I don't think I'm going to blog here anymore.
(Not that I have been anyway...I haven't written anything since my live blog of the NFL draft back in April).
You will be able to follow my thoughts and writings from now on at Medium.
https://medium.com/@coacharming
It's been a good run, here at blogger, but just thought it was time for a change.
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
2015 NFL Draft -1st Round Live Blog
It's here, it's here... It's the 2015 NFL Draft!
I'll be updating the page as it goes... so you'll need to refresh. If you care, And face it, no one cares. I'm pretty much typing this for me and 3 people who feel sorry for me. Or something.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.
Side Note: I have done little to no research on the draft this year, the prospects, or what team's needs are.
So, if you are looking for half baked thoughts, unresearched ideas, and unsubstantiated drivel from someon who doesn't know anything...this is the live blog for you.
The Commisioner is on his way to the podium.... Is it Jameis Winston?
And it is! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the Quarterback from Florida State as expected.
He is a good prospect, but surrouned by a number of off-the-field issues. I do know this... I watched Florida State a few times the past few years, and although he makes some mistakes... he made several throws that I don't think any other QB in the college game could have made.
Whether he makes it or not, I have no idea, but he certainly has the ability to.
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock.
Here is where it gets interesting.... Titans have been fielding offers for teams looking to trade up to get Marcus Mariotta all day.
In fact, I got a phone call from my brother Rich, who is a Bears fan, who said he heard the Bears were trying to get him...they were offering some picks and Jay Cutler. And, the Titans don't want Cutler. (any chance to get a shot in on Cutler, is fine practice in my book).
Some of the teams rumored to be interested in Trading for Mariotta - Chicago (according to Rich), Cleveland, the NY Jets, Philladelphia, and San Diego (but that ain't happening).
The Pick is in.
And it's, it's, it's... Marcus Mariotta the QB from Oregon.
Not surprising, and kind of almost expected... the excitement was whether the Titans would trade the pick or not.
Mariotta is talented for sure. The guy put up video game numbers in college.
However, I watched the CFB Championship game against Ohio State, and there were plays to be made, and he couldn't make them. Maybe it was a bad day, but I saw the things that were knocks on him... struggles to deliver the ball in tight spaces... But he could turn out to be a great one. He is certainly all kinds of athletic, and by all counts and tremendous young man.
The Jags are on the clock, and the pick is in already. I'm guessing it's the D-Lineman from USC.
Let me go check twitter.
Nothing on who the Jags picked... but lots of people making fun of Commisioner Goodell for mispronouncing Mariotta's name.
Not to toot my own horn, but I've been Misspelling Mariota's name this entire Blog!
The Jaguars Select: DE Dante Fowler from Florida.
He's a good player, but I don't know much about him. I thought the first Defensive Player was supposed to be the guy from USC? Also, thought that Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama could have been taken.
The Raiders are on the clock...
...and the pick is in.
The rumor was that they liked Amari Cooper from Alabama.
And.... They Do! Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama.
I've seen him play a bunch of times. He's really good.
Here's how you know Amari Cooper is good. Remember Nick Saban. Alabama? Slam the ball. Beat you up with superior talent up front. Well, last season... they threw the ball more than every before. Amari Cooper had 124 catches last season, and his closest teammate has 40. That's how good Amari Cooper is.
However, I still hate the Raiders.
The Redskins pick is in:
Brandon Scherff OT from Iowa
Here is what I know about Brandon Scherff. He played for Iowa. He was high on people's draft boards. That's about it.
I'm pretty sure RGIII is in favor of this selection... someone to protect him and his gimpy legs.
The Jets are on the clock with the 6th pick in the draft.
Biggest Surprise so far... Leonard Williams from USC hasn't been picked yet. According to the few articles I read about the draft this year... some people felt he was the best player...not best Defensive Player...but BEST PLAYER OVERALL.
Interesting to see what the Jets do here.
(Kiper just said... Williams was the #1 player on his board)
(And then he followed it with... "I'd take Kevin White".... Mel Kiper, Everyone!)
This Just In: Tom Jackson thinks Gary Kubiak will be NFL Coach of the Year
Kind of Glad the Jets took their time... I was falling behind.
And, the Jets take Leonard Williams.
-I like it if I'm a Jets fan. Because this: You got probably the best player in the draft... probably the biggest sure thing in the draft. With the 6th pick in the draft.
If I'm another team in the AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots), I'd like to line up those 5 teams that passed on him and slap them like Curly and Moe.
The Bears are up next...and the Pick is in.
What do they do? Kiper thinks WR. Others saying Defense.
And the Bears.... select... WR Kevin White from West Virginia.... and the Crowd goes wild.
Here's what I know about Kevin White:
1. He's super fast.
2. He wow-ed at the workouts.
That's about it. Makes some sense for the Bears give Jay Cutler another deep threat.
(Insert Joke about overthrowing/underthowing WR's and throwing to the wrong team here)
Right on cue:
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock.
-I have no idea who the Falcons will take with the 8th pick...and you know something... I really don't care.
(Aren't you proud of me for not mentioning my favorite team, and who the San Diego Chargers will draft? I haven't mentioned it yet.)
(Darn)
I predict the Falcons will draft someone with 2 arms, 2 legs, a torso, and NOT a Quarterback.
The Falcons select: Vic Beasley OLB/DE from Clemson
(The Commissioner said Defensive End... the espn graphic says OLB).
The Beasley pick is not getting much love from Gruden/Kiper and crew. They do say he can rush the passer, but that he struggles against the run.
The NYG are on the clock...and I've heard they are interested in offensive line.
(and a new quarterback... just kidding)
I can't emphasize how much I like the addition of Louis Riddick and the subtraction of Tom Jackson from the espn crew. TJ is probably sitting at home with his Bronco Pom Pons, and copy of "Horseface" magazine, signed by John Elway.
The Giants select an Offensive Tackle, Erek Flowers from Miami.
Sounds good to me.
The Rams are on the clock.
-Not sure who they will take. I don't really know any of their skill players. Maybe a RB? Maybe a WR? No idea whatsoever.
With the 10th pick, the St. Louis Rams select... RB Todd Gurley from Georgia!
Todd Gurley is a great football player.
I saw him play alot in college, and to be honest... he's the best RB I've seen come out of college since Adrian Peterson.
The Injury concern in the only question with Gurley. Tore his ACL last year. But that kid can run the ball.
The Vikings are on the clock.
And they select Trae Waynes the CB from Michigan State. He's another guy who is really fast.
-pretty good pick. (I think, but what the heck do I know)
The Cleveland Browns, with the 12th pick, select DT Danny Shelton from Washington.
(He's Chris Berman's favorite player in the draft...take that for whatever it's worth)
He's a large, powerful man. (6'2" and 340 lbs)
He also gets props for lifting the Commish off his feet when he came to the stage.
The Saints are up, and their pick is in.. wonder who it could be?
(I honestly have no ideas of the Saints wants and needs)
-Maybe a TE to replace Jimmy Graham? I've got to think that they are thinking Defense, Defense, Defense.
(Quick Aside: How does Rob Ryan keep getting DC jobs? He's not good. Everywhere he goes...he comes in a savior...and then he's gone or fired in 2 seasons or so. Browns? Terrible. Cowboys? Terrible. Raiders? Terrible. Saints? Terrible. I want Rob Ryan's Agent!)
The Saints decide to go with an offensive tackle... Andrus Peat from Stanford.
Gruden loves the pick, because "Drew Brees needs time to throw, man".
Riddick isn't as big of a fan, and went so far as to call him "an enigma".
I don't know Andrus Peat from Austin Peay, but I know I don't want analysts calling my first round pick "an enigma".
The Dolphins are on the Clock with the 14th selection:Twitter seems to think they are looking at a WR. I think they are looking for someone who looks good in uniform.
And the Dolphins.... select... DeVante Parker WR from Louisville
First Trade of the DRAFT!
I'll be updating the page as it goes... so you'll need to refresh. If you care, And face it, no one cares. I'm pretty much typing this for me and 3 people who feel sorry for me. Or something.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.
Side Note: I have done little to no research on the draft this year, the prospects, or what team's needs are.
So, if you are looking for half baked thoughts, unresearched ideas, and unsubstantiated drivel from someon who doesn't know anything...this is the live blog for you.
The Commisioner is on his way to the podium.... Is it Jameis Winston?
And it is! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select the Quarterback from Florida State as expected.
He is a good prospect, but surrouned by a number of off-the-field issues. I do know this... I watched Florida State a few times the past few years, and although he makes some mistakes... he made several throws that I don't think any other QB in the college game could have made.
Whether he makes it or not, I have no idea, but he certainly has the ability to.
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock.
Here is where it gets interesting.... Titans have been fielding offers for teams looking to trade up to get Marcus Mariotta all day.
In fact, I got a phone call from my brother Rich, who is a Bears fan, who said he heard the Bears were trying to get him...they were offering some picks and Jay Cutler. And, the Titans don't want Cutler. (any chance to get a shot in on Cutler, is fine practice in my book).
Some of the teams rumored to be interested in Trading for Mariotta - Chicago (according to Rich), Cleveland, the NY Jets, Philladelphia, and San Diego (but that ain't happening).
The Pick is in.
And it's, it's, it's... Marcus Mariotta the QB from Oregon.
Not surprising, and kind of almost expected... the excitement was whether the Titans would trade the pick or not.
Mariotta is talented for sure. The guy put up video game numbers in college.
However, I watched the CFB Championship game against Ohio State, and there were plays to be made, and he couldn't make them. Maybe it was a bad day, but I saw the things that were knocks on him... struggles to deliver the ball in tight spaces... But he could turn out to be a great one. He is certainly all kinds of athletic, and by all counts and tremendous young man.
The Jags are on the clock, and the pick is in already. I'm guessing it's the D-Lineman from USC.
Let me go check twitter.
Nothing on who the Jags picked... but lots of people making fun of Commisioner Goodell for mispronouncing Mariotta's name.
Not to toot my own horn, but I've been Misspelling Mariota's name this entire Blog!
The Jaguars Select: DE Dante Fowler from Florida.
He's a good player, but I don't know much about him. I thought the first Defensive Player was supposed to be the guy from USC? Also, thought that Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama could have been taken.
The Raiders are on the clock...
...and the pick is in.
The rumor was that they liked Amari Cooper from Alabama.
And.... They Do! Amari Cooper the WR from Alabama.
Here's how you know Amari Cooper is good. Remember Nick Saban. Alabama? Slam the ball. Beat you up with superior talent up front. Well, last season... they threw the ball more than every before. Amari Cooper had 124 catches last season, and his closest teammate has 40. That's how good Amari Cooper is.
However, I still hate the Raiders.
Brandon Scherff OT from Iowa
Here is what I know about Brandon Scherff. He played for Iowa. He was high on people's draft boards. That's about it.
I'm pretty sure RGIII is in favor of this selection... someone to protect him and his gimpy legs.
The Jets are on the clock with the 6th pick in the draft.
Biggest Surprise so far... Leonard Williams from USC hasn't been picked yet. According to the few articles I read about the draft this year... some people felt he was the best player...not best Defensive Player...but BEST PLAYER OVERALL.
 |
| Maybe Williams hair scared teams off? |
(Kiper just said... Williams was the #1 player on his board)
(And then he followed it with... "I'd take Kevin White".... Mel Kiper, Everyone!)
This Just In: Tom Jackson thinks Gary Kubiak will be NFL Coach of the Year
Kind of Glad the Jets took their time... I was falling behind.
And, the Jets take Leonard Williams.
-I like it if I'm a Jets fan. Because this: You got probably the best player in the draft... probably the biggest sure thing in the draft. With the 6th pick in the draft.
If I'm another team in the AFC East (Bills, Dolphins, Patriots), I'd like to line up those 5 teams that passed on him and slap them like Curly and Moe.
The Bears are up next...and the Pick is in.
What do they do? Kiper thinks WR. Others saying Defense.
And the Bears.... select... WR Kevin White from West Virginia.... and the Crowd goes wild.
Here's what I know about Kevin White:
1. He's super fast.
2. He wow-ed at the workouts.
That's about it. Makes some sense for the Bears give Jay Cutler another deep threat.
(Insert Joke about overthrowing/underthowing WR's and throwing to the wrong team here)
Right on cue:
And the Bears selected another receiver to overthrow....
— The Irrational Fan (@Irrational_Fan) May 1, 2015
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock.
-I have no idea who the Falcons will take with the 8th pick...and you know something... I really don't care.
(Aren't you proud of me for not mentioning my favorite team, and who the San Diego Chargers will draft? I haven't mentioned it yet.)
(Darn)
I predict the Falcons will draft someone with 2 arms, 2 legs, a torso, and NOT a Quarterback.
The Falcons select: Vic Beasley OLB/DE from Clemson
(The Commissioner said Defensive End... the espn graphic says OLB).
The Beasley pick is not getting much love from Gruden/Kiper and crew. They do say he can rush the passer, but that he struggles against the run.
The NYG are on the clock...and I've heard they are interested in offensive line.
(and a new quarterback... just kidding)
 |
| Replace Me? |
The Giants select an Offensive Tackle, Erek Flowers from Miami.
Sounds good to me.
The Rams are on the clock.
-Not sure who they will take. I don't really know any of their skill players. Maybe a RB? Maybe a WR? No idea whatsoever.
With the 10th pick, the St. Louis Rams select... RB Todd Gurley from Georgia!
Todd Gurley is a great football player.
I saw him play alot in college, and to be honest... he's the best RB I've seen come out of college since Adrian Peterson.
The Injury concern in the only question with Gurley. Tore his ACL last year. But that kid can run the ball.
The Vikings are on the clock.
And they select Trae Waynes the CB from Michigan State. He's another guy who is really fast.
-pretty good pick. (I think, but what the heck do I know)
The Cleveland Browns, with the 12th pick, select DT Danny Shelton from Washington.
(He's Chris Berman's favorite player in the draft...take that for whatever it's worth)
He's a large, powerful man. (6'2" and 340 lbs)
He also gets props for lifting the Commish off his feet when he came to the stage.
The Saints are up, and their pick is in.. wonder who it could be?
(I honestly have no ideas of the Saints wants and needs)
-Maybe a TE to replace Jimmy Graham? I've got to think that they are thinking Defense, Defense, Defense.
(Quick Aside: How does Rob Ryan keep getting DC jobs? He's not good. Everywhere he goes...he comes in a savior...and then he's gone or fired in 2 seasons or so. Browns? Terrible. Cowboys? Terrible. Raiders? Terrible. Saints? Terrible. I want Rob Ryan's Agent!)
 |
| I'm just not a good coach, guys. |
Gruden loves the pick, because "Drew Brees needs time to throw, man".
Riddick isn't as big of a fan, and went so far as to call him "an enigma".
I don't know Andrus Peat from Austin Peay, but I know I don't want analysts calling my first round pick "an enigma".
The Dolphins are on the Clock with the 14th selection:Twitter seems to think they are looking at a WR. I think they are looking for someone who looks good in uniform.
And the Dolphins.... select... DeVante Parker WR from Louisville
 |
| He does look good in uniform! |
-My Chargers just move up 2 spots to the 15th pick from 17...and will give up a 4th round pick this year, and a 5th round pick next year. (That's a steep price for 2 spots!)
This trade has to be for Melvin Gordon, the RB from Wisconsin... the pick is in.
And the pick is...
Melvin Gordon, RB Wisconsin
 |
| He fast! |
Here's what I like about Melvin Gordon:
1. He is fast
2. He is good at letting his blocks set up
3. He is excellent at one cut and go...
4. Wisconsin couldn't throw the ball last year, and he still ran at will in the Big 10.
I like this pick... I like it alot. He's going to look perfect in Lightning Bolts.
-and, he's actually one of about 5 guys I knew going into this draft!
Not everyone is onboard:
Not everyone is onboard:
.@Chargers You just drafted a guy with two first names.
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) May 1, 2015
Melvin Gordon is being interviewed by Suzy Kolber. Hope he doesn't try to kiss her.
The Texans are on the clock. (and in Texas) (they are even in Dallas)
And the Texans take a CB from Wake Forest. They needed one. Kevin Johnson is his name, and he's NOTTHAT KEVIN JOHNSON
-He's Riddick's favorite corner in the draft. That is what I know about him.
The 49ers are on the clock, after trading back with the Chargers.
-no clue as to what they do. Boy have the wheels come off the wagon any faster than they did in San Francisco this past year? A year ago... Super Bowl contenders, just missed winning the SB, great coach, unstoppable QB, impressive running game, phenomenal defense.
-One Year later... Coach is gone. Multiple players are gone. The QB did not look nearly as good last season. I mean... yikes. That's rough.
The 49ers Take Arik Armstead the DT from Oregon with the 17th selection.
-Here's what I know about Armstead... He's very tall for a DT. 6'7" if I remember right.
The Chiefs are up and their pick is in.
Personally, as a Chargers fan, I hope the Chiefs select the 3rd string defensive tackle from Dakota Wesleyan University
Most people thought the Chiefs would go with a WR, because NONE of their WR scored a touchdown this past season. However, they went with CB Marcus Peters from Washington. He's a player who was actually suspended by his own team last year, for arguing with his coach.
Andy Reid won't have a problem with him. As long as he doesn't take Andy's Potato Chips. If you take his Potato Chips...you will get in an arguement and get suspended.
I must say, I don't like the Chiefs taking talented players, but this guy, I could be down with.
Cameron Erving, Center, Florida State. OK. I don't know much about him, or what the Browns need. But Kiper really likes him. "Great Upper Body Strinth".
The Eagles are on the clock with the 20th pick.
(Pick Mariota anyway, Chip! That would be Glorious!)
-
This Just In - Tom Jackson is getting excited about the Broncos Pick
The Eagles Select WR Nelson Agholor from USC. (That is a tough last name to spell!)
Not surprised... there were supposed to be alot of good WR's in this round, and he's what the 4th?
The Bengals are on the clock. What criminal, err.... position are they looking to upgrade?
This is the 21st pick. Only 11 to go after this one.
The Pick is in...and it's going to be, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, from Texas A & M.
- I know nothing about this young man. I'm sure he'll be a fine player in prison stripes... I mean Bengal stripes.
Also worth noting, Commish Goodell said Ogbuehi's name right, and Mariota's name wrong. That's just plain racist.
The Steelers are on the clock. I read on twitter they were looking at CB's. Gruden thinks they need a pass rusher. I think they need someone who can survive the winter in Pittsburgh.
22nd pick, the Steelers select Bud Dupree, LB from Kentucky.
-There's your pass rusher, Gruden.
The 23rd pick has been traded from the Lions to the Broncos.
This Just In - Tom Jackson is really excited about this pick!
The Denver Broncos will select DE Shane Ray from Missouri.
-Cue all the Marijuana/Colorado jokes!
The Cardinals pick at #24 is in.
This Just In: Tom Jackson thinks Shane Ray will win Rookie of the Year.
9 Picks from the end,
Cardinals select DJ Humpries DT Florida
-Kiper thinks he's gamble. Not sure I want a gamble with my first roiund pick. But then again, a few years back, my favorite team drafted Larry English in the first round, and I talked myself into THAT being a good pick. So I'm sure the Cardinal fans are happy.
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock... and since I haven't posted a photo in a while...
With the 25th pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington.
-Here's my thought... I think Washington has as many picks as any other school...how are they not DOMINATING the Pac 12? Oregon has had 2. USC has had 2.
The Ravens have the 26th Pick, and as always when it comes to the Ravens...
Where is the White Suit Ray?
While we're waiting for the Ravens pick, let's look at another gif of Melvin Gordon.
Ravens select WR Breshad Perriman from UCF.
-Super Fast
-Super Athletic
-Drops the ball. Like alot.
The Cowboys are on the clockareeno, and I'm getting so tired I'm resorting to lame things like saying "clockareeno".
I think the Cowboys could go RB...because D'Marco Murray left town. But the top two (Gurley and Gordon) are gone. Maybe there's a good DT or something? Not sure what Jerrah wants.
And it's Byron Jones, CB from Connecticut. I know nothing about him, but he looks impressive on the highlights package. (But they all do, you say!)
The Lions are up, and the pick is in. I think they pick... they pick... they pick...someone who played college football in the United States of America.
And I was right! Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke.
I'm not sure about this pick... he's a Guard from Duke, and I never even saw him on the court during the Final Four. Kind of a wasted pick if you ask me.
The Colts have the 29th pick, and I've gotta think they are thinking defense.
-But what do I know?
-He's a speedy little guy.
The Packers are on the clock.
They select Damarious Randall, Safety from Arizona State.
-So the Packers have selected 1st round Safeties in back to back years...Ha Ha Clinton Dix last year, and Randall this year.
The Saints are on the clock. with the 31st pick.
This Just In: Tom Jackson has picked the Denver Broncos as the favorites to win the AFC and the Super Bowl.
Hurry up Saints, it's past my bedtime already.
Stephone Anthony ILB Clemson is the selection.
I have no idea who this is. Although earlier I said they need to look at their defense.
(Gruden just said the biggest problem last year was "communication on defense". Who was the Defensive Coordinator of that unit?)
The New England Patriots are on the clock. I think the Patriots may select a new ball inflating guy. Or a new videotaping guy. Or a guy who makes their coaching headsets not work.(look it up)
Malcom Brown DT from Texas in the pick. Makes sense. The Patriots lost their starting DT Vince Wolfork to the Houston Texans in Free Agency. So they get a new starting DT from Texas.
Tomorrow night will be rounds 2 and 3, and I will be attending a track meet. So no live blog.
Also Saturday are rounds 4-7, and I'll be track meeting it then too.
Hope you enjoyed my silly live blog.
-He's Riddick's favorite corner in the draft. That is what I know about him.
The 49ers are on the clock, after trading back with the Chargers.
-no clue as to what they do. Boy have the wheels come off the wagon any faster than they did in San Francisco this past year? A year ago... Super Bowl contenders, just missed winning the SB, great coach, unstoppable QB, impressive running game, phenomenal defense.
-One Year later... Coach is gone. Multiple players are gone. The QB did not look nearly as good last season. I mean... yikes. That's rough.
The 49ers Take Arik Armstead the DT from Oregon with the 17th selection.
-Here's what I know about Armstead... He's very tall for a DT. 6'7" if I remember right.
 |
| although picture is small, I am 6'7" |
Personally, as a Chargers fan, I hope the Chiefs select the 3rd string defensive tackle from Dakota Wesleyan University
Most people thought the Chiefs would go with a WR, because NONE of their WR scored a touchdown this past season. However, they went with CB Marcus Peters from Washington. He's a player who was actually suspended by his own team last year, for arguing with his coach.
Andy Reid won't have a problem with him. As long as he doesn't take Andy's Potato Chips. If you take his Potato Chips...you will get in an arguement and get suspended.
I must say, I don't like the Chiefs taking talented players, but this guy, I could be down with.
Wow...Marcus Peters can play...one of best players in draft...but his list of transgressions is Old Testament length ....
— trey wingo (@wingoz) May 1, 2015
The Browns second pick of the first round, #19, is in.Cameron Erving, Center, Florida State. OK. I don't know much about him, or what the Browns need. But Kiper really likes him. "Great Upper Body Strinth".
The Eagles are on the clock with the 20th pick.
(Pick Mariota anyway, Chip! That would be Glorious!)
-
This Just In - Tom Jackson is getting excited about the Broncos Pick
The Eagles Select WR Nelson Agholor from USC. (That is a tough last name to spell!)
Not surprised... there were supposed to be alot of good WR's in this round, and he's what the 4th?
The Bengals are on the clock. What criminal, err.... position are they looking to upgrade?
This is the 21st pick. Only 11 to go after this one.
The Pick is in...and it's going to be, OT Cedric Ogbuehi, from Texas A & M.
- I know nothing about this young man. I'm sure he'll be a fine player in prison stripes... I mean Bengal stripes.
Also worth noting, Commish Goodell said Ogbuehi's name right, and Mariota's name wrong. That's just plain racist.
The Steelers are on the clock. I read on twitter they were looking at CB's. Gruden thinks they need a pass rusher. I think they need someone who can survive the winter in Pittsburgh.
22nd pick, the Steelers select Bud Dupree, LB from Kentucky.
-There's your pass rusher, Gruden.
Bud DuPree's real first name is Alvin. His Godmother had a dream before he was born he was named Bud and running around playing football...
— trey wingo (@wingoz) May 1, 2015
The 23rd pick has been traded from the Lions to the Broncos.
This Just In - Tom Jackson is really excited about this pick!
The Denver Broncos will select DE Shane Ray from Missouri.
-Cue all the Marijuana/Colorado jokes!
Denver selects ALL THE MARIJUANA JOKES.
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) May 1, 2015
marjuana is legal Denver lets not forget that
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) May 1, 2015
Denver drafts a guy that was just arrested with marijuana possession. Good fit.
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) May 1, 2015
Shane Ray to Denver. Perfection. #420Everyday
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) May 1, 2015
Shane Ray. Colorado. Pot's legal. Just sayin. #GiddyUpBronco
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) May 1, 2015
That's not all of them.The Cardinals pick at #24 is in.
This Just In: Tom Jackson thinks Shane Ray will win Rookie of the Year.
9 Picks from the end,
Cardinals select DJ Humpries DT Florida
-Kiper thinks he's gamble. Not sure I want a gamble with my first roiund pick. But then again, a few years back, my favorite team drafted Larry English in the first round, and I talked myself into THAT being a good pick. So I'm sure the Cardinal fans are happy.
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock... and since I haven't posted a photo in a while...
 |
| I own the Panthers, and you don't! |
-Here's my thought... I think Washington has as many picks as any other school...how are they not DOMINATING the Pac 12? Oregon has had 2. USC has had 2.
The Ravens have the 26th Pick, and as always when it comes to the Ravens...
Where is the White Suit Ray?
While we're waiting for the Ravens pick, let's look at another gif of Melvin Gordon.
Ravens select WR Breshad Perriman from UCF.
-Super Fast
-Super Athletic
-Drops the ball. Like alot.
The Cowboys are on the clockareeno, and I'm getting so tired I'm resorting to lame things like saying "clockareeno".
I think the Cowboys could go RB...because D'Marco Murray left town. But the top two (Gurley and Gordon) are gone. Maybe there's a good DT or something? Not sure what Jerrah wants.
And it's Byron Jones, CB from Connecticut. I know nothing about him, but he looks impressive on the highlights package. (But they all do, you say!)
The Lions are up, and the pick is in. I think they pick... they pick... they pick...someone who played college football in the United States of America.
And I was right! Laken Tomlinson, Guard, Duke.
I'm not sure about this pick... he's a Guard from Duke, and I never even saw him on the court during the Final Four. Kind of a wasted pick if you ask me.
The Colts have the 29th pick, and I've gotta think they are thinking defense.
-But what do I know?
Colts are on the board. Andrew Luck could really use a stylist. Let's see if they go that route.
— SportsPickle (@sportspickle) May 1, 2015
The Colts select Phillip Dorsett, the WR from the U of Miami.-He's a speedy little guy.
The Packers are on the clock.
They select Damarious Randall, Safety from Arizona State.
-So the Packers have selected 1st round Safeties in back to back years...Ha Ha Clinton Dix last year, and Randall this year.
The Saints are on the clock. with the 31st pick.
This Just In: Tom Jackson has picked the Denver Broncos as the favorites to win the AFC and the Super Bowl.
Hurry up Saints, it's past my bedtime already.
Stephone Anthony ILB Clemson is the selection.
I have no idea who this is. Although earlier I said they need to look at their defense.
(Gruden just said the biggest problem last year was "communication on defense". Who was the Defensive Coordinator of that unit?)
The New England Patriots are on the clock. I think the Patriots may select a new ball inflating guy. Or a new videotaping guy. Or a guy who makes their coaching headsets not work.(look it up)
Malcom Brown DT from Texas in the pick. Makes sense. The Patriots lost their starting DT Vince Wolfork to the Houston Texans in Free Agency. So they get a new starting DT from Texas.
Tomorrow night will be rounds 2 and 3, and I will be attending a track meet. So no live blog.
Also Saturday are rounds 4-7, and I'll be track meeting it then too.
Hope you enjoyed my silly live blog.
Monday, January 5, 2015
No more Alison Rosen?
So I downloaded this morning's Carolla podcast, excited to start the new year. They usually just do repeats over the Holidays, and so I hadn't really listened in a couple weeks.
And Adam starts the show saying that Alison Rosen will no longer be on the show?
I don't like it.
I also didn't like the "reason" given, which was, "She wasn't a good fit as a sidekick." She was a "good sidekick" not a "great sidekick".
She's been on the show for Four Years, Man!
Maybe it will come out that there was a contact negotiation that went bad, or maybe it will come out that Alison wanted more money. But there had to be something other than just "she wasn't a great fit".
She Was An Awesome Fit! I loved her. And specifically, I loved her on this show. I've listened to her solo podcast "AlisonRosenIsYourNewBestFriend", and while it's ok, it really depends on the guest.
What I liked, was Alison mixed in with Adam and Bald Bryan. She was great. She was a great "newsgirl". I loved her interactions with them, and the guests, particularly David Allen Grier.
Alison started off today's "Best Friend" by saying she is no longer working with Adam Carolla, and that she is taking her podcast with her, and she gets to start her "own pirate ship" or "love bus" or something like that.
I'm not giving up on Adam, I continue to listen to his show, at least for a while. I enjoy his show, and I enjoy his guests, and I'll continue to do so. But it's going to be tough to replace Alison Rosen. I already hated the new "news song" they played as an intro to the news. (And I didn't care for the replacement Gina Grad, but that's not her fault... I'll give her some time).
Adam, you have a tough job in front of you.
I don't like it. Just like a week ago I wrote that the Adam Carolla show was my favorite Comedy Podcast of the last year... and now, 1/3 of the dynamic is gone. And that sucks.
I'll miss you Alison, and I suppose I will check out your podcast more often now.
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| from AlisonRosen.com |
I don't like it.
I also didn't like the "reason" given, which was, "She wasn't a good fit as a sidekick." She was a "good sidekick" not a "great sidekick".
She's been on the show for Four Years, Man!
Maybe it will come out that there was a contact negotiation that went bad, or maybe it will come out that Alison wanted more money. But there had to be something other than just "she wasn't a great fit".
She Was An Awesome Fit! I loved her. And specifically, I loved her on this show. I've listened to her solo podcast "AlisonRosenIsYourNewBestFriend", and while it's ok, it really depends on the guest.
What I liked, was Alison mixed in with Adam and Bald Bryan. She was great. She was a great "newsgirl". I loved her interactions with them, and the guests, particularly David Allen Grier.
Alison started off today's "Best Friend" by saying she is no longer working with Adam Carolla, and that she is taking her podcast with her, and she gets to start her "own pirate ship" or "love bus" or something like that.
I'm not giving up on Adam, I continue to listen to his show, at least for a while. I enjoy his show, and I enjoy his guests, and I'll continue to do so. But it's going to be tough to replace Alison Rosen. I already hated the new "news song" they played as an intro to the news. (And I didn't care for the replacement Gina Grad, but that's not her fault... I'll give her some time).
Adam, you have a tough job in front of you.
I don't like it. Just like a week ago I wrote that the Adam Carolla show was my favorite Comedy Podcast of the last year... and now, 1/3 of the dynamic is gone. And that sucks.
I'll miss you Alison, and I suppose I will check out your podcast more often now.
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| Alison Rosen from http://firstorderhistorians.files.wordpress.com/ |
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Boo Yeah - Remembering Stuart Scott
This morning, I learned of the passing of Stuart Scott, and it made me sad.
And then I started reading the tweets, and the stories, and watched the video tributes, and I got really sad.
What really hit home to me, is he has a daughter who is a Freshman in college (just like me), and he's 49 years old (just 5 years older than I). His oldest daughter is named Taelor, mine is Taylor.
My favorite story I read today(it's mentioned in this piece), was involving ESPN personality Sage Steel, and how when she was moving her family out west from Bristol, CT (where ESPN is headquartered), and her young son was upset about the coming move, and leaving his best friend behind. And Stuart Scott told her "I got this", and took her son aside and talked to him for 20 minutes about when he had to move as a child.
I'm going to miss you Stuart Scott. I will always remember your highlights, your sayings (As cool as the other side of the pillow), the way you used to 'recognize' Carolina players in the pros (Antawn Jamison, Tar Heel), but mostly I will miss your energy, your perspective and the joy you brought to us all.
I think the best thing I saw all day, was Rich Eisen's Farewell on the NFL network. Eisen and Scott co-hosted the Midnight edition of Sportscenter for a few years, and they had a great chemistry.
I will leave the final words on this to to Rich.
And then I started reading the tweets, and the stories, and watched the video tributes, and I got really sad.
What really hit home to me, is he has a daughter who is a Freshman in college (just like me), and he's 49 years old (just 5 years older than I). His oldest daughter is named Taelor, mine is Taylor.
My favorite story I read today(it's mentioned in this piece), was involving ESPN personality Sage Steel, and how when she was moving her family out west from Bristol, CT (where ESPN is headquartered), and her young son was upset about the coming move, and leaving his best friend behind. And Stuart Scott told her "I got this", and took her son aside and talked to him for 20 minutes about when he had to move as a child.
I'm going to miss you Stuart Scott. I will always remember your highlights, your sayings (As cool as the other side of the pillow), the way you used to 'recognize' Carolina players in the pros (Antawn Jamison, Tar Heel), but mostly I will miss your energy, your perspective and the joy you brought to us all.
I think the best thing I saw all day, was Rich Eisen's Farewell on the NFL network. Eisen and Scott co-hosted the Midnight edition of Sportscenter for a few years, and they had a great chemistry.
I will leave the final words on this to to Rich.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
'Just a random reason
to continue to love Pearl Jam.
They sing "Yellow Ledbedder"
They sing "Yellow Ledbedder"
That's really all the reason you need.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Best of 2014
It's that time of year, when I share some of my favorite things from the past year. (If I haven't mentioned them before, or maybe even if I have).
Television
As a non-partier and also a person of the antisocial persuasion, I watch alot of television. Here were some of my favorites.
Best Comedy- Brooklyn 99
It may not actually be the "best" comedy, but I laugh more at that show than any other current show. Which I think is the actual point of comedies, anyway. Honorable mention to "New Girl" and "The Mindy Project", which are both having strong seasons.
Best New Comedy - Nathan for You
I love watching Nathan Felder give his radical business ideas to people. And the Dumb Starbucks episode is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.
Best Television Series - The Americans
There were a lot of good nominees in here, The Walking Dead has been particularly good, I enjoyed the last season of Game of Thrones, and I loved Fargo. But week in and week out, The Americans was as good as anything I've ever seen on the small screen. That's not hyperbole. It's a great, great, show.
Best New Television Series - Fargo
I have to admit I was skeptical that any television series could recreate the Cohen Brothers "Universe" from the Motion Picture "Fargo". I was wrong. Fargo was great. Looking forward to the next season which is actually set in Sioux Falls.
Best Television Series Idea - Foo Fighters "Sonic Highways"
Genius concept! Take a rock and roll band, have them spend a week in 8 different cities, and learn the lay of the musical landscape (so to speak), in each city, and then end the episode with the band writing and recording a new song in/about each city. I really, really, really, enjoyed this show. In addition, Dave Grohl is the coolest guy in Rock and Roll.
MUSIC
Best Concert I saw this year - The Avett Brothers
To be fair and honest here, it was also the only concert I saw this past year. But it was excellent. The Avett Brothers are a tremendous group, and immensely entertaining live.
Best New Album - Jack White "Lazaretto"
I love Jack White. Which isn't surprising, because he is super talented. But what is maybe surprising is how little attention this album got. It's so good. And I'm not saying that because I'm some sort of a music snob. This new Jack White album is phenomenal, and more people should pay attention.
PODCASTS
Best Podcast - "Serial"
The story of the murder of Hae Min Lee in Baltimore Maryland, and the resulting case that ended in the arrest of Hae's boyfriend, Adnan, was absolutely fascinating. It's no small wonder that it became the top downloaded podcast of the year. Such an interesting subject matter, and done so well by Sarah Koenig and crew. I highly recommend!
Best Comedy Podcast - "The Adam Carolla Show"
I listen to alot of comedy podcasts. some of which would include: Jay Mohr's "Mohr Stories", Bill Burr's "Monday Morning Podcast", Chris Hardwick's "Nerdist", Greg Proop's "The Smartest Man in the World", and so on.
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| Bald Brian, Adman, and newsgirl Allison Rosen |
The Carolla show is the best of the bunch for 2 reasons. 1. Adam does his show pretty much daily, like a radio show... whereas most of the previously mentioned are only done once a week. This helps you gain familiarity with the show, and the guests, and it just has more of a welcoming tone than some of the others. The Second reason is this: Carolla is great at this. He knows his strengths, he doesn't vary much in format, and he has his standard go to bits such as "Rotten Tomatoes Game", and "What Can't Adam Complain About". It's a great show for those of us who don't have a daily radio station to listen to.
Best Sports Podcast - "The BS Report"
I'm probably wussing out here, as the BS Report is the #1 podcast in downloads, but I'll tell you, it's #1 for a reason. I've tried others. I've listened to "The Lowe Post", I've tried "Short Corner", I've even downloaded some of the Dan Patrick Radio Show in podcast form.... none are as fulfilling as the BS Report. Which is weird for me to say, because Simmons is such a Boston Homer.
MOVIES
I didn't see too many movies this year, but here are a couple of my favorites (that probably everybody saw).
Best Super Hero Movie - Guardians of the Galaxy
This was definitely the best of the super hero movies this year. I kept hearing great things about Captain America "Winter Soldier" and that wasn't that great. The X-Men movie was pretty good too, but Guardians of the Galaxy reigned supreme.
Best Drama - 12 Years a Slave
I know that came out the year before, but I didn't see it until 2014, and so it sticks for me.
Best Comedy - Neighbors
Like I said, I didn't see too many movies this year.
SPORTS AWARDS
Best Coach - Gary Patterson, TCU Horned Frogs, College Football
What Gary Patterson has done at TCU is not only phenomenal, but also quite unbelievable. Other coaches are bigger names, he does the most with less.
Best Team - The San Antonio Spurs - 2014 NBA World Champions
Any person who thinks anything else is simply wrong.
Best Athlete - LeBron James, Small Forward, Cleveland Cavaliers
In case you forgot, one player or man, basically held the entire NBA off season up this summer. No one decided to do anything until LeBron decided what he was doing. He basically approved of who was hired as coach, and was able to choose his own teammates for the most part. You don't wield this type of power unless you are a once in a generation talent. Unreal. I know he has more than his share of haters, but no one else could do this, in any other league.
Here's to 2015, and a new list next year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
To Podcast, or not?
I've been debating whether I should start my own podcast.
I know how to do it. I did a few for the school last year (but haven't done any this year, because frankly, I haven't had the time), but I should probably start doing those again.
There are a number of sites with free storage where I can hold the mp3 file for the podcast, and I can easily record something.
I'm thinking SoundCloud would be a good place to store the podcast at. It's free, it's accessible, and it also has it's own app.
But what to talk about? I can talk about sports. Current Events. Pop Culture. Things like that. I don't want to talk about my job, or coaching my team, or things of that nature. They would need to be more about things that are out in the world.
Whatever it is, it wouldn't be very long. I'm thinking like about 15 minutes or so...maybe I could pull it off once a week.
Every time I consider this, I get cautious, because... well, 2 things:
1. Who the heck am I to have a podcast?
2. Who in the world would listen to it?
The other reason I'm hesitant, is that I've been unable to keep any sort of activity going on this blog for the past 6 months, and now I'm thinking about adding a podcast to the mix?
However, there's something about the format that holds interest to me. I love listening to them, myself, and they can be so interesting on so many front. The Serial Podcast the past few months was immensely entertaining, and recently I've been introduced to a new podcast called "Startup", that actually discusses the process of starting a new podcast company. I've only heard 2, but I think it's pretty interesting.
There is something about the format that appeals to me. I'm a reasonably opinionated person, and it could be something that is fun.
Well, I guess it's a possibility that I'll continue to consider.
I may post a link to a "trial run" of a podcast.
Maybe I'll post something that will have something to do with the Bowl games tomorrow.
I know how to do it. I did a few for the school last year (but haven't done any this year, because frankly, I haven't had the time), but I should probably start doing those again.
There are a number of sites with free storage where I can hold the mp3 file for the podcast, and I can easily record something.
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| image from SoundCloud |
But what to talk about? I can talk about sports. Current Events. Pop Culture. Things like that. I don't want to talk about my job, or coaching my team, or things of that nature. They would need to be more about things that are out in the world.
Whatever it is, it wouldn't be very long. I'm thinking like about 15 minutes or so...maybe I could pull it off once a week.
Every time I consider this, I get cautious, because... well, 2 things:
1. Who the heck am I to have a podcast?
2. Who in the world would listen to it?
The other reason I'm hesitant, is that I've been unable to keep any sort of activity going on this blog for the past 6 months, and now I'm thinking about adding a podcast to the mix?
However, there's something about the format that holds interest to me. I love listening to them, myself, and they can be so interesting on so many front. The Serial Podcast the past few months was immensely entertaining, and recently I've been introduced to a new podcast called "Startup", that actually discusses the process of starting a new podcast company. I've only heard 2, but I think it's pretty interesting.
There is something about the format that appeals to me. I'm a reasonably opinionated person, and it could be something that is fun.
Well, I guess it's a possibility that I'll continue to consider.
I may post a link to a "trial run" of a podcast.
Maybe I'll post something that will have something to do with the Bowl games tomorrow.
Friday, December 26, 2014
This Blog Stinks!
So, I'd been thinking of blogging about something, and I actually looked in here, and the last blog post was in April. During the 1st round of the NFL Draft?
This Blog does stink.
It's not that there isn't some things out there that I couldn't have blogged about:
This Blog does stink.
It's not that there isn't some things out there that I couldn't have blogged about:
- The REM by MTV Documentary
- The Foo Fighters Sonic Highways Series on HBO
- The first "College Football Final Four?
- Why the NFL is losing credibility (at least for me)
- "The Interview" movie being cancelled
- Seeing the Avett Brothers in concert this summer
- Books I've read (there's been some good ones)
So, you know... I think I'm going to maybe look at A Total REVAMP!
Re-doing the format, maybe adding a couple of gadgets.
I heard Henry Rollins on the "Mohr Stories" podcast, and he talked about how much he writes a day.
And I hear Adam Carolla and his show, and they are always talking about how if someone really wants to do something... they just do it. They don't sit around and wait for it to happen. They make it happen.
So, I'm hoping to come back, and soon.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Live Blog: 2014 NFL Draft
I'll be live blogging the 2014 NFL Draft tonight. (Well, round one anyway.)
Friday and Saturday, rounds 2 through 7... I don't know if I'll have time. I've got an awards banquet on Friday night and a track meet on Saturday.
However. Tonight, I will be watching, and discussing the picks.
I've spent less time on the draft this year than just about any other year.
So who will be the first pick? Signs point to JaDaveon Clowney from South Carolina... Apologies if I spelled your name wrong, Mr. Clowney.
As I type this line... we are like 5 minutes from the start of the draft.
I'll type in the picks as they roll in, maybe share a thought or two..and also include others opinions...I'll be on twitter using the hashtag: #doofusdraft
I just tweeted my first question of the night, Who will pick Johnny Manziel?
New to the draft this year... they will be playing "Walk Up Music" for each of the picks selected that are in attendence... could be kinda cool, but it could also be bad.
I'm really sick of this "I'm the man, I'm the man, I'm the man" song. We get it, you're the man.
I'm starting the night on espn, but I'll switch back and forth with the NFL Network...but I've watch Chris Berman do the draft for so many years, it feels like it would be wrong to start somewhere else.
The Commish gets a loud round of boos, as he opens the draft.
The Texans are on the clock. How long will they make us wait?
-earlier today said they weren't taking any trades, and they had their pick ready...so why are we waiting?
The Pick is IN: And it's, it's, it's... Jadeveon Clowney, DE from South Carolina.
Sure glad we waited ten minutes for that.
The Rams are on the clock. They could go any number of ways, but probably an offensive lineman.
My brother Rich is commenting in the comments below. Let's see if we can get him on the twitter, and I can include his thoughts along with my stream of consciousness.
One thing we can say for certain is that this guy has a chance to be the greatest Jadeveon in NFL history.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) May 9, 2014
The Rams Pick is in, and it's Greg Robinson, Offensive Tackle from Auburn.
-seems like a good pick because their quarterback got killed last year against the Seahawks and 49ers, and the Cardinals defense is no joke either. They gotta give Sam Bradford a chance.
The Jaguars are on the clock, and the thought is that they will pick Kalil Mack, the Linebacker/Pass Rusher out of Buffalo...but they need alot of help. Rich also thinks they take Kalil Mack.
Jason LaConfora is tweeting that the pick is Blake Bortles the QB from University of Central Florida.
The Pick is in...and it is Blake Bortles.
The Browns are on the clock... Johnny Football time? Or Something else? Personally, I don't want Sammy Watkins or Kalil Mack going to the Raiders, and it looks like one of them will be there.
And Bortles, girlfriend Linsay Duke was tweeted out within one minute of him being drafted. So that's at least some kind of record.
The Browns have traded the Pick to Buffalo, and the Bills pick is in: Wide Reciever? Offensive Tackle? Trade is from 9th pick to 4th...so they probably didn't have to give up an arm or a leg.
BREAKING: GM Kevin Costner has traded the Browns eventual bust to the Bills.
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) May 9, 2014
With the 4th pick, the Bills select Sammy Watkins, WR from Clemson. Whew, glad he's not in Oakland...but now Kalil Mack is still there. Still...Sammy Watkins is a big time playmaker.Raiders on the clock, and I think they take Mack, unless, unless, they trade back...
-the pick is in. 5th pick is... Khalil Mack, LB from Buffalo.
APOCALYPSE ALERT: Raiders make a good 1st round pick
— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) May 9, 2014
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock. The could go O Line, they could go D Line. They shouldn't go Wide Receiver.
Pick after the Raiders has been money in the first round the last 10 years. @Atlanta_Falcons can u keep it going? pic.twitter.com/5ahhZXcvif
— trey wingo (@wingoz) May 9, 2014
Tampa and Minnesota both follow the Falcons, and they both could use a quarterback...could Johnny Football be taken soon? Falcons are taking their sweet time.The Pick is Jake Matthews, Offensive Tackle from Texas A&M. I think he'll be a good player.
-and based off the "pick after the Raiders" theory...he'll probably be a hall of famer, like his Dad.
The Bucs are on the clock...and they are taking WR Mike Evans, WR from Texas A & M
The Vikings are on the clock...could this be Johnny Football? And, and, and... three straight picks from Texas A & M ? Let's see...
Minnesota has traded the pick to the Browns... let's see what Kevin Costner does here!
Updated mock draft: pic.twitter.com/JADR7AEhrd
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) May 9, 2014
This has to be for Bridgewater or Manziel... gotta be for a quarterback. Minnesota picked up a 5th round pick for dropping back one spot. I'm trying to stay off twitter to avoid spoilers, until after the pick is announced. With the 8th Pick in the draft...the Browns select... Cornerback Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State.
-Woah a surprise pick! He's the best corner in the draft, but it's surprising they traded up one spot to get him. Cries of "Cleveland sucks" echo throughout the draft hall.
The Vikings are on the clock... and Manziel and Bridgewater are still there...but maybe they are thinking Corner too? because Cleveland traded up for a reason? Let's see what happens...the pick is in. Rich thinks the Pick is Aaron Donald the DT from Pitt...and I'm not checking twitter to have it spoiled.
The 9th pick in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings select: Anthony Barr, LB from UCLA
-a surprise pick for sure...but I know alot of Chargers fans who really, really liked him.
With the 10th pick, the Lions waste no time, and their pick is in, and Barry Sanders makes the selection of:
Eric Ebron, the TE from UNC. He's a very talented player. But not anyone I would have suspected going there. (By the way, if you have a few minutes... click on the Barry Sanders link... Wow, he was fun)
I tell you what, I'm no draft expert...but these last 3 picks have me shaking my head...I can see Gilbert I guess, but why trade up for him?
Meanwhile, the Heat are up 85-77 right now in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, over the Nets.
The top 10 Selections are done. The Titans are on the clock.
-The Titans select Offensive Tackle Taylor Lewan from Michigan...he's a good player. (Of course, they are all really good college players, this is why they are being selected in the first round of the draft.)
The Giants are on the clock... Adam Schefter just speculated that Johnny Manziel could fall to the Cowboys. Which would be amazing, but only if they took him.
At this rate, Jake From State Farm is going to taken ahead of Manziel...
— Bill Plaschke (@BillPlaschke) May 9, 2014
The New York Giants select: Odell Beckham, WR from LSU.The Rams are on the clock again: DT Aaron Donald from Pitt is the selection.
The 14th Pick belongs to the Bears...who ya got Rich?
-Rich thinks it's Calvin Pryor or Kyle Fuller.
The Pick is in...and it's Kyle Fuller CB from Virginia Tech.
-Darn, he's a good player...but I was hoping he'd drop to the Chargers. By the way... 11 picks to go, and only 2 cornerbacks have been taken...the chargers have a big need there, but lets see who goes in these next 10 picks.
Rich likes the pick (he's a Bears fan). He thought they would go safety, but he (Fuller) makes sense.
The Steelers are on the clock with #15: Steelers take Linebacker Ryan Shazier from Ohio State.
The Cowboys on the Clock! Pick 16! Johnny Football is still there!
-Everyone on twitter is urging Jerry to do it. This is hysterical. I'm actually laughing out loud.
The Pick is in: and its.... It's... It's... Zach Martin, OT from Notre Dame. So, they don't take Manziel, and they don't pick a defensive player. That was... anticlimatic.
The Ravens are up, and they usually draft very soundly. They select CJ Mosley, LB from Alabama.
-No surprise... Ray Lewis really likes this pick.
The Jets are on the clock, and I think they have to be thinking WR...because there have only been 2 taken, and they don't have much at that position...and they Pick Calvin Pryor, Safety from Louisville.
Interesting that the Jets ignored the offense.
The Dolphins are on the clock... not sure what they need, Maybe an offensive lineman?
-I asked my friend Joey who the Dolphins wanted and he said Morgan Moses, but trading down is the first option. And they took alot of the time up.
-the pick is in, and it is: Jawuan James OT, from Tennessee They needed help on the line. That pick makes sense.
Sounds like NO, has traded up into the 20th pick...must have someone specific in mind.
-The Saints select Brandin Cooks, WR from Oregon State That guy has some wheels! Lance Moore is gone, Darren Sproles is gone...the Saints could use a little Boom! as the playmaking positon. That's another guy I was hoping would last to the Chargers.
5 Picks until the chargers come in... The CB Dennard is there. Also, my favorite choice is a trade back for someone trying to get a QB.
The Packers are on the clock... could be the CB Dennard...could be the Safety from Alabama.
-with the 21st Pick, the Packers select: HaHa Clinton Dix, the CB from Alabama.
He's a pretty solid selection this late in the first round. He played in a 3-4 style pro system in Alabama...he'll be a pretty good fit in Green Bay, I think.
4 Picks until the Chargers...and 3 of the Top 5 corners are still there. Although Dennard is the one I really want...he's most likely to be taken before them... would still like a trade down for someone wanting Johnny Manziel, and/or Teddy Bridgewater.
The Browns have moved up... taking the Eagles pick... here comes Johnny! or Teddy? Reports out of Cleveland earlier today said that they favored Bridgewater, so let's see what happens. But it has to be a quarterback, right? The Pick is in: Johnny Manziel, Quarterback, Texas A & M... Johnny Football is finally drafted!
The Eagles picked up a 3rd rounder for dropping back 4 spots.
The Chiefs are on the clock: They could go OLine, they could go WR, they could go DB. Whoever they pick, I'll end up being disgusted with in about 6 months.
-This is the 23rd pick. Dee Ford, DE Auburn He don't impress me... I would have been upset if the Chargers took him, and they needed a pass rusher worse than the Chiefs.
24th Pick: The Bengals are up. Last year, the guy I wanted got picked one pick before the Chargers. So it'll probably happen again. You know what? It worked out OK. DJ Fluker turned out pretty good.
And yep, I was right: The Bengals select Darqueze Dennard, CB from Michigan State
-There goes the guy I've been hoping for all day. Ha.
The Chargers are on the clock. The could go corner...they could go pass rusher, they could go offensive line, they could go Nose Tackle.
And the Chargers select CB Jason Verrett from TCU. I'm ok with this pick, with Dennard off the board. I didn't want Roby, the CB from Ohio State...and the Chargers need a cornerback who can play. He's not a big guy...but he's fast, and he brings the wood. He's a decent pick, and I don't think he's a reach.
The Eagles are on the Clock at 26, and there are only 6 picks left after that.
The Eagles select Marcus Smith, DE from Louisville. I don't know much about him.
With the 27th Pick: Deone Bucannon Safety from Washington State to the Cardinals.
At 28 the Panthers select WR Kelvin Benjamin from Florida State. He's a big target.
With the 29th selection, the Patriots will probably do something surprising, because that's what they Patriots do, and they always make it work. I'm gonna guess DeMarcus Lawrence from Boise State just for fun...let's see how I do... the pick is in: Dominique Easley, Defensive End from Florida He's a gamble, he only played 3 games his senior season. Talent , yes! But a definate risk.
San Francisco is on the board at 30, then Denver, then Seattle.
The 49ers select Safety Jimmie Ward, from Northern Illinois I don't know that guy at all...but Northern Illinois had a very good team. Only two picks left, Super Bowl competitors Denver and Seattle. That's four safeties in the first round.
With the 31st Selection, the Broncos select...I'm gonna guess someone to protect their old balls Quarterback. And I'm wrong again...they picked CB Bradley Roby from Ohio State. He was the one corner out of the top 5 that I didn't want the Chargers to take, because he played very inconsistent. He's all kinds of talented though.
Seahawks are up! Let's see if I can get another pick wrong... Maybe a WR? The Lee kid from USC?
-Hear that the Vikings are thinking of moving up, by Trading with Seattle to get a QB. Teddy Bridgewater? Derek Carr?
And the Vikings have moved up, and Twitter is saying it's for Teddy Bridgewater. And that is the pick.
He was my favorite of the three quarterbacks taken in the first round. And he'll fit Norv's offense much better than Bortles or Manziel.
OK, I'm done. Maybe tomorrow, I'll do a quick update or something...but for tonight...I'm done.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Hail to the ... Huskies?
So, if you are anything like me, I would bet that you didn't have UCONN winning the national championship this year in the NCAA Tournament.
In fact, I had them winning 2 rounds, and then losing in the sweet 16. I knew they had a pretty good team this year (but not great). I knew they had a great player is Shabazz Napier. I knew they had a former player (Kevin Ollie) as head coach. And, I knew they had spent last season ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.
That's about all I knew.
So I was surprised when the Huskies won it all. But not too surprised. Because the college basketball NCAA Tournament is a crapshoot and a half. Just this year there were an 8 seed and a 7 seed playing in the title game...so not such a big story.
However, you know what a BIG story is? How the University of Connecticut is now, PERHAPS, the most powerful men's BB program in the nation?
(Their women's team is undoubtedly the best program in the nation)
Don't believe me?
Well, since 1999. The UCONN Men have won 4 National Championships.
Duke has won 2.
North Carolina has won 2.
Kentucky has won 1
Kansas has won 1
Louisville has won 1
Michigan State has won 1
UCLA has won 0
So the University of Connecticut Huskies have won as many titles in the past 16 seasons, as Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA...COMBINED.
Not bad for a University that was once joked about on Cheers. (Rebecca Howe mentioned that she was a graduate of the University of Connecticut...and Norm Peterson mentioned that they were big fans of their basketball team "the fighting tax accountants".) (PS... I can't remember if he called them tax accountants or tax attorneys, or what...but I couldn't find it online...but I clearly remember the University of Connecticut joke)
In fact, when you look back at what Coach Jim Calhoun accomplished...it's quite remarkable. Calhoun was hired by UCONN in 1986. While UCONN was a member of the powerful Big East Conference, they were pretty much perennial 'cellar dwellars'. Coach Calhoun changed all that. In 1990, they won the Big East Tournament for the first time (Which.... by the way, I totally watched that game), and Coach Calhoun was named the National Coach of the year that time.
By 1999, he had won the first of 3 National Championships he would gather while running the Huskies. Calhoun was known for being cantankerous and difficult and a general pain in the butt...but he was a great coach. In his time at Connecticut, he would win 8 conference championships, 7 conference tournament championships...and sending 27 different players to the NBA.
Even more remarkable, when you think about it...UCONN had no tradition going for it...no National Titles, no name recognition, no glamorous location (It's located in Storrs, Connecticut). Not quite the recruiting draw that it would be at places like UCLA or Duke, or heck... any of the traditional powers.
So the next time you consider the "blue bloods" of the college basketball landscape, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Kansas Jayhawks, the UCLA Bruins of the world.... You should include UCONN. They deserve it.
In fact, I had them winning 2 rounds, and then losing in the sweet 16. I knew they had a pretty good team this year (but not great). I knew they had a great player is Shabazz Napier. I knew they had a former player (Kevin Ollie) as head coach. And, I knew they had spent last season ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.
That's about all I knew.
So I was surprised when the Huskies won it all. But not too surprised. Because the college basketball NCAA Tournament is a crapshoot and a half. Just this year there were an 8 seed and a 7 seed playing in the title game...so not such a big story.
However, you know what a BIG story is? How the University of Connecticut is now, PERHAPS, the most powerful men's BB program in the nation?
(Their women's team is undoubtedly the best program in the nation)
Don't believe me?
Well, since 1999. The UCONN Men have won 4 National Championships.
Duke has won 2.
North Carolina has won 2.
Kentucky has won 1
Kansas has won 1
Louisville has won 1
Michigan State has won 1
UCLA has won 0
So the University of Connecticut Huskies have won as many titles in the past 16 seasons, as Duke, North Carolina, and UCLA...COMBINED.
Not bad for a University that was once joked about on Cheers. (Rebecca Howe mentioned that she was a graduate of the University of Connecticut...and Norm Peterson mentioned that they were big fans of their basketball team "the fighting tax accountants".) (PS... I can't remember if he called them tax accountants or tax attorneys, or what...but I couldn't find it online...but I clearly remember the University of Connecticut joke)
In fact, when you look back at what Coach Jim Calhoun accomplished...it's quite remarkable. Calhoun was hired by UCONN in 1986. While UCONN was a member of the powerful Big East Conference, they were pretty much perennial 'cellar dwellars'. Coach Calhoun changed all that. In 1990, they won the Big East Tournament for the first time (Which.... by the way, I totally watched that game), and Coach Calhoun was named the National Coach of the year that time.
 |
| Coach Calhoun took UCONN from a joke to a perennial contender. |
Even more remarkable, when you think about it...UCONN had no tradition going for it...no National Titles, no name recognition, no glamorous location (It's located in Storrs, Connecticut). Not quite the recruiting draw that it would be at places like UCLA or Duke, or heck... any of the traditional powers.
So the next time you consider the "blue bloods" of the college basketball landscape, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Kansas Jayhawks, the UCLA Bruins of the world.... You should include UCONN. They deserve it.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
How I Met Your Series Finale
So, How I Met Your Mother ended on Monday evening, after 9 seasons. Most of which were pretty darn good (the last one excluded). It all built up towards this finale...as the main character, Ted still had never actually "met" the 'Mother' (even though we had been introduced to her character this season).
It was.... Disappointing.
I'm not going off the deep end, and I'm not ranting and raving or upset about it. After all, it's just a TV show. And a pretty superficial and silly one at that.
I can kind of understand the reasoning behind the ending (Spoiler Alert...skip the Next paragraph in italics if you don't wants to know.)
In the final episode...Barney and Robin marry, Ted and the Mother meet, Barney and Robin get divorced, the Mother and Ted have 2 children but don't get married for several years (weird?), and the Mother dies...and the show ends with Ted's children imploring to go after their Aunt Robin.
According to sources, show creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, shot the final scene with the children during season 2. So they have known for a LONG, LONG, time how they planned to end the show. And, on some level... I understand it. The show was continually...year after year...
OK, IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED THE SHOW YET...THE REST OF THIS POST IS A SPOILER...SO GO WATCH IT...IT'S STREAMING ON CBS.COM RIGHT NOW
The show was continually about Ted being in love with Robin. He was in love with Robin from the first episode. He was in love with Robin when they were dating. He was in love with Robin when she was dating other people. In fact, one of Ted's ex's (Victoria) flat out told him that he needed to get rid of Robin if he was going to move on. She was right. Over the years he was with The Mother, Robin was never around, and was traveling the world...she wasn't there.
So I get it.
And the show... WAS... Technically, called... How I MET Your Mother. He was telling the kids how he met their Mother, and we learned she had been gone for six years already.
HOWEVER... I didn't like it. I understand it, but I don't like it.
1. You just spent an ENTIRE season...ridiculously, spread out over three days. And then in the last episode, you jump forward,.. year after year roll by within minutes.
2. As mentioned, this ENTIRE season has been spent on Barney and Robin's wedding and marriage, and they were literally divorced in 10 minutes. What a waste of a season.
3. Ted and Robin? Really? He let her go. Seriously. And actually. In This Very Nightmare of a Season...he stood and let a metaphorical balloon of Robin go. He let her go. He went out of his way to help Barney marry her.
If You Knew Ted Was Going To End Up With Robin, You Do Not Film That Scene!
4. The Mother - We spend 8 years waiting to see a glimpse of her. Over the course of a season, she is gradually introduced to the gang (meeting all the characters, except for Ted) and we learn that she's just like Ted...and they are a perfect match. In fact, when he breaks the "3 days rule" to call her the day after the wedding...Lilly said "This time is different". It was different. And so, with this incredible character that was built up over 9 seasons, about how perfect and funny and adorable she was and we finally get to meet her...and you kill her off in a half hour?
5. This is the equivalent of a young boy searching for a long lost pet...finally finding him, and then having him die. You don't do that.
6. Why couldn't we have spent a little more time with the Mother? Every single person I know who watched the show actually liked the character, and the actress who played her.
7. Why spread the entire season out over a weekend...and then throw together that rush of a mess of a Finale.
I know that Series Finale's... especially comedy finales, are hard to do.
The Friends finale was good, but c'mon...anything that series did that ended with Ross and Rachel together would have been good. Monica and Chandler could have died in a helicopter crash that fell on Joey and Phoebe, if Ross and Rachel would have gotten back together at the funeral, it would have been fine.
Cheers had a great final episode...but at the time, it was universally panned.
The Seinfeld finale is still hailed as a terrible episode..but was it? Really? I mean I catch it on re-runs every now and then...and there's alot of funny stuff in there. I just think people didn't like the idea of them going to jail. If they would have gotten off, and gotten to celebrate how they didn't care about other people...it would have been liked better.
MASH had a great finale. But that wasn't a typical sitcom. Scrubs had a great finale (for the original scrubs...not the rebooted Med School Scrubs that they tried).
Probably my favorite of any series finale was HBO's "Six Feet Under". Which was simply phenomenal.
Anyway, I won't care too much about the HIMYM finale, because I legitimately enjoyed the show for 8 years. (Just not this past year).
Friday, March 28, 2014
Year of the Bugg
Jake Bugg, that is.
Jake Bugg is probably my favorite new artist of the past year or so.
Most people probably have heard him, if they haven't heard of him. His song "Lightning Bolt" was the backdrop for this Gatorade commercial that ran constantly last spring and summer.
Jake Bugg's first Album, Jake Bugg, was released to quite a bit of critical acclaim in late 2012. I remember laying in bed, and reading the review for the album...and it basically said he was a young, British, Bob Dylan.
So I was a bit intrigued. So I listened to a couple of his songs on YouTube, and thought his album was worth a download. Let's just say this... it's amazing. To think that a 19 year old created an album with that much depth and talent is jaw dropping.
I'd like to share a few of his songs here, and since most people have heard "Lightning Bolt", how about a few of them you probably haven't heard?
My two youngest boys (ages 10 and 11) Love Jake Bugg, and this song "Taste It" is one of their favorites:
My personal favorite off the first album is "I've Seen It All".
And just so you don't think all his songs are basically uptempo acoustic... here's the example of a ballad.
So, you know...the kid is pretty talented. I was impressed, and I recommended him to anyone who would give him a listen.
And then, this past September...he tweets out that his "second album is finished" and he released Shangri La in November of last year.
Needless, to say... I was hopeful...but I was also a bit worried. I mean, he's still just a kid (20) now, and how could he have enough...what... experience? moxie? something... to pull off another album that came off as mature as his debut album.
Except it was. It was just as good. Maybe better.
A few of my favorites would include: "There's a Beast and we All Feed It"
and also: A Song about Love
Do yourself a favor...check him out. You don't have to buy the albums, if you don't want. Go to his youtube channel...sample some songs... order a few of them, I doubt you'll regret it.
Whenever I'm working in my office, listening to songs...I usually have my Google play library open, and I just random play through all the music on there. Whenever Jake Bugg comes on...it always makes me smile. He's talented, he's enjoyable, and he has a unique sound to himself.
I'm hoping 2014 will be the "Year of the Bugg"
Also...just announced a few days ago...he's releasing a new four song ep, coming out soon...He's the title track from that... called "Messed Up Kids".
Jake Bugg is probably my favorite new artist of the past year or so.
Most people probably have heard him, if they haven't heard of him. His song "Lightning Bolt" was the backdrop for this Gatorade commercial that ran constantly last spring and summer.
Jake Bugg's first Album, Jake Bugg, was released to quite a bit of critical acclaim in late 2012. I remember laying in bed, and reading the review for the album...and it basically said he was a young, British, Bob Dylan.
So I was a bit intrigued. So I listened to a couple of his songs on YouTube, and thought his album was worth a download. Let's just say this... it's amazing. To think that a 19 year old created an album with that much depth and talent is jaw dropping.
I'd like to share a few of his songs here, and since most people have heard "Lightning Bolt", how about a few of them you probably haven't heard?
My two youngest boys (ages 10 and 11) Love Jake Bugg, and this song "Taste It" is one of their favorites:
My personal favorite off the first album is "I've Seen It All".
And just so you don't think all his songs are basically uptempo acoustic... here's the example of a ballad.
So, you know...the kid is pretty talented. I was impressed, and I recommended him to anyone who would give him a listen.
And then, this past September...he tweets out that his "second album is finished" and he released Shangri La in November of last year.
 |
| Named Shangri La after the name of the studio he recorded it in. |
Except it was. It was just as good. Maybe better.
A few of my favorites would include: "There's a Beast and we All Feed It"
There's also the extremely catchy "Slumville Sunrise"
and also: A Song about Love
Do yourself a favor...check him out. You don't have to buy the albums, if you don't want. Go to his youtube channel...sample some songs... order a few of them, I doubt you'll regret it.
Whenever I'm working in my office, listening to songs...I usually have my Google play library open, and I just random play through all the music on there. Whenever Jake Bugg comes on...it always makes me smile. He's talented, he's enjoyable, and he has a unique sound to himself.
I'm hoping 2014 will be the "Year of the Bugg"
Also...just announced a few days ago...he's releasing a new four song ep, coming out soon...He's the title track from that... called "Messed Up Kids".
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