I've never been one that get's too into holiday stuff. While I'm not a Scrooge by any means, I usually don't get wrapped up in the jubilation that occurs from late October to mid-January...except when it comes to Christmas music.
The last couple of years, I've been waiting for the day after Thanksgiving, not because of Black Friday, but because that's when the soft rock stations go to their all-Christmas programming. I don't know why, but I'm a sucker for holiday music, and one of my all-time favorites comes from a classic Christmas special...
If you ask me, it just sounds like Christmas, and I can't help but feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
My Pilots
Apparently, the University of Portland's basketball team is off to its best start in some time, and they just knocked off UCLA and No. 16 Minnesota. Add to this the fact that Portland State's basketball team has made the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament the past two seasons. It looks like Portland is becoming a hotbed for men's basketball. Not to mention women's soccer.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
My Giving of Thanks
I am thankful for...
My family
My friends
My health
My country
My job
Everything else that has made my life worth living.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
My family
My friends
My health
My country
My job
Everything else that has made my life worth living.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
My BCS Clusterfrick, Pt. 2
I know that I've already ranted about the Bowl Championship Series, and its flaws, but I read a post I read online riled me up all over again. Here is the reply I shared:
This post officially turned me into an anti-BCS person mostly because of the "student athlete" argument. That load of junk has to be the most worn out, nonsensical argument ever crafted to defend the BCS.
Sure, it's a fact, but every NCAA sport is comprised of student athletes, but we still have March Madness, the Div I-AA-Div III Football playoffs, and so forth and so on. This argument pretty much says that Div I-A football athletes should be treated differently because they're either special or they're not bright enough to handle a playoff schedule like every other student athlete.
Granted, football does not have the same demands as basketball, volleyball, baseball, etc., but if Div I-AA schools can manage, some of which are larger, more prestigious, and more demanding than some Div. I-A schools, then why can't it work for the big boys?
Of course, the answer always comes back to one thing and that's money. The BCS bowls bring in tons of cash for the schools, the cities, the sponsors, etc. off of the blood, sweat and tears of the same student athletes that the system is built to "protect". We can get into the debate about whether student athletes should receive a stipend, but that's a whole different can of worms.
I'd have more respect for the pro-BCSers if they just came out and said that it's all about making money, rather than trying to dupe us into believing that the broken system is in place to help the student athletes. If the NCAA really cared about these young adults, they'd be doing more to raise graduation rates rather than defending the BCS.
The whole "every team has the chance to become national champions" argument is a joke too because this very post admits that not every school is on the same level or playing field, so those that are not in one of the six BCS conferences really don't have the same opportunities. Any system that punishes a team for going undefeated by denying them a chance to play for the National Title is just illogical.
Plus, playoffs make sports great. I know that comparing college football to the NFL is dicey at best, but could you imagine a world where the top AFC team automatically played the top NFC team? We wouldn't have those great underdog stories to share. It would just be the same hand full of teams playing one another over and over again. Without playoffs, a small market team like the San Antonio Spurs or the Tampa Bay Rays would probably never be taken seriously and kept out of the championship picture all together.
Let's just look at college sports. I cannot tell you which team won the NCAA Basketball Title last season, but I sure as heck remember George Mason making it to the Final Four because the little guy was given the chance to take on the big boys. Sure, it didn't result in a national title for GMU, but at least they were there.
Again, comparing Div. I-A football to any other sport is very much an apples and oranges situation, but if playoffs are such a bad idea, then why does EVERY other sport in America utilize them. Oh yeah, because we're taught in America that everyone should have the chance to reach their goals...unless you're TCU, Utah, or Boise State.
This post officially turned me into an anti-BCS person mostly because of the "student athlete" argument. That load of junk has to be the most worn out, nonsensical argument ever crafted to defend the BCS.
Sure, it's a fact, but every NCAA sport is comprised of student athletes, but we still have March Madness, the Div I-AA-Div III Football playoffs, and so forth and so on. This argument pretty much says that Div I-A football athletes should be treated differently because they're either special or they're not bright enough to handle a playoff schedule like every other student athlete.
Granted, football does not have the same demands as basketball, volleyball, baseball, etc., but if Div I-AA schools can manage, some of which are larger, more prestigious, and more demanding than some Div. I-A schools, then why can't it work for the big boys?
Of course, the answer always comes back to one thing and that's money. The BCS bowls bring in tons of cash for the schools, the cities, the sponsors, etc. off of the blood, sweat and tears of the same student athletes that the system is built to "protect". We can get into the debate about whether student athletes should receive a stipend, but that's a whole different can of worms.
I'd have more respect for the pro-BCSers if they just came out and said that it's all about making money, rather than trying to dupe us into believing that the broken system is in place to help the student athletes. If the NCAA really cared about these young adults, they'd be doing more to raise graduation rates rather than defending the BCS.
The whole "every team has the chance to become national champions" argument is a joke too because this very post admits that not every school is on the same level or playing field, so those that are not in one of the six BCS conferences really don't have the same opportunities. Any system that punishes a team for going undefeated by denying them a chance to play for the National Title is just illogical.
Plus, playoffs make sports great. I know that comparing college football to the NFL is dicey at best, but could you imagine a world where the top AFC team automatically played the top NFC team? We wouldn't have those great underdog stories to share. It would just be the same hand full of teams playing one another over and over again. Without playoffs, a small market team like the San Antonio Spurs or the Tampa Bay Rays would probably never be taken seriously and kept out of the championship picture all together.
Let's just look at college sports. I cannot tell you which team won the NCAA Basketball Title last season, but I sure as heck remember George Mason making it to the Final Four because the little guy was given the chance to take on the big boys. Sure, it didn't result in a national title for GMU, but at least they were there.
Again, comparing Div. I-A football to any other sport is very much an apples and oranges situation, but if playoffs are such a bad idea, then why does EVERY other sport in America utilize them. Oh yeah, because we're taught in America that everyone should have the chance to reach their goals...unless you're TCU, Utah, or Boise State.
Monday, November 23, 2009
My Two-Cents on the Charlie Weis Drama
Let me start off by saying that I have no ill will towards Charlie Weis. I'm not a New England Patriots hater, and to be honest I really didn't know much about him before he went to Notre Dame. With that being said, I'm ready for him to be ousted from South Bend.
For those out of the loop, Coach Weis has been on the hot seat at ND for some time due to a less than stellar record.
To be honest, I'm giddy about the fact that ND football has been struggling as of late. Again, it has nothing to do with Weis, rather it has everything to do with Notre Dame. Before Weis took over the program, Coach Tyrone Willingham was abruptly fired even though he had a winning record at South Bend.
Sure, Coach Willingham didn't take the Irish program to the same heights that it's been used to, and his record at Washington may have been for ND to say, "I told you so", but he wasn't given the chance to really shine, and I still think he's firing was uncalled for.
So, I was rooting against Coach Weis from Day 1 because I was unhappy with how Notre Dame treated Coach Willingham. I was even more miffed when people were rejoicing about how Weis took the Irish to a 19-6 record with two BCS Bowl appearances, all done with Willingham's recruits. He was the second coming of Lou Holtz...until his players took the field.
The past three seasons have been lackluster to say the least (16-20 with one trip to the Hawaii Bowl), and he needs to be judged with the same scrutiny that ND showed Willingham. Again, I have no personal ill will towards Weis, but fair is fair.
For those out of the loop, Coach Weis has been on the hot seat at ND for some time due to a less than stellar record.
To be honest, I'm giddy about the fact that ND football has been struggling as of late. Again, it has nothing to do with Weis, rather it has everything to do with Notre Dame. Before Weis took over the program, Coach Tyrone Willingham was abruptly fired even though he had a winning record at South Bend.
Sure, Coach Willingham didn't take the Irish program to the same heights that it's been used to, and his record at Washington may have been for ND to say, "I told you so", but he wasn't given the chance to really shine, and I still think he's firing was uncalled for.
So, I was rooting against Coach Weis from Day 1 because I was unhappy with how Notre Dame treated Coach Willingham. I was even more miffed when people were rejoicing about how Weis took the Irish to a 19-6 record with two BCS Bowl appearances, all done with Willingham's recruits. He was the second coming of Lou Holtz...until his players took the field.
The past three seasons have been lackluster to say the least (16-20 with one trip to the Hawaii Bowl), and he needs to be judged with the same scrutiny that ND showed Willingham. Again, I have no personal ill will towards Weis, but fair is fair.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
My Two-Cents on MLS Cup 2009
Real Salt Lake bested the top ranked Los Angeles Galaxy to win the team's first MLS Cup, and the first major sports championship for the state of Utah. Under normal circumstances, I'd be happy for RSL because I always cheer for the underdog, but this season I really wanted David Beckham to help the Galaxy win their third championship.
Becks has taken some unwarranted heat ever since he came to the United States. Most of his critics rag on him because MLS has not seen the growth in popularity that was expected when he crossed the pond. Then there was the whole AC Milan fiasco which pissed some fans off, and just gave his naysayers more ammunition to throw his way. While I agree that Becks hasn't made the MLS a league that rivals even the NHL or even NASCAR, he did bring some excitement to some casual soccer fans like myself. A win tonight would have shut up some of his detractors. It would have validated his move to the U.S.
Unfortunately, the PKs did not go the Galaxy's way, and people are probably going to find a way to pin it on Becks even though he made his kick. Hopefully, Becks will be heading back to the States after his stay in Italy, so he can have another shot at winning the MLS Cup. Until then, congratulations Real Salt Lake.
Becks has taken some unwarranted heat ever since he came to the United States. Most of his critics rag on him because MLS has not seen the growth in popularity that was expected when he crossed the pond. Then there was the whole AC Milan fiasco which pissed some fans off, and just gave his naysayers more ammunition to throw his way. While I agree that Becks hasn't made the MLS a league that rivals even the NHL or even NASCAR, he did bring some excitement to some casual soccer fans like myself. A win tonight would have shut up some of his detractors. It would have validated his move to the U.S.
Unfortunately, the PKs did not go the Galaxy's way, and people are probably going to find a way to pin it on Becks even though he made his kick. Hopefully, Becks will be heading back to the States after his stay in Italy, so he can have another shot at winning the MLS Cup. Until then, congratulations Real Salt Lake.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
My Getaway(s)
I've decided that I need to travel more. Sure, I've had my share of adventures, but for some reason I feel that something's still missing. My passport is lacking stamps. I have this need to get out of San Marcos, get out of Texas, get out of the country.
I have a list going in my head, and it's getting longer by the day. Some of the places on the list are practical. It's always nice heading to Hawaii to visit family. Others are ambitious, like Japan for example. Some are just selfish, such as Italy or Greece (I'm convinced I'd find my future wife if I traveled to either place). And the rest are no-brainers like New York City, Chicago, and Sydney.
Regardless of the place, I need to see some new places so I can scratch this itch. Obviously, seeing these places is easier said than done, especially when you're lacking the funds, but it's a goal I've set my sights on, and usually I can achieve my goals.
I have a list going in my head, and it's getting longer by the day. Some of the places on the list are practical. It's always nice heading to Hawaii to visit family. Others are ambitious, like Japan for example. Some are just selfish, such as Italy or Greece (I'm convinced I'd find my future wife if I traveled to either place). And the rest are no-brainers like New York City, Chicago, and Sydney.
Regardless of the place, I need to see some new places so I can scratch this itch. Obviously, seeing these places is easier said than done, especially when you're lacking the funds, but it's a goal I've set my sights on, and usually I can achieve my goals.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My Sunny Days
Sesame Street is so timeless that it's hard to believe that it actually has a beginning.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
My BCS Clusterfrick
I've been torn about the Bowl Championship Series. On one hand, it's better than the old system where the number 1 team in the rankings would be crowned National Champion. Since we have multiple ranking systems, we inevitably ran the chance of having more than one National Champion. The BCS was created to crown one true NC...in theory.
For the most part the BCS has done its job by pitting the top two teams in the nation in one final game. The championship is determined on the field, which is what most people want, but it's figuring out which two teams deserve the spots that has created so much controversy.
I admit a system that penalizes a team for going undefeated by keeping them out of the National Championship game is counterintuitive. In a perfect world, teams like Boise State, TCU, and Utah should have all had their chance to win the title, but of course college football is far from perfect.
So, we get to watch the two best teams play for the National Title, but are the teams really the top two? I love seeing the championship determined on the field, but I also think a team should have the chance to be the champions if they win all of their games. Such a dilemma.
I do enjoy the BCS overall because it causes so much drama every year, and it gives us something to talk about. If we had a playoff, things would unfold so logically, which wouldn't be much fun. It's this craziness that I'm hoping for this season.
The recent BCS Rankings has Florida, Alabama, and Texas as the top three teams, but underdog TCU has creeped up to No. 4. It's almost a given that the winner of the SEC Title game between Florida & Alabama will fill one of the two BCS Title Game spots, but it's determining which team is number two is where things could get interesting.
Hypothetically, Texas could be knocked out of the BCS Title picture if they lose a game. For example, if Texas loses to Baylor, Kansas, or Texas A&M (fingers crossed) they could lose the number two spot, which could open up the door for TCU to shock the world if they run the table.
Unfortunately, the powers that be will more than likely not let TCU prove itself even if they go undefeated. Knowing the BCS, Alabama could sneak back into the title game if Texas loses one more regular season game and the Big 12 Championship game. Texas could get a chance to play for the National Championship if they lose one regular season game, but still wins the Big 12. Even Cincinnati could get into the BCS Title Game if they run the table and win the inferior Big East.
For my own enjoyment, I'd love to see TCU play for the BCS National Championship, but their snub could be equally as entertaining.
For the most part the BCS has done its job by pitting the top two teams in the nation in one final game. The championship is determined on the field, which is what most people want, but it's figuring out which two teams deserve the spots that has created so much controversy.
I admit a system that penalizes a team for going undefeated by keeping them out of the National Championship game is counterintuitive. In a perfect world, teams like Boise State, TCU, and Utah should have all had their chance to win the title, but of course college football is far from perfect.
So, we get to watch the two best teams play for the National Title, but are the teams really the top two? I love seeing the championship determined on the field, but I also think a team should have the chance to be the champions if they win all of their games. Such a dilemma.
I do enjoy the BCS overall because it causes so much drama every year, and it gives us something to talk about. If we had a playoff, things would unfold so logically, which wouldn't be much fun. It's this craziness that I'm hoping for this season.
The recent BCS Rankings has Florida, Alabama, and Texas as the top three teams, but underdog TCU has creeped up to No. 4. It's almost a given that the winner of the SEC Title game between Florida & Alabama will fill one of the two BCS Title Game spots, but it's determining which team is number two is where things could get interesting.
Hypothetically, Texas could be knocked out of the BCS Title picture if they lose a game. For example, if Texas loses to Baylor, Kansas, or Texas A&M (fingers crossed) they could lose the number two spot, which could open up the door for TCU to shock the world if they run the table.
Unfortunately, the powers that be will more than likely not let TCU prove itself even if they go undefeated. Knowing the BCS, Alabama could sneak back into the title game if Texas loses one more regular season game and the Big 12 Championship game. Texas could get a chance to play for the National Championship if they lose one regular season game, but still wins the Big 12. Even Cincinnati could get into the BCS Title Game if they run the table and win the inferior Big East.
For my own enjoyment, I'd love to see TCU play for the BCS National Championship, but their snub could be equally as entertaining.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
My New Toy
I finally have an HDTV thanks to my wonderful parents. They decided to buy me a brand new TV as a congratulations present for getting my job at Texas State. See, I told ya my parents were awesome.
It's a modest TV by HD standards. 32", 1080p with 120Hz. Not a bad little set up if I do say so myself. Unfortunately, I don't have HD cable because my apartment complex provides basic, but I don't have to pay extra so I really cannot complain.
Anyway, this puppy will be fully utilized once I buy a PS3 or a Wii, or a PS3 AND a Wii...and an XBox 360.
It's a modest TV by HD standards. 32", 1080p with 120Hz. Not a bad little set up if I do say so myself. Unfortunately, I don't have HD cable because my apartment complex provides basic, but I don't have to pay extra so I really cannot complain.
Anyway, this puppy will be fully utilized once I buy a PS3 or a Wii, or a PS3 AND a Wii...and an XBox 360.
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