choice.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
30 Things Every Man Should Have by 30
As a guy in his mid-twenties, you face a lot of pressure to make key decisions and get your life set for your future. Being in this age and gender range you have to worry about finding things like a:
1. Good job - If you have not started a "career" yet, it is time to figure out what it is you want to do with your life. Often this is something having to do with your major in college. Personally, I think doing any one thing for 40 hours each week for the rest of my life sounds awful. This even includes things I enjoy like sports and poker.
2. House - Generally this comes after the good job. Sometimes this comes after a wife too. But either way, you have to start thinking about where you want to live, how you plan to afford a house, and when you want to eventually buy one.
3. Woman - You can't just date around like you did in your college days. No way my friends. Those days are way past you. If you want to be married at a reasonable age, you have to get your act together. No more dating girls just because they are hot. No more staying single because you want to see what's out there. The fun days are over. Now when you date someone, you have to ask yourself the question "Could I see myself marrying this person?" Scary isn't it?
Luckily, not all things that us men need to do in our 20's are as difficult as those big three decisions. Certain aspects in our lives are easier to conquer than the 3, and not as important. To see a great list of these, check out the link below, The 30 Things Every Man Should Have by 30. Some of these are more key than others:
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-30-things-every-man-should-have-by-30/
1. Good job - If you have not started a "career" yet, it is time to figure out what it is you want to do with your life. Often this is something having to do with your major in college. Personally, I think doing any one thing for 40 hours each week for the rest of my life sounds awful. This even includes things I enjoy like sports and poker.
2. House - Generally this comes after the good job. Sometimes this comes after a wife too. But either way, you have to start thinking about where you want to live, how you plan to afford a house, and when you want to eventually buy one.
3. Woman - You can't just date around like you did in your college days. No way my friends. Those days are way past you. If you want to be married at a reasonable age, you have to get your act together. No more dating girls just because they are hot. No more staying single because you want to see what's out there. The fun days are over. Now when you date someone, you have to ask yourself the question "Could I see myself marrying this person?" Scary isn't it?
Luckily, not all things that us men need to do in our 20's are as difficult as those big three decisions. Certain aspects in our lives are easier to conquer than the 3, and not as important. To see a great list of these, check out the link below, The 30 Things Every Man Should Have by 30. Some of these are more key than others:
http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-30-things-every-man-should-have-by-30/
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Madness Recap and Final Four Predictions
Well I'm a couple days late, but it is time to see how I did on the Sweet 16 round. My picks were:
Cornell vs. Kentucky || Butler vs. Syracuse
Washington vs. West Virginia || Xavier vs. Kansas State
Purdue vs. Duke || Tennessee vs. Ohio State
Northern Iowa vs. Michigan State || Saint Mary’s vs. Baylor
All in all, it was not a bad round for me. I picked 6/8 games correctly, with Michigan State and Butler messing things up. Great play by both #5 seeds to make it to the Final Four. Butler has been a solid team all year and they showed it on the big stage with impressive victories over Syracuse and Kansas State. Some people have been comparing them to George Mason, but I do not think that is fair. Butler is a 5 seed and has been in the top 25 during the year. They were ranked #11 in the AP rankings at the end of the season. Butler has been a good team all year. George Mason was an 11 seed that literally came out of nowhere to reach the Final Four. Butler is not the Cinderella team that Mason was.
Also, congratulations to:
- Tom Izzo and Michigan State for getting to the Final Four again. (Us Maryland fans wonder what would have happened if they didn't hit that heartbreaking shot in the second round)
- West Virginia for taking out #1 seed Kentucky, who was looking really good before this game
And finally...ugh...
- Duke for making another Final Four. Seriously, why couldn't Baylor just get some rebounds in the second half??
So for the last weekend of NCAA basketball, here are my March Madness picks:
West Virginia over Duke
I am hoping that West Virginia can rebound better than Baylor did. AND I am hoping that Duke's outside shooting will not tear apart West Virginia's zone. And did I mention I hate Duke? So yes...West Virginia is my pick.
Butler over Michigan State
I liked Butler from the beginning, but I certainly did not think they could get past Syracuse or Kansas State. Well Butler, you have made me a believer. Do not let me down now.
For the final game:
West Virginia beats Butler
Maybe I'm riding on West Virginia because they looked good this weekend. Maybe I'm taking them because I think they are the strongest team left and I think they can take Duke. Or maybe I am simply choosing them because they helped me beat my girlfriend in our 1 on 1 pool (Thanks again for that, West Virginia). No matter what reason, I now have West Virginia winning it all.
Cornell vs. Kentucky || Butler vs. Syracuse
Washington vs. West Virginia || Xavier vs. Kansas State
Purdue vs. Duke || Tennessee vs. Ohio State
Northern Iowa vs. Michigan State || Saint Mary’s vs. Baylor
All in all, it was not a bad round for me. I picked 6/8 games correctly, with Michigan State and Butler messing things up. Great play by both #5 seeds to make it to the Final Four. Butler has been a solid team all year and they showed it on the big stage with impressive victories over Syracuse and Kansas State. Some people have been comparing them to George Mason, but I do not think that is fair. Butler is a 5 seed and has been in the top 25 during the year. They were ranked #11 in the AP rankings at the end of the season. Butler has been a good team all year. George Mason was an 11 seed that literally came out of nowhere to reach the Final Four. Butler is not the Cinderella team that Mason was.
Also, congratulations to:
- Tom Izzo and Michigan State for getting to the Final Four again. (Us Maryland fans wonder what would have happened if they didn't hit that heartbreaking shot in the second round)
- West Virginia for taking out #1 seed Kentucky, who was looking really good before this game
And finally...ugh...
- Duke for making another Final Four. Seriously, why couldn't Baylor just get some rebounds in the second half??
So for the last weekend of NCAA basketball, here are my March Madness picks:
West Virginia over Duke
I am hoping that West Virginia can rebound better than Baylor did. AND I am hoping that Duke's outside shooting will not tear apart West Virginia's zone. And did I mention I hate Duke? So yes...West Virginia is my pick.
Butler over Michigan State
I liked Butler from the beginning, but I certainly did not think they could get past Syracuse or Kansas State. Well Butler, you have made me a believer. Do not let me down now.
For the final game:
West Virginia beats Butler
Maybe I'm riding on West Virginia because they looked good this weekend. Maybe I'm taking them because I think they are the strongest team left and I think they can take Duke. Or maybe I am simply choosing them because they helped me beat my girlfriend in our 1 on 1 pool (Thanks again for that, West Virginia). No matter what reason, I now have West Virginia winning it all.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
First Weekend of Madness Does Not Disappoint
The first weekend of March Madness concluded on Sunday as the pool of teams was condensed into the Sweet 16. Congratulations to all of the schools that have made it to the second weekend of this great sporting event. The biggest story of the weekend is obviously Kansas, the #1 overall seed, losing to Northern Iowa. Do I need to repeat that? I think America is still shocked from this upset. Kansas WAS the big beast of a team from the Big 12. They were #1 in nation with a 33-3 record. This is the team that 42% of ESPN Tournament Challenge players picked to win it all. Northern Iowa IS the team that beat Kansas from the small Missouri Valley conference that only gets 1 or 2 teams in the brackets each year. Seriously, did anyone even know about this team before Saturday? Well we definitely do now because they either destroyed your bracket hopes or significantly helped you move one step closer to winning it.
The other big bracket buster was of course the #2 seed Villanova getting beat by St Mary’s. St. Mary’s is looking really good right now. Omar Samhan is playing great. And you cannot forget all the Aussie players, especially freshman Matthew Dellavedova with his distracting black and white mouth guard. Baylor has also been playing well, but they better not overlook St. Mary’s. How could anybody at this point? I expect this to be a good matchup on Friday.
I also have to congratulate Cornell and Washington, the other two surprise teams in the tournament. Cornell upset Wisconsin and Washington upset New Mexico. Although, are there really any surprises anymore? It is called March MADNESS. I would include Kansas losing as part of what defines that madness. Speaking of madness, I have to mention to my favorite team in the tournament, Maryland. Maryland was one of the latest victims of the madness when they lost on a last second shot by Michigan State. It was brutal and heartbreaking, but what an exciting ending. This was one of many exciting endings over the weekend. I give Maryland a lot of credit for their quality season. I will definitely miss Eric Hayes and (sometimes) Greivis Vasquez next season.
Now that Maryland is out, go Syracuse and Kentucky! These are my two teams I picked to win it all in my money pools. Does anyone have all 4 of their final 4 teams left? Between Kansas and Villanova losing, all 3 of my important pools have been crushed. Luckily, I still have 3 out of 4 teams in each one. I am holding on to the small chance!
So below I have the Sweet 16 games listed. I decided to pick ahead of time so you can all ridicule or give me praise later. (Hopefully it’s praise.) I am sure one of the higher seeds I am picking will go down. My current picks are in bold:
Good luck to everyone in their pools and enjoy the rest of March Madness! You will hear from me again soon.
The other big bracket buster was of course the #2 seed Villanova getting beat by St Mary’s. St. Mary’s is looking really good right now. Omar Samhan is playing great. And you cannot forget all the Aussie players, especially freshman Matthew Dellavedova with his distracting black and white mouth guard. Baylor has also been playing well, but they better not overlook St. Mary’s. How could anybody at this point? I expect this to be a good matchup on Friday.
I also have to congratulate Cornell and Washington, the other two surprise teams in the tournament. Cornell upset Wisconsin and Washington upset New Mexico. Although, are there really any surprises anymore? It is called March MADNESS. I would include Kansas losing as part of what defines that madness. Speaking of madness, I have to mention to my favorite team in the tournament, Maryland. Maryland was one of the latest victims of the madness when they lost on a last second shot by Michigan State. It was brutal and heartbreaking, but what an exciting ending. This was one of many exciting endings over the weekend. I give Maryland a lot of credit for their quality season. I will definitely miss Eric Hayes and (sometimes) Greivis Vasquez next season.
Now that Maryland is out, go Syracuse and Kentucky! These are my two teams I picked to win it all in my money pools. Does anyone have all 4 of their final 4 teams left? Between Kansas and Villanova losing, all 3 of my important pools have been crushed. Luckily, I still have 3 out of 4 teams in each one. I am holding on to the small chance!
So below I have the Sweet 16 games listed. I decided to pick ahead of time so you can all ridicule or give me praise later. (Hopefully it’s praise.) I am sure one of the higher seeds I am picking will go down. My current picks are in bold:
Cornell vs. Kentucky Butler vs. Syracuse Washington vs. West Virginia Xavier vs. Kansas State Purdue vs. Duke Tennessee vs. Ohio State (even though Ohio State will help me win my money pool) Northern Iowa vs. Michigan State Saint Mary’s vs. Baylor |  A glimpse of one of my brackets. Click to enlarge. |
Good luck to everyone in their pools and enjoy the rest of March Madness! You will hear from me again soon.
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Friday, March 19, 2010
10 Hottest Cougars of 2010
Cougar. The classic term for an older single woman on the prowl. Generally I think of cougars as 35 and up. No matter what the age, the hot cougars turn the younger men into the weaker gender, transforming a strong willed male into simply prey. Some men love them, some avoid them. But what man does not love a hot woman? So without further adieu, here are the Top 10 Hottest Cougars for 2010.
http://www.popcrunch.com/10-hottest-cougars-of-2010/
http://www.popcrunch.com/10-hottest-cougars-of-2010/
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Ovechkin's Suspension Shows Inconsistency in NHL Punishments
By now we have all heard that Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals has been suspended 2 games for his hit on Brian Campbell. Was the hit really that bad? Ovechkin did push him late, but it was not a bone crushing hit by any means. I do not think that Ovechkin’s hit warrants a 2 game suspension. Campbell hurt himself mainly due to the awkward fall and the speed and momentum with which he was skating.
Another prime example of the inconsistency with the league’s discipline is the hit that Matt Cooke had on Marc Savard. On March 7th, Cooke hit Savard high at his head and Savard went down with a “serious concussion.” Savard had to be carted off on a stretcher and it looks like he may miss the rest of the season. Cooke also has a recent history of dirty hits. He was suspended twice in the last 2 seasons (2 games each) for head hits on Artem Anisimov and Scott Walker. What did Cooke get for this hit? NOTHING. No penalty. No fine. No suspension. No justice.
There was also the hit that Flyers Mike Richards put on David Booth of the Florida Panthers in October. This was a similar hit to Savard’s in which Booth was out for 45 games with a Grade 3 concussion. Richards also received no suspension. The reason that “disciplinarian” Campbell provided for not suspending Cooke is that he needed to remain consistent with this decision to not suspend Richards. Apparently, this consistency was thrown out 7 days later with Ovechkin.
These are not the only examples of NHL conduct problems. There have been dirty hits in the NHL for years. The NHL should have its rules defined by now. Clearly I disagree with Ovechkin's suspension. I do disapprove of the hit, but I think a 5 minute major would have sufficed. However, it is not simply because of my own opinion of the hit. I do not agree with the suspension more due to the inconsistency of the NHL’s punishments. How come goons with prior troubles who make dirty hits can get off with a slap on the wrist at best? Does Campbell only suspend Ovechkin to make a statement because he is a great, high-profile player? Or is it because Campbell may be out for the season? Punishments and rules should be consistent across the board no matter who the player is or how injured the victim becomes.
For more on the story, check out Dan Steinberg’s blog, which has links to other articles about the suspension:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/03/boudreau_mariotti_and_ovechkin.html
*If you enjoyed this post, you can subscribe for free at the top left of the page.
I admit I am biased as a Capitals fan and would be angry if it had happened to one of our own players. Having said that, I do remember the vicious hit Chris Pronger put on Mike Green last year, which threw Green into the boards and left him with a shoulder injury through the entire playoffs. I do not think Colin Campbell, head NHL disciplinarian really knows what he is doing anymore. There is no consistency in the punishments and therefore referees and players do not know what is and is not allowed. We cannot say Ovechkin was suspended because he has prior troubles with the NHL. Tampa Bay player Steve Downie has a history. He was suspended 20 games in 2007, his rookie season, for a check to the head. He also had conduct problems in the AHL afterward. In 2009, he slashed an official and received a game misconduct and a 20 game suspension. Well this past Sunday, the same day as Ovechkin’s hit, Downie took a dirty hit at Penguins star Sidney Crosby. Downie had no contact with Crosby until after Crosby passed the puck, and then proceeded to knock Crosby into the boards and take out Crosby’s legs from behind him. Crosby passed the puck before center ice and Downie hit him near the blue line and fell with him well into Tampa territory. Luckily Crosby was okay. But what did Downie get? A trivial 2 minute penalty and a fine. No suspension. Everyone who knows me or has read this blog knows I hate Crosby. So I would be one of the last to speak up for him. But I do not want him to get hurt and I can see this was a dirty hit. (see http://stuffmenenjoy.blogspot.com/2010/03/olympic-hockey-ends-in-worst-way-for.html for my Crosby thoughts) |  |
Another prime example of the inconsistency with the league’s discipline is the hit that Matt Cooke had on Marc Savard. On March 7th, Cooke hit Savard high at his head and Savard went down with a “serious concussion.” Savard had to be carted off on a stretcher and it looks like he may miss the rest of the season. Cooke also has a recent history of dirty hits. He was suspended twice in the last 2 seasons (2 games each) for head hits on Artem Anisimov and Scott Walker. What did Cooke get for this hit? NOTHING. No penalty. No fine. No suspension. No justice.
There was also the hit that Flyers Mike Richards put on David Booth of the Florida Panthers in October. This was a similar hit to Savard’s in which Booth was out for 45 games with a Grade 3 concussion. Richards also received no suspension. The reason that “disciplinarian” Campbell provided for not suspending Cooke is that he needed to remain consistent with this decision to not suspend Richards. Apparently, this consistency was thrown out 7 days later with Ovechkin.
 |
These are not the only examples of NHL conduct problems. There have been dirty hits in the NHL for years. The NHL should have its rules defined by now. Clearly I disagree with Ovechkin's suspension. I do disapprove of the hit, but I think a 5 minute major would have sufficed. However, it is not simply because of my own opinion of the hit. I do not agree with the suspension more due to the inconsistency of the NHL’s punishments. How come goons with prior troubles who make dirty hits can get off with a slap on the wrist at best? Does Campbell only suspend Ovechkin to make a statement because he is a great, high-profile player? Or is it because Campbell may be out for the season? Punishments and rules should be consistent across the board no matter who the player is or how injured the victim becomes.
For more on the story, check out Dan Steinberg’s blog, which has links to other articles about the suspension:
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/03/boudreau_mariotti_and_ovechkin.html
*If you enjoyed this post, you can subscribe for free at the top left of the page.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Let the Madness Begin
This past Sunday was Selection Sunday, the great day that kicks off one of the greatest events in sports, March Madness. 65 teams are picked for a chance to take part in the tournament and compete for the coveted NCAA Basketball National Title. From the top seeds to the mid-major teams, everyone has a hope to reach the Final Four and ultimately win the title. Kansas takes the #1 overall seed this year with Syracuse, Kentucky, and Duke.
(Before I continue, let me say that I am no expert on college basketball. I love watching March Madness, but as far as the individual teams go I know little about many teams in this tournament. I do, however, know Maryland, my favorite team, and Duke, my least favorite team. Therefore, in the following words, I will speak only what I know. And of course, feel free to disagree with me anyway.)
Personally I think West Virginia or Ohio State may have deserved that spot over Duke, but I do have my bias as a Maryland fan. To be fair, all three teams have played great down the stretch. All three teams won their conference tournaments, but I feel that the ACC is weaker this year than usual. I am also not sure how Duke got to play the winner of the play-in game when Kansas is the #1 overall seed. Am I alone here when I say that I do not think Duke is THAT good this year? Hopefully Duke does not prove me wrong in the tournament! Although I do think that they got an easy draw with Villanova (who has struggled lately), Baylor, and Purdue (who lost Robbie Hummel for the tournament). I am not sure who can top them but I hope someone does.
Now that I have hated on Duke a bit, I will say in fairness that I am not sure that Maryland deserved a #4 seed since they are ranked 20th after the season and blew it miserably in the ACC tournament. Greivis Vasquez played easily one of his worst games of the year. I cannot get his last second failed attempt at a shot off my mind. It was horrible. Maryland continues to worry me in big games. They have a decent shot for the Sweet 16, but then they play Kansas and I cannot see how they could get past Kansas, who is my pick to win it all. This is assuming they can get by Michigan State, who is always tough in the tournament.
In the ACC tournament, Jon Scheyer was the one who played like the ACC Player of the Year, not Greivis Vasquez. He did not play great in the game, but he came through in the clutch versus Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament finals. This is exactly what a team leader and Player of the Year SHOULD do. It breaks my heart to say this, but I have to give credit when credit is due. Da’Sean Butler did the same for West Virginia in the Big East tournament. He came through in the clutch by making a last second shot to beat Georgetown in the finals, his second game-winner of the tournament.
And so Thursday the games begin. I am super excited as always for March Madness. I believe it is arguably the best event in sports. I have already filled out a few brackets and plan to do a few more. For those who do not know and would like to try a bracket for free, ESPN.com allows you a whopping 10 free brackets this year. I am sure this is not the last you will hear from me during the tournament. Enjoy the “madness” everyone!
(Before I continue, let me say that I am no expert on college basketball. I love watching March Madness, but as far as the individual teams go I know little about many teams in this tournament. I do, however, know Maryland, my favorite team, and Duke, my least favorite team. Therefore, in the following words, I will speak only what I know. And of course, feel free to disagree with me anyway.)
Personally I think West Virginia or Ohio State may have deserved that spot over Duke, but I do have my bias as a Maryland fan. To be fair, all three teams have played great down the stretch. All three teams won their conference tournaments, but I feel that the ACC is weaker this year than usual. I am also not sure how Duke got to play the winner of the play-in game when Kansas is the #1 overall seed. Am I alone here when I say that I do not think Duke is THAT good this year? Hopefully Duke does not prove me wrong in the tournament! Although I do think that they got an easy draw with Villanova (who has struggled lately), Baylor, and Purdue (who lost Robbie Hummel for the tournament). I am not sure who can top them but I hope someone does.
Now that I have hated on Duke a bit, I will say in fairness that I am not sure that Maryland deserved a #4 seed since they are ranked 20th after the season and blew it miserably in the ACC tournament. Greivis Vasquez played easily one of his worst games of the year. I cannot get his last second failed attempt at a shot off my mind. It was horrible. Maryland continues to worry me in big games. They have a decent shot for the Sweet 16, but then they play Kansas and I cannot see how they could get past Kansas, who is my pick to win it all. This is assuming they can get by Michigan State, who is always tough in the tournament.
In the ACC tournament, Jon Scheyer was the one who played like the ACC Player of the Year, not Greivis Vasquez. He did not play great in the game, but he came through in the clutch versus Georgia Tech in the ACC Tournament finals. This is exactly what a team leader and Player of the Year SHOULD do. It breaks my heart to say this, but I have to give credit when credit is due. Da’Sean Butler did the same for West Virginia in the Big East tournament. He came through in the clutch by making a last second shot to beat Georgetown in the finals, his second game-winner of the tournament.
And so Thursday the games begin. I am super excited as always for March Madness. I believe it is arguably the best event in sports. I have already filled out a few brackets and plan to do a few more. For those who do not know and would like to try a bracket for free, ESPN.com allows you a whopping 10 free brackets this year. I am sure this is not the last you will hear from me during the tournament. Enjoy the “madness” everyone!
Friday, March 12, 2010
50 Surprising Things That Women Love About Us
My last post talked about the Top 10 Things Girls Like About Guys. Well last night I was sent an article that lists 50 surprising things that women love about us. Some are expected, but many of these are definitely surprising to me, such #2, #19 and #20. What do you all think? Check them out here: 50 Surprising Things That Women Love About Us
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Top 10 Things Girls Like About Guys
I have not really had a chance to discuss women yet in this blog, although of course that is one thing a man likes the most. Between a girl's body, smell, sexuality, and sometimes even personality, what is there not to like? But what do women like most about us men? The article below seems to sum it up pretty well. Any girls who are reading this, what do you think? Does this article cover what you like about us? Feel free to comment in the section below the article.
Top 10 Things Girls Like About Guys
By Mark J Taylor
As much as girls always whine how they hate guys so much and why they can't understand your obsession with Sports, they also have about a million things they like about you. The list is endless, probably to make up on that hate list, but here are the top ten most girls would swoon over a guy for. Improve on this ten and I assure you, you're going to be one hot babe magnet in a jiffy:
o Sense of humor. They say when you finally make a girl laugh, there's a big chance you can make her fall in love. So get those wits sharpened and impress her with your clever and sharp punch lines.
o Hygiene. Cleanliness is divine. Enough said.
o Confidence. Confidence is a turn-on and girls find it sexy when a guy is comfortable with himself.
o Good lifestyle. No beer bingeing, smoking and pot.
o Ambition. You look forward to the future with your head held high because you know you'd be reaping your rewards.
o Romance. Being romantic is always a plus point when you're trying to get lucky with the ladies.
o Family guy. If you have a strong family bond, chances are, you're going to be great dad!
o Can take control. Girls want to be led and guided and when you take matters in your hands, we find it very manly.
o Fidelity. Loyalty is our utmost concern when we're together. Cheating is just not an option.
o Passionate. You have to be at least passionate with something. Alright, if it's Sports, then so be it!
If you would like to discover more things girls like about guys, do visit my website to get your hands on my FREE information which has helped thousands of men get women they thought they never had a chance with! If you are justly serious about mastering the art of attraction and being able to date and seduce ANY girl you want, visit my free website.
If you are truly serious about mastering the art of attraction and being able to date and seduce ANY girl you want, visit this free website now and get a free report: MasterOnlineDater.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_J_Taylor
Top 10 Things Girls Like About Guys
By Mark J Taylor
As much as girls always whine how they hate guys so much and why they can't understand your obsession with Sports, they also have about a million things they like about you. The list is endless, probably to make up on that hate list, but here are the top ten most girls would swoon over a guy for. Improve on this ten and I assure you, you're going to be one hot babe magnet in a jiffy:
o Sense of humor. They say when you finally make a girl laugh, there's a big chance you can make her fall in love. So get those wits sharpened and impress her with your clever and sharp punch lines.
o Hygiene. Cleanliness is divine. Enough said.
o Confidence. Confidence is a turn-on and girls find it sexy when a guy is comfortable with himself.
o Good lifestyle. No beer bingeing, smoking and pot.
o Ambition. You look forward to the future with your head held high because you know you'd be reaping your rewards.
o Romance. Being romantic is always a plus point when you're trying to get lucky with the ladies.
o Family guy. If you have a strong family bond, chances are, you're going to be great dad!
o Can take control. Girls want to be led and guided and when you take matters in your hands, we find it very manly.
o Fidelity. Loyalty is our utmost concern when we're together. Cheating is just not an option.
o Passionate. You have to be at least passionate with something. Alright, if it's Sports, then so be it!
If you would like to discover more things girls like about guys, do visit my website to get your hands on my FREE information which has helped thousands of men get women they thought they never had a chance with! If you are justly serious about mastering the art of attraction and being able to date and seduce ANY girl you want, visit my free website.
If you are truly serious about mastering the art of attraction and being able to date and seduce ANY girl you want, visit this free website now and get a free report: MasterOnlineDater.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_J_Taylor
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Maryland Beats Duke on Senior Night; Ties for ACC Lead
Fear the Turtle. We hear that statement a lot from the University of Maryland nation. But for the first time in a few years, it is true. Led by ACC Player of the Year candidate Greivis Vasquez, the Maryland Terrapins beat Duke for their final home game of the season. Seniors Vasquez, Eric Hayes, and Landon Milbourne went out in style on Senior Night at Maryland by beating the much hated Duke team 79-72. Sean Mosley, Jordan Williams, and Adrian Bowie played their roles and supported the seniors in the huge win. Yes, Maryland fans. Other teams can now Fear the Turtle.
Vasquez has greatly improved his game this season. He is now a finalist for the ACC Player of the Year and has had clutch performances on multiple occasions. Terps fans will not forget his 2 clutch shots near the end of the game Wednesday night vs. Duke. I am still not sure how he managed to get both of them to go, but I am glad he did. He outplayed Jon Scheyer, another ACC Player candidate, who barely showed up until the second half. Scheyer was 7 for 21 on the night and 3 for 10 from 3 point range. He managed to finish with 19 points, but was quiet during a big portion of the game. I would have to say after this game and looking the statistics from the year that Vasquez has an advantage over Jon Scheyer to compete with Malcolm Delaney of Virginia Tech for ACC Player of the Year.
Beating Duke helps to finish off a great regular season for the Terrapins. Their last game of the season is February 10 at Virginia. After a few disappointing years, Maryland has the potential to go far in the ACC and NCAA tournaments. My Dad predicted that Maryland would be have a good year and be a dangerous force, but I do not think many of us believed him. Well he was right. Maryland has had a quality year. I am excited to see what type of damage the Terps can do in the NCAA and how well Vasquez can perform on the big stage. It is time for other teams to once again Fear the Turtle.
Vasquez has greatly improved his game this season. He is now a finalist for the ACC Player of the Year and has had clutch performances on multiple occasions. Terps fans will not forget his 2 clutch shots near the end of the game Wednesday night vs. Duke. I am still not sure how he managed to get both of them to go, but I am glad he did. He outplayed Jon Scheyer, another ACC Player candidate, who barely showed up until the second half. Scheyer was 7 for 21 on the night and 3 for 10 from 3 point range. He managed to finish with 19 points, but was quiet during a big portion of the game. I would have to say after this game and looking the statistics from the year that Vasquez has an advantage over Jon Scheyer to compete with Malcolm Delaney of Virginia Tech for ACC Player of the Year.
Beating Duke helps to finish off a great regular season for the Terrapins. Their last game of the season is February 10 at Virginia. After a few disappointing years, Maryland has the potential to go far in the ACC and NCAA tournaments. My Dad predicted that Maryland would be have a good year and be a dangerous force, but I do not think many of us believed him. Well he was right. Maryland has had a quality year. I am excited to see what type of damage the Terps can do in the NCAA and how well Vasquez can perform on the big stage. It is time for other teams to once again Fear the Turtle.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Olympic Hockey Ends In the Worst Way for Caps Fans
Did it really HAVE to happen that way? It could have been anyone else and we could have taken the defeat. Sure, we wanted the U.S. to win, but we accepted the fact that Canada is a great team and could beat us. But WHY did it have to be HIM? I know many of my friends and people on Facebook are saying the same thing. Why did Sidney Crosby (a.k.a Crybaby, Crysby, Cindy, and worse names) have to be the player to score the goal? And of course it could not be in regulation. No Caps fans....Crosby HAD to score the game-winning goal in overtime of the GOLD medal game. Seriously, could there be a worse ending?
Crosby is hated in other parts of the U.S., but none more than the DC area where I live. This is because we have Alex Ovechkin, who is the greatest player in the NHL right now. Yes, I am biased as a Caps fan. But Ovechkin IS the BEST player. The numbers and play speak for themselves. I swear, I have never seen a player like him. He missed several games this year and still currently is tied with Crosby in goals (42) (remember Crosby has never hit 40 before), points (89), points per game (1.65) and plus/minus (43), and is 6th in assits (47). He is an aggressive player who is not afraid to hit you. He has also made some good defensive plays over the years, is a great leader as our captain, and the more electrifying player in the NHL. Crosby is a great player, but I do not see how people can put him on Ovechkin's level. If you still say Crosby is better, go check out some of Ovechkin's best goals vs Crosby's. After looking at his stats, watching him play, and seeing the crazy plays and goals he pulls off, it is no comparison.
So alas, it was not enough that Crybaby and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup, but now he scored the game-wining goal to win Canada a gold medal. Now we are going to have to hear about how great Crosby is even more than before. We have suffered through watching Crysby win a Stanley Cup and a Gold Medal already. He is going to be on ESPN all day. His unbearable face has been on ESPN.com homepage since the win. He is even on the NHL home page, which is supposed to have NOTHING to do with the Olympics, and until now, did not. Why does the media love this guy so much? Some of us are tired of hearing about and seeing him. Could they show him any more after the game than they did? What about all the other Canada players that gave great contributions to the quest for the gold like Perry, Getzlaf, Morrow, etc? They do not even mention the goalie Roberto Luongo.
The final goal is Crosby's only POINT in the last 3 games of the Olympics, but he is all we are going to hear about for years. He did not even register a point when Canada scored 7 goals versus Russia, and only had 1 point in the 8-2 crushing of Germany. And the goal to seal the deal was not a spectacular goal by any means. Ryan Miller COULD have stopped it. (By the way, all respect goes to Ryan Miller for his play in the Olympics and the MVP win). But of course, fate did not go that way. Crosby's annoying legend continues and the hatred of Caps fans towards him grows even more.
The good news, ladies and gentleman, is that the U.S. still took home the most Olympic medals with 37! Athletes, way to represent our country.
Crosby is hated in other parts of the U.S., but none more than the DC area where I live. This is because we have Alex Ovechkin, who is the greatest player in the NHL right now. Yes, I am biased as a Caps fan. But Ovechkin IS the BEST player. The numbers and play speak for themselves. I swear, I have never seen a player like him. He missed several games this year and still currently is tied with Crosby in goals (42) (remember Crosby has never hit 40 before), points (89), points per game (1.65) and plus/minus (43), and is 6th in assits (47). He is an aggressive player who is not afraid to hit you. He has also made some good defensive plays over the years, is a great leader as our captain, and the more electrifying player in the NHL. Crosby is a great player, but I do not see how people can put him on Ovechkin's level. If you still say Crosby is better, go check out some of Ovechkin's best goals vs Crosby's. After looking at his stats, watching him play, and seeing the crazy plays and goals he pulls off, it is no comparison.
So alas, it was not enough that Crybaby and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup, but now he scored the game-wining goal to win Canada a gold medal. Now we are going to have to hear about how great Crosby is even more than before. We have suffered through watching Crysby win a Stanley Cup and a Gold Medal already. He is going to be on ESPN all day. His unbearable face has been on ESPN.com homepage since the win. He is even on the NHL home page, which is supposed to have NOTHING to do with the Olympics, and until now, did not. Why does the media love this guy so much? Some of us are tired of hearing about and seeing him. Could they show him any more after the game than they did? What about all the other Canada players that gave great contributions to the quest for the gold like Perry, Getzlaf, Morrow, etc? They do not even mention the goalie Roberto Luongo.
The final goal is Crosby's only POINT in the last 3 games of the Olympics, but he is all we are going to hear about for years. He did not even register a point when Canada scored 7 goals versus Russia, and only had 1 point in the 8-2 crushing of Germany. And the goal to seal the deal was not a spectacular goal by any means. Ryan Miller COULD have stopped it. (By the way, all respect goes to Ryan Miller for his play in the Olympics and the MVP win). But of course, fate did not go that way. Crosby's annoying legend continues and the hatred of Caps fans towards him grows even more.
The good news, ladies and gentleman, is that the U.S. still took home the most Olympic medals with 37! Athletes, way to represent our country.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Olympic Hockey Preliminary Round Wrap Up
The preliminary round of Olympic ice hockey is over and so far the United States has not lost a game. Both the men and women are 3-0. The women have outscored their opponents by an amazing margin of 30 goals, allowing only one goal against. The women easily cruised through Finland, Russia, and China. Clearly, the United States and Canada are the top 2 teams in women's Olympic hockey, with Canada going undefeated and outscoring opponents 41-2. Just earlier today, they beat Sweden 9-1 to reach the gold medal game.
In the men's hockey, the United States and Sweden remain the only undefeated teams. The United States top highlight was beating Canada last night in a thrilling upset victory. I give Ryan Miller the star of the game for this one. He posted 42 saves in a game where Canada outshot the U.S. 45-22. Brian Rafalski also made huge contributions with 2 goals and an assist. The ending of this game was one of the most exciting I have watched since last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. This win gives the United States the top seed going into the playoff round and knocks Canada out of the first round bye. This is a huge let down for the 1-1-1-0 Canada team (1 is for overtime win) who many thought would be the top team in the Olympics.
As a Washington Capitals fan, I have to mention the play of Alex Ovechkin in the Olympics. He is showing his electrifying play on the world stage now. He has 2 goals, 2 assists, and a +2 in the 3 games. Ovechkin's biggest and most talked about play of the Olympics was his hit on Jaromir Jagr during the Russia vs Czech Republic game. Ovechkin made a crushing hit on Jagr that let to a Russia goal. If you have not seen it, check it out on You Tube immediately. Overall, Russia is 2-0-0-1. Russia alost to Slovakia in a shootout, so they take the 3rd spot after the U.S. and Sweden. Both the top dogs, Canada and Russia, went down once, but do not count them out for the Gold Medal just yet. Both teams are stacked and can easily make the medal run.
I am very proud of how well the U.S. men's and women's teams have performed. It is great to see my country doing well, not only in hockey, but in the entire Olympics. The USA currently has the most medals of any country. I am excited to watch the U.S. hockey teams continue in the quest for the gold medal. The women's final is Thursday, Feb 25 at 6:30. The men's final is Sunday at 3:15. Hopefully one of them can pull it off. If I cannot see the U.S. men's team in the finals, I would love to see Russia vs Canada. As I said, these are two teams with many great players. And how great would it be to watch the Great 8 and Sid the Kid add more fire to their rivalry by playing in the Olympics? Both stars could help lead their countries to the Gold Medal game. First Caps vs Penguins, then Russia vs Canada. It does not get much better than that.
In the men's hockey, the United States and Sweden remain the only undefeated teams. The United States top highlight was beating Canada last night in a thrilling upset victory. I give Ryan Miller the star of the game for this one. He posted 42 saves in a game where Canada outshot the U.S. 45-22. Brian Rafalski also made huge contributions with 2 goals and an assist. The ending of this game was one of the most exciting I have watched since last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. This win gives the United States the top seed going into the playoff round and knocks Canada out of the first round bye. This is a huge let down for the 1-1-1-0 Canada team (1 is for overtime win) who many thought would be the top team in the Olympics.
As a Washington Capitals fan, I have to mention the play of Alex Ovechkin in the Olympics. He is showing his electrifying play on the world stage now. He has 2 goals, 2 assists, and a +2 in the 3 games. Ovechkin's biggest and most talked about play of the Olympics was his hit on Jaromir Jagr during the Russia vs Czech Republic game. Ovechkin made a crushing hit on Jagr that let to a Russia goal. If you have not seen it, check it out on You Tube immediately. Overall, Russia is 2-0-0-1. Russia alost to Slovakia in a shootout, so they take the 3rd spot after the U.S. and Sweden. Both the top dogs, Canada and Russia, went down once, but do not count them out for the Gold Medal just yet. Both teams are stacked and can easily make the medal run.
I am very proud of how well the U.S. men's and women's teams have performed. It is great to see my country doing well, not only in hockey, but in the entire Olympics. The USA currently has the most medals of any country. I am excited to watch the U.S. hockey teams continue in the quest for the gold medal. The women's final is Thursday, Feb 25 at 6:30. The men's final is Sunday at 3:15. Hopefully one of them can pull it off. If I cannot see the U.S. men's team in the finals, I would love to see Russia vs Canada. As I said, these are two teams with many great players. And how great would it be to watch the Great 8 and Sid the Kid add more fire to their rivalry by playing in the Olympics? Both stars could help lead their countries to the Gold Medal game. First Caps vs Penguins, then Russia vs Canada. It does not get much better than that.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Maryland Terrapins Pull Off Win At Buzzer
Yesterday, the Maryland Terrapins improved to 9-3 in the ACC by beating Georgia Tech with a last second shot by Cliff Tucker. With 3 seconds left in the game, Derrick Favors of Georgia Tech gets an offensive rebound and scores the bucket, giving Georgia Tech a 74-73 lead. The Terps pass the ball inbounds to Greivis Vasquez, who banks in a long 3 pointer, giving the Terps the victory with no time left. Or so everyone thought. Maryland coach Gary Williams had called a timeout so the basket did not count.
After the timeout, Maryland gets the ball at half court. Vasquez inbounds the ball to Cliff Tucker who becomes the unlikely hero when he sinks a 3 pointer with no time left giving Maryland the 76-74 victory. Maryland remains unbeaten at home vs ACC teams and 9-3 overall. This win helps their bid towards the NCAA tournament. What an ending!
You can see the replay here:
a href = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300510120
After the timeout, Maryland gets the ball at half court. Vasquez inbounds the ball to Cliff Tucker who becomes the unlikely hero when he sinks a 3 pointer with no time left giving Maryland the 76-74 victory. Maryland remains unbeaten at home vs ACC teams and 9-3 overall. This win helps their bid towards the NCAA tournament. What an ending!
You can see the replay here:
a href = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=300510120
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Starcraft 2 Finally Within Sight
The original Starcraft video game came out in 1998. If you have not heard of it, talk to any gamer and I am sure they have. After 11+ years of waiting for a sequel to the great strategy game, it is finally drawing near. Blizzard has finally announced that Starcraft 2: Wing of Liberty will be out in Fall 2010. 12 years later, gamers will finally be able to play the sequel to one of the best strategy games of all time. And us Starcraft fans are ecstatic.
I myself started playing in 2000. A few of my friends had mentioned what a great game it was so I decided to check it out. Well I loved the game and I played many hours with my friends in high school and college. I remember talking to my friends at school about games we played the night before. Once I got to college, we set up LAN connections to play with other people in my dorm. Starcraft became a hit among most of my friends. We played all the time for about a year. From about 2000-2007, Starcraft would never die. If there were a few months where I did not play, one of my friends brought up the idea again and we would play for a while again. Starcraft is still my favorite strategy game to this day, and I am not sure there is any other video game I have played more. I just hope that my high expectations for the sequel can be met.
To see more about the game coming out, check out the following links:
http://www.vgrevolution.com/2010/02/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-enters-closed-beta/
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2010/02/a-night-with-starcraft-2-things-to-do-in-the-beta.ars/
A list of Starcraft 2 gameplay videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/hdstarcraft?blend=1&ob=4
I myself started playing in 2000. A few of my friends had mentioned what a great game it was so I decided to check it out. Well I loved the game and I played many hours with my friends in high school and college. I remember talking to my friends at school about games we played the night before. Once I got to college, we set up LAN connections to play with other people in my dorm. Starcraft became a hit among most of my friends. We played all the time for about a year. From about 2000-2007, Starcraft would never die. If there were a few months where I did not play, one of my friends brought up the idea again and we would play for a while again. Starcraft is still my favorite strategy game to this day, and I am not sure there is any other video game I have played more. I just hope that my high expectations for the sequel can be met.
To see more about the game coming out, check out the following links:
http://www.vgrevolution.com/2010/02/starcraft-2-wings-of-liberty-enters-closed-beta/
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/reviews/2010/02/a-night-with-starcraft-2-things-to-do-in-the-beta.ars/
A list of Starcraft 2 gameplay videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/hdstarcraft?blend=1&ob=4
Monday, February 15, 2010
The ORIGINAL Boondock Saints is Back
Back in high school, I heard a few great things about a movie called The Boondock Saints. I had never heard about it being in theaters, or knew anything about the movie. Then, in September 2002, I was able to get my hands on a copy of the unrated version of this movie. I read the summary briefly and it seemed interesting enough. I loved the next 2 hours of my life. I had never seen a movie like this before. It was so unique, so entertaining, and of course, so violent. To this day, The Boondock Saints is still one of my favorite movies. I have had a big "Saints" poster on my wall for the last couple years. Willem Dafoe, Sean Patrick Flannery, and Norman Reedus play excellent roles in this cult classic.
After I watched it, I remember wishing I had seen it in theaters. Near the end of 2009, they made a sequel. I was super excited, but also skeptical. This movie was decent, but it was not the same as the brilliant original film. My friends and I thought "if only the original Boondock Saints was in theaters."
Well soon we, along with all the other fans of the cult classic, will get our wish. It was brought to my attention today by a co-worker that the original movie will be released for one day only in theaters. Yes, The Boondock Saints will be in some theaters nationwide for one night only. This night is March 11 at 7:30. And I cannot wait!
Check out the link for more details and ticket information:
The Boondock Saints 10th Anniversary
After I watched it, I remember wishing I had seen it in theaters. Near the end of 2009, they made a sequel. I was super excited, but also skeptical. This movie was decent, but it was not the same as the brilliant original film. My friends and I thought "if only the original Boondock Saints was in theaters."
Well soon we, along with all the other fans of the cult classic, will get our wish. It was brought to my attention today by a co-worker that the original movie will be released for one day only in theaters. Yes, The Boondock Saints will be in some theaters nationwide for one night only. This night is March 11 at 7:30. And I cannot wait!
Check out the link for more details and ticket information:
The Boondock Saints 10th Anniversary
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Man's Ideal Valentine's Day Date
As the Hallmark holiday of the year approaches this Sunday, guys around the country scramble for how they can impress their wife, girlfriend, or just some girl who they want to get with. Guys search through their minds and the Internet, while girls hope the guy can remember to do ANYTHING decent. Yes, this weekend is Valentine's Day. I'm not sure why this has become so popular a day, but I know a lot of girls love it. Shouldn't your significant other be showing his love for you all the time? Though I admit, it is true that sometimes we need a reminder.
So the man weighs his options and decides on what he wants to do to impress the girl. But what would he do if it were up to him? What is REALLY the ideal Valentine's Day date for a man? Check out the link below...personally I would skip everything on the list until 10:45:
Ideal Valentine's Date From A Guy's Perspective
P.S. I did NOT find this link myself on The Frisky. It was given to me by MY Valentine's Day date. Therefore, you cannot remove my man card.
So the man weighs his options and decides on what he wants to do to impress the girl. But what would he do if it were up to him? What is REALLY the ideal Valentine's Day date for a man? Check out the link below...personally I would skip everything on the list until 10:45:
Ideal Valentine's Date From A Guy's Perspective
P.S. I did NOT find this link myself on The Frisky. It was given to me by MY Valentine's Day date. Therefore, you cannot remove my man card.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
10 Super Bowl Observations
Yes, I am a couple days late giving my Super Bowl comments. Forgive me, as I have been busy dealing with work and the 2010 blizzard. By now, everyone knows that Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints managed to beat Peyton Manning and the Colts, 31-17. But alas here they are, my 10 Super Bowl observations:
1. Tracy Porter (Saints cornerback) is my top defensive player for the playoffs. He not only intercepted Peyton Manning for a pick-6 to seal the victory in the Super Bowl, but he was also the same player who intercepted Brett Favre in the NFC Championship game to send it to overtime. And we all know how that played out.
2. As a Skins fan, I have to give props to Greg Williams' defense. Williams found a way to hold the Colts potent offense to 17 points, and only 7 in the final 3 quarters. Not to mention the 7 points Porter added on. Don't point out to me the fact that the Colts had 423 total yards, 110 more than the Saints. The Saints' defense stopped the Colts when it mattered.
3. If Pierre Garcon catches that ball across the middle of the field in the second quarter, does this game take a different turn?
4. Is anyone else surprised that the Super Bowl record for number of completions was passed in the THIRD QUARTER? Manning and Brees combined for 63 total.
5. Onto another Pierre, the PT Cruiser continues to impress me. While Pierre Thomas' numbers are never gaudy in the passing offense, he manages to make big plays every game and escape would-be tacklers. Maybe I am a bit biased because he was on 2 of my fantasy teams.
6. 23 year-old kicker Garrett Hartley continues to impress for the Saints. He broke a Super Bowl record by making 3 40+ yard field goals.
7. Drew Brees capped off a phenomenal year by leading his team to a Super Bowl win and tying the Super Bowl record with 32 completions. I have been impressed with Brees since his time in San Diego, and I am glad he was able to finally win the big one.
8. Despite only having 1 Super Bowl win, Peyton Manning is still one of the best quarterbacks of all time. He is consistently excellent every year, makes simply amazing passes, and basically runs the offense himself. I do not think it is fair that some people say since he does not have the rings, he is not one of the greatest. Enjoy watching him these last few years of his career.
9. I heard that only 11 Colts fans were present in Indianapolis to welcome the Colts back from their monster season that just fell short. Isn't that awful??
10. Congratulations to the Super Bowl Champion Saints and the entire city of New Orleans. I am happy to see the team win the championship.
1. Tracy Porter (Saints cornerback) is my top defensive player for the playoffs. He not only intercepted Peyton Manning for a pick-6 to seal the victory in the Super Bowl, but he was also the same player who intercepted Brett Favre in the NFC Championship game to send it to overtime. And we all know how that played out.
2. As a Skins fan, I have to give props to Greg Williams' defense. Williams found a way to hold the Colts potent offense to 17 points, and only 7 in the final 3 quarters. Not to mention the 7 points Porter added on. Don't point out to me the fact that the Colts had 423 total yards, 110 more than the Saints. The Saints' defense stopped the Colts when it mattered.
3. If Pierre Garcon catches that ball across the middle of the field in the second quarter, does this game take a different turn?
4. Is anyone else surprised that the Super Bowl record for number of completions was passed in the THIRD QUARTER? Manning and Brees combined for 63 total.
5. Onto another Pierre, the PT Cruiser continues to impress me. While Pierre Thomas' numbers are never gaudy in the passing offense, he manages to make big plays every game and escape would-be tacklers. Maybe I am a bit biased because he was on 2 of my fantasy teams.
6. 23 year-old kicker Garrett Hartley continues to impress for the Saints. He broke a Super Bowl record by making 3 40+ yard field goals.
7. Drew Brees capped off a phenomenal year by leading his team to a Super Bowl win and tying the Super Bowl record with 32 completions. I have been impressed with Brees since his time in San Diego, and I am glad he was able to finally win the big one.
8. Despite only having 1 Super Bowl win, Peyton Manning is still one of the best quarterbacks of all time. He is consistently excellent every year, makes simply amazing passes, and basically runs the offense himself. I do not think it is fair that some people say since he does not have the rings, he is not one of the greatest. Enjoy watching him these last few years of his career.
9. I heard that only 11 Colts fans were present in Indianapolis to welcome the Colts back from their monster season that just fell short. Isn't that awful??
10. Congratulations to the Super Bowl Champion Saints and the entire city of New Orleans. I am happy to see the team win the championship.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Ovechkin Leads Caps' Rally for 14th Straight Win
Well I managed to escape from my snowed-in apartment just in time to catch the Caps play the Penguins. Thankfully, I was able to leave the lack of power, heat, a cell phone, and civilization in time to catch the NHL game of the week. I drove a few miles and walked a few blocks to find a TV for this game. And boy what a game it was!
For us Caps fans, it did not start out well. Sidney "Crybaby" Crosby scored two quick goals in the first period to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead. Alex Ovechkin struck for his first goal on a breakway to turn the deficit back to one. But the lead was eventually increased to 4-1 by Jordan Staal with 6:53 left in the second period. It was not looking good for the Capitals, especially because at this point Mike Knuble, Ovechkin, and Nicklas Backstrom were all out of the game with penalties. Questionable penalties had been called during the game and a specific non-call when Ovechkin was laid into the boards by Pittsburgh winger Craig Adams. This is when the Capitals never-say-die offensive type of hockey kicked in.
Riding their 13 game winning streak, Ovechkin and the Caps were not ready to lose yet. Eric Fehr scored a goal on his own rebound near the end of the second period to cut the deficit to only 4-2. Then the Great 8, Alex Ovechkin, struck twice in the 3rd period to tie up the game 4-4. Ovechkin finished with the hat trick and added and assist. I swear, I have never seen a player quite like him. He missed several games this year and still currently leads the league in top categories. Well he did it once again to tie this game. To help finish the job, Ovechkin got an assist in overtime on Mike Knuble's game winning goal. Ovechkin's shot went through traffic to hit the post, the Knuble poked the puck through Marc-Andre Fleury's pads to end the game in a Caps win. What an exciting game to lead off Super Bowl Sunday! And that makes it 14 consecutive wins in a row for the Capitals. Now they are chasing the best streak ever of 17 wins by who else but the Pittsburgh Penguins.
For us Caps fans, it did not start out well. Sidney "Crybaby" Crosby scored two quick goals in the first period to give the Penguins a 2-0 lead. Alex Ovechkin struck for his first goal on a breakway to turn the deficit back to one. But the lead was eventually increased to 4-1 by Jordan Staal with 6:53 left in the second period. It was not looking good for the Capitals, especially because at this point Mike Knuble, Ovechkin, and Nicklas Backstrom were all out of the game with penalties. Questionable penalties had been called during the game and a specific non-call when Ovechkin was laid into the boards by Pittsburgh winger Craig Adams. This is when the Capitals never-say-die offensive type of hockey kicked in.
Riding their 13 game winning streak, Ovechkin and the Caps were not ready to lose yet. Eric Fehr scored a goal on his own rebound near the end of the second period to cut the deficit to only 4-2. Then the Great 8, Alex Ovechkin, struck twice in the 3rd period to tie up the game 4-4. Ovechkin finished with the hat trick and added and assist. I swear, I have never seen a player quite like him. He missed several games this year and still currently leads the league in top categories. Well he did it once again to tie this game. To help finish the job, Ovechkin got an assist in overtime on Mike Knuble's game winning goal. Ovechkin's shot went through traffic to hit the post, the Knuble poked the puck through Marc-Andre Fleury's pads to end the game in a Caps win. What an exciting game to lead off Super Bowl Sunday! And that makes it 14 consecutive wins in a row for the Capitals. Now they are chasing the best streak ever of 17 wins by who else but the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Capitals Win 11th in a Row to Set Franchise Record
Last night, the Washington Capitals defeated the Boston Bruins 4-1, giving them their 11th consecutive victory and a franchise record. The Capitals were down 1-0 after the first, but Mike Knuble scored early in the second period to tie the game 1-1. Brooks Laich, Boyd Gordon, and Alex Ovechkin helped finish the job with one goal each in the third. The win also gave the Capitals an NHL-best 82 points, while the San Jose Sharks lost and now have 81 points.
This is a great time for Caps fans. If you read my post from before, you know how thrilled I am that the Capitals pulled it off. The Capitals are playing better than ever now, and if they can keep it up they will definitely be the favored to go to the Stanley Cup finals from the Eastern Conference. They have a 10 point lead on the second place team, New Jersey. After two disappointing postseasons, is this finally the year of the Capitals? Only time will tell.
This is a great time for Caps fans. If you read my post from before, you know how thrilled I am that the Capitals pulled it off. The Capitals are playing better than ever now, and if they can keep it up they will definitely be the favored to go to the Stanley Cup finals from the Eastern Conference. They have a 10 point lead on the second place team, New Jersey. After two disappointing postseasons, is this finally the year of the Capitals? Only time will tell.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Capitals Play for Franchise Record Tuesday in Boston
I was born, raised, and still live in the Washington D.C. area and I love the Washington Capitals. My parents are both Capitals fans. I have been a hockey fan from the time I was 5 and playing with hockey figures inside a cardboard box in my room. I knew all the Caps players and a majority of the rest of the players around the NHL by the time I was 9. I had collected hockey cards and loved the sport. I knew more about the sport at 9 years old then I do now. Except for a few years surrounding the hockey strike, I have been a huge fan of the Capitals ever since. It is for these reasons that I am super excited that the Capitals could break the franchise record.
The Capitals beat the Lightning 3-2 at the Verizon Center on Sunday to tie the franchise record of 10 straight wins. Our MVP Alex Ovechkin scored the game winning goal in the third period to lead the Capitals to victory and give them a chance to win 11 straight for the first time ever. Boston is not the powerhouse they were last season at #1. In fact, they are #11 in the Eastern Conference right now and have lost 5 in a row. I still do not think they should be taken lightly. They have some good players and quality goalies, but hopefully the Capitals can pull off the win in Boston.
The Capitals have a high-powered offense (on pace for 319 goals this season!), the best goals for versus goals against in the NHL, and are playing better than ever right now. Since Coach Bruce Boudreau has decided to keep his lines the same, the Capitals have won 10 straight and 13 of their last 14 games. Backstrom, Semin, and Knuble are an amazing first line followed by Semin, Laich, and Fleischmann. The two following lines provide a great supporting cast and the defense has been playing better lately. If the Caps can keep it going, they will break the franchise record in their best season for years.
The Capitals beat the Lightning 3-2 at the Verizon Center on Sunday to tie the franchise record of 10 straight wins. Our MVP Alex Ovechkin scored the game winning goal in the third period to lead the Capitals to victory and give them a chance to win 11 straight for the first time ever. Boston is not the powerhouse they were last season at #1. In fact, they are #11 in the Eastern Conference right now and have lost 5 in a row. I still do not think they should be taken lightly. They have some good players and quality goalies, but hopefully the Capitals can pull off the win in Boston.
The Capitals have a high-powered offense (on pace for 319 goals this season!), the best goals for versus goals against in the NHL, and are playing better than ever right now. Since Coach Bruce Boudreau has decided to keep his lines the same, the Capitals have won 10 straight and 13 of their last 14 games. Backstrom, Semin, and Knuble are an amazing first line followed by Semin, Laich, and Fleischmann. The two following lines provide a great supporting cast and the defense has been playing better lately. If the Caps can keep it going, they will break the franchise record in their best season for years.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The Latest iPad "Application"
On Thursday I wrote a quick article about the new Apple iPad. Well the creators at MadTV got an idea and one of their latest comedy skits become popular around the Internet. Check it out here at YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsjU0K8QPhs
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Apple Reveals Its Latest Toy
Somewhere between the iPhone and the MacBook comes Apple's latest toy, the Apple iPad. The iPad was shown in California yesterday. Available in approximately 60 days, the latest gadget from Apple should start at around $499. To read all about the iPad, see the article below:
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/01/26/hotly-anticipated-apple-tablet-expected/
Personally, I am not sure that I see the Apple iPad will be the next big thing from Apple. I can see its advantages: a cheaper laptop, less wiring and hassle, and more functions than an iPhone. Not to mention a neat new toy for all the nerds and gamers out there. The main appeal I could see is for consumers that want something like a laptop but do not want to pay full price for a regular laptop. It is quick, convenient and easier to lug around than a normal laptop.
I am just not sure if consumers will pay the price when most people already have a good phone or good laptop. I like having a computer where I can type with no problem and not have to look down at the keys. I like to focus my attention on a laptop or desktop screen while I type, as opposed to looking at the keys on my computer's keyboard. One other thing the article mentions is that Apple plans to focus heavily on the gaming market. I cannot see most gamers, or at least serious ones, playing in-depth or intense games on the iPad. It is hard enough to play games like Call of Duty or strategy games on a laptop. Desktops have always been more fitting for computer games so I am not sure, and am skeptical, of how Apple plans to target the gamers. I suppose only time will tell if the iPad gains popularity. One thing is for sure, people love to spend money on new technology. So anything can be a hit.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/01/26/hotly-anticipated-apple-tablet-expected/
Personally, I am not sure that I see the Apple iPad will be the next big thing from Apple. I can see its advantages: a cheaper laptop, less wiring and hassle, and more functions than an iPhone. Not to mention a neat new toy for all the nerds and gamers out there. The main appeal I could see is for consumers that want something like a laptop but do not want to pay full price for a regular laptop. It is quick, convenient and easier to lug around than a normal laptop.
I am just not sure if consumers will pay the price when most people already have a good phone or good laptop. I like having a computer where I can type with no problem and not have to look down at the keys. I like to focus my attention on a laptop or desktop screen while I type, as opposed to looking at the keys on my computer's keyboard. One other thing the article mentions is that Apple plans to focus heavily on the gaming market. I cannot see most gamers, or at least serious ones, playing in-depth or intense games on the iPad. It is hard enough to play games like Call of Duty or strategy games on a laptop. Desktops have always been more fitting for computer games so I am not sure, and am skeptical, of how Apple plans to target the gamers. I suppose only time will tell if the iPad gains popularity. One thing is for sure, people love to spend money on new technology. So anything can be a hit.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Top 50 Video Games of 2009
Time to get away from sports for a bit and mention another topic men love, video games. Below is a link to Nintendo Everything web site, which lists Game Informer's Top 50 games of 2009. Among the list is NHL 2010, which I have played religiously with some of my friends. I have also enjoyed playing COD, Guitar Hero Metallica, FIFA 2010, and Madden 2010. It seems to be a good list. You can check it out and comment on their site:
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/31494/
http://www.nintendoeverything.com/31494/
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saints and Colts Super Bowl Bound
Well the NFL Conference Championship week is complete with the Saints and the Colts as the winners. The Saints managed to barely take advantage of the Vikings 5 turnovers to edge them out 31-28 in overtime. 23 year-old kicker Garrett Hartley became a young hero when he made the field goal to send the Saints to the Super Bowl. Did anyone else wonder what was wrong with the Vikings on Sunday? They could not hold onto the ball to save their lives. I have never seen such sloppy play from such a good team. 5 turnovers and another 3 fumbles!! I'm surprised the Saints did not run away with this one. This has to cause some concern for the Saints players and coaches. They could not finish off the Vikings in regulation even with all the sloppy play. I do like the Saints as a team, but they better get back on track or else Manning and the Colts are going to send them home crying.
In the AFC, the Colts came back from a first half deficit to beat the Jets 30-17. MVP Peyton Manning led the Colts with another brilliant performance that gives him a chance for his 2nd Super Bowl win. Manning finished 26 for 39 with 336 yards, and 3 TDs. Manning is truly one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and certainly one of the best I have been able to enjoy watching in my lifetime. He may not have the Super Bowls of Steve Young or Troy Aikman, but he is definitely one of the best quarterbacks football has ever seen. It does not seem to matter who his coaches and receivers are; he just gets the job done. Sunday was another great victory engineered by Peyton Manning. Can he take his second Super Bowl on February 7? I am sure looking forward to finding out.
In the AFC, the Colts came back from a first half deficit to beat the Jets 30-17. MVP Peyton Manning led the Colts with another brilliant performance that gives him a chance for his 2nd Super Bowl win. Manning finished 26 for 39 with 336 yards, and 3 TDs. Manning is truly one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history and certainly one of the best I have been able to enjoy watching in my lifetime. He may not have the Super Bowls of Steve Young or Troy Aikman, but he is definitely one of the best quarterbacks football has ever seen. It does not seem to matter who his coaches and receivers are; he just gets the job done. Sunday was another great victory engineered by Peyton Manning. Can he take his second Super Bowl on February 7? I am sure looking forward to finding out.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Brett Favre: Love Him or Hate Him?
Oh Brett Favre, we can never stop hearing about you. No matter which football uniform, which football season, or which record, or what part of your personal life, you are always in the media. Even when we think we can get rid of you with retirement, you choose against it and come back to the NFL for another year. This time, you are in the NFL playoff semi-finals with the Minnesota Vikings, a team that was your archrival for all but the last two years of your career. You are having one of the best years of your NFL career, and are part of a very good football team. But this is not about the Vikings because you can read that on any sports page.
I personally am tired of hearing about Brett Favre, and I question how he can join the Vikings, a team he rivaled against for so long. The following is an interesting article about some of the fascination toward, and annoyance with, Brett Favre:
Psychology Of Favre Fans Still Fascinates
by: Thomas Hapka
Whether wearing Packer (or Jets green), Viking purple, or any other color for that matter, fans have an almost bizarre emotional connection to Favre.
Take for example a woman from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, who speaks of Brett as if he’s one of her grandkids and even hangs a stocking with his name on it over the fireplace at Christmastime. Or how about another Midwestern woman who, in the throes of labor refused to enter the delivery room without “her Brett” — obviously it wasn’t possible for the hospital staff to produce the three-time league MVP in the flesh, but they did pipe the radio broadcast of the ballgame into the room for the birth. Then there was the grade school student who faithfully wore his Favre jersey every day for months on end to pay homage to his gridiron hero. None of these people have met Favre personally, yet their affection for him is every bit as real as that one typically feels for a beloved cousin or uncle. And stories like these are anything but rare.
Last summer, Wisconsin author Thomas Hapka teamed with “Bring Back Brett Favre” founder Erick Rolfson and his brother Adam to create “Letters To Brett Favre: A Fan Tribute” — a unique paperback tribute to the former Packer great, comprised entirely of heartwarming messages from his fans. Hapka and the Rolfsons hoped they’d be able to collect 100 letters for their project when they posted a solicitation at bringbackbrettfavre.com, but more than 2,000 messages poured in from all over the world.
“The moment our post hit the web site, the skies opened up,” Hapka said. “People sent us some truly amazing letters, speaking of Brett as if he’d been stopping by their homes for the holidays each year. Still others credit Brett with inspiring them to overcome cancer, unemployment… even the deaths of family members or friends. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’m pretty sure it would make an interesting case study for a psychologist or sociologist.”
So where does this unusual fascination with a total stranger come from? Perhaps it’s because Favre has lived most of his football life in front of the cameras, sharing not only his gridiron triumphs, but his personal struggles as well. From his wife’s cancer diagnosis to his father’s death and his family’s brush with Hurricane Katrina, Favre’s most personal and painful challenges played out in living rooms across America, and those challenges were so much like those of everyday working people.
Whatever the reason, Favre has garnered the intense personal loyalty of fans across the nation and around the world. Though many in the sports world have fans, the Favre phenomenon easily transcends the normal affection commonly afforded to sports celebrities.
But not everyone is ready to throw a love-fest for the former Packer signal caller. Some have grown tired of Favre’s ongoing retirement saga. For those who missed it (there can’t be more than two or three of you) he tearfully retired from the Packers, then wanted to come back. Shunned by Green Bay, he accepted a trade to the Jets, but retried after one season. Then, after being courted by the Vikings earlier this summer, he turned them down and announced that he was staying retired, only to change his mind and come back after all. Through all of this, an increasingly angry sect of sports fans has emerged, annoyed with Favre’s perceived indecisiveness and selfishness.
Yet those who admire Favre and those who claim to loathe him are united in a common dynamic — their inability to look away. ESPN broadcasts and internet posts about Favre’s playing status consistently draw substantial audiences, and newspapers featuring Favre updates continue to fly off the stands. Bloggers and other cyberspace sports fans continue to generate traffic by sharing their feelings about the three-time league MVP with the masses online.
Favre’s life and career have become a sort of sports opera that countless fans from all walks of life simply can’t get enough of. That drama will undoubtedly take another exhilarating turn as Favre faces his former team for the first time as a Viking in Minnesota on October 5. It should make interesting material for all of those psychologists and sociologists.
About The Author
Thomas Hapka is an award-winning author from Wisconsin, best known for publishing "Feline AIDS: A Pet Owner's Guide" and his most recent title, "Letters To Brett Favre: A Fan Tribute." Hapka and his co-creators of the Favre book, Erick and Adam Rolfson, are best known for founding the "Bring Back Brett Favre" fan movement in the summer of 2008.
I personally am tired of hearing about Brett Favre, and I question how he can join the Vikings, a team he rivaled against for so long. The following is an interesting article about some of the fascination toward, and annoyance with, Brett Favre:
Psychology Of Favre Fans Still Fascinates
by: Thomas Hapka
Whether wearing Packer (or Jets green), Viking purple, or any other color for that matter, fans have an almost bizarre emotional connection to Favre.
Take for example a woman from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, who speaks of Brett as if he’s one of her grandkids and even hangs a stocking with his name on it over the fireplace at Christmastime. Or how about another Midwestern woman who, in the throes of labor refused to enter the delivery room without “her Brett” — obviously it wasn’t possible for the hospital staff to produce the three-time league MVP in the flesh, but they did pipe the radio broadcast of the ballgame into the room for the birth. Then there was the grade school student who faithfully wore his Favre jersey every day for months on end to pay homage to his gridiron hero. None of these people have met Favre personally, yet their affection for him is every bit as real as that one typically feels for a beloved cousin or uncle. And stories like these are anything but rare.
Last summer, Wisconsin author Thomas Hapka teamed with “Bring Back Brett Favre” founder Erick Rolfson and his brother Adam to create “Letters To Brett Favre: A Fan Tribute” — a unique paperback tribute to the former Packer great, comprised entirely of heartwarming messages from his fans. Hapka and the Rolfsons hoped they’d be able to collect 100 letters for their project when they posted a solicitation at bringbackbrettfavre.com, but more than 2,000 messages poured in from all over the world.
“The moment our post hit the web site, the skies opened up,” Hapka said. “People sent us some truly amazing letters, speaking of Brett as if he’d been stopping by their homes for the holidays each year. Still others credit Brett with inspiring them to overcome cancer, unemployment… even the deaths of family members or friends. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I’m pretty sure it would make an interesting case study for a psychologist or sociologist.”
So where does this unusual fascination with a total stranger come from? Perhaps it’s because Favre has lived most of his football life in front of the cameras, sharing not only his gridiron triumphs, but his personal struggles as well. From his wife’s cancer diagnosis to his father’s death and his family’s brush with Hurricane Katrina, Favre’s most personal and painful challenges played out in living rooms across America, and those challenges were so much like those of everyday working people.
Whatever the reason, Favre has garnered the intense personal loyalty of fans across the nation and around the world. Though many in the sports world have fans, the Favre phenomenon easily transcends the normal affection commonly afforded to sports celebrities.
But not everyone is ready to throw a love-fest for the former Packer signal caller. Some have grown tired of Favre’s ongoing retirement saga. For those who missed it (there can’t be more than two or three of you) he tearfully retired from the Packers, then wanted to come back. Shunned by Green Bay, he accepted a trade to the Jets, but retried after one season. Then, after being courted by the Vikings earlier this summer, he turned them down and announced that he was staying retired, only to change his mind and come back after all. Through all of this, an increasingly angry sect of sports fans has emerged, annoyed with Favre’s perceived indecisiveness and selfishness.
Yet those who admire Favre and those who claim to loathe him are united in a common dynamic — their inability to look away. ESPN broadcasts and internet posts about Favre’s playing status consistently draw substantial audiences, and newspapers featuring Favre updates continue to fly off the stands. Bloggers and other cyberspace sports fans continue to generate traffic by sharing their feelings about the three-time league MVP with the masses online.
Favre’s life and career have become a sort of sports opera that countless fans from all walks of life simply can’t get enough of. That drama will undoubtedly take another exhilarating turn as Favre faces his former team for the first time as a Viking in Minnesota on October 5. It should make interesting material for all of those psychologists and sociologists.
About The Author
Thomas Hapka is an award-winning author from Wisconsin, best known for publishing "Feline AIDS: A Pet Owner's Guide" and his most recent title, "Letters To Brett Favre: A Fan Tribute." Hapka and his co-creators of the Favre book, Erick and Adam Rolfson, are best known for founding the "Bring Back Brett Favre" fan movement in the summer of 2008.
Duke Gets Upset by N.C. State
Last night, the #6 ranked Duke Blue Devils were upset in basketball 88-74 by the now 13-6 N.C. State Wolfpack. The Wolfpack were led by forwards Tracy Smith (23 points) and Dennis Horner (20 points). At the end of the game, N.C. State students and fans rushed the court. Kyle Singler led all Duke players with 23 points. This is the first time N.C. State has beat Duke since 2007. This is N.C. State's second conference win, improving its conference record to 2-3. As a DC area native, and Maryland fan, it is always nice to see Duke go down.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cowboys Get Pounded; Chargers Get Upset
Well the NFL divisional playoff round is now complete. In case anyone did not see or just forgot, the final scores were:
Cardinals 14 Ravens 3 Cowboys 3 Jets 17
Saints 45 Colts 20 Vikings 34 Chargers 14
I have to say that while Saturday's results were what I predicted, I thought that Sunday's were quite a surprise. For the early game, I expected the Cowboys to put up a fight and potentially pull off the only upset of the football weekend. As a Redskins football fan born and raised in the DC area, this was hard for me to admit. So when the Cowboys were crushed by the Vikings and my prediction was wrong, I was definitely happy. The Vikings defense terrorized Tony Romo and the Cowboys on Sunday. If the defense can play like that versus the Saints, I would expect to see Brett Favre return to the Super Bowl.
Now for the later football game, was I the only person that thought the Chargers would be able to handle the Jets semi-easily? The Chargers won 13 straight and were an unstoppable force through the season, and looked as though it would continue in the playoffs. Their offense and defense were running on all cylinders, but I guess the bye week and the Jets defense caught them. The Chargers dropped to the Jets 17-14, thanks partially to Nate Kaeding's 3 field goal misses. Who would see those coming from a kicker who has been so consistent? Well once again, upsets like this are why you play the game, and why the National Football League is so exciting.
Cardinals 14 Ravens 3 Cowboys 3 Jets 17
Saints 45 Colts 20 Vikings 34 Chargers 14
I have to say that while Saturday's results were what I predicted, I thought that Sunday's were quite a surprise. For the early game, I expected the Cowboys to put up a fight and potentially pull off the only upset of the football weekend. As a Redskins football fan born and raised in the DC area, this was hard for me to admit. So when the Cowboys were crushed by the Vikings and my prediction was wrong, I was definitely happy. The Vikings defense terrorized Tony Romo and the Cowboys on Sunday. If the defense can play like that versus the Saints, I would expect to see Brett Favre return to the Super Bowl.
Now for the later football game, was I the only person that thought the Chargers would be able to handle the Jets semi-easily? The Chargers won 13 straight and were an unstoppable force through the season, and looked as though it would continue in the playoffs. Their offense and defense were running on all cylinders, but I guess the bye week and the Jets defense caught them. The Chargers dropped to the Jets 17-14, thanks partially to Nate Kaeding's 3 field goal misses. Who would see those coming from a kicker who has been so consistent? Well once again, upsets like this are why you play the game, and why the National Football League is so exciting.
Introduction to Blog
Hello everyone, and welcome to my new blog, Stuff Men Enjoy. This web site will contain regular posts about topics men care about, such as sports, girls, drinking, technology, cars, money, etc. Expect to see articles, stories, and commentary on these topics and more. I am striving for this blog to be interesting, informative, and most importantly, FUN for men AND women out there. I am always interested to hear about stories and commentary from my readers as well, which can be left in the comments section below.
I hope that many of you will enjoy and, in some cases, can relate to this blog because I plan for it to have funny and interesting posts. Over the period of this blog, you will read a variety of articles on a wide range of men's topics. Once again, welcome to my blog! I hope you will be back soon!
I hope that many of you will enjoy and, in some cases, can relate to this blog because I plan for it to have funny and interesting posts. Over the period of this blog, you will read a variety of articles on a wide range of men's topics. Once again, welcome to my blog! I hope you will be back soon!
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