This is going to be a short post. Some people question; “WHY is your timer different from all the others” “Your counter says the tournament starts at 7 pm Tuesday.” Well, like it or not the traditional field of 64 is now 72, Therefore the difference in the timers. My timer is a countdown to the actual start of the NCAA TOURNAMENT. As I said, like it or not we have and expanded field. Most people refuse to accept this as a part of MARCH MADNESS. Some claim these games don’t count. They are merely a preliminary to the tournament, a last chance qualifier, if you will. I feel it it weren’t part of the Tournament the NCAA Committee, would not be the group which selects them. They are however, if you are familiar with High School Wrestling Tournaments, call pig tail matches, with the winners advancing on in the Tournament. By doing this there is no need to alter the original bracket. For example the winner of the first game, will be considered as a number as the 16 seed in the SOUTH Bracket, facing ALL around number 1 Kentucky. The winner of the second game will move as a 14 seed in the WEST, and face number 3 Marquette. Third game winner will advance as a number 16 seed in the MIDWEST bracket and face number 1 North Carolina. The winner of the fourth game will move into the 12 th seed slot in the MIDWEST and play number 5 Temple. I look at it this way. Tne COMMITTEE could not decide who the two number 16 seed, The number 14 and 12 seed should be so this is how it will be decided. And if you look at the 12 and 14 seeding these team probably deserve to be in the Tournament more than the NCAA placed number 16 seeds. What I can’t understand is why does the MIDWEST have 2 pig tail matches and the EAST is the only bracket without a pig tail match. Well that explains why my countdown timer is different. The people who see the other timers will miss , most likely the four most evenly matched games of the tournament. That Is How I See It. Views: 157
Category: NEWS
Chink In The Armor
Chink In The Armor. This is just another example how our language has changed. I remember a time when GAY was a good thing. It meant we were having a real fun time. The GAY Nineties. Did that mean everyone in the 1890s were homosexuals. Our dictionaries gave this definition: having or showing a merry, lively mood: gay spirits; gay music. We at one time had an eatery called GAY DAN’s. It was a good place to eat, and fun place to visit friends. But alas due to the new connotation of GAY. They were forced to change their name to Mr.Dan’s. I assume they are out of business now, as I have not see one in many years. When we played Cowboys, and Indians, it was not that the INDIANS, were being mean evil or savage. It was just the same as if we were playing CIVIL WAR. The INDIANS were a group whose homeland was being invaded by outsiders. They were defending their land. Then all of a sudden the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), tells the colleges whose names include reference to our NATIVE Americans, they cannot host or display their names, or mascots.during an NCAA sponsored event. or even use their names while participating in NCAA sponsored events. They cite Native American’s concerns of the nicknames as casting dispersions upon the Native American. But like it or not, Sports is a battle, (not on a life or death scale) but it is the same thing, protecting their LAND; School grounds, their honor, if you will on an athletic or academic playing field. Just as the NATIVE American protected his land. Is it a shame to a group of people for others to want to be like them or their ancestors? Seems to me I would be proud if people wanted to take my name as a symbol of HEROICS. Now on the CHINK statement of the ESPN corespondent. As anyone who has ever been in the public spotlight, whether it be a reporter, politician, or a public speaker, YOU can only say what you mean, How others respond to what you say is in their understanding. Their UNDERSTANDING, is limited to their vocabulary. In some parts of our country we order a COKE. Some parts of the country we order a COLA, while in others we order a SODA. Get my drift? Dictionary meaning for CHINK is: A crack, cleft, or fissure: a chink in a wall. Or as we have all heard a chink in the armor. meaning Not perfect. The fired ESPN employee statement was… “Chink in the Armor” — after the Knicks lost to the New Orleans Hornets Friday night. Now considering the Knicks had not lost a game with Jeremy Lin. When they did lose, (although Lin still played an outstanding game, it proved they (Knicks were not perfect, even with Lin). Therefore a “chink”, a flaw in their game. Enough said. I think the people who think this is a slur, will find the only slur is in their mind. For it is in their minds “chink” is a slur. I know many people who are like this. In this usage it was not a slur. I don’t know all the terms of the English language. Just let me put it this way. Had the reporter stated “Jeremy Lin is a chink” (No disrespect here Mr. Lin. Merely making a point ). That would be a slur. But to say there is a.. “Chink in the Armor” while referring to the Knicks…can hardly be considered a slur. Perhaps indeed, Dan Fastenberg (AOL writer) during his report on the TV Show Undercover Boss (which I personally do not waste my time watching) stated the CEO of Checkers, and Rallys fast burger chain “… Silva’s time on “Undercover Boss” was a true chance to see the chinks in the armor of the fast food empire…” Using the same standards, should not Mr. Fastenberg be fired? Ah, how our language changes day to day. What will be next word that is to become a slur? That Is How I See It. Views: 126
How Do You PIck A Super Bowl Winner
How Do You PIck A Super Bowl Winner? After talking to many people I have found many different ways, people use to pick the Super Bowl Winner, even down to the score. I, like probably most of you look at past performance, and the statistics, etc. Some simply pick their hometown, (if they happen to be participating), team. Other may pick a team because they like a player,or because one the players came from their home town or state. But I know of one lady who won a football pool which included all the play off games. She had also used this method to win three consecutive NCAA basketball office pools. What is her favorite method of consistently choosing winners? Men this will make little sense to you. Women it may make more sense to you. HERE is her little secret. The coaches of each team. Have you guessed it yet? She looks at each coach, and selects the team with the more handsome looks. Well it works for her. Apparently. This next one was passed on to me from an Indiana resident. Just last night, as a matter of fact. He told me one of the local TV weatherman has chosen New York Giants by Nine (9). According to his recount of the weatherman’s method is really quite simple. Are you ready for this? Reportedly the temperature in New York; on Super Bowl Sunday will be 44 degrees. The temperature in Foxborough ,will be 35. A nine degree difference. This would indicate a final score New York Giants, 44. New England Patriots, 35. Although my informant did say the weatherman did make this disclaimer. He would not guarantee the 44-35 score. Only the 9 point difference in favor of New York’s Giants. So whatever your method may your team win. If you are interested I can tell you the score right now before the game even begins …………..0-0 Right? I kind of lean toward the New York Giants. I see a little more desire in their eyes. But I see revenge in the eyes of the New England Patriots. Will desire win out over revenge. I feel desire will lead to the win, because REVENGE can cause more mistakes, and if I am right the New England penalties, and errors will give New York Giants the edge. That Is How I See It. Views: 201
Indiana Super Bowl Vs Worker’s Rights
By now you all know of the struggles of the Union workers in Indiana. You also know Indiana is hosting the Super Bowl. It is too bad the legislators in Indiana refuse to listen to the people who elected them. It is too bad they do not have a sense of timing. But as we try to keep up on politics a little. (Remember I do not believe in POLITICS in GOVERNMENT). Politics get in the way of doing the bidding of the people. Looking back on the administration of one MITCH DANIELS, it is plain to see there has been no regard as to the welfare of the working man, in Indiana. He has led a government “of the people“ by “BIG BUSINESS” for “BIG BUSINESS” He finagles what ever Big Business wants, (after all they are the ones who line politicians pockets with the GREEN). It is just too bad the football fans from around the country who are visiting Indiana to be caught up in his MESS. But he tends to play on the big field. Regardless of the consequences of the STATE, COUNTRY, or PEOPLE he pretends to represent. From what I have seen of this person, I, personally can’t understand why anyone would vote for him in the first place. But the citizens of Indiana apparently did. People of America would you,(how could you), ever consider someone of his caliber for President of the United States. Oh yeah that’s right you elected Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Nevermind. So FOOTBALL fans you have a right to blame the Hoosiers, (no disrespect to Indiana University); for trying to spoil your stay in Indiana. Had they had any sense they would not have put Daniels in the position of TSAR. So I recommend you just ignore the fact Daniels intentionally put you in the middle of his MESS. Enjoy the weather Indiana is experiencing. Enjoy the Game. NFL owner, remember what Daniels has put you in the middle of his MESS. Remember this well if Indiana ever wants you back for another Super Bowl. That Is How I See It. PS. I remember seeing one of his campaign speeches in which he states would never back or sign any legislation that interfered with worker rights. Views: 146
Eli Manning Peyton Manning
It would seem the MEDIA has forgotten who is playing in the SUPER BOWL. Hey you guys it is ELI MANNING who is quarterbacking the New York Giants in the BIG GAME. Sure everyone is concerned about Peyton’s future in football. But really little brother ELI should be the focus of your attention. It is his moment in the sun. LET HIM ENJOY IT !!! I could be wrong, but I do not remember Peyton being asked a bunch of questions about ELI when he was preparing to play in the SUPER BOWL. Shouldn’t real sport journalists, be focused on the game at hand. I’m pretty sure, by now, Peyton is competent to answer questions about himself after all these years in the spot light. Being a little brother myself, I am perhaps prejudiced. I love my brother. But can I enjoy a little attention regarding my accomplishments. Meanwhile, back at the MEDIA rooms, PATRIOT QB TOM BRADY is able to soak up all the glory befitting a SUPER BOWL QB. Please Sports Media. Enough is Enough. Give ELI MANNING the same respect as you give TOM BRADY. Big brother, Peyton, will be around after the SUPER BOWL and will know more about which direction his future will take him. But now is ELI and the New York Giants time. Just as it is Tom Brady and the New England Patriots time. That Is How I See It. Views: 209
Passing of an Era
We learned this weekend of the passing of a FOOTBALL LEGEND. Coach Joe Paterno of PENN STATE. A man seeking to do the best job he could to lead young men in the sport that he so dearly loved. This he did for more than 4 decades. Winning on the field was important. But he left his players knowing the real winning came off the field. The real winning was in how they lived their lives and the contributions made to society. Somebody told me they thought he had over 400 players go on to the pro ranks. Plus such a long line of records I won’t bother to go into them here. Most college football fans know these; well. A man of his credentials could easily have found a job coaching a Professional team and earned a lot more money. But he loved to work with the young men preparing them for life. He loved Penn State. In fact I believe it was once reported he donated more than 4 million dollars to his employer,, Penn State. That is not just loyalty; that is LOVE. So let us salute Joe Paterno with the deepest respect for his lifetime of effort forming a lifetime of goodwill and fair play on the field of football and life. You will be missed. That Is How I see It. Views: 153
Do Our Legislators THINK
It has recently come to my attention, the evils lurking in the banning of incandescent light bulbs. It seems the new CFL bulbs, or whatever you call the CFLs. According to an elderly friend of mine , he and his cronies, while sitting at the local diner for morning coffee; (he calls it his coffee break. He had one at work, and now he needs one to get away from his wi…er, house for a while. Yeah! That’s the ticket. Away from the house). The topic of the proposed LIGHT BAN, came up. It was at this meeting of the minds, he learned many other people have claimed the new CFLs, have caused just about everything from regular headaches, stomachaces, tired eyes,(can’t read as long as they “ustacould”), migraines, a feeling of tiredness, (causing them to have to take an extra nap), angst, and an increased inability to cope with their wife. And it must be the reason they seem to be getting sick more often. Now taking in all of these “facts”. Because I know this to be a very stubb….studious group. How could our legislators possibly disregard their research. and ban incandescent bulbs. After checking these complaints, I have found various articles that support this groups thinking. So maybe there is something to their statements. HEY ! Legislators, LOOK into this. Please. That Is How I See It. Views: 174
Colts New Coach
Continuing to follow the drama of the Indianapolis Colts. We had a Super Bowl contending team a year ago. This year we saw that team drop to a dismal 2-14 team. Most everyone will agree the loss of Peyton Manning the Colts were no longer the MASSIVE offensive machine it was. Thus allowing the opponent to exploit the weaknesses of the defense. (Which was less a concern of teams prior to the meltdown). With the Colts not able to score: their opponents, could concentrate less on stopping the scoring, and more on SCORING themselves. Again, this goes back to the Polians’, and Irsay’s failure to foresee the impact of a Manning-less led offense. So as is the usual case the lower level people must bear the brunt of the failure. (Regardless of their involvement). Apparently Jim Irsay has given new General Manager, Ryan Grigson, CARTE BLANCHE as far as team personnel is concerned. HOWEVER: I could be wrong, and probably am, the new COACH has been an employee of the team for this last season. I do not think Mr. Grigson has any real say here. I feel Jim Irsay made the decision to replace JIM CALDWELL last year. The person I am thinking of may be able to lead a PRO team. BUT I personally have a problem with his ethics. Whether the COLTS fans will share my concern remains to be seen. (I doubt if they will. As we saw with the lockout, most “fans” don’t really care about such things only if their team wins). The CENTRAL changes in the coaching ranks I see are these two. COACH: Former OHIO STATE COACH JIM TRESSEL. OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Former Colts QB PEYTON MANNING. Regardless, the COLTS, will have to find a place for Manning. That Is How I See It. find find find Views: 176
Colts 1st Round Draft Pick Is…..
With the professional football season over, for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS. We have seen the end of the POLIAN ERA. The man who guided the COLTS, to the selection of PEYTON MANNING. The man who the past decade the COLTS have built their machine. But this year with the injured MANNING sitting OUT the season we saw the total collapse of the Indianapolis FRANCHISE and it was thunderous. I still think the nucleus of the team is intact; however some of that nucleus is beginning to become long in the tooth. (OLD). So there has to be some changes made throughout the team. The big mistake Polian made during those earlier years, to my way of thinking, was the signing of EDGERIN JAMES. Not that he was a terrible choice, BUT the BEST running back for the colts would have been Wisconsin’s RON DAYNE. It was too bad for all of professional football, when Dayne went to a team which did not like to run the ball. And the Great Dayne, was left rusting on the shelf. But why did the Colts falter so badly. Bill Polian and Jim Irsay, (yes he has to take some of the blame too. After all he is “THE BOSS”), failed to recognize the fact Manning, as he ages, and continues to play every snap, hurt or otherwise; could possibly miss some games. Therefore there was no backup plan. And who would want to be Manning’s backup? You never get to play. Maybe if you are lucky you might get to take 5-10 snaps a year. Now the COLTS have a new leader. Will he be able to right the ship? Will Mr. Irsay give him the power to do his job? Time will tell. Now to the matter of the FIRST ROUND PICK. With so many holes to be plugged, one must first determine, WHICH HOLE, is most needed to plug. At first glance it would appear the QB spot is of prime importance. Next we need to know, are we going with MANNING, or are we going to be seeking someone to take over the reins. Then what is our time line for the switch. I believe MANNING is a great leader, a masterful student of the game and of imparting his knowledge to his fellow teammates. I would not want him to leave the team. NOR, do I think he wants to leave the COLTS. But he knows what he can and can not do. Who would you draft if you decide to go for a QB? First you must look for the best fit for the team you have. (You can’t replace a whole team in one year. Oh I suppose you could if you can buy out everyone’s contract. But that is a bit unrealistic. I feel we have three quality candidates. STANFORD’S ANDREW LUCK. BAYLOR’S ROBERT GRIFFIN III. And WISCONSIN’S RUSSELL WILSON. Luck, of course is the nations choice. But is he the right man for the team. It all depends. What is the NEW GUARD of the COLTS looking for. Luck has the pedigree, but can he fit in and lead the team next year if necessary. Will he be satisfied to sit behind Manning. I personally don’t think so. I don’t know the boy, all I know about him is what the press says. (and we all know how the press can hype a player). Stanford is no pro team. (maybe). But when you move to the pro ranks it is a new game. CAN HE HANDLE THE CHANGE. Griffin III, winner of the Heisman Trophy, has shown his leadership skills, by leading a NON-POWER team to new heights. Again you have the same questions as with Luck. Wilson. We know he already has a professional contract to play baseball. He came to a new team and did an outstanding job of leading them in his first and only year with the BADGERS. For what it is worth this is my pick. Want someone who can come in and take over immediately? You must opt for Russell Wilson. If he can/or wants to opt out of his baseball contract. For Wilson, he can play baseball for 4-5 years for little pay. OR become an instant millionaire thru his quarterbacking skills. Want someone who is willing to follow MANNING, and learn from the master, with gradually increasing playing time. Then Robert Griffin III is your man. I think the COLTS need someone who can come in and take immediate charge. So there you have it. My number one pick would be Russell Wilson (if available) because I think the Colts need someone who is ready to take charge first game of the season. Given the same conditions, as above, if Wilson is not available then I would take Andrew Luck. Wanting some one to backup Manning and learn, and get gradual increasing snap, then Robert Griffin III is your man. That Is The Way I See It. UPDATE !!!!! January 13, About 6 hours ago from the time I am writing this; RUSSELL WILSON of the WISCONSIN BADGERS has announced he will forgo his baseball career with the COLORADO ROCKIES, in favor of a career in the NFL. Views: 239
BCS…..Best
BCS…..Best Game. Supposedly the BCS Championship game should be the BEST college game of the year. But as usual it turned out to be a ho-zzzz-hummer. Very one sided. And as is the usual case it appeared one of the teams forgot to show up. (Or partied too hard). Wasn’t there just one touchdown scored? I did not watch all the BCS games. But I did watch several. Of all the ones I did watch I would have to state MY PICK would have to be The OREGON DUCKS and WISCONSIN BADGERS. This game has plenty of action. Defensive, Offensive. Much scoring. Great plays. Real sportsmanship. Lead Changes. Strategy. Long runs. Long passes. Much scoring. What more could you ask for in a game. There was only two real mistakes, which I though altered the game. Unfortunately for the BADGERS, THEY committed both in the last few minutes of the game. First, I can’t remember the man carrying the ball, however the ball carrier had gained the first down running down the sideline. The problem was; he failed to properly protect the ball. He had it hanging down as if it was a bucket with a handle, thus allowing the “Quack,Quack” Ducks to strip the ball loose. Result DUCK BALL. The next was a coaches call. To Spike the ball with 2 seconds to go? What was that all about? Granted the referee did clearly start the clock before the snap. BUT!!!! Two (2) seconds. Makes no sense to me. If you know what was to be gained by this spike call….Please let me know. I know there were several records set during the course of the game. MOST points in a quarter, MOST points in a half. LONGEST run for a TD. Probably MOST points scored in a game. All this from theGRANDDADDY of BOWL GAMES. Not to mention the parade. Did the Alabama Vs LSU game have it’s own parade. I must have missed it. So the good old BCS didn’t let us down. It was it’s usual lackluster showing. For my part I would rather watch teams like OREGON, and WISCONSIN, play anytime. That Is How I See It. Views: 337
